The Car We Drive Actually Says A Lot About Our Personalities, Experts Claim

We’ll start things off with a kind of obvious one. If you drive a Toyota Prius, you almost certainly possess two attributes. The first is that you're wealthy: a Prius doesn’t come cheap, you know. Secondly, you are environmentally conscious, and in truth like most pious Prius drivers, you don’t mind who knows about it. Honk if that sounds like you!

According to British psychologist Lee Chambers, Mini Cooper owners are generally proud and confident people. Chambers also noted that drivers of the classic British car are very organized, particularly given the lack of space in their chosen vehicle. Additionally, Mini Cooper drivers are said to be mindful individuals who pay close attention to the feelings of others. Well, apart from Michael Caine and his gold-bullion-robbing mates, we guess.

If you drive a blue car then according to psychologist Lee Chambers you are likely to be a safe person. Exuding a calm confidence, you’re not someone who is easily fazed. Sound like you? Also, Chambers also said those who go blue when picking a car — approximately 17 percent of all drivers — are generally faithful people.

Those who still drive around a 1960s Volkswagen Van are quite likely to be from a particular group of people who helped define the era in which it was made. We are talking, of course, about hippies. Yes, it’s not that rare to see these types of vans painted in bright psychedelic colors, or adorned with counterculture icons of the day, such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Flower power!

Research cited by website How Stuff Works has shown that Audi A4s are disproportionately driven by, ahem, driven people. We’re talking ambitious business types who aim one day to be in the top position calling all the shots. It makes sense too, given an Audi A4 is a respectable high-end car, but not quite a Lamborghini or Ferrari. These people tend to care about status, and want to show everyone they’re successful.

The Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular vehicles among young drivers. Psychologist Lee Chambers stated that Fiesta drivers are, for the most part at least, “practical, reliable, and non-judgmental.” But there's more: a poll from YouGov found that Fiesta drivers also tend to be fans of Julia Roberts and Pierce Brosnan!

If you drive a gold car, you are in a very small percentage of drivers. In 2019, only 0.3 percent of American cars were gold, according to a study by iSeeCars. British psychologist Lee Chambers told comparison website USwitch that drivers of gold vehicles tend to be traditional, preferring to stick with something they trust rather than braving new things. Still, they have a penchant for glamour and comfort.

Here’s an interesting fact: research has actually shown that drivers of 4x4s tend to be aggressive. You’ll have noticed how these drivers take up a lot of the road in their oversized cars, and they likewise want to exert their dominance on the tarmac. Luckily, they aren’t always so aggressive outside their vehicle.

Ah, the Volkswagen Passat. The ultimate A-to-B car, right? Research has shown that those who drive the 1992 people-wagon tend to not care too much about cars or how they look in them and would prefer to shell out as little money as possible on the darn thing. In fact, Volkswagen Passat drivers take pride in not spending big money.

You don’t see too many purple cars on the road, do you? While they’re becoming more popular, purple vehicles are still very much in the minority. According to professional color specialist Leatrice Eiseman, purple car drivers are “creative”, “regal,” and keen to “make a statement.” They want to stand out, which we guess makes sense!

It's a bit of a stereotype that Lexus drivers always like the finer things in life. But according to research, that may not be too far from the truth. Hot Cars suggests that Lexus steerers tend to be city slickers who work in finance, enjoy sushi, Starbucks, and pampering themselves.

Tesla drivers are, for the most part, very much in the mold of the company’s CEO Elon Musk. They are often bold, forward-thinking folk, who like to take risks in life. Given that they drive a Tesla, they have likely had considerable success in such risk-taking, as these high-end electric vehicles are notoriously expensive to acquire.

SUV drivers are generally a safety-first bunch, studies have found. Magazine Reader’s Digest agrees with Hot Cars that people who drive them seem to purposely buy these huge cars with safety in mind. This makes sense, as they sit higher up above the road than other vehicles, and their hulking size is said to reduce the impact of a crash.

Drive a Toyota Corolla? Then there’s a good chance that you've just settled down in the suburbs and are looking to pay off some debts or a new mortgage. You may have also just graduated from college and be stressed about student debts. Your Corolla is probably second-hand, and you’re not that bothered about car status in the grand scheme of things.

