When my sister was sixteen, the only car she ever wanted was a Pontiac Fiero.
Back then, this annoyed me to no end. I would ask her, “what’s so great about a 4-cylinder, 2-seater, plastic car that goes from 0-60 in a half-an-hour?”
“It’s cute,” she’d reply.
“You know they are recalling a bunch of them because the engine spontaneously catches on fire… and I think that they’re saying that if you rear-end a semi with it, there’s a very good chance of decapitation.”
“So?… I like it.” And every time she’d see one on the road, she’d eye it with longing.
No matter what I said, I could not convince her that it was a terrible car. It was like she was brainwashed or something. I didn’t know at the time, but it was my introduction into the intricacies of the female decision process when choosing a car. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on the subject, but I’ve noticed some trends when I talk to some women and what they look for in a car.
Bankrate.com recently came up with its top five ‘chick’ (their word, not mine) cars.
- VW New Beetle
- Mini Cooper
- VW Jetta
- Mazda Miata
- Mustang Convertible
I’m not saying these are bad cars, but I don’t think I’d buy any of them. Yes, I actually drove one in a rental car mix-up a few years ago and enjoyed it. I’ve also eaten quiche on occasion, but I would still choose a steak over it 99 times out of 100.
So with my limited experience and the list above, I would like to proffer my personal insights on the subject of female automobile selection criteria. I’ll call them my “3 C’s” of girl cars.
Color:
I’ve actually had a conversation with a woman who, when I asked what kind of car she was getting, she replied, “a silver one.” I think many of the factors that go into choosing a car have to do with aesthetics with color being one of the highest of priorities. Before they think of powertrain or wheelbase or even trunk space, they know what color they want. I once bought a car in a color I didn’t originally choose simply because they offered to take $500 off the price because it wasn’t selling. I don’t think most women would do this. It would be like asking them to wear their bridesmaids dress again to another function.
Cuteness:
I don’t know what exactly makes a car “cute,” but I think it’s one of those things that you just know when you see it. Cuteness doesn’t make a car safer or faster or even more fuel efficient. In fact, I think it might actually hurt all these things, but it doesn’t matter. You could put a tractor engine on wagon wheels with ropes for steering, but if you can make it cute, some woman somewhere will buy it. I don’t think this is because they have some attraction to the car, but rather due to how they look in them. Perhaps the cuteness of the car will extend to their own personal appearance.
Convertible:
I think it’s no coincidence that four out of the five cars in the list above come in convertible models. I’ve always been astounded by how many women like convertibles. I thought that this was counter-intuitive because wouldn’t it mess up their hair? But I think convertibles are appealing to them because if they’ve taken so much time to find a good-looking car, they want people to see how this good-looking car looks on them. But then as I was looking at photos of these cars, I realized something… these convertibles look like SHOES! It all makes sense now. They don’t DRIVE these cars… they WEAR them.
Now, again, I’m not saying this is true for all women. I’m always impressed when I meet a woman who drives a manual transmission car or knows the difference between naturally aspirated and turbo-charged engines. But I think that what was true for my sister is true for a lot of women. And nothing is wrong with that. Car manufacturers will continue making cute “chick” cars because a dollar from a man is the same as a dollar from a woman.
I like the Mini Cooper. But my dream car is a 15 passenger van.
hahahhaa hilarious! “I realized something… these convertibles look like SHOES! It all makes sense now. They don’t DRIVE these cars… they WEAR them.”
im a girl, and i dont give a rats (word im not supposed to say) about color or cuteness. i like convertibles cuz they tend to be fast. ok, so im not able to drive yet, but that isnt relevant. i care about speed, safety, and fuel efficiency.
I’ve always been in love. In love with a red Corvette with a black drop top and a black leather interior with a nice sound system, but what about the 430 HP, 6.2L, V8 engine, 6-speed manual, and dual mode exhaust that also makes this car great? My point is, yes every girl wants her car in that perfect color, with a drop top that makes her look great, but that’s not the only thing every girl is concerned about. Not all girls are the same, and the sooner you learn that the better off you’ll be. Just because some girls are all about the outside of the car doesn’t mean that no girl understands the importance of what’s under the hood.
okay that’s not completely true… because yeah i do want a silver one, and it does have to be cute… but my cute is different from other women i suppose… and i DON’T want a convertible… ha!i want a silver Acura TL pretty much fully loaded. =P and the new accords have a cute butt. =)
All the cars mentioned above are ugly. Aside from the Mustang, which my aunt had one and it broke down constantly. What a terrible choice for the Chick Cars. I swear we’re being insulted by those top five.
The Mini Cooper is just because all girls secretly want to be like Charlize Theron in The Italian Job.
I want a cute fast car.
scratch that
a very fast cute car.It’s gotta be fast… but smooth fast.When I’m home I drive my dad’s Mercedes C230 Kompresor.
driving something slower is annoyingI like looking at the speedometer and thinking “Holy Shit! I didn’t realize I was doing 50 in a 25!”
nice update
well, being a girl, seventeen and never having owned a car, i’d take anything that runs. and has heat, seeing as western NY weather in january is not too warm. not gonna lie, i know nothing about cars. all i’m saying is that if i were lucky enough to have a car, i wouldn’t care if it was an old pickup truck or a minivan, as long as its mine. i mean i like cute cars i suppose…but i’d rather it be cheap and efficient, yknow?
