Women love muscle cars, too
By Jason Buckland, Sympatico / MSN Finance
After reading the above title in the Toronto Star, it’s very tough not to make jokes about buzz cuts, hiking boots and plaid vests.
But really, as a still-terribly chauvinistic society, what do we think of when we discuss women and cars? This comes to mind. So does this. And this.
Yet despite what that last example would have you believe, this ain’t 1991 anymore. Cultural ideals to women and cars have shifted, and maybe more than you think.
The Star reports females have even been flocking to new muscle cars – like the resurrected Chevy Camaro – where only their male counterparts did before.
Indeed, while wheels like the Camaro used to be reserved exclusively for guys with Joe Dirt mullets and an affinity for Wildcat and breathtaking leather, new data supports the notion those stereotypes are unravelling.
According to the Star, women now account for an impressive one in five sales of the 2010 Camaro.
That may not sound like much, but in terms of sheer volume, it’s actually noteworthy. The Star says the Camaro has become a “good news event” for GM, selling “so briskly that the company has stepped up … production in (its manufacturing plant in) Oshawa” as a result.
And while news of anyone buying any car these days is fit to print, this trend certainly makes you want to dig for more.
But look a bit further and it’s not so puzzling. For starters, muscle cars – on the level of mass consumerist appeal – have come a long way.
Improved comfort, handling and style have, by all accounts, taken the Camaro from a car with niche appeal to widespread desire.
Plus, women will tell you they’re much smarter than men. So by that logic, that should mean any muscle car purchase by a woman was rooted in savvy economic research and sound, reasoned decision-making, right?
“It’s gorgeous,” new Camaro owner Roxanne White tells the Star. “It’s sexy and fast. I certainly get the looks.”
Um, right?
Posted by: The sad thing | Aug 22, 2021 4:05:13 PM
The sad thing is that with all the enviroment nazis out there, muscle cars will soon be a thing of the past while we all drive 'eco' cars that can barely go 60 mph. But the greenies will feel good about themselves and that's all that matters. Environmentalism is the new religion, to replace Christianity. After all, godless liberals need something to fill the meaningless void in their lives. http://www.chimpout.com/forum gives a good run down. Muscle cars are just simple pressure of many that greenies want to target. Meat and fast food are others. The list is endless though.
Posted by: Stephen | Aug 24, 2021 8:04:41 AM
Totally predictable. Cars serve two purposes:
1) Safe, secure, reliable transportation.
2) Style (cars are glorified clothing) good looking cars are like good looking clothing.
If the big 3 can have a higher turnover of attractive cars their fortunes will return
Posted by: Nancy | Aug 24, 2021 4:13:48 PM
In 1971 I became the owner of a brand new Datsun (Nissan) 240Z. It was very sporty, very hot, very fast and very orange. It also got good gas mileage. It was of course a standard and I was one of only a few "girls" (if not the only one in Ontario) with such a car. It was awesome and I had an awesome time in it............... My youngest daughter now has a 350Z......... and she lets me drive it when I am there.................. Who says it is not genetic.....??
Posted by: Chris | Aug 24, 2021 4:53:23 PM
This story isn't news. The Camaro has been called by people within GM "the receptionists car" for MANY years. It's not just the latest model to appeal to women. The Mustang has also long attracted MANY female buyers throughout the models lifespan as did the late Firebird.
Posted by: Ron | Aug 24, 2021 5:20:04 PM
The Camaro, Firebirds, Chargers, GTO's, have all come and gone, and now are here again except the Firebird and GTO. The Mustang has been here forever and will be, long after the others have left again. And oh yes, those rice cookers, you can have them. Give me a Mustang any day, expecially those Shelby Cobra's.
Posted by: Steve | Aug 26, 2021 11:56:19 PM
I just bought a Mini Cooper S, it's Light, FAST and has great GAS Mileage, and TODAY they are 50 Years OLD....so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MINI. Costs as much as a 370Z. It's a CAR you want, not need,. One more thing, I promised a GM service manager, 16 cars ago, that for the rest of my life, I'd NEVER BUY another GM.....and 16 NEW CARS later....NO GM eventought I had 2 Camaro Z-28's prior to my HATE GM 4EVER statement. GO MINI, try them, you'll fall in LOVE with Driving anywhere for no reason.
Posted by: Rudy | Aug 28, 2021 10:02:45 PM
Steve, I hope you got an extra TRANSMISSION for that MINI because you will be needing one soon, If you don't believe me just do the research yourself !!
Posted by: Ro | Aug 30, 2021 4:28:09 PM
Oh please, I have owned more Camaro's and Vette's in my lifetime than most males. It either appeals to you or it doesn't. Dr. Rallo
Posted by: 8472 | Dec 11, 2021 12:42:27 AM
I love muscle cars more than anyone I've ever met. I wouldn't trade my 1978 Camaro for anything. And I can drive just as well as, if not better than, any car guy in the local car club.
Posted by: Tyra Shortino | Feb 16, 2022 12:20:14 PM
They may love muscle cars, but the models they want would definitely be different from each other! The Chevy Camaro is a popular choice, and it certainly looks good along with a beautiful girl! This diversity in the automobile market is making way for more competition, and that's certainly good news for consumers!