Apparently, people who choose yellow cars tend to match the exterior of their vehicles. Yes, those who drive yellow-colored motors around the roads tend to have a sunny and optimistic disposition. According to USwitch, they are energetic, too. Which is just as well, because having a negative mindset and having to climb into a bright-yellow car every day would not work!

You’ve probably seen a tricked-out pickup truck driving around the highways of America. Their drivers tend to be outdoorsy and workaholics, but what you might not know is that they may also have confidence issues. Interestingly, psychology professor Susan M. Henney told Reader’s Digest that driving bigger, flashier cars often correlates with a lack of confidence. She added, “They’re compensating for feeling a lack of power somewhere by making up for it in their car.” 

Silver and gray cars are the third and fourth most popular car colors on U.S. roads, totaling 30 percent. If you drive one of these, then research says that you are generally sensible, reliable, and a conformist. And psychologist Lee Chambers notes that gray car drivers tend to value practicality over desire or fun. No judgment here!

We’ve all seen a bright, cherry-red sports car drive past us and been pretty jealous. This particular color is intimately linked with Italian makes such as Ferrari. Given how expensive these vehicles are, you probably won’t be too surprised to learn that, as per Hot Cars, they are often owned by entrepreneurs and bold people who take financial risks.

The Lincoln Continental is, without doubt, a classic American car. So much so that it's basically the preserve of the older generation. How Stuff Works suggests you’re most likely to be a senior citizen if you park one of these vehicles on your driveway. Or maybe you're simply an old soul, which is totally cool, too.

Somehow, researchers have found out that owners of Chevrolets generally like a certain type of meal: steak and eggs. Which is sort of the food equivalent of a Chevy, if you think about it: safe and reliably good. They also discovered that Chevrolet owners often drove their Chevys to the levee but the levee was dry. Okay, so we may have made that last part up.

How Stuff Works notes the 2002 Dodge Neon is often the car of choice for teens and 20-somethings who have just graduated from college. Why? Well, for starters it’s relatively affordable, especially when bought second-hand. A clue? You'll often see Dodge Neons with stickers advertising which colleges their owners went to, a clear giveaway. And finally, these cars are often borrowed from parents or other family members.

It's no secret that BMW drivers have a bit of a reputation on the roads. Interestingly, research undertaken by YouGov found that 70 percent of “Beemer” drivers believe they’re more in the know than other drivers on the road. Generally, these car owners are self-confident, flashy, and like taking risks. And BMW drivers are often accountants or architects, too.

Psychologist Lee Chambers revealed to USwitch that Fiat 500 drivers often like to conform to societal norms. But on the other hand, they can be very creative individuals, too. Across the pond in the U.K., the term "Fiat 500 Twitter" went viral on social media for stereotyping Fiat 500 drivers as young women who watch Love Island, take countless selfies and share too much information about their lives online.

White is the most popular vehicle color in the U.S. White cars make up approximately 24 percent of all traffic, and Hot Cars suggests that, like the color, drivers of these autos tend to see themselves as dove-like. Yes, if you drive a white car, you likely believe you're a pure and honest person. Meanwhile, award-winning British psychologist Lee Chambers notes how white vehicle owners are mostly organized and clinical folk too, with aspirations to reach higher society.

Polling company YouGov has discovered some pretty interesting information about Renault drivers. For starters, they tend to work in construction, telecommunications, or travel and hospitality. They are often principled, independent, and knowledgeable, and they like painting. You’re most likely to find a Pop CD in their car too, with Britney Spears and David Guetta among the favorite choices. Who knew?

If you drive a Mercedes Benz, firstly we should say well done! You’ve clearly made it in life. Hot Cars claims that many Benz drivers are big on luxury, whether it's food or premium products. They are also very likely to be big into fitness and keeping active, showing that they care about their appearance in the world outside the car, too.

Rather fittingly, drivers of green-colored cars tend to care about the environment, research shows. They're likely to drive environmentally friendly vehicles. If you ride in a dark-green car, you're probably pretty trustworthy and likely to lead a well-balanced life. “Green is the most-balanced color in nature,” says color expert Lee Eiseman “The deeper the green, the more trustworthy, and also the more traditional."

