A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

"Ask the Man Who Owns One!"

One of the most iconic slogans in American automotive history, “Ask the Man Who Owns One” became synonymous with the quiet confidence and refined prestige of the Packard Motor Car Company. Introduced in 1901, the phrase was reportedly coined by James Ward Packard, one of the company’s founders, in response to skepticism about his new car’s reliability. Rather than boast, Packard simply encouraged doubters to speak directly to owners. It was a bold move in an era when automobiles were still viewed as novelties.

The slogan was later refined and officially adopted by Packard's marketing team, becoming a cornerstone of its brand identity. Unlike other carmakers who leaned on hype and spectacle, Packard built its reputation on engineering excellence and owner satisfaction. The line suggested that the true measure of a Packard wasn’t found in ads, but in real-world experience, and it worked. For decades, Packard cars were a symbol of understated luxury, and the slogan became a quiet, powerful reminder that true quality speaks for itself.