My Favorite Vehicle: A Journey Through Time and Technology
Over the years, I’ve owned fourteen vehicles, each with its own story. While most were enjoyable, some left much to be desired. The nadir of my automotive experiences was undoubtedly the 1970 Plymouth Sports Fury, a brand-new purchase that ran smoothly until its warranty expired. After that, it became a weekly maintenance nightmare, ultimately leading to a solemn vow never to buy another Chrysler product. Fast forward to the present, and I find myself behind the wheel—or rather, in the passenger seat—of what might be my favorite vehicle yet: a 2024 Tesla Model S. Though we’ve only had it for seven months, its impressive array of features and full self-driving capabilities have already set it apart from any car I’ve owned before.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of our Tesla, affectionately nicknamed “Sally” after astronaut Sally Ride, is its voice-activated navigation system. A simple verbal command like “Navigate to Kroger’s on Victory Boulevard” sets us on our way. The car takes care of everything—steering, acceleration, braking, lane changes, and even windshield wipers and headlights—with minimal input required from me
Our Tesla has proven its worth on longer journeys as well. During a trip to New York City, we navigated through dense, four-lane traffic at night without a single misstep. The integrated Google Maps app plans our routes, including charging stops, making long-distance travel a breeze. On that particular trip, a single 20-minute charging stop was sufficient to reach our destination, with the total break lasting about 40 minutes—just enough time for a restroom visit and a quick lunch.
The self-driving feature significantly reduces driver fatigue. On our trip to New York, instead of performing thousands of driving actions and maintaining constant focus, I arrived feeling as refreshed as my wife, more an observer than a driver. This stark contrast became even more apparent when I recently drove our truck and was reminded of the effort required to navigate through city traffic manually.
Our Tesla feels like a car from the future, keeping us safe and comfortable. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about extending my ability to drive well into my nineties without causing concern for our children and grandchildren about potential driving mistakes.
Another significant advantage is the convenience of home charging. Having the equivalent of a gas pump in our driveway eliminates the need for frequent trips to the gas station. By replacing both our 7,000-pound pickup truck and Toyota Prius with the Tesla, we’ve likely reduced our carbon footprint while enjoying cutting-edge technology.
Looking Ahead: As we plan for the future, we’re considering an ambitious road trip from our home in coastal Virginia to Los Angeles, California. Our idea is to rent a Tesla self-driving car and take a scenic route using primarily non-interstate roads. While my wife isn’t fully convinced yet, I’m optimistic about the adventure that lies ahead.
In conclusion, our Tesla Model S has revolutionized our driving experience, offering safety, comfort, and peace of mind. It’s not just a car; it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation, and I’m thrilled to be along for the ride.
