Celebrity Cars: From Custom Cars to Eco-Friendly Hybrids

We look to celebrities to set the trends in a lot of things. Some people look to celebrities to figure out who to vote for, others look to celebrities to learn what fashions to wear, and there is even a group of people who look to celebrities to determine what the hottest vehicles on the road are. If you enjoy cars and celebrities, then you'll love this.

Eco-Friendly Celebrity Car Trends

The recent interest in the environment and global warming has led many celebrities to buy hybrid cars instead of high end luxury vehicles. These purchases undoubtedly are being used as both a political statement, as well as a personal choice based on a dedication to preserving the environment. Julie Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Daryl Hannah Leonardo DiCaprio, David Duchovny, Arianna Huffington and Billy Joel all own and drive hybrids. The Toyota Prius, an affordable $23,305, is a top choice among earth conscious celebrities.

Classic Cars

If you enjoy classic cars then you are in good company. Many of Hollywood's heavy hitters are the owners and collectors of classic cars. Celebrities like Harrison Ford, hulk Hogan, Adam Sandler, Eminem, Nicolas Cage and Ken Griffey, Jr. all enjoy their classic cars. For the kings of classic car purchases you will want to look at the collections owned by Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld.

High Ticket Vehicles

Cars are used by many celebrities as a status symbol. The more a car costs, the bigger a statement the celebrity is able to make about their celebrity status. Just look at some of these purchases: Brittney Spear's SLR McLarem Mercedes Benz cost about $450,000, Paris Hilton's Bentley cost about $170,000, Madonna's Maybach cost about $335,250, Shaquille O'Neals Rolls Royce Phantom cost about $328,750 and Lindsay Lohan's Mercedes SL65 AMG cost about $185,000.

Size and Strength

SUVs and pickup trucks are other favorite vehicles for celebrities. The Range Rover is a particular favorite among Hollywood elites like Robin Williams, Chris Evert, Sean Connery and Charlize Theron. If you are in to trucks, then you will want to look at the Cadellac Escalade EXT that Anna Kournikova drives.

Custom Cars

The final category of celebrity cars is the custom car. A lot of celebrities customize their cars. They do this because they want to add special features to their vehicles, because they want a one-of-a-kind vehicle and because they can. Customization can range from anywhere from building a home entertainment system into the car's design to installing a hot tub and mobile party area in the back of a limousine. Custom RVs and trailers are also popular. This customization project allows a star to take their home on the road when they are on location or shooting in the back lots of Hollywood.

The celebrities that own custom cars include: Ben Afflect, Liz Taylor, Charlie Sheen, Cher, Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Fonda, Will Smith and Sylvester Stallone.

Celebrity Car Trends

Celebrity car choices are based on several factors. First of all they are made to show the world that they have made it as a celebrity. Usually one of the first big purchases that a celebrity makes once they hit the big time is an expensive or sporty car. I guess this is how most people would respond after getting their first million dollar paycheck. However, not all car purchases are made to show off. Some purchases are made because the celebrity simply likes the car's design or because they are interested in making a political statement. What ever the reason is behind their car purchases celebrities really know how to drive in style and the rest of us can at least enjoy watching them drive by.