The Cultured Girl

The fact that I don’t own a car has done little to dampen my enthusiasm for road trips. In fact, always renting or car-sharing means getting to test a wide variety of models, from PT Cruisers to Scion xBs. Now, a number of car-rental companies are offering a choice of fun and fashionable cars alongside their usual Dodge Neons and Ford Tauruses.

First, there’s Avis Cool Cars, which includes Ford Mustang and Chrysler Sebring convertibles, plus luxury models like the Cadillac CTS and Volvo S60. (Please, just don’t get the Hummer.) Hertz just launched a similar line, called the Fun Collection, offering kickass models like the Nissan 350Z and the Chevy HHR. And thought Enterprise doesn’t have a special cool car division, it rents a number of Mercedes and BMW models, including the Mini Cooper, in various markets. Obviously, the nicer cars often cost more, but rental prices can also vary wildly depending on demand. It could be a great way to spice up your next road trip.