Question of the day
Tuesday, Mar 4, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Art Golab had a fascinating story in yesterday’s Sun-Times…
There’s a town, out west, where you’ll find the Mercedes-Benz nameplate on an astonishing 11 of every 100 cars. No, not Beverly Hills — it’s Oak Brook.
Kenilworth and Chicago’s Gold Coast aren’t far behind: 10.8 percent of all cars registered in the North Shore suburb sport a Mercedes hood ornament; 9 percent in the pricey city neighborhood. […]
The most popular cars? Here’s what a Chicago Sun-Times analysis of state vehicle-registration data found:
* Throughout the six-county Chicago area, Chevrolet is the most-popular car make. No. 2: Ford (followed by Toyota, then Honda). In fact, Chevy and Fords are tops in popularity in 247 of 294 ZIP codes in the city and suburbs. (The vehicle-registration data includes make of car but doesn’t show particular models.)
* In Chicago, Chevys are the most popular make in the greatest number of ZIP codes (28). No. 2: Ford (18).
* In Cook County, every single ZIP code is dominated by one of five makes of automobile — Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Honda and Mercedes.
* Question: What do you drive?
- It's All About the Money - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 6:31 am:
Toyota Corolla. When gas was heading toward $3/gal a couple of years ago I traded in the SUV. I am also a state employee and Old Blah-Blah isn’t through sticking it to holdover non-union workers - I have received $0 in raises that last five years. My adjusted-for-inflation pay has gone through the floor.
There’s a topic for you, Rich - How bad of a financial hit have non-union state workers taken from that unbelievably corrupt administration?
- Ken in Aurora - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 6:41 am:
An eight year old Chevy Impala.
- Tweed in Lincoln Park - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 6:58 am:
Two early ’80s models that are rapidly deteriorating: my own body that walks to work and there’s the bus I ride that has to be at least that old.
Okay, so maybe I catch the newer bus models now and then, but 80% of the buses seem ancient.
- Leroy - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 6:59 am:
12 & 24 year old Chevy Impalas.
You can beat the heck out of those cars and they will still run. Need a new part? Hit the junkyard.
It is a shame the cops and cab drivers stopped driving them.
- Diamond Dog - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 7:19 am:
A 2001 Toyota Disappointment
- Princeville - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 7:24 am:
With a 70 miles round trip to work for the hubby, he drives a Chevy Cobalt. I get the 10 year old Ford Ranger pickup that I have to beg to the Jr. to ‘borrow-back’ for the day when I need to drive.
- Silent Majority - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 7:32 am:
I drive a Mercedes.
Is there anything else?
- South Side Mike - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:01 am:
a 1999 Toyota Camry. Still runs well with virtually no maintenance so far.
- Beerman - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:13 am:
The ultimate babemobile - a Buick LaCrosse baby! Every registration comes with an AARP membership.
- Mongo - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:17 am:
Chevy..always have, always will…got one the small AWD so I can get around in winters like this gawd-awful one…
- Today - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:37 am:
An old acclaim with a rusted hood and a flintstones starter.
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:41 am:
2006 Acura TL. Love it.
- unclesam - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:44 am:
I drive an Acura TSX (high-end version of a Honda Civic). Can’t ask for a better vehicle.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:44 am:
A Cessna
- Muskrat - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:50 am:
‘98 Honda Civic. 102,000 miles and counting. I’m hoping I cna wait long enough that my next car will be all electric.
- fedup dem - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:50 am:
I take public transit. It has become too damn expensive (between license plates, city stickers, insurance, gas and parking) to own a car in Chicago, at least on my meager salary!
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:53 am:
my old friend: Ford Taurus flex-fuel. (Got it at a gov’t surplus auction.) Too bad it’s so hard to find E85…
Latest: VW Passat (used) Wanted to buy something made in an American, Union plant, but the domestic auto makers refused to make fuel efficient family car. I did my research: great milage, holds its value.
I’m pro-domestic, pro-labor, but the American auto makers have decided that style trumps substance. I know a lot of people like to blame the unions for poor performing autos, but I blame management for poor design and a reliance on cheap materials. Their focus on maximizing profit per unit has lost many customers in the long run.
