BRAND LOYALTY - TOP 5

I've been mulling over this for a few days now and just started thinking about what makes a brand have such a strong following. I'm not talking about brief stints of loyalty, fads and all that other good stuff. I'm talking about brands that you've used your whole life (or at least the majority of it). Why does that brand sit so high on your shelf? Innovation? Quality? Persistence? Here's my TOP 5 in no particular order. I would do top 10, but I just can't think of 5 more. Feel free to give us your top 5.

1. HONDA

My girlfriend has this really nice 2004 Audi A4 (you know, the models where they totally changed the body to that real sexy look to it). Beautiful car - jet black, nice curves, quattro handling, etc. The thing is, she's been in and out of the dealership for the past year because the "check engine" light keeps on popping up. I've had my car for almost 15 years. It's got about 202,000miles on it and its still going strong. In this timeframe, I've never once had any engine repairs to it. Of course, I would have my routine fixes like tires, brakes, batteries, spark plugs and so on. But I've NEVER had a problem with the engine. I've talked to other Honda owners and they ALL say the same thing.

2. BLACKBERRY

I can't live without mine. As much as I want to get my hands on the ultra cool iPhone with its elegant design, graceful OS system and selection of fun-filled applications, I am forever loyal to Blackberry. I'll give you this. Their stab at the iPhone rip was a total flop. I played with it for 5 minutes and was disgusted by it. But every other phone they have in their repertoire has been what I exactly needed. Phone. Email. Internet. Address book. Calendar. Calculator. Notes. Google Maps. Sheeeit. Blackberry is the reason why I've cut down on two normal household items. A Phone and an alarm clock. Thanks Blackberry. You're the reason why I have more space for my toys. Oh yeah. And you rock for making sure that you have a cut and paste function on your phones.

3. APPLE

They just get it. A powerful tool in a beautiful package. This goes for ALL of their product. Even though I've only been using their product for a mere 4 years, I can tell that these guys are on the right track. Apple is THE MOST INNOVATIVE BRAND of our generation.

4. IKEA

No matter where I live or where I go, there is at least one IKEA ______ (place name of furniture item or accessory here) that I notice. What more can you ask for? Decent furniture at a cheap price. Granted, its not "designer" furniture. But when you're a lower/middle class American trying to furnish that newly bought/rented fortress, there's nothing better than that one-stop shop known to all as IKEA.

5. LEVI'S

I've owned at least one pair of Levi's throughout my life since elementary school. No breaks. If I outgrew or decided that my pair of Levi's had to go, I would go and get another pair. THey are true artisans of denim. Do you understand what I just did? I don't even refer to them as jeans...IT'S LEVI'S BITCH!!!