You’ve seen those people who drive around the suburbs blasting loud music out in customized compacts like Honda Fits, right? Well, research has shown that these drivers tend to be young men who live with their parents and like to spend their income on pimping up their rides. We’re talking new speaker systems, tinted windows, and flashy accessories.

What word is most associated with black cars? Power. Black cars are powerful, timeless, and sophisticated. And their drivers are usually that way, too. "This is a person who probably wears a lot of black in their wardrobe because that color really speaks to empowerment,” color specialist Leatrice Eiseman explains. Black vehicles are also particularly common in London. Think of all those black London taxi cabs!

Range Rovers scream luxury, so it's no surprise that these huge vehicles are an especially popular choice for athletes and celebrities. If you're a Range Rover owner, you might also be the adventurous type, too. You probably don’t mind going off-road to get to where you want, both figuratively and literally. What are you waiting for?

We’ve all seen those drivers with LED headlights that seem to be brighter than the Sun when they shine on your vehicle. So, what exactly does this say about their personality? Well, Susan M. Henney, Ph.D. professor of psychology at the University of Houston-Downtown, says these types of cars are owned by drivers who tend to put themselves first. They think, “My comfort is more important than your safety,” she explains.

When we think of convertibles, we imagine young couples or pals driving down the Pacific Coast Highway on a road trip to remember. And that’s not that far from the truth, to be honest. Studies show that most drivers of these vehicles are go-getters who are always on the lookout for the best experiences life has to offer. They’re also extroverts who like to be seen and heard.

How Stuff Works thinks you can feel deeply sorry for anyone who owns a second-hand Toyota Yaris. Apparently, it's a sure-fire way to tell that someone has totally given up on themselves. Ouch. They're not exactly stylish or hi-tech, so owning one of these cars means you're really just concerned about getting from A to B.

Driving a Porsche is a pretty clear way of saying, “I’m the boss.” The luxury German car is the ride of choice for many people who hold senior positions at work since you obviously need a pretty big paycheck to afford one. But as well as being successful, Porsche owners also tend to be motor enthusiasts. According to MenswearStyle, these drivers enjoy working on their vehicles and get genuine pleasure from driving them.

Research has revealed some pretty interesting facts about Ford drivers. Apparently, people who drive Fords in the United States tend to describe themselves as friendly but direct. The majority of people who own these cars were also found to work in either property or construction. Studies have also noted that they're likely either Baby Boomers or Gen X-ers.

Having a car covered with stickers can reveal quite a lot about your personality — depending on the type of sticker, of course. For instance, if you have stick figures on your vehicle, you are almost certainly family orientated, Hot Cars revealed. Meanwhile, a sports team logo means you are the life and soul of the party, a political sticker means you're outspoken, and finally an honor roll sticker suggests you're competitive. The more you know!

Citroen drivers are a unique breed. YouGov research has shown that they are keen gardeners, home decorators, and board-game enthusiasts. They more often than not work in fashion, telecommunications, or home and garden design. Apparently, they tend to be straightforward but self-conscious folk who enjoy fairy tales and listening to Kenny Rogers!

YouGov revealed the following pretty fascinating details about Hyundai drivers: they often love gardening and bird watching; their favorite types of TV shows to watch are procedurals; and they like to read about history. Their favorite music? Hyundai owners enjoy the likes of The Walker Brothers and B.B. King. And apparently, they're most likely to work in translation and interpreting or consulting.

Drive a Jaguar? Chances are you work in the police force or emergency services, according to YouGov’s study. Failing that, I.T. or architecture and interior design. You are probably sociable, too, and like to take control. Music-wise, you lean towards staple rock artists like Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones. Model building and DIY keep you busy in your spare time, and you love movies about a bygone era.

Hummers are big vehicles. And people who own them tend to have a personality to match. "The Hummer screams the need for power and control and domination over all others," says psychologist Charles Kenny. "If there is a boss car on the road, the best [car] to fulfill the need for power is the Hummer." Arnold Schwarzenegger is a famous fan of the Hummer.