click on image
6. BMW Z4
60.31 percent female drivers*
Starting price: $36,400
The two-seat BMW Z4 is the only vehicle to make both this ranking and the one limited to luxury vehicles, where it took first place. It's not particularly practical, but it sure is sexy. Design expert Molnar says its form is "very feminine," with soft curves and complex shapes.
The Z4 is BMW's smallest offering. It comes as a convertible or a coupe with a choice of three engines, even the least powerful of which offers heart-pounding performance. The interior is well thought out and comfortable for a vehicle of this size.
8. Mazda CX-7
60.19 percent female drivers*
Starting price: $24,400
The sleek and versatile Mazda CX-7 looks like a pumped-up station wagon, with a sophisticated design that isn't overly aggressive. Women prefer vehicles with softer curves and shapes, says Imre Molnar, dean of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Mazda bills the CX-7 as a crossover utility vehicle with the soul of a sports car. There's truth to that, thanks to its peppy turbocharged engine and nimble driving dynamics. Once top priorities of safety, value and practicality are covered, many women tend to go for something fun, and Mazda's "Zoom, Zoom" image is all about that.
60.18 percent female drivers*
Starting price: $17,025
At first glance, the Tiburon appears to be an aggressively styled sport coupe that a teenage boy would want to drive. But curiously, the Tiburon appeals to more women than men. The reason could be that men are more likely than women to buy cars for the status they impart. In that regard, there are other coupes with higher clout than the Tiburon.
Also, Hyundai's vehicles are known for their value, which is a trait women tend to prize more than men. To that end, Hyundai has one of the best warranties in the business, reaching up to 10 years or 100,000 miles for powertrain components.
1. Honda Fit
80.46 percent female drivers*
Starting price: $13,950
The diminutive Honda Fit, like other small vehicles on this list, offers a versatile interior that is practically cavernous for a car its size. Unique rear seats not only fold forward to expand trunk space, but their lower seat cushions can also be raised to create floor-to-ceiling cargo space.
Factor in its high fuel economy, impressive safety scores, low price and Honda's sterling reputation for reliability, and the Fit becomes irresistible to practical-minded buyers.
2. Kia Spectra
66.48 percent female drivers*
Starting price: $13,520
Available either as a sedan or five-door hatchback, the Korean-built Kia Spectra is an especially good value when you consider the standard-equipment list. It has safety and convenience features that specifically appeal to women and that aren't always included on cars in its price range.
For instance, side-impact and head-protecting airbags as well as keyless entry are standard on the Spectra. Good crash-test results are another plus, along with a warranty that provides powertrain coverage for up to 10 years.
