Every week for the decade of the 2010s, I drove at least one new vehicle, often two. That's about 700 new cars, trucks and SUVs.
As an automotive journalist, you start to notice quirky things. Examples: Lots of new Volkswagens smell like Crayola crayons, and new Mercedes-Benz vehicles inexplicably have the power-seat buttons mounted on the doors.
After a while, the vehicles become a blur. It's often hard to remember a car you drove last month, much less last year. But some details and impressions of quality do stick in your mind. Here are some random observations from driving almost every new vehicle on the road for the last 10 years.
* My 10 favorite vehicles, small to large (non-luxury): Mazda MX-5 Miata, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Dodge Charger Hellcat, Honda Accord (turbo), Toyota RAV4 (hybrid), Kia Telluride, Chrysler Pacifica (hybrid), Toyota Tacoma, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Suburban.
* My 10 favorite luxury vehicles, small to large: Jaguar F-Type, Alfa Romeo Guilia, Audi S6, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus LC, Tesla Model S, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes Benz S Class, BMW 7-series.
* Most head-turning vehicle: A black Lexus LC. (Think: Batmobile.)
* Least head-turning vehicle: Mitsubishi Mirage. (Mirage is the perfect name. You might think people will notice, but they won't.)
* Buying tip: If you don't have a seven-figure net worth, don't shop for six-figure automobiles. The math doesn't work.
* Buying tip 2: When searching for a vehicle, prioritize comfort over styling. Looks wear off. Comfort lasts. (This is good advice for relationships, too.)
(READ MORE: Test Drives by Mark Kennedy)
* Most people don't want an electric vehicle, until they do. The combination of high performance and low maintenance is irresistible. Plus, in 15 years electrics will be virtually your only choice of new rides.
* Most over-indulgent option: Aroma-therapy systems offered on some Mercedes-Benz autos. Please.
* Most underrated option: Seat heaters. Once you have them you'll never buy another vehicle without them.
* Overlooked detail: Those 20-inch rims are often shod with break-the-bank tires. Plenty of buyers trade vehicles because they can't afford new tires. Seriously.
* Best models for resale: Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Wrangler. It's incredible how these two vehicles hold their value. If you don't believe me, shop for used ones.
* Best modern safety features: blind-spot monitoring, front brake assist and stability control. If you have a young driver, blind-spot monitoring and brake-assist alone will probably pay for themselves, and stability control will keep them out of the ditch when they slam on the brakes.
* The best all-purpose answer to the question: "What should I buy?" A Toyota. Buy it, maintain it, and keep it forever. Well, at least for 10 or 15 years.
* Shout out to VW: The Atlas SUV and Passat sedan, both made here, are two excellent vehicles. And our Chattanooga VW plant is positioned to be in the vanguard of the electric-vehicle revolution. Yeah, team!