If you’re like many women, you feel the car you drive says a lot about who you are. Don’t think so? Well, consider this…would you feel more confident in a Yugo or a GMC Yukon SUV? Enough said.

As you begin considering the best car for your life, think about who you really are. Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you prize size? Are you environmentally friendly and seeking the same?

Consider some of these traits in potential car choices. The examples are just a sample of your choices in that type, so check out others online or at a dealer (being clear to the salesperson you’re not ready to sign on the dotted line).

Convertibles

The quintessential chickmobile. After all, who doesn’t love a beautiful summer day with the top down, the wind in your hair and heads turning in your direction? Today’s convertibles are designed with enhanced safety features, so that fear from your parent’s days that a canvas top means danger doesn’t hold much weight today. A few models, like the Pontiac G6, even offer a hard-top convertible option that folds into the rear of the car when in use. Don’t forget your scarf!

Models to look at: Pontiac G6, Volkswagen Eon, Toyota Solara; Chrysler Sebring, Volkswagen Cabrio, Ford Mustang

“Green” Cars

With such inconsistent fuel prices, who wants to put more money into the tank than into the payment each month? Look at other options, like Flex Fuel vehicles and hybrids. Some of these newer car options get double the miles per gallon than a standard-sized SUV, and that can make a big difference to both your pocketbook and the environment.

Models to look at: Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Insight, Lexus RX 400H, Scion xA

SUVs

Some are not exactly kind to the environment, but many carmakers’ research teams are working on it. SUVs serve well for ladies who carry a lot of cargo (work supplies, people, purchases), enjoy the rougher terrain of the outdoors, and who live in an environment that calls for the use of four-wheel drive. Check out the safety features on some of the new models as well as the handy upgrades like back-up cameras. And really, ladies, when it comes down to it – who doesn’t love the feeling of power that comes from sitting up high in a vehicle looking down on those tiny cars around them?

Models to look at: The entire Jeep line (such as Compass, Patriot, Laredo), Hummer H3, Lincoln Navigator, Honda CR-V; New and used: Toyota RAV4, Lexus RX 330, Mitsubishi Outlander

The cuteness factor

There is no denying that, when people see your vehicle, they’ll know a female is behind the wheel. These cars say the driver is a friendly, sweet social butterfly. And driving one is fun, too!

Models to look at (new and used): Volkswagen Cabrio, Beetle and Jetta, Chevrolet Aveo, Scion xA and xB, Mini Cooper

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