- $$$ - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:54 am:
What make vehicles does Governor Blagojevich actually own?
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:56 am:
2006 BMW 325xi (automatic, unfortunately).
When I travelled more, we had the 323i with the manual trans. When I started traveling less and my wife started traveling more, we went with the herd driving the Mercedes POS. The first time it snowed we knew we had to get the BMW. The automatic was the compromise. We like a car that holds the road. We are funny that way.
- Siyotanka - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:59 am:
One Pontiac and one Toyota
- Frost - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:01 am:
Honda hybrid! Purchased two weeks before Giannoulias announced the 1K loan/grant thing for Illinoisans who purchase hybrids, naturally. But I still appreciate his gesture!
- Diersen - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:02 am:
CURENT
1972 Chevy Corvette - owned since 1971
1990 Ford Thunderbird - owned since 1989
1996 Ford Thunderbird - owned since 1995
2005 Chevy Corvette - owned since 2005
IN THE PAST
1958 Chevy Bel Air - owned 1964-1966
1966 Pontiac Tempest Sprint - owned 1966-1968
1968 Olds 442 - owned 1968-1969
1969 Dodge Charger SE - owned 1969-1971
1962 Chevy Bel Air - owned 1971-1978
1974 Dodge Dart - owned 1973-1974
1978 Chevy Chevette - owned 1978-1994
1978 Olds Delta 88 Royale - owned 1978-1996
1962 Chevy Impala SS - owned 1989-2005
1968 Dodge Charger R/T - owned 1994-2005
1993 Ford Thunderbird - owned 1994-1994
1997 Chevy Cavalier - owned 1996-2004
- schroedk - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:05 am:
A 2004 Honda Pilot and a 2006 Honda Accord. We intend to drive these until they die, which is hopefully a long time.
I’m actually interested in Honda’s hydrogen-powered car with home generator, and not because I’m an environmental nut, but because I’m not stupid and I recognize that oil is a non-renewable energy source, and believe that hydrogen is the most promising “next-generation” source of power for powering automobiles.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:07 am:
The perfect car, of course - a Saturn wagon.
Never rusts, safety cage with airbags, 35 mpg, great engine, outstanding durability, and fabulous car dealers. It is the perfect used car deal since most Saturn owners are serviced by the dealer and each comes with a complete history of service since mile zero. Not only are they better than Hondas and Toyotas, they cost less.
The perfect vanilla pickup - Ford Ranger.
Bullet-proof, excellent gas mileage, the VW Beetle of the compact pickup field.
- YNM - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:09 am:
I drive the American, Union-made 2008 Saturn Aura XR and love it.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:13 am:
2001 Dodge Caravan. Chicks dig the cup holders.
- David - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:18 am:
1999 VW Jetta. 98,000 miles. 130 mph. 30 mpg.
- bigbobc - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:20 am:
An outstanding VW passat with a powerful 4 cylinder with power to spare. great mileage
- Trafficmatt - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:22 am:
Chevy Avalanche
Best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:24 am:
I drive an american SUV, assemebled in Mexico from canadian parts and japanese electronics. Go NAFTA.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:25 am:
After buying new Fords since 1971, I bought a 2008 Honda Civic. When I went shopping, the Ford dealers were surprisingly disinterested in selling me a new car (quoted me list price on new Focus and low-balled my 1998 Ford trade-in), but Honda wasn’t.
Second vehicle is a 1993 Ford Ranger pickup that has given excellent service to date.
- Rayne of Terror - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:28 am:
A 1999 Honda Accord with 204,000 miles on it. Barring any accidents, I bet it still has at least 100,000 more miles in it.
- Frustrated Republican - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:28 am:
11-year-old Ford Ranger with 165K+ miles on it. Want to go with a bigger truck, but Ford still doesn’t make a hybrid. I’ll wait. Owned two Fords, and I couldn’t asked for more reliable vehicles. Won’t ever switch.
- Tiger Woods - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:46 am:
Titleist or a Nike
- Fan of the Game - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:57 am:
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Great car, great mileage. Bought it in the summer of 2006, and it has almost 40,000 miles on it. Simply a tremendous car.
