Abstract

      Cars are a medium through which American folklore and folk group membership is expressed. Few in academia interrogate the idea of cars as folkish symbols, yet the folklore around cars is rich with meaning. This is in part due to the contradictory nature of cars as disposable goods and durable artifacts that pass through the hands of numerous owners, accumulating stories. Myths are developed surrounding brands and owners. The ownership of a car is also an important rite of passage for Americans. This article seeks to formalize the work of the YouTube channel Regular Car Reviews by examining selected aspects of "car culture."