Using the term “frustrating” to describe the vehicle-buying experience is probably universal. Sitting through the sales pitch, learning what the smooth-talking salesman thinks you need and then deciding on all of those warranty options can exhaust the best of us.
But there are a few basic things most consumers want to know—how fuel efficient is the vehicle I’m considering and is it worth that price on the sticker. Thanks to the Internet, finding out details on specific models is much easier than researching those old blue books. But it also provides more insight into the companies and vehicles themselves.
Most automakers are supportive of LGBT communities and families. The big three—Ford, Chevy and Chrysler all offer domestic partner benefits to their employees. Many companies are sponsors of LGBT pride celebrations around the country and have policies in place that ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
However, there are a few out there that aren’t as supportive. So in an effort to be helpful—and provide a little bit of fun entertainment—we’ve searched the web and visited sites like source FuelEconomy.gov, GayWheels.com and Motor Trend Magazine to compile some informative lists surrounding the auto industry.
Motor Trend’s best car for the gay professional
The Audi A4 makes its Motor Trend Top Gay Car list debut as the best ride for the gay 9-to-5er. Audi taunts its latest generation A4 as a “paradigm for luxury and performance.” Good thing, the mag says, because today’s gay man needs a car that matches his impeccable work performance, style and reliability. The 2.0-liter turbo-charged four cylinder, lightweight steel body/chassis, superior exterior styling, and toy chest full of safety and interior comfort features makes the 2009 Audi A4 the ideal travel companion for the gay professional who works hard and plays hard.
Best vehicle for the new gay family
Thousands of gay couples around the country are getting hitched thanks to a handful of states recognizing same-sex marriages. As with all matrimonial bliss, reality soon sets in with the need for a bigger vehicle to haul those pets and maybe even kids. The new gay family needs a few extra cubic feet for the designer strollers and dog carriers, but we’re not exactly minivan material. Fortunately, we have the sexy, yet sophisticated, 2009 Infiniti FX. According to Motor Trend, The 7-speed automatic transmission saves fuel, intelligent all-wheel-drive and low profile performance tires add an element of safety, and the optional 390-hp 5.0-liter V8 or standard 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 boast impressive performance for our new model families.
Did you know?
If you have a TomTom GPS device you can download alternative voices to replace that polite, but dry default voice on the system? The company has teamed with several media companies and offers samplings of celebrity and character voices on its website. Its newest offering is Homer Simpson, who applauds your successful arrival and offers his signature “Do’h” at every wrong turn.
Top alternative modes of transportation
- Smart Car
- Segway
- Bicycle
- Golf cart
- Vespa
Most fuel-efficient Trucks
- Ford Ranger 2wd Pickup and Mazda B2300 2wd
- Chevy Silverado 15 Hybrid
- GMC Sierra 15 Hybrid 2wd
- Dodge Dakota Pickup 2wd and Mitsubishi Raider 2wd
Least fuel-efficient trucks/SUVs by class
- Ford Ranger 4wd and Mazda B400 4wd
- Nissan Titan 4wd
- Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD
5 Least Fuel Efficient cars
- Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
- Bentley Azure
- Ferrari 6512 Scaglietti
- Aston Martin DB9
- Bentley Continental GTC
Most fuel efficient SUVs
- Ford Escape Hybrid FWD
- Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2wd
- Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD
- Jeep Compass 2wd
- Jeep Patriot 2wd
Most researched cars by LGBTs in 2009
- VW Rabbit
- Audi R8
- VW Eos
- VW Jetta
- Volvo C30
5 Most fuel-efficient cars
- Toyota Prius Hybrid
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Smart Car
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Mini Cooper
- Nissan Versa
Auto makers that don’t offer domestic partnership benefits to employees
- Acura
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Suzuki
Greenest Cars of 2009
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Civic CNG
- Nissan Altima Hybrid
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Honda Civic CNG