- Highland Online - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:13 am:
The vaunted Ford Tauras - 2003 Model
- Enemy of the State - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:24 am:
Dodge Dakota pick up with V8 and stick shift. Let me know when you need to tow.
- Little Egypt - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:24 am:
An ‘01 Grand Prix GT; an ‘07 Jeep Commander (yeah, get out of my way); an ‘88 IROC Z28 convertible (absolutely cherry); a ‘32 Ford truck (not so cherry at the moment - in pieces getting a new coat of paint); and a ‘73 Yamaha TX750 w/6K orig. miles. We’ve adopted (on a part time basisw) an ‘88 T-bird Super Coupe from Little Little E #2 and we like taking his car out for joyrides in the snow. You can do really good donuts with those RWD cars. Obviously we have only two daily drivers and the Jeep is parked most of the time. We’re doing our part to support those OPECers. Been there/done that with the Mercedes phase of life. After 3 of them, determined they’re not what they’re cracked up to be.
VanMan - does Saturn make an SUV?
- AR - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:25 am:
A 2000 Ford Focus
Worst car I ever owned
What’s NOT wrong with it?
Things started going south a month after I bought it
Chalked it up to it being the first year they were made
I hate my car
BUT I will drive it until it will run no more
I am lost trying to decide what my next vehicle will be
- Springer - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:25 am:
1990 Ford Ranger XLT
1998 Dodge Caravan
2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT (just bought for 16 yr. old son)
2005 Dodge Caravan
- paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:36 am:
I drive a 2004 Ford Excursion (I have 6 kids and it is one of the only cars that can fit us all in). It gets about as many miles per gallon as a small house does.
- central illinois - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:41 am:
2001 Ford Focus - 175,000 miles
2002 Dodge Caravan - 75,000 miles
2001 Ford Taurs - 163,000 miles for 16 yr old son
- cermak_rd - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:43 am:
Chevy Uplander for trips when I take my dogs. Other than that a Chevy Aveo. I love the Aveo. It reminds me of the Geo Metro I had right out of college, but a little more pickup. Easy to park, easy to drive.
- Fan of the Game - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:43 am:
Should say we also own 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette van with 100,000+ miles. Loved Oldsmobiles and really wish GM had trashed the Pontiac division instead.
Also, a 1999 Ford F-150 4X4 Lariat extended cab with 100,000+ miles.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:44 am:
Yes. There is a big SUV and a small SUV.
Currently there is the big Outlook. It is first-rate. American made. I’d wait one year for a new one since competition will come out this summer and they will probably offer more incentives and financing on them.
I also recommend the Saturn VUE, 2004-2007 models only. Rust-proof, incredibly fast and if you can get one, a high performance Red Series. There is also a hybrid version, but you know how those go.
Get one at a Saturn dealer and check to see if they have the entire history of the car available. The used Saturns I have owned were sold and serviced by the staff and they knew the cars their entire life.
With everyone madly in love with Hondas and Toyotas, folks have forgotten about how great Saturns are and this plays in our favor with lower prices and better deals.
- shoelessjim - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:46 am:
AR wrote:
“A 2000 Ford Focus — Worst car I ever owned.”
Wow, i own a 2000 Focus, bought it a year ago with 80K on it already, and it has performed incredibly well for me. I wouldn’t take it cross-country and it’s not the fastest on the epxressway, but it does the job taking me through the city and suburbs and occasionally to NW Indiana or SE Wisc.
My 1999 Jetta was a blast to drive, but something was almost always breaking down or giving out on that.
- countryboy - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:46 am:
‘04 Volvo wagon.
Among other reasons, in memory of Spiro’s “Effete corps of impudent snobs”
- jerry 101 - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:48 am:
2003 Ford Focus - 34,000 miles
I hope it lasts to 175,000. I’ll take 100,000 more though. I got it used, with 21k miles, for $12500. So, if I get 115,000 miles or so, I think I will get my money’s worth.
Plus, its great for parking in the city, and it gets pretty good gas mileage most of the time.
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:49 am:
2003 Ford Taurus. Good, steady car. Miss my ‘97 T-Bird but by ‘03 it needed more work than I wanted to pay plus a four-door is easier to transport my 87-year-old-mom.
