Stage 1: Young and single. Forget backseat
legroom and trunk space--a man on the prowl needs a
car that attracts attention without cutting too deeply
into the clothing budget.
2008 Volvo C30 Small, agile, and starting well
under $25,000, the C30 has groovy good looks and nearly
infinite color/trim/option combinations that
practically guarantee no two neighborhood cars will be
quite the same.
Jeep Wrangler Just the right blend of hip
styling and butchness.
Infiniti G37 Coupe Warning: You might have to
eat ramen noodles to swing the payments, but it's
worth it.
Stage 2: All work and some play. Sure, you
clock in 70-plus hours a week at work, but the view from
that corner office is mighty nice. Reward yourself
with a car that makes the valet drool.
2008 Cadillac CTS Nothing says success quite
like a Caddy. The beautifully sculpted CTS sedan is midsize,
so you won't feel like a Mafia boss, but
outfitted with a roomier cabin than its European
rivals. The heated power seats make it feel like
you're driving an easy chair.
Lincoln MKX Opt for the Vista glass moonroof to
bring the outdoors inside.
Volkswagen Passat Two-liter turbo engine, 32 mpg.
Stage 3: Married without benefits. No matter
what DOMA says, if you share a mortgage and a cocker
spaniel, you're hitched. Whether you need room
for garden mulch or a car seat, don't sacrifice
charisma for capability.
2008 Subaru Tribeca Long hailed for its
dependability and quirky styling, Subaru rolls out its
largest family vehicle to date, with optional seating
for seven, a powerful new V6 engine, and plenty of
electronic toys to keep the munchkins happy.
Mercedes-Benz GL An SUV big enough to seat
seven, yet nearly identical in width to the smaller ML.
Land Rover Range Rover An instantly
recognizable silhouette with an opulent interior and
abundant cargo room.
Stage 4: The golden years. Now's the perfect
time to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself to
something sinful. After all, there's an upside
to retirement beyond the senior citizens'
discount at the movies.
Audi S5/A5 Audi's latest work of art is a
gift to drivers and, if they're lucky, a passenger or
two. The first true four-passenger coupe offered by
Audi in nearly 15 years, the rocket-fast S5 lands in
showrooms this fall. Those on a budget can hold out for the
A5 in the spring.
Jaguar XKÂ Convertible Retract the convertible top and
drink in equal servings of vitamin D and admiration.
Lexus LS 600h L Starting at $104,000, the Lexus
hybrid is a low-emission speed demon with a slightly green
hue.