Why Americans think small cars are gay?

[Anonymous]

I am European and now I live in North America. I love driving (when I lived in Europe I did a lot of travel by car), and I love driving small car because they offer more driving speed sensations, they are very nervous and I like those cars. (I used to have a Peugeot 106rallye and after a VW golf Cabriolet mk1). When I had my VW golf Cabrio in Europe I used to be a king and everybody respected my car because this car is very cool and fun (fun is the most important about a car). When a came in North America I was disappointed by the lack of diversity of models, I wanted to buy a modern small car but they are cheap (like the Chevrolet Aveo) or they are too expensive (like the mini cooper). So I had no choices to buy again an old VW golf Cabrio and I was happy until I start to meet people, I don't understand why everybody is making fun of my car? they all say its a girl car (wtf?!?!) or its a gay car (?) most of them don't even know how to drive a manual gear box and they make fun of my car.

So what is wrong with north American people? Why do they hate small car so much?

I don't understand, I had the exact same car in Europe and everybody made some good review.

[Xenophobia]

American Cars are a lot bigger than they need to be. People in America are so fixated on status, that bigger means better? Nope. It's proven to backfire as gas prices continue to rise. Now everyone who owns a hummer, suvs, trucks...is paying loads of money just to fill up the gas tanks. They feel that a bigger car is a sign of elite status, power, and strength. (which is a crock of sh*t). Its an assanine way of thinking...not sure how many of them graduated college...lol

Your car is not a girls car...don't worry what people think. People who make fun of others' cars are living fake lives. We have a lot of elitist snobs in America, who are also very materialistic. They feel they are in competition with everyone including there coworkers, neighbors or even friends. It's sickening.

Remember, these people do not think logically as they live for today and never save money for tomorrow. It's the Young Urban Professional Lifestyle...it's all fake and irresponsible. These people are greedy and they are the reason why our economy is the way it is.

You sound like you live life on a budget and that's great. As long as the car gets you from Point A to Point B...it's a good car. So you'll be better off in the long run.

Most of these Yuppie Punks don't purchase cars...they lease cars and pay monthly to rent the car.

I drive a reliable car that is great on gas...and it has saved me tens of thousands of dollars.

[secondbestkiller]

I agree totally.

[TimePhantom]

I have two reasons why I think your car gets made fun of. One is branding and the associated people with that brand. In the US VW is generally thought to be a female car. It is absolutely unheard of for a man to drive a beetle, and many girls drive jetta's. So in general they are considered "girl cars." Just like you don't see many girls driving lifted trucks, or muscle cars because they are thought to be more masculine cars. The reason is power, the more powerful the car the more manly it is thought to be. That's why men like sports cars, and muscle cars, and trucks. All of these are either very fast or very powerful engines. People's views of cars are very different in the US as opposed to the rest of the world.

[secondbestkiller]

I don't know, but I hate that mentality. People drive these huge gas-guzzling cars as some kind of status symbol but it's so stupid. No one needs a huge Hummer-type car. I mean, jesus christ, the vast majority of those driving it don't need to do any mountain climbing or warding off enemy fire, they're just driving to the mall, or whatever. Typical American excessiveness. Not to mention the sh*tty mile-per-gallon rates big cars get.

Anyway, I like small cars more, and your car is fine.

[Reeses-pieces777]

well it's possibly the guy you're talking to and generally in America, people like bigger cars but then it varies on an individual basis.

I like right now the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 which is in my opinion a hot car and it's fast. haha. There is a lot of nice German cars too...I don't hate small cars, it depends on who you talk to :)

[brebre12]

just because they look weird compared to our cars

and because in america typically the guy is driving the huge hummer and the girl is driving the beetle , so your car prob. looks a little feminine

[Screenwriter]

Stupid Americans think GIANT, power landyachts are masculine. Small, sleek sports cars like the old TR6 or Mazda Miata aren't respected, except by connoisseurs. If it's a highly expensive sports car, like a Tesla, you get respect because you've spent a fortune for it and that is also exemplary of power and masculinity. This is a young country and youngsters deal in stereotypes, whereas grown men deal in quality, not quantity. Big and loud over small and sleek... It's foolish. There's room for all types of cars, styles, etc... Let them call you gay. I bet you get more women riders than they do in their giant, ugly trucks...

[CarlW42]

What about classic muscle cars? They eat imports on a drag strip. Throw 50g under the hood and you get a lambo killer

[blah52]

The cabriolet version is seen as a chick car here in the US, different regions have different perceptions. Just imagine if someone in europe was trying to drive around in a F350, they'd catch a lot of sh*t for that.

[Asker]

Not really, in Europe I've seen many big car (Mercedes, Audi, Bmw, Land Rover, Volvo....). I actually have a friend in Germany who has a Hummer and he have a lot of attention, mostly in the good way because it is original.

[blah52]

I have a friend that lived in the UK and he's mention how the people there think large vehicles in the city are ridiculous. The cars you mentioned are all pretty thin too. I guess it all depends on who your talking to.

[Asker]

Well in very compact city like London, huge car is not always welcome not because they don't like the car but because it is annoying for other driver, it cause traffic, took 2 parking place and they are mostly dangerous for other. If you get out of big city, big car are welcome and a lot of europeen think its cool to see one.

[CarlW42]

Cause it is boome- Ok seriously though. Look at old muscle cars compared to economic options. Loud powerful brutes that can take beatings, vs a car comparable to a roller skate. And status symbol isn't just a reason to by a 4x4. If you live in a swamp or similar places. You need it. Especially in emergences.

[Screenwriter]

Most people driving those 4x4s don't live in swamps or offroad places. Trucks are status, size symbols. You know. They're driving their big penises.

[CarlW42]

@Screenwriter those people confuse me. Im live in the south, so 4x4 is necessary. Also as a comedian put it,
Why is it small car, he's gay. But a big truck means he's a shrimp. Youd think hed have a big truck to haul the monster dong around.
Whats the middle ground then? Are there exceptions? My dad drives a semi for work. Do truckers get a pass then? What about muscle cars? Or regular pickups?

[Screenwriter]

I live in the South too. In a city. No 4by is necessary unless you have to pull a boat. It's a male thing. In a big car, you're a big man... etc... It's not rational...

[CarlW42]

@Screenwriter when I said south i ment off road like texas ranch

[Screenwriter]

OK rural.. Yes you need a truck then... Rational choice.

[Neosporin]

It's a culture thing that I don't particularly agree with