Forget the Ferraris and Lamborghinis – some of the world’s wealthiest individuals opt for modest rides. While we might expect billionaires to cruise around in nothing but the most exotic supercars, the reality is often far more down-to-earth.
From tech titans to retail moguls, many ultra-rich choose vehicles that look good in an average suburban driveway.
Ready for a peek inside the garages of the global elite? You won’t believe what some of these moguls are driving.
1. Jeff Bezos – Honda Accord
The founder of Amazon and one of the richest men on the planet has a surprising choice for his daily driver. Jeff Bezos, worth an estimated $170 billion, has been spotted numerous times behind the wheel of a modest Honda Accord.
This mid-size sedan, known for its reliability and practicality, seems an unlikely match for a man who could afford a fleet of supercars.
Bezos’ choice of vehicle aligns with his well-known frugal approach to personal spending. Despite his enormous wealth, he has often emphasized the importance of being cost-conscious and practical.
The Honda Accord perfectly embodies these values with its reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs.
It’s a testament to the idea that true wealth isn’t about flashy displays but smart, value-driven choices.
2. Warren Buffett – Cadillac XTS
Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha” and one of the most successful investors in history, is renowned for his modest lifestyle despite his vast fortune. His choice of car reflects this down-to-earth approach.
Buffett drives a Cadillac XTS, a full-size luxury sedan that combines comfort with understated elegance.
While the Cadillac XTS is certainly more upscale than Bezos’ Accord, it is still a far cry from the ultra-luxury vehicles one might expect a billionaire to favor.
Buffett’s previous car was a 2006 Cadillac DTS, which he drove for almost a decade before upgrading to the XTS at his daughter’s urging.
This longevity in car ownership demonstrates Buffett’s philosophy of making sound, long-term investments – even in his transportation.
3. Mark Zuckerberg – Honda Fit
Facebook (now Meta) co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been spotted driving a Honda Fit, a compact hatchback known for its fuel efficiency and practicality. This choice of vehicle for a tech mogul worth billions might seem puzzling at first glance.
Still, it aligns perfectly with Zuckerberg’s public image of simplicity and focus on function over form.
While not a luxury vehicle, the Honda Fit offers excellent value for money with its spacious interior and versatile cargo space.
Zuckerberg’s preference for this modest car reflects his desire to maintain a low profile and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
It’s a reminder that even those who have revolutionized the tech industry can appreciate the simple things in life, like a reliable and efficient car.
4. Elon Musk – McLaren F1
In a departure from the trend of modest vehicles, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk once owned a McLaren F1, one of the most coveted supercars in the world.
This high-performance vehicle, capable of reaching speeds over 240 mph, perfectly aligns with Musk’s reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing cutting-edge technology.
However, Musk’s relationship with the McLaren F1 took an unexpected turn when he famously crashed it while driving to an investor meeting. Musk walked away from the incident unharmed, and it became part of Silicon Valley lore.
While Musk has since moved on to other vehicles, including his own Tesla models, the McLaren F1 episode showcases that even billionaires aren’t immune to the occasional automotive mishap.
5. Bill Gates – Porsche 959
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has long been known for his love of Porsche, and his most notable acquisition was the rare Porsche 959. This technologically advanced sports car was so ahead of its time that it wasn’t even street-legal in the United States when Gates purchased it.
The car sat in customs for over a decade before legislation allowed it to be driven on American roads.
Gates’ persistence in owning this particular Porsche speaks volumes about his appreciation for innovation and cutting-edge technology.
The 959 was a pioneering vehicle featuring advanced all-wheel drive and a sophisticated engine management system.
This choice of car reflects Gates’s forward-thinking mindset, evident throughout his career in the tech industry and his philanthropic efforts.
6. Steve Ballmer – Ford Fusion Hybrid
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, known for his energetic personality, opts for a surprisingly subdued Ford Fusion Hybrid ride. This mid-size sedan combines fuel efficiency with American manufacturing, aligning with Ballmer’s roots in Detroit, where his father worked for Ford.
