A lot of motorists love to hate different cars, and every driver has preconceptions about other road users depending on what they drive. BMW, Ford, Fiat or Audi – all our favourite car brands have earned a reputation over the years, some more positive than others…
But what can Google tell us about our opinions of different car brands? And what do we motorists really think of each other’s cars?
To find out, we took to Google and did some research, using our findings to put together a few reimagined car ads based on each brand’s supposed reputation. Take a look at what the web came up with below.
What Does Google Reveal About Our Car Preferences and Opinions?
Audi
Audi may be synonymous with luxury and performance, but it seems other road users aren’t overly taken with the brand’s fanbase. ‘Why do Audi drivers have a bad reputation?’ was among the most searched Audi-related questions on Google, while others were less polite, labelling the brand’s drivers as ‘clowns’. Meow.
BMW
Fellow German car brand BMW didn’t fare all that better than Audi, with some users asking Google whether BMW drivers are the worst on UK roads. Specifically, one thing which really irks the internet about BMW drivers is the fact that they never indicate, with thousands using the search engine to vent their frustration at a lack of signalling. We can’t say we’ve noticed, although not indicating is very irritating.
Ford
Ford may be the UK’s biggest-selling car brand, but it’s not without its haters. In fact, the company attracts a lot of negative attention on Google, with users asking bizarre questions like ‘why do Ford drivers always look at you?’ and ‘why do Ford drivers always drive the same route?’. Another thing which really caught our attention was the popularity of the term ‘why are Ford drivers always late?’; we’re not sure there’s any truth in it, but if you’re a Ford driver, we’d love to get your take.
Jeep
Jeep drivers were always going to get some stick online. After all, most people who own a Jeep don’t use them for the right reason, which is all-terrain driving. That said, we detected a hint of jealousy in some Google searches, with many users asking why Jeep drivers always wave to each other. We can’t tell you if it’s true, but we think it’s quite kind and neighbourly, so keep on waving Jeep fans!
Kia
It’s a good job new Kia cars come with a seven-year warranty, because according to Google, their drivers are some of the most dangerous on the road. That’s right, safety (or lack thereof) was among the most popular Kia-related searches on Google, while others just enquired ‘why Kia drivers are so bad?’. We think this is a bit harsh, especially when you consider that the Korean manufacturer is one of the fastest-growing carmakers in the UK.
Mercedes
Mercedes, like Audi and BMW, attracts a lot of negative attention online. But while the other two German manufacturers are most associated with lane-hogging and aggressive driving, Mercedes racks up the complaints for another reason: snobbishness. Yep, according to Google, Mercedes drivers are snobs, with thousands of people asking the search engine just why that is. Our reasoning? When your car’s worth over £50k, you’re bound to want to show off a little…
Mini
It may be 60 years since the original Mini hit the tarmac, but the brand still hasn’t shaken its reputation for making small cars. This is despite the modern Mini being, well, not very small at all, especially when you look at models like the Countryman and Clubman. But with that said, the internet still has the BMW-owned brand pegged as a company that caters to small drivers, with thousands of people asking Google if Mini drivers are, themselves, short in stature. People really will search anything.
Subaru
Legendary Japanese car brand Subaru may have a loyal fanbase, but that hasn’t stopped the internet asking some pretty weird questions about it. For example, the web wanted to know why Subaru drivers are so liberal, as well as why – like Jeep drivers – they’re always waving at each other. One query which stood out the most was ‘why do Subaru owners vape?’, which has to be one of the oddest questions we read as part of our research.
Tesla
With thousands of Tesla EVs hitting our roads every day, it’s not surprising that search queries relating to the brand have gone through the roof recently. But while the press has been mainly positive on Tesla, a lot of people have taken to Google to ask if Tesla owners genuinely like their new, all-electric cars. Maybe it’s because some motorists just can’t believe why you’d give up petrol for electric, or they just want to know if the brand is really all it’s cracked up to be.
What Problems Do Motorists Search About Their Cars the Most?
It used to be when your car developed a fault you’d reach for the manual, but now, you just Google it. Whether it’s a weird smell or a warning light, the first thing most motorists do when they notice something wrong with their car is to search for it – praying that the internet will help solve their problem.
And that got us thinking: what problems do people search for the most about different car brands? We headed to Google once more to find out.
Audi
Audi drivers took to Google to remedy all sorts of problems, from odd beeps to vibrating accelerator pedals. Here are some of the most-searched issues:
- ‘Fix convertible roof Audi’
- ‘Why is my Audi key not working?’
- ‘Why does my Audi keep cutting out?’
- ‘Why does my Audi say service is due?’
- ‘Fix faulty electric window Audi’
BMW
BMWs may be known for their robust German build quality, but there’s no shortage of people Googling tips on how to fix their ‘ultimate driving machine’. Here are some of the most common problems BMW owners sought help with online:
- ‘Why does my BMW keep losing power?’
- ‘Why is my BMW struggling to start?’
- ‘Fix stiff steering wheel BMW’
- ‘Why does my BMW shake while driving?’
- ‘Fix faulty headlights on BMW’
Fiat
Fiat may design some of the coolest cars around, but models like the 500 aren’t without their issues. Let’s take a look at some of the problems Fiat drivers complained about on Google:
- ‘Why does my Fiat steam up?’
- ‘Why is my Fiat juddering?’
- ‘Fix Fiat power steering’
- ‘Why is my Fiat mileage flashing?’
- ‘Fix Fiat door handle’
Ford
With so many Fords on the road, it’s no wonder the manufacturer generates its fair share of searches for car-related problems. Here are some of the search terms which cropped up the most:
- ‘Why is my Ford overheating?’
- ‘When does my Ford need a new cambelt?’
- ‘Fix Ford death wobble’
- ‘Why is my Ford boot wet?’
- ‘Why does my Ford boot keep opening?’
Jeep
Rugged they may be, but Jeeps aren’t impervious to problems, as these common Google searches show:
- ‘Why does my Jeep shake when braking?’
- ‘Jeep problem with leaks’
- ‘Fix Jeep heater’
- ‘Jeep problem with gears’
- ‘Jeep problem with alternator’
Kia
Kia cars are more reliable than you might think, but they’re not without their problems. Here are some of the most common issues Kia drivers reported on Google:
- ‘Fix Kia radio’
- ‘Why does my Kia not start?’
- ‘Does my Kia have a DPF?’
- ‘Fix Kia steering wheel’
- ‘Why does my Kia keep stalling?’
Mini
Although more reliable than the original, the modern Mini is still prone to problems, as these common Google queries show:
- ‘Why does my Mini make a whining noise?’
- ‘Problem with Mini sunroof’
- ‘Fix Mini seatbelt’
- ‘Why does my Mini lose power?’
- ‘Problem with Mini wireless connection’
Tesla
Spending over £40k on a new Tesla doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed faultless driving. Here are some Tesla-related issues motorists asked Google’s help in solving:
- ‘Why does my Tesla lose charge when parked?’
- ‘Why is my Tesla charge getting interrupted?’
- ‘Fix Tesla flat tyre’
- ‘Why does my Tesla make a noise while charging?’
- ‘Why does my Tesla lose charge overnight?’
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