Have you ever heard someone refer to a car as a “chick car?” I always find that language hilarious, because what characteristics make a car a “chick car?” Although I wouldn’t hesitate to dump a can of tacky pink paint on an old Dodge Challenger, it’s not like these cars have flower appliques or come with matching handbags. However, that’s what the ridiculous moniker “chick car” seems to imply.

That phrase got me curious, though – what kind of cars do we women buy when we’re in the market for a new car? Does our gender affect the choices that we make when deciding between style and substance? After a little research, this is what I found:

• Versatile – If you check out the LA Times’ profile of the top 9 cars women buy more than men, you’ll notice something about them – most are pretty spacious. Spacious as in buckle up all 3 kids, or pull down the seats and fit your guitars in the back on the way to a gig, because if there’s one thing women understand, it’s the importance of multitasking and being versatile.

• Handsome – Let’s be honest – looks matter. Especially to women, who gravitate toward “highly-evolved design,” according to a transportation design expert. Um, obviously. Because, like a fierce pair of heels, cars should turn heads, and they should say something about the person driving them. Something like “I AM ONE SMOKING HOT PAPAYA!” Which is why it makes sense that the saucy BMW Z4 heads up the list of top luxury vehicles that women buy.

• Efficient – We’re not just talking gas mileage here, although that happen to also rank pretty high on the “want” list for women. Apparently, women value power accompanied by practicality (like great gas mileage), and don’t see the point in having a car strictly as an image enhancer. I guess that’s why you don’t see a lot of women behind the wheel of a yellow Hummer, just sayin’.

Of course, these aren’t the only qualities that women look for in a partne…I mean, a car, but it does give you a broad sketch of what matters to women buying cars (marketers, take note!) I find it interesting that Volkswagen holds the top 2 spots in the LA Times article, because the brand seems to embody the dapper efficiency that female drivers like. Not to mention they’re affordable and well-made, like your favorite pair of jeans for the road.

What do you think? Did the estrogen in your lady brain play a big role in your last new car purchase?