The choice of a hybrid vehicle demonstrates Ballmer’s awareness of environmental concerns, a growing priority for many in the tech industry. Ballmer showcases support for American industry and sustainable transportation solutions by driving a Ford Fusion Hybrid.
It’s a practical choice that balances performance, efficiency, and a connection to his personal history.
7. Alice Walton – Ford F-150
Alice Walton, heiress to the Walmart fortune and one of the wealthiest women in the world, drives a Ford F-150 pickup truck. This choice might seem unexpected for a billionaire, but it reflects practicality and a connection to Walmart’s core customer base.
The Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling vehicle for decades and is known for its reliability and versatility. Walton’s choice of this popular truck demonstrates an understanding of the everyday American consumer – those who shop at Walmart.
It’s a savvy move that keeps her grounded and in touch with the company’s values that built her family’s fortune.
8. Michael Bloomberg – Chevrolet Suburban
Former New York City mayor and media mogul Michael Bloomberg has favored the Chevrolet Suburban, a full-size SUV popular with families and government agencies. This choice of vehicle combines spaciousness with a certain level of anonymity, allowing Bloomberg to move around the city without drawing undue attention.
The Suburban’s popularity among government officials and security details makes it a practical choice for someone of Bloomberg’s stature. Its large size provides ample room for staff or security personnel, while its ubiquity on American roads allows it to blend in more easily than a luxury vehicle might.
Bloomberg’s choice balances comfort, security, and a desire to maintain a relatively low profile.
9. Jack Ma – Roewe RX5
Alibaba founder Jack Ma, one of China’s wealthiest individuals, drives a Roewe RX5, a compact SUV produced by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor. This choice of vehicle might seem modest for a tech billionaire, but it aligns perfectly with Ma’s business interests and his commitment to promoting the Chinese industry.
The Roewe RX5 is notable for integrating Alibaba’s YunOS operating system, making it one of the world’s first “internet cars.” By driving this vehicle, Ma supports domestic Chinese manufacturing and showcases his company’s technological capabilities.
It’s a wise move that combines personal transportation with product demonstration and national pride.
10. Ingvar Kamprad – Volvo 240
The late IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad was known for his frugality, and his choice of car perfectly reflected this trait. Kamprad drove a 1993 Volvo 240 for many years, a car known for its boxy design and exceptional durability.
This modest vehicle choice was in keeping with Kamprad’s philosophy of living simply and avoiding displays of wealth.
Kamprad’s Volvo 240 became almost as iconic as the man himself, symbolizing his commitment to practicality and value. The car’s longevity – Kamprad drove it for decades – mirrored IKEA’s focus on creating long-lasting, functional products.
Even as his wealth grew to billions, Kamprad’s trusty Volvo remained a testament to his belief that true success doesn’t require flashy possessions.
11. David Cheriton – Volkswagen Vanagon
Despite his billions, Canadian computer scientist and early Google investor David Cheriton drives a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon. This choice of vehicle, a classic camper van, speaks volumes about Cheriton’s priorities and lifestyle preferences.
While not luxurious, the Volkswagen Vanagon offers practicality and a certain nostalgic charm. Its spacious interior and camping capabilities align with a lifestyle that values experiences over material possessions.
Cheriton’s choice of this vintage vehicle demonstrates that even for billionaires, a car can be more about personal enjoyment and utility than status or luxury.
12. Jim Pattison – Chrysler Pacifica
Despite owning numerous car dealerships and having a net worth in the billions, Canadian business magnate Jim Pattison opts for a Chrysler Pacifica as his vehicle. This minivan choice might seem surprising for a billionaire, but it reflects Pattison’s practical approach to business and life.
While not a luxury vehicle, the Chrysler Pacifica offers comfort, space, and versatility. A minivan makes practical sense for a businessman like Pattison, who likely needs to transport colleagues or business materials.
This choice of vehicle demonstrates that even at the highest levels of wealth, functionality and practicality can take precedence over flash and status.
Whether driven by frugality, environmental concerns, or simply a desire for practicality, these vehicle selections prove that wealth doesn’t always equate to extravagance.
The next time you see an unassuming car on the road, remember – you might just be sharing the highway with a billionaire!
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