- silentk - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:50 am:
Bicycle.
2006 Chevy Colorado.
- Little Egypt - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:53 am:
VanMan - thanks for the info. Little E and spouse are looking for a smaller SUV with a good track record for safety, for a friend recently widowed who has always driven Buicks. She won’t go for anything but new and would prefer to stay in the GM line; however, we’re looking at economy and safety ratings before the badge.
- BehindTheScenes - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:54 am:
Daily driver in the winter, a 2003 Chevy Suburban. My 2005 Mustang GT Convertible just came out of its bag and when we get over this white stuff, it will be my daily driver (runs a lot cheaper and looks waaay cooler than the Suburban). Can’t beat the Suburban for winter travel. It has a drinking problem, but I appreciate the comfort and safety.
- Anonymous Mouse - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:56 am:
A 14-year-old Chevy Cavalier, still ticking after lots of lickings. Made in Canada of American parts, most of which are still intact. For snow/ice buildup in my Chicago neighborhood (where plows rarely visit), my husband & I break out the 2008 Ford Escape 4WD. We made it a point to choose an American-made (Missouri) vehicle over an overpriced import.
- Bill S. Preston, Esq. - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 10:59 am:
Public transit and my own two feet. But I’d love a Volvo or an FJ Cruiser.
- publius - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:06 am:
the american dream is a german car—i drive a mercedes
- North of I-80 - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:14 am:
2008 Gr Caravan
Chrysler Turbo [street rod/boost raised]
14 year old Olds wagon [for the dog + bad weather]
Trek Madone 6.5 [road]
GT Zaskar Carbon Exp [mountain]
- plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:33 am:
Trek 2300
BMW 540t to transport the Trek
- Gwendolyn - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:33 am:
2003 Hyundai Elantra
- Just the Facts - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:36 am:
2004 Mercedes C class with the supercharged 4 cylinder engine - about 31 mpg on the highway.
- The Federalist - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 12:06 pm:
07 Buick LaCrosse
05 Chevy Trailblazer
54 Willys Jeep
Every Dec 7, I look for a Honda or Toyota to break the windshield. So far I have restrained the impulse. I guess I hold a grudge for a LOOOONG time.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 12:10 pm:
I own a mercedes, however its my second car. ALso have a big american SUV. I gets 9 miles to teh gallon in the city. I love the looks people in hybrids give me, makes me glad to be a republican.
- rezko - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 12:27 pm:
mercedes c class
- Learning the Ropes - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 12:31 pm:
I have always owned a GMC, mostly Chevy. However unless the American Companies start taking hybrids seriously, I’ll have do like some friends and family members and go foreign. If it were today: Honda Civic Hybrid.
- Jake from Elwood - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 12:44 pm:
Toyota Highlander. . .and my wife drives a mini-van. We have small children. . .
- Paul, Just This Guy, You Know? - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 1:20 pm:
A ‘96 Miata with 100,000 miles on it, from CarMax.
I also have a ‘99 Caravan with almost as many miles, also from CarMax.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 1:41 pm:
93 Camry. 135,000 and counting. Car payments are for suckers. It’s about safe and reliable conveyance, not status, especially when you park on the street in Chicago.
I never understood the people with nice cars and no garage to keep them nice. What a waste.
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 1:45 pm:
Jaguar X-type
- sparky - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:11 pm:
2004 MINI Cooper for me.
2004 Jaguar X-type for the wife.
British cars can be a PITA to maintain although the MINI shares a lot of BMW engineering. Reminds of a joke. Do you know the difference between heaven and hell?
In heaven you have British policemen, French chefs and German mechanics. In hell you have, German policemen, British chefs and French mechanics.
- He makes Ryan Look like a Saint - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:12 pm:
Ford Expedition, Wife drives a Mustang Convertable.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:15 pm:
Republicans crazy.
- Justice - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
BMW 7. Outstanding road car!
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:22 pm:
‘08 Cadillac CTS. All-wheel drive. Best car I’ve ever driven and won’t roll over like my former Jeep did. I got a 3-year lease because I’m worried about my finances in the post-Blagojevich era. lol
Also, ‘97 Z3. Won’t go in the snow or ice, not even great in the rain, but I love that little thing.