Back in HS when I didn’t know anything about cars, I thought that car looked very nice.
And I use to look at the exterior as a decision factor.Now…the interior is more important to me, the way it looks, how clean I keep it. I don’t care much for the exterior as much.Lexus interiors are so sexy!!
Guilty as charged. Then again, is it so wrong to view my vehicle as an accessory? I don’t have a convertible, but I do have a Mini Cooper. I am, however, pleased to inform you that it is manual (one of my main criteria after sunroof) and has a 6 speed supercharged engine giving it 163 horsepower. And no, I didn’t just look that up. My car looks good, and yes, it’s overprice, but boy is it fun to drive.
lol i feel so bad now.
I got a silver neon for my birthday, and I had to go get new tires on it, and the guy asked me what kind of tires I needed, and the only thing I could respond with was “round ones” ? lol, god, thats pathetic.
BTW i think mini coopers are the ugliest cars next to the hummers and the azetks and the honda box cars.
kthanks.
good entry.
haha, i think i’m one of the very few girls who absolutely hates the beetle and a “cute” car. my dad tried to convince me to get a mini…but i was afraid i would loathe my car when i was in my ‘i hate cute things’ mood. but then i opted for the mini cause of its handling and i figured it would be a good roadster car to take the turns. however, things came up and i ended up getting a black mazda 3 (stickshift, of course). whenever i see a mustang (with a guy or girl) it always makes me sad when i look inside and see its not a stick shift =(
Daavidd: “Haha, silly women, for being such superficial beings.(please do not hurt me. okay okay, it is not true for all.)”
haha, nice.
Good entry by the way! It gave me a good chuckle, it’s a shame that some is true, but my first car, or rather vehicle, is going to be the ol’ dying family van. Good times. 🙂
I have a cam…toyota is da best!
yeah i’ve always wanted a green beetle, ever since i was a kid
Didn’t read through all the comments, but I just wanna mention that the Fiero was originally designed by John Delorean to house a V8. Because of this, many people swap out the 4 or 6 cyl engine for a chevy 350ci small-block V8, instantly turning it into the meanest street car short of a ferarrii. Awesome stuff. Personally though, I think I’ll stick with my ’86 Camaro.
My lady had an Acura Integra and upgraded to a Nissan Pathfinder.., now i cant get her back into the Integra…..the difference between the two is night and day. The Pathfinder has even made her more of an aggressive driver. Anyday now I expect to get into a fight with someone in her defense because she cut someone off or gave them the finger.
BTW. Jettas are and always will be hot chick cars.
nah, I just think you’re all idiots
“these convertibles look like SHOES! It all makes sense now. “HAHAHAAA that is great!you know i think you have some insight on this issue – job well done :)P.S. I CAN DRIVE A STICK – HECK YEAH
Personally, I don’t care what kind of car I have, as long as I know how to make it go where I want to go safely and back. Plus it can’t break down on me.I have a 2005 Chevy Malibu, in white. I love it.I also have a 2007 Nissan Versa in a darker silver. I call it Henry, and I love him.So I’m not sure, are those chick cars to you?
funny but true, I’m driving a Subaru WRX but none of my female friends like it, but all my male friends are impressed. Oh well….
I drive stick, just for the record, and any car I buy WILL be manual transmission.. however, I’m still lusting over something cute and burnt orange.
Me: “My rental car is really fun to drive.”Them: “What kind of car is it?”Me: “I dunno, red.”Now I drive a Dodge Durango.It’s white.
I want a Mini Cooper… so I can chip it and go racing in a sewer!
Add Scion tC to the list. After seeing my friend in hers, I could never ever see myself getting one of those.
Sadly you’re right…
I’m a auto performance mechanic.
-I couldn’t care less about color.
-For me, the meaner and sleaker the better! I want a car that looks like it would dust you by 10 car lengths.
-I HATE CONVERTABLES WITH A PASSION.
and all my friends are boys…I wonder why? =D
“But then as I was looking at photos of these cars, I realized
something… these convertibles look like SHOES! It all makes sense
now. They don’t DRIVE these cars… they WEAR them.”Hilarious! That makes a whole lot of sense to me now 😛 Great entry. A good way to start off my day.
well thank goodness my rdx isn’t on the top 5 “chick” cars. (: have a goooood day
I see your point=D However, call me crazy, I want a car that is more of a muscle. I’m not really sure what that’d be, but I know it’s definetly what I want. Looks wise, I would have to say a jeep.
LOL – I am so laughing, I wanted a used Fiero SOOO bad for my first car….dad wouldn’t let me. So I ended up with a Saturn – i am surprised that isn’t on the list – Saturn’s are totallly chick cars. They even leave a carnation in your car when you take it in for an oil change or tune up. At least they did back then….
