Top 10 Cars Driven by Men

The Maybach, both in its ultra-long 57 and even-longer 62 versions, goes from $335,000 to around $425,000 and is a car to be driven in rather than drive. Regardless, our study finds that those behind the wheel of this ultra-exclusive behemoth are almost exclusively men. Both are powered by huge 12-cylinder engines and controlled with features like a pneumatic suspension, so that even when the ride gets fast and rough, your (and your chauffeur's) backside doesn't feel it. The interior is all luxury excess, with features like a huge electro-transparent glass roof (which can be switched from tran ***

As far as Hummers go, this is the biggest, beastliest one out there. This intriguing, utterly macho vehicle finally ceased production of its civilian version (based on the military HUMVEE) in June 2006. (Hummer will continue to produce the military versions.) Only around 400 of them were sold in model years 2004 and 2005. "The thing's a monster ***

The big GL-Class is the more civilized sibling of the rough-and-ready G-Class also on this list. It debuted last year with streamlined styling (for an SUV) that manages to be both burly and luxurious. The GL320 CDI's efficient turbo-diesel makes just 215 hp, but a huge 398 pound-feet of torque. The GL450's V8 makes 335 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque and can haul the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds. Not bad considering it weighs more than 5,200 pounds and can seat seven. The car's placement here shows that some guys aren't just into flashy looks and performance, but are also hauling the k ***

Just because this is a huge, ultra-luxurious sedan does not make it a sensible choice compared to the sports cars on this list. Rolls-Royces have always proudly, eccentrically eschewed practicality. "Cabin space is not particularly well-used and you can find smaller cars that are as roomy," says Imre Molnar, dean of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan weighs more than 5,600 pounds and starts at $340,000. The rear-hinged "suicide doors," almost otherworldly height and boxy lines fly in the face of what's trendy or practical ***

Ferraris are a statement of power and exclusivity. The "value leader" in their street-car department for 2006 was the F430, with a 490-hp V8, which runs about $175,000-$200,000 depending on trim level (coupe or convertible). The 612 Scaglietti is the more gentlemanly (but still blindingly fast, with a 540-hp V12) four-seater, at around $260,000. A third model introduced late last year, the 620-hp 599 GTB Fiorano, is already gathering accolades. As far as performance, Ferraris are legendarily brilliant, which earns them a loyal core of male drivers. ***

The two Lambo choices for 2006 were the Gallardo (coupe or convertible) and the even more expensive Murcielago (also available in coupe or drop-top form). These are flashy race cars for street use ***

Not as brutish as the discontinued H1, the H2 is still more rough-riding truck than genteel SUV, and it's more macho than nearly anything else you'll find on the road. In both regular and SUT versions (with a rear cargo bed), the H2 offers quite a few comforts (a Bose sound system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a leather interior). But the focus here is still a run-you-over personality and robust off-road capabilities, both qualities which have earned the H2 a core group of primarily male drivers. ***

Despite a recent styling refresh and a super-luxurious wood-and-leather interior, the G-Class is still the manliest Mercedes-Benz of all. It was created for serious off-road use (military outfits use it around the globe) and the vehicle still exhibits the blocky lines of the durable, bulky model that debuted for civilian service in 1979. The top-level G55 AMG is the most luxurious and the fastest version, with a supercharged AMG V8 engine making 493 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. Time-tested rather than trendy, the G-Class is about as attention-commanding a vehicle as you can get. ***

Based on GM of Australia's Holden Monaro, the GTO (reintroduced in the U.S. in late 2003) doesn't have cutting-edge styling or even old-school burly good looks ***

Perhaps largely due to the fact that American buyers weren't quite ready for a $100,000 Volkswagen, the Phaeton was yanked from North America after the 2006 model year. What's interesting about it being on this list is that, unlike every other vehicle here, this sedan is utterly un-flashy. No one can argue the exclusivity factor, though, and the fact that the Phaeton is basically an Audi A8 with different styling lends it a certain clout to those in the know. ***