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:25 pm:
Initially I thought Capt Fax had slipped and cracked his noggin before picking this QOTD. Then I realized that this was just a clever way of getting marketing demographics to lure more advertisers…good job Capt. 71 answers and counting
F150 - Taurus and an oldie but goodie
BTW you failed to list your rides — Caddy and sweet Beamer ragtop as we recall
Happy to help
- BC - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:32 pm:
Little Egypt–GO SUBARU! I am on my second Subie (drove the first one for twelve years) and am picking out my third. Safe, never go out of style (never in style to begin with), all-wheel-drive rocks–can’t lose. I’d love to buy American, but they don’t make anything I want. Plus, they have a “green” plant in Indiana now. Maybe my next one will be built there.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 2:57 pm:
Reddbyrd, my demographics have little to do with the cars people drive. It’s how they vote at the Statehouse. lol
- Ahem - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
I drive a “none of the above.”
- Bandoleer - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 3:19 pm:
‘05 Chrysler 300. Plenty of room. Great handling and, for a big car, surprisingly good gas mileage: 26@ gal. IN TOWN.
- 21st State - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
in order of use:
Gary Fisher hardtail with Rock Shox
Amtrak $36 r/t to the Patch from Union Station
parents’ 1994 MBenz 560 SEL nicknamed “The Moose” that barely fits in our garage spot!
- jerry 101 - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 3:31 pm:
I want to add…my dream is to be carless.
No car payment. No buying gas. No insurance. No maintenance. No parking. No traffic. No nothing. A bicycle and the CTA. Ahhh…one can dream. My job, unfortunately, requires a car to get out to suburbs that aren’t friendly to public transit.
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 3:45 pm:
An ‘07 BMW and a ‘99 Dodge Truck
- In the Sticks - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 5:17 pm:
Wonderful ‘99 VW Cabrio with 85,000 miles, no major repairs, 30+ MPG. Just waiting for warm weather!
- Getting Too Old For This - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 6:35 pm:
2002 Pontiac Bonneville. Big, solid, union-built, American-made, and dead-on dependable.
- Annonymous - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 7:47 pm:
I went from a brand new MGB (when I was 17) to a Saab, BMW, and finally, a Mercedes. I then moved into my first “mommymobile”–a Ford Aerostar with a TV in the back which we never even used (oh, yay). I then moved to a Ford Escort, another something American-made that I can’t even remember, and now to a Chevy Tracker that’s been nothing but trouble since I drove it off the lot(and an old Jeep Grand Cherokee for the kiddies). All the cars that were manuals (including the Escort) were amazing. The Tracker should never have gotten through QC…and reminds me, daily, why I should stick to buying cars based solely on what they look like v. who supposedly makes them (though I will admit that for an SUV-wannabe, the Tracker gets good gas mileage and being able to switch from two to four wheel drive in Illinois is a nice option).
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 8:37 pm:
Big Volvo sedan. Seats like La-Z-Boys, stunningly good audio system, and plenty of safety to protect AA from bad drivers and himself.
Shopping for new weekend toy.
Add AA to the list of former MBZ owners. Their glory days ended a while back.
- Highwayman - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 9:54 pm:
93 Saturn SC2, I bought it new. I’m pretty upset Saturn is going away from the plastic body panels, I think someone at GM realized how long these cars were lasting and decided to switch over to sheet metal.
The next car will be a PHEV, mostly because I am tired of my money going to OPEC.
- Will Ferrell - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:01 pm:
I drive a Dodge Stratus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Roy Slade - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:26 pm:
Drive the H-2 in winter and on trips. (Nothing like feeling like a semi going down the road)! Toyota Highlander for commuting, fiance drives the Chevy SUV. It is great for hauling the kids and labradors.
- Annonymous - Tuesday, Mar 4, 08 @ 11:29 pm:
Will, I just wish you weren’t a liar. lol
- Healthcare Worker - Wednesday, Mar 5, 08 @ 12:25 pm:
‘02 GMC Yukon XL on E-85 for past four years!
Helping the farmers!!!!