Is your car more like a good buddy than a mode of transportation? Shell released a study about the thoughts and attitude of auto owners, and you aren't alone if you have strong feelings about your auto. The survey shows that about 67 percent of Americans believe that their automobiles have unique personalities.

Two-thirds of Americans believe that cars have personality and 56 percent of survey respondents say that the have a "strong emotional bond" with their vehicle. More women than men feel that their own personality is similar to the personality of their vehicle. Twenty-one percent of survey respondents admit to patting their dashboards like a pet.

Is your auto an eyesore? Most Americans, 64 percent, would feel proud of their auto if they were to give a ride to their boss. Geographically, southerners are most proud to show off their vehicles. Only 15 percent would be embarrassed of their vehicle.

Among drivers, about half think their vehicle has a gender. The majority of vehicles are viewed as female. About 40 percent of autos are considered to be male. Midwesterners are more likely to view their vehicles as male, southerners are more likely to consider their vehicle to be female. Though over half of all vehicles are considered to have a gender, only 15 percent of drivers have actually named their car.

Have you ever heard of a "chick magnet?" About 60 percent of Americans believe that their auto can help them score a date. Sports cars are considered to be most attractive, with SUVs proving to impress in the Deep South and Mountain areas. Pickups are popular for those seeking dates in the Great Lakes and Pacific states.

Americans feel comfortable performing routine maintenace tasks on their autos. About 88 percent of people feel quite comfortable pumping gasoline, but 28 percent of people dread changing a flat tire and 19 percent dislike changing oil. Drivers are knowledgeable enough to know that poor-quality gasoline can slow engine performance and decrease a car's fuel efficiency.