Life in
Drive

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 XKConvertible 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.