Four Sports Cars that Women Want for Themselves

While taste is ultimately an individual characteristic, there are some sports cars that are particularly appealing to women. Not to ride in with their boyfriend, but to own. Often, these are cars that are slightly out of the mainstream and that would be classified as "cute." The stereotypical "chick wagon" is small, cute, and there's a better than even chance it's a convertible. Here are a few examples of sports cars women want.

1. Mazda Miata. This cutie has been around a while, but that's because it's a classic. Starting at around $21,000, the Mazda MX5 Miata offers a 2 liter, dual overhead cam 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with rear wheel drive. Transmission options include the manual 5-speed and the manual 6-speed. It is a lightweight roadster with smart handling, the option of a power retractable hard top or standard soft top. It has also made Car and Driver magazine's 10 Best Cars list for nine years in a row. What's not to like?

2. BMW Z4 Roadster. These won't be available until May in Europe, and later in the U.S. BMW estimates the price of these models to be in the mid 40,000s. It comes with a retractable hardtop and optional twin-turbo inline 6. The 6-speed manual short throw transmission comes standard, but you can also get an sDrive30i with a 6-speed automatic. It's rumored to have more storage cubbies than older models.

3. Mini Cooper. Described as having a wide, bulldog stance, the Mini may be more like a pug, because of its petite size. The Cooper Convertible features a 3-in-1 soft top roof that even has its own powered sunroof. People didn't quite know what to make of the Mini when it first arrived on the scene in 1959. Suffice it to say that it has more than won over any skeptics with its great looks and great handling.

4. Volkswagen Beetle. Starting at around $18,000, the Beetle is one of the most beloved cars ever. The 09 models feature a 2.5 liter in-line 5 cylinder engine with 150 horsepower. The top speed for the manual transmission model is rated at 126 mph. But if you go with the automatic, be prepared to sacrifice 1 mph: its top speed is "only" 125 mph. Why do women love the Beetle? Why not? It's cute, distinctive, and you can fit more than two people in it. Practicality + Cute = Awesomeness.

Of course, these are just generalizations. There are men who love these cars, and there are women who don't. But these four are good bets. You know, if you happen to want to surprise a certain woman in your life with a new car or something.