Let’s face it: We buy cars to get noticed. Sure, there’s all that hooey about the environment or utility, and that hogwash about getting a good deal. Whatever. But what really matters is how we look behind the wheel, and who notices. Fact is, cool cars get noticed by the opposite sex, so we’ve put together our Cars that Get the Girl…and Boy list of winners. Consider it the most valuable piece of shopping advice you’ll read in the next five minutes. Disagree? Tell us how we’re wrong.
Page 2Cars that Get the Girl
Throughout history, men have battled for the attention of women. Be it with the roundest wheel or the fastest chariot, guys need to impress. Now, with companies like Dodge designing cars that reek of testosterone, finding that special “man-mobile” is getting easier and easier, and there are even a few that are sure to get the girl.
Page 3BMW Z4
Warning: There is a high likelihood that either you or your prospective lover will think that this is the ugliest car ever made. With its awkward headlights and, let’s just say, unique integrated spoiler, its has been criticized for looking like a demented shark. But, in the event that both of you are eerily attracted to it, and you happen to find yourself in the driver’s seat, you are one lucky man. The car handles exceptionally well, and when equipped with any of its three engines, 2.5, 3.0, M, this Ultimate Driving Machine will move plenty fast.
Page 4Cadillac CTS
Believe it or not, the Caddies still get respect. Even with all of GM’s woes over the past few years, the Cadillac brand has reasserted its reputation of building affordable status mobiles. With its sharp lines and prominent front grill, this car exudes class. In addition, the CTS-V will boast more than 550 horsepower to compete with its German rivals. Any girl that you take for a ride in one of those had better be head over heels. If not, you need a make over.
Page 5Chevrolet Corvette
Forget about the whole mid-life crisis thing. The ‘Vette is about power, power and more power. The 2008 Chevy Corvette boasts the largest engine ever in a standard ‘Vette, as well as the most horsepower. There is also no question that you’ll own one of the fastest and meanest cars wherever you go. No visual modifications are necessary to make this beast look good, because the five spoke stock rims are beautiful and the curving exterior lines give the coupe an extremely clean appearance. Bear in mind that if it “works,” there is no backseat…
Page 6Honda Civic Si
For those trying to appeal to the practical woman with a hidden wild side, the Civic Si is for you. It does the impossible; the Civic Si is cheap, fast, and reliable. A sharp spoiler, new wheels, a free revving engine, and a re-tuned suspension are all exclusive to this model. There’s also 197 horsepower at you’re disposal but the majority of this power is at the top of its powerband. So like your girl, it takes constant coddling to keep the Si right at its sweet spot.
Page 7Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is the biggest, baddest, and downright coolest SUV around. Off-road tires and a lift kit can turn this SUV into an all-American, off-roading, bad ass beast, while 24-in. spinners and splashes of chrome (almost every one of its parts is available in chrome) can create the ideal (sub)urban cruiser. So the type of chick you want to pick up is up to you when it comes to a Hummer, it just depends on how you customize it. I’d suggest getting the girl first, then letting her help you pick out the goodies. Sounds like a good “Let’s go shopping!” compromise, right?
Page 8Land Rover Range Rover
One of the few cars that’s on both lists, the Range Rover turns heads no matter where it goes. Every celebrity has at least three of them, and there is a ridiculously large aftermarket available; from grilles to body kits. Hell, you could probably put a Jacuzzi in the back if you wanted to. Naturally, it looks best riding on 22-in. rims with tinted windows, bumping two 12s in the hatch, but these are also extremely offroad capable. So if you’re not the type to do ‘dinner and a movie,’ you’re free to ‘picnic and a hike."
Page 9Cars that Get the Boy
Auto manufacturers have finally caught on: Cars are no longer just a “guy thing.” Now there are cars designed to appeal directly to females. Cute, luxurious, monstrous, whatever; there are plenty of cars on the market these days that you’ll definitely want to be seen in, and a few of these that you can even appreciate for their capabilities. It may seem shallow, but it’s a reality that appearance matters when trying to find your man. So get a car to impress, and have him come to you!
Page 10Audi TT
If you feel that you have a lot to offer, but you don’t want to flaunt it, you should seriously consider the Audi TT. After the date, your date will not only be impressed with you, but with your vehicular taste as well. This car is no longer just cute and snuggly. This roadster is beautiful inside and out, with subtly aggressive lines and extremely high quality interior materials.
Page 11BMW 3 Series Convertible
If every night you dream of shooting bystanding Abercrombie models stunning looks from behind the wheel of your brand new luxury car, the 3 Series is for you. It’s widely regarded as the benchmark for entry-level luxury sedans, and a base 328i costs around $32,000. Plus the convertible hard top is so cool! That’s a lot of dough, but keep in mind that you get a lot of car for that money.
Page 12Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is without a doubt the most common dream car among girls. Sure, it’s safe and it looks great, but tons of cars fit that description; you definitely don’t see many women clamoring feverishly to get into a CR-V. The bottom line is, nothing shouts “I’m a princess and I know what I’m doing!” better than a Range Rover. The best part about it: who cares what you look like or how “genuine” your personality is? Guys will pay attention solely because of your car, so the whole “How do I get his attention?” issue is solved. Until six months later. When you buy a new car.
Page 13Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been categorized as the ultimate chick car. It’s little, it’s curvy, and it’s a convertible. But attempting to describe a Miata to anyone who hasn’t driven one is absurd. The Miata now boasts a higher quality interior and a more aggressive look than its previous years. But wait…there’s more under that cute exterior. Get one, and while the man may shun it for a bit, it won’t be long until it becomes his weekend track car. You’ll both fall in love, but you may be the only one to admit it.
Page 14Mini Cooper
Who can complain about a small, fuel-efficient car with all the fun parent company BMW can stuff inside? It can fit into parking spots that SUVs can only dream of, and can dart through traffic just as easily. The Cooper also comes with standard fold-down rear seats, so taking road trips with your guy should only be semi-difficult; go for the bigger Clubman and you could even double date. Get a Mini, ditch the club, and show the boys that you’re the type that knows
Page 15VW New Beetle Convertible
This car will also score you a boy that’s worth holding onto. You definitely won’t get any players into this ride; any guy willing to ride with you in a New Beetle is committed. You’ll especially hook up with guys who like to say things like “OMG, it’s SO cute!” This car is the definition of huggable and has always been the mechanical symbol of cute. Decades after its conception, this car is still unmistakable for its bold curvature, and now that it’s topless, what’s not to love?