I want to discuss how the sexes shop in such different ways when it comes to purchasing a car. I really think this has a direct connection between what features we consider when buying. What cars fit the mold for both in my book? Which ones are opposite extremes? Let's discuss!

Men dig big trucks whereas women are in love with cute cars like VW Bugs. Yes, these are generalizations but then again so is our society, right? As many of us that contradict the stereotypes of the world, there are ten to replace us as the ones that establish the generalizations in the first place.

Guys and fast cars, a common combination

Let me list off some of the common interests of men in new car buying. Men shop by two categories; big or fast. Can I really sum it up like that? Yes! There are guys who buy a truck rather to suit an active lifestyle of surfing, camping, dirt biking or for the work site and such. If he's not driving a truck, he's probably driving something with power and/or performance. These cars might be anything from a BMW, Benz and Acura to an Evo, 350z or Vette. How many guys do you know (excluding Dad's) that drive a simple sedan or maybe a neat little Volvo wagon?

The sweet Volvo S60 R

Now we move on to the ladies. Women shop wisely when it comes to a car. The top of the list is safety, comfort and features. I know women that buy Volvo's simply because they have a long standing reputation for safety. Others I have met purchased a vehicle because it had heated seats, navigation or seat anchors for future baby seats. These rules cross all brands but some popular styles are: any oversized SUV, any kind of wagon and of course the common sedan.

Do vehicles exist that cater to both sides? Yes, I believe such companies as BMW, Mercedes and Chrysler do excellent at bringing both performance, power and safety to the table. Even I would take an R type Volvo home as a great all-around auto for the family. Another "meet in the middle" style is the ever popular cross-over makes like the hot new Ford Edge. Either way, it's all good. Buy it if you like it and drive it like it's hot.