Question Of The Day: What Vehicle Best Represents American Independence?

by Steven Lang

Published: July 4th, 2012

question of the day what vehicle best represents american independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident.

That all men are created equal.

That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.

That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

A lot of writers will give speeches today. I am far more interested in answering a simple question.

What vehicle best represents American independence?

A lot of folks will say it is a pickup truck. Maybe a Ford. Maybe a Chevy. Never a Chrysler… unless that hauler happens to also be a minivan.

And why not the minivan? Keep in mind that our forefathers brought forth a heck of a lot of kids right well into the 20th century. Even after farming mules were replaced with John Deere tractors and riding lawnmowers, our forefathers gave birth to plenty of Dorothys, Edsels and Woodrows.

They would have appreciated the minivan. Maybe even the SUV as well. Names like Liberty, Commander, Explorer, and TrailBlazer are meant to evoke the modern mythology of enjoying open unexplored spaces at the low, low price of $399 a month ($2000 due at signing). Surely an Expedition that can haul 8,000 pounds of ammo, shelter and supplies is preferable to a Conestoga wagon with wooden wheels and no cupholders.

We don’t need wagons these days. Actually, let me rephrase that. Nobody buys wagons these days. That makes me think that it may be the classic American car that truly embodies the American freedom ethos.

There are countless huddled masses of old cars that harken back to times gone by, and others long due for a swan song. Town Cars. Crown Vics. Impalas, are among the newer members of this group. But then you also have the Bel Aires. The old school Impalas. The Model T’s and Mustangs. Still no Chryslers!

But hey, isn’t America all about fun? A modern day Mustang convertible embodies the best of classic American muscle. The California inspired attitude towards open air motoring. The iconic symbol of the American penchant for speed and style.

Can a Stang pull this off better than a Camaro? How about a Miata? A Chrysler Sebring???

Naaahhh!!! The truth is Americans are boring and value driven lemmings when it comes to cars. Think of all the Camrys, Corollas, Civics and Accords. Boring! Boring! Boring! Give us a deal. A healthy cost of ownership, and a supersized interior and we are all the happier for it all.

Or maybe not. Ford and Chevy trucks are still the best selling vehicles in this fair land. Which brings us back to our question for this special day.

“What vehicle best represents American independence?”

It’s up to you figure it out. Just do us all a favor. Whatever you choose, make sure it has cupholders.

Steven Lang

More by Steven Lang

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Replica on Jul 05, 2012

The Mustang still does it for me. I get that there are "foreign" made parts on the car. With that in mind, it represents our current conditions perfectly. Pretty much any somewhat large, "powerful", car with character and somewhat imposing styling makes for an American icon. Something you see yourself driving across the desert in.

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Advance_92 on Jul 05, 2012

For me it was the 85 Accord I bought as my first car.

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