Beep! Beep! What’s Up With Hot People In Movies and Jeeps?
My 2005 Ford Focus and I would like a word.


It's a tale as old as time: Conventionally attractive people in movies doing their thing, blissfully ignorant to the laws and rules that normal people must follow. Wearing a weird outfit? Don't worry—someone will pay for your makeover that would make Tan France in Queer Eye look like an amateur. Never seen studying? No sweat—you'll still get into Yale...with a scholarship. (God really does have favorites.) And no matter what? You'll probably drive a Jeep Wrangler.
First thing first, have it on record. I have nothing against a car that honestly deserved an Oscar nomination for its supporting role in Jurassic Park. It's just that, logistically, there is no way everyone was able to beep bop around their coastal town (somehow a body of water was always nearby?) and not be expected to get booked on a criminal charge against, um, being a teenager.
Most people's first cars were of the hand-me-down variety, or from the dynasty of Mr. Henry Ford. I had both of these. My 2005 Ford Focus and I went everywhere together. And since I was a dramatic and ungrateful 16-year-old, I named it Kevin after the oldest Jonas brother, because while I did like Kevin, he was not my OTP. Why the harsh criticism, you may be asking? Because I wanted a Jeep so bad.
I'd seen my childhood crushes, from Sean Faris' character Steve in Sleepover to Jake McDorman as Raymond in Aquamarine, zoom around town, windows down, breaking hearts (read: mine) and taking names. Even style icons like Cher in Clueless made a car known for its talents in off-roading become the most expensive accessory to have that wasn't the latest It bag. Demi Moore's Jules in St. Elmo's Fire even drove one as a post-grad from Georgetown, which now makes me ask: Student loans, who?!
Hot people and cars without doors are the bread and butter of coming-of-age tales, and while there are some exceptions outside of this age bracket—like Nicholas Parker in The Parent Trap or Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls—most of the time, our favorite teen heartthrobs weren't in the driver's seat unless it was in a Jeep. In the name of hot people history, I had to find whether this was a coincidence or something a bunch of Hollywood executives got together and decided on.
She’s All That (1999)
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Related Stories
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Bianca Rodriguez is the Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.
-
What to Know About the Cast of 'Adolescence,' Netflix's Must-Watch Family Drama About a Shocking Crime
A newcomer leads the gripping yet heartbreaking British miniseries.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
This Royal Was Once Asked to Become King of a Small European Country and Refused
It's giving Hallmark movie plot.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Could be Getting a New Title Very Soon Following Exciting News
The Prince of Wales would be taking on a very important role.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the 2025 Oscars With a Showstopping 'Wicked' Performance
The awards show began with a medley of songs inspired by the Best Picture-nominated film and adaptations of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Cazzie David Spent Five Years Fighting to Make an "Anti-Rom-Com" About Emotional Abuse
The writer/actress opens up about how she found catharsis after a breakup by making 'I Love You Forever.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How 'Companion' Turned Sophie Thatcher Into the "Perfect Girlfriend"
The film’s creative team breaks down turning the star’s robot character into the \201cperfect girlfriend.\201d
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Children of Blood and Bone' Movie: Everything We Know About the Cast and Release Date
You won't believe how many A-listers have joined the cast of this book-to-screen adaptation.
By Quinci LeGardye Published