For football fans, loyalty runs deep. This includes the connection to the vehicles that take us to every tailgate, every away game, and every underdog moment. Similar to cars, football teams have inherent personalities: some are built to be tough, others sleek and modern, and others are resilient workhorses that just refuse to quit.

This raises the question, though, what if your favorite teams were a car? Take a deep dive into the garage of NFL greats to see which ride captures each team’s spirit best.

Team Archetypes as Vehicle Personalities

Every NFL team has its own distinct DNA, whether that be that of a rough-and-tumble brawler or a precision performer. Here is how some of the nation’s most iconic team franchises match up to their automotive alter egos:

Chicago Bears – Chevy Tahoe

Starting with a hometown favorite, the Chicago Bears are undoubtedly built like a Chevrolet Tahoe through and through. Being classic, though, and ready for anything, the Tahoe and the Bears are built to handle brutal Midwest winters and top football opponents. The Tahoe is essentially equivalent to a defense-heavy football team: while not the flashiest, it is always dependable.

Kansas City Chiefs – Tesla Model X

With one of the league’s leading quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, at the helm, the Chiefs are an electric team not unlike the Tesla Model X. Both are fast, innovative, and unapologetically flashy on the road and with their touchdowns. Utilizing futuristic tech to foster record-breaking performance, the Model X represents a team that thrives on pushing their limits.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Ford F-150

When someone says the Pittsburgh Steelers, certain traits likely pop into your mind: perhaps grit, steel, or unwavering reliability. The Ford F-150 is an excellent match for the Steelers for this exact reason. Both have decades of dominance under their belts, especially against rival teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, and both equally remain the go-to workhorse for Americans, whether as a work truck or on the TV. The F-150 knows it doesn’t need to be fancy, but rather just needs to get the job done, which is exactly the embodiment of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dallas Cowboys – Cadillac Escalade

Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Cowboys’ reflective vehicle of choice lives up to this mantra. The Cadillac Escalade is bold, luxurious, and built to be seen. You don’t buy an Escalade because you want to blend in, similar to how you don’t cheer on the Cowboys if you’re afraid of catching some attention.

Detroit Lions – Jeep Wrangler

Very few teams in the NFL embody resilience like the Detroit Lions, and few vehicles do this better than the Jeep Wrangler. After decades of roster rebuilds, restarts, and underdog comebacks, the Detroit Lions are a feel-good story within the NFL. Similarly, being rugged, renewed, and determined to climb any hill, the Wrangler, not unlike Detroit, might not always be the smooth ride, but when it’s rolling with its horsepower, it’s unbeatable.

Reliability and Maintenance Personas for Each Archetype

Every team, whether the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, or some other has quirks. Your vehicle is the same. Some may need a little extra attention to keep running smoothly, whereas others are all about that steady and low-maintenance reliability. With the above vehicles in particular, there are a few reliability personas to keep in mind:

• Chevy Tahoe: The Tahoe handles the cold with confidence but will benefit from routine check-ins. Keep an eye on your oil changes and tire health before heading out for a snowy Soldier Field Sunday.
• Tesla Model X: High performance unfortunately comes at a price, and like the Chiefs’ explosive offense, Teslas typically need a little more attention to detail. From the battery range to frequent software updates, don’t neglect the technology under the hood, and don’t forget to map your charging stops before a road trip tailgate.
• Ford F-150: This vehicle still gets an above-average reliability rating from RepairPal, but don’t skip the basics. Trucks can hide long-term wear and tear, so check your brakes, battery, and tires before the winter grind.
• Cadillac Escalade: The Escalade’s built-in luxury comes with layers of complexity, so before your next high-profile Cowboys playoff game, double-check your infotainment system, brake pads, and electrical systems.
• Jeep Wrangler: While built for adventure, the Wrangler is not immune to wear. Watch for oil leaks, suspension issues, and underbody rust, especially if you’re braving Midwest weather on the way to a Lions game.

Ownership Costs and Real-World Expectations

Owning one of the vehicles on this list means that you’re signing up for a certain kind of experience. Each comes with its own unique balance of performance, pride, and practicality, resulting in certain costs and expectations:

• Chevy Tahoe: Known for its solid reliability with moderate upkeep, you should expect only a few bumps and bruises over the years, but rest easy knowing it’ll get you to every tailgate with confidence.
• Tesla Model X: Charging logistics and high-performance upkeep make it expensive to maintain, with a total estimated cost of ownership of over $93,000, but the payoff is electric excitement akin to the Super Bowl every time you’re behind the wheel.
• Ford F-150: The F-150 is a cost-efficient option at a total cost of around $65,000 in the long run if you stay on top of maintenance, making it a true fan favorite for anyone who values tradition over trend.
• Cadillac Escalade: Premium ownership for premium bragging rights, the Escalade is an investment at just over $159,000 for its total estimated cost of ownership, but so is being a part of the lifelong fandom of “America’s Team.”
• Jeep Wrangler: Other models like the Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee are costlier, but with a low cost to own, the Wrangler is a smart choice for a budget-conscious driver.

Tailgate-Ready Prep: Fall Maintenance You’ll Actually Use

As football season finally hits full stride, your vehicle deserves just as much prep work as your fantasy football lineup for the year. Taking just a few small steps can keep your ride, and your tailgate in championship form:

1. Check your battery: Cold weather drains power fast, so test your voltage before the first frost hits.
2. Inspect your tires: Proper tread depth and inflation are both key to staying safe on slick stadium lots, so visually inspect your tires as the weather turns.
3. Top off fluids: Oil, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid keep things running smoothly when temperatures start to dip, so visit your auto parts store to get more if running low.
4. Clean the undercarriage: Especially if you’re driving through salted roads often, cleaning the undercarriage is a must, as rust damage never takes a bye week.
5. Pack your emergency kit: Jumper cables, a blanket, and even a small shovel can make or break your post-game exit in the case of an emergency.

Just a little up-front maintenance can help keep your vehicle tailgate-ready all season long. So, whether you’re parked out front of your favorite stadium or cheering from your driveway, ensure that your vehicle is ready for anything thrown at it.

When Football Passion Meets the Open Road

Every football team tells a story, whether that’s of pride, endurance, identity, or something else. Every car tells a similar story. Regardless of whether you’re a Tahoe traditionalist, Model X trendsetter, F-150 loyalist, Escalade eye-catcher, or Wrangler warrior, your choice in vehicle may reflect your favorite team.

As you gear up for fall Sundays this year, make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road. To protect against mechanical breakdowns, consider investing in a vehicle service contract from Endurance Warranty. With a range of protection plans and customizable options, from high-level stated protection to that most similar, to what is offered by a manufacturer on a new vehicle, there’s something for every driver. Additionally, enjoy bonus perks through our Elite Benefits program. For a small activation fee, you can receive windshield repair up to $500 due to chips or cracks, tire reimbursements for road hazards, key fob replacement, and more.*

To learn which plan may be right for your needs, contact one of our service plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. You can see your price instantly when you shop our eStore.