TL;DR
Probably get a Toyota. Maybe a Honda.
What is a thinkpad?
A great laptop.
Built for business use and so it is: durable, repairable, cheap. High functionality, low key aesthetcs.
What is good in a car?
Reliable
Durable
Range - If you are talking about an electric car, range is more important than high speed. All the cars can accelerate fast enough and haul enough for my uses.
Functionality - you can carry things, people, gear.
Mileage - gas likely.
Recommendations?
As it sits in 2022, probably some sort of hybrid vehicle.
An electric car is on the horizon, and 1 in 10 cars currently purchased new is electric. However, the range question is a question.
Tesla seems to have the best charging network, although the vehicles themselves have not been rated favorably in reliability.
Toyota is still the best. Honda as well.