Confessions of a Tech Editor Who Still Gets Excited About Cars
Look, I know what you’re thinking. Here’s some old tech writer going on about cars. But hear me out. I’ve been in this game since the dial-up days—remember those?—and I’ve seen alot of tech come and go. But there’s one thing that’s always stayed constant: my love for the Honda Civic.
Last Tuesday, I was at a conference in Austin, and some kid—let’s call him Marcus—tried to tell me that AI was gonna make cars obsolete. I laughed so hard I choked on my coffee. I mean, have you seen the latest technology trends 2026? It’s all about making our lives easier, not taking away the things we love.
So, why am I so committment to the Civic? It’s simple. It’s reliable. It’s got that kinda understated cool that AI will never understand. You see, AI is all about data and patterns. It can’t feel the rumble of the engine or the thrill of the open road. It can’t remember that time in 2005 when my old Civic got me through a blizzard to see my girlfriend—now wife—because she’d locked herself out of her apartment. (Which, by the way, is a story for another time.)
AI vs. The Human Touch
Don’t get me wrong. I love tech. I live for it. But there’s a physicaly connection we have with our cars that AI will never replicate. It’s like Dave, my colleague, always says, “Tech is tools. Cars are extensions of ourselves.” And he’s right. You don’t see AI writing love letters to their toasters, do you?
About three months ago, I was at a barbecue with some friends. One of them, let’s call her Lisa, brought up self-driving cars. She said, “Why would anyone want to drive when a machine can do it for them?” I looked at her like she’d grown a second head. “Lisa,” I said, “have you ever driven a Civic down a winding road on a sunny day?” She hadn’t. And that’s the problem. We’re letting tech take away the joy of the simple things.
The Future of Tech and Cars
Now, I’m not saying AI is all bad. Far from it. It’s gonna change the world in ways we can’t even imagine. But it’s not gonna replace the human experience. Take, for example, the time I was stuck in traffic on the 405. My AI assistant told me it was gonna take 36 hours to get home. But my Civic? It got me there in record time because I knew a shortcut. You can’t put a price on that kinda knowledge.
And let’s talk about cybersecurity. I mean, honestly, who hasn’t had a moment of panic when they think about their car being hacked? It’s a legit concern. But it’s also a reminder that tech is fallible. It’s not perfect. And that’s okay. Because neither are we. But we’re succesfully imperfect together.
So, what’s the takeaway here? I’m not sure but maybe it’s this: Tech is a tool. It’s there to make our lives easier, not to replace the things we love. And for me, that’s my Honda Civic. It’s more than just a car. It’s a part of my life. And no amount of AI is gonna change that.
Which… yeah. Fair enough. Maybe I’m biased. But I think you’d be too if you’d been through what I have with my Civic.
About the Author: Sarah “Sal” Johnson has been a senior editor for over 20 years. She’s written for major publications and has a soft spot for tech and cars. When she’s not writing, you can find her tinkering with her Honda Civic or arguing with AI assistants about the best route home.
