What is a "Guy Car?" By Brenda Williams At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Automobile manufacturers have long known that people tend to identify with their cars. The car is an extension of the person – an integral part of their persona and manufacturers take advantage of this in promoting their cars. And somewhere along the line, the engine power became synonymous with a feeling of personal power. And a car became an object of self-esteem.

Then in the 1990's cars suddenly were categorized as "guy cars" or “chick cars." So what determines a "guy car"? A guy car is a little easier to define than a "chick car" which leaves much to the imagination. The various blogs that tackle this subject seem to be more specific regarding "guy cars" than "chick cars."

Most interested parties agree that power is an important part of a "guy car" which means the engine should definitely be a V-8 over 400 cubic inches. In other words, if you drive a car with double the horsepower needed it sends the message, "manly."

Another "guy car" characteristic is the ratio of the length of the hood to the length of the cab. A large hood to cab ratio is considered 'male.' Some specify that the hood should be over five feet long. In addition, the car should be a rear wheel drive.

Color also comes into play. Black is masculine. For instance, a VW is considered to be definitely a "chick car" (female) unless it is black in which case it is instantly transformed to a "guy car."

Another characteristic of a "guy car" is to have a TV show or movie built entirely around it. An example is Burt Reynolds TransAm. One might wonder at this criterion however since the star of all the "Herby" movies is a VW, which is supposed to be a "chick car."

Another amusing definition is "Any car that has been refinished with sufficient dents, missing parts, rust, bondo, and primer paint so that it can only be identified from five feet away in direct sunlight can be considered a guy car."

And then there is the statement, "Anything that has parts from more than one manufacturer."

And ethnic characteristics come into play. While most Japanese cars are "chick cars", most British cars are "guy cars."

If the car is uncomfortable, it must be male. It is also male if it has no baby seat. Pick-ups are in the male gender category since they won't transport kids but will haul lumber. But they mustn't be shiny or they lose points.

Some American examples of "guy cars" are the Ford F-350 super cab diesel, the Ford Probe, the Dodge Ram, any full sized pickup truck, the Ford Mustang hardtop with the V-8 engine, The Fiat and the Mercedes 500 series.

The Fiat was included in this very unofficial rating due to its lack of comfort. The Mercedes made the list because of its high price. Although there might be some scientific basis for this conclusion as statistics do show that men are more likely than women to purchase high priced autos. However, these figures are based on registration records. And the person who registers the car may not always be the one who drives it.

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