8 Car Colors That Reflect Your Personality
What Does Your Car Color Say About Your Personality?
By Cathy Droz, Founder, HER Certified®
I drive a red car.
If you know me, that probably doesn’t surprise you.
Red is confident. It gets noticed. It has energy. It doesn’t quietly disappear into a parking lot filled with white, black and gray vehicles.
And after decades in the automotive industry, hundreds of vehicle reviews and more conversations about cars than I could ever count, I still believe the color we choose says something about us.
Maybe not scientifically. Maybe not in every case. But when you’re standing on a dealership lot looking at two identical vehicles and one is bright red while the other is conservative gray, something inside of you makes that final decision.
Years ago, when I wrote my book, A Woman’s Guide to Buying a Car with Confidence and Street Smarts – Don’t Let These High Heels Fool You, I included a section about what your car color might say about your personality. My source at the time was the 2013 Axalta Automotive Color Popularity Report.
People loved it.
More than a decade later, I thought it was time to revisit the subject.
Interestingly, today’s roads are dominated by neutral colors. According to Axalta’s more recent automotive color research, white, black and gray account for the majority of vehicles around the world.
Maybe that makes those of us driving red even easier to find.
So, just for fun, take a look outside at your car.
Does the color fit you?
1. RED: CONFIDENT, ENERGETIC AND READY TO BE SEEN
Let’s begin with mine.
Red has always represented energy, confidence and passion. A red vehicle doesn’t exactly whisper, “Please don’t notice me.”
That doesn’t mean every red-car owner is an extrovert. But choosing red often suggests someone who appreciates a little excitement and isn’t afraid to stand apart from the crowd.
I have worn red high heels for years as part of the HER Certified brand, so perhaps my choice of vehicle color was inevitable.
Red makes me happy.
And isn’t that part of what buying a car should be about?
2. BLACK: SOPHISTICATED AND POWERFUL
Black remains one of the most popular vehicle colors for good reason.
It can make almost any automobile look more expensive, sleek and sophisticated.
People attracted to black vehicles may appreciate classic style, authority and simplicity. They don’t necessarily need a flashy color because the design of the vehicle speaks for itself.
A freshly detailed black luxury vehicle is difficult to beat.
Of course, living in Arizona, I might add one practical warning: black also knows how to absorb sunshine!
3. WHITE: CLEAN, MODERN AND ORGANIZED
White has become one of the world’s most popular automotive colors.
It feels clean, contemporary and uncomplicated.
Someone choosing white may appreciate order, simplicity and a modern appearance. White also showcases many of today’s vehicle designs beautifully, particularly SUVs and luxury vehicles with contrasting black trim.
It is practical, but it certainly doesn’t have to be boring.
4. GRAY: PRACTICAL, CONFIDENT AND UNDERSTATED
Gray has grown tremendously in popularity.
Today’s automotive grays aren’t necessarily the dull gray paints we remember from years ago. Manufacturers now offer everything from deep charcoal to dramatic metallic and almost-blue shades.
Gray can suggest someone who appreciates sophistication without demanding attention.
It’s the person who may quietly walk into the room, know exactly what they’re doing and doesn’t need everyone watching.
5. BLUE: TRUSTWORTHY, CALM AND COMFORTABLE
Blue has long been associated with dependability and calmness.
Automotive blues can range from a conservative navy sedan to a brilliant electric blue sports car, so personality certainly plays a role within the color itself.
Someone choosing blue may want something more distinctive than black, white or gray while still maintaining a classic appearance.
Blue says, “I have personality, but I don’t necessarily need to shout about it.”
6. SILVER: POLISHED, MODERN AND TECH-SAVVY
Silver became enormously popular during the technology boom, and it’s easy to understand why.
It has a clean, futuristic feeling and tends to highlight the shape and body lines of a vehicle.
Silver drivers may appreciate technology, efficiency and contemporary design.
There’s also a practical advantage: silver can be remarkably forgiving when it comes to dust and everyday road dirt.
Sometimes personality and practicality work beautifully together.
7. GREEN: INDIVIDUAL, ADVENTUROUS AND DIFFERENT
Green is becoming interesting again.
For years, green vehicles were relatively difficult to find. Now we’re seeing manufacturers introduce everything from deep forest greens to adventurous army-inspired shades and elegant metallic greens.
Choosing green today can say, “I don’t want the same thing everyone else has.”
It can appeal to someone who enjoys nature, adventure or simply being a little different.
When I see a great green vehicle on the road, I usually notice it.
8. YELLOW, GOLD OR ORANGE: OPTIMISTIC AND DEFINITELY NOT SHY
You aren’t accidentally buying a yellow car.
These colors are a decision.
Yellow, gold and orange vehicles tend to suggest fun, creativity, optimism and individuality.
I know that feeling personally. Years ago, I had the opportunity to race an orange Dodge Charger, and there was absolutely nothing subtle about that car or the experience. The color fit the moment perfectly: bold, exciting and impossible to ignore.
You can see that adventure here:
Watch me race the orange Dodge Charger: https://youtu.be/-esuxqRX19I
They may not represent the largest percentage of vehicles sold, but they’re often the cars we remember.
And sometimes that’s exactly the point.
SO, DOES YOUR CAR COLOR REALLY REVEAL YOUR PERSONALITY?
Probably not enough to replace a personality test.
But I do believe our choices tell a story.
We choose clothing colors, home décor, eyeglass frames, handbags and shoes because they make us feel a certain way. Why wouldn’t some of that emotion carry over to one of the largest purchases we make?
There is also another factor that I’ve learned from spending years around dealership lots.
Sometimes we fall in love with the car first and the color second.
Inventory, resale value, availability and price can all affect the final decision. You may have dreamed of that beautiful blue SUV and driven home in white because it was the right vehicle at the right price.
But when you’re given the choice?
That’s when personality enters the showroom.
For me, I’ll take the red one.
It matches the heels.
Now it’s your turn: What color is your car, and do you think it matches your personality?