(For the sake of saving my cool-factor, I did drive a manual transmission M5 until I had a kid… )
i think girls like the hot cars not the cute cars .because personally i don’t think a gurl would like to drive a fuzzy car .or a car that blows out bubbles in the middle .or plays a meow for a horn .or sprouts out cute things .i don’t think girls would really base a car so much as how cute it is but more on how hot it is because driving the hot cars make them look hot to the boys who love the hot expensive cars .haha .that’s just what i think .
personally .i’d place my money on the new honda accord .or the mazda 6 .or the chev optra . well that’s just me .haha .eye catching post tho .she shoe thingie was funny .
and i agree with the other commenter .i want an orange or yellow car for the exact same reason . 🙂
Hey! Great post! As for myself, I’ve owned 2 of what’s on your list and considered buying two others on your list. Even though I’ve owned a VW (jetta), my parents were the ones that picked it out…so does that still count? It was cheap to them at the time. 2nd, I am now a proud owner of a Mini Cooper S, I bought it for its “brand” as well as its speed. haha…And it’s roomier than it appears to be ^_^. Color wasnt really an issue. Oh oh! It’s also a manual transmission baby! haha…but I agree, most chicks (even myself!) would go for cuteness, but personally, specs overrule cuteness, because in reality, cuteness is just a bonus.
Ha, that was so awesome! I loved it, thank you.
My daughter has a ’79 classic camero, and when the engine had to be replaced, she put in a bigger one…a 350. Guys will stare at her when she drives it, but they seem to have the look of “Why would a girl like you be driving a muscle car?” She is currently in the process of having it restored.
Doesn’t look anything like a shoe, but it certainly can kick some booty!
i rewear my bridesmaid dresses as halloween costumes. does that count?
i’m totally guilty of this. when i bought my last car, cuteness and color were at the top of my list. my car junkie bf kept warning me i wouldn’t be happy with it and boy was he right. i was missing the last C! can you recommend a good convertible? just kidding…(but not really)
hahahha, that’s funny… convertibles.. like shoes.. lol. I wouldn’t really care what I’d drive in. I’d seriously have the guy pick the car. As long as it drives, it’s all fine with me.
Love this post…it’s so true. I’ll admit, originally when I was looking for a car, I wanted one that came in a bright color (think: yellow, green, orange – and not that rusty color). This was more for ease of finding the car amongst the masses than anything else. I also knew that I wanted a manual trans and good gas mileage.
Well, my car is grey (phantom grey to be exact), but it is a manual (and I get 35-40 mpg). I did not know how to drive it when I bought it. I did not test drive it. It had 2 miles on it when I got it. My dad drove it home from the dealership. A year or so later I can drive it (I took it home in a week) and LOVE it. I actually have a hard time driving automatics…there’s just not enough to do!
But I do have a hard time finding my car in a parking lot.
nice.
lol~ interesting analyizes.cant say i personally agree tho. haha, i’ll be driving a motorcycle soon. =D~
p.s: not all girlz are the same. ^.^
Best entry about cars… EVER
Cars are like sunglasses; They serve one basic function, but must do it with sex appeal and style. If everyone chose their car based on getting to point A to B; we’ll all be driving the same boring utilitarian box with 4 wheels. Manual vs. Auto? Forced induction vs. naturally aspirated? Convertible or coupe? Who really cares if it’s an ugly as hell?
Very well-written– despite the fact that I beg to differ. I drive a jeep and I love it. I hate the color of it, but as long as it runs, I deem myself lucky and priviledged.
By the way, the majority of my friends (including myself) know how to drive a stick shift. I learned last month. Eeeeee!
In any case, I love how you wrote your post. Maybe you should write something politically-influenced next time. Depending on your knowledge and the humor/sarcasm in your potential predictions, I believe it would also be a featured post.
Keep it up, man.
~j
I think this stereotype is perpetrated because real women who get real cars don’t talk about it as much as they drive it. stick. shift. forever.
Oh my word, you had me at shoes. So true. Hilarious.
heres to the girls who used to be his number one.the ones who waited all fucking night for him to call,only to check the caller ID/cellphone the next morning and be fucking disappointed.
the ones who made it through that gay break up,dried your own tears
and moved on with your life,only to have him walk back in it months later like nothing ever happened.those who cried
on the first day you talked againbecause you knew exactly where this
phone call was going.the ones who listened
to him say,I only want to be your friend, one day, and the next,listened to him say how much he loves and misses you.we deserve something, and this is ourtribute.
and put on their prettiest everything,only to hear him say that he couldn’t see us today.the ones who never believed itwhen people told us there might be someone else.we just couldn’t believe that he could do this to us again.this is for those great girls,who loved him more than words can say,and took him back no matter what happened last timebecause they couldn’t bear to look back on their lives one dayand wonder “what if”.
i guess im one of em.i want a beige conv. VW new beetle.:x
The Fiero was an awesome base car to start with when doing conversion kits. They’d convert them into baby Ferrari’s. Google “Fiero Ferrari Kit” to get an idea. Anyways, I wonder if she knew about MR2?Jae