http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll...WS08/412180301
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Cabrios. VW Beetles. Mazda Miatas. PT Cruisers. Mini Coopers. They've all attained the reputation of being chick cars.
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Which brings us back to the Mini Cooper.
The modern remake of the classic British road-rally car has all the makings of a fem-mobile. It is small. It is darling and it has soft, friendly edges instead of sharp, aggressive angles.
But both the manufacturer and sports car enthusiasts have been fighting mightily to keep the Mini from swerving into the chick-car category.
It's no mistake that the new Mini played a starring role in the 2003 action flick The Italian Job, and that Matt Damon charged through Paris in a vintage Mini in The Bourne Identity.
"Is the Mini Cooper a chick car? No," insisted Andrew Cutler, communications manager for Mini U.S.A. He said that 60 percent of Mini Coopers are purchased by men, but he did not know how many bought the cars for their wives or daughters.
"Some people think small equals chick, but if you look at the wide stance of the Mini there's a toughness," Mr. Cutler continued. "It's akin to a British bulldog ... It's like some mild-mannered guy who on his off-hours is a superhero."
Car enthusiasts are similarly divided over the PT Cruiser.
"Is it a chick car, or a guy car?" Mr. Vasilash mused. "When it comes to the Cruiser, that question is still out there."