Rolling with Vivica Fox

Vivica Fox enjoys svelte, sexy cars just as much as brawny trucks and SUVs. The self-proclaimed car buff relishes a split personality when it comes to the vehicles she drives. “Girls like to show rims and tinted windows, too,” says the actress who has starred in such films as "Independence Day" and "Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2." “It’s an extension of your personality. We’re businesswomen with money and we love luxury cars.”

Some trouble behind the wheel earlier this year hasn’t dampened Vivica’s enthusiasm for cars. Here we get a glimpse into what drives this passion.

ForbesAutos: What cars do you own?

Fox: Right now I have a silver 2007 Cadillac SRX. I used to be car bananas crazy, but right now I’m on the road a lot and they will just sit there. I had a 2006 Range Rover Sport and sold that. I had a 2003 Cadillac Escalade truck and before that I had a Mercedes S500 and an E320. I lease and that’s the beauty of it: you get a new car. I use the valet a lot too.

FA: What is your dream car?

Fox: A Maybach with a driver. My favorite car is a convertible Jaguar XK. It’s a very beautiful, ladylike car.

FA: What was your first car?

Fox: My first car was a 1984 blue Ford Escort. My mom got it for me. My dad and I drove it from Indianapolis to L.A. I was in college and it was brand new. That is how I like my cars.

FA: Do you have any say in what your film and TV characters drive?

Fox: Absolutely. In “Two Can Play that Game,” that was how I got into the Jaguar. They let me pick the color — silver or black. It’s a hot, colorful and sexy, crazy car.

FA: What would you like to see in a car that maybe isn’t out yet?

Fox: A police detector to um, avoid tickets. But I am not talking about that!

FA: What is the most stylish or design-forward car in your opinion?

Fox: The latest BMW, the large one [7 Series]. I think the BMWs are really forward, and they’re so spacious.

FA: What car fits your personality?

Fox: I like to drive sexy, drama, chick cars like the Jaguar XK Convertible or the smaller Bentley [Continental GT]. I like cars with substance to them. That is a little of the man in me. I also like a big truck.

FA: In the movie "Kill Bill" there were some really cool cars. Did you get to drive any and how important were they to the film?

Fox: They were definitely like characters. The Pussywagon was the bitch on wheels. I didn’t get a car in the movie. I was a housewife in a fight scene. I got to be around the Pussywagon though and it was just so cool — yellow with fire. That was cool.

FA: What has it been like for you as a woman to buy a car?

Fox: I am a car buff. I loved my Mercedes. I didn’t love the hardtop roof convertible they tried to sell me. I like my truck, my rims; you get to be above traffic and see everything. I surprise those guys that I’m not really into girl cars. I don’t like small cars.

FA: Was it different buying cars before you were famous?

Fox: Well, now with being famous they try to sell you the most expensive car and with a ton of upgrades that you would never use.

FA: Are you into car racing? NASCAR?

Fox: Absolutely. Jeff Gordon is my favorite. I’ve raced go-karts for charity at the Cadillac Super Bowl Grand Prix [event at the Michigan State Fair Grounds in 2006]. I did OK. I wasn’t great. I don’t have a need for speed. I’m more of a luxury girl.

FA: How often do you drive your cars?

Fox: Every day. I love my car. It’s sensual. I turn on the music and then it’s a frame of mind.

FA: What is your driving music?

Fox: I love Fergie, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Young Jeezy, Mary J. Blige and Beyonce.

FA: Car designers say that your vehicle is the largest thing you'll ever "wear" and that it says something about you. Do you think this is true? If so, what do your vehicles say about you?

Fox: I love the whole “What is she doing in that big old truck?” mentality. I think my car says I am large and in charge. Cars are statements. They are a social status symbol of who and what you have going on. In the hood, it was all about the convertible classic car. But as I get older, I get a little less flaunty with it, it’s about being economical. That’s why I got my Cadillac SRX and especially with the fuel prices. It rides like a jewel and with great mileage. It’s a car you can fix up with a nice tint, rims and also go luxurious with the sound system.

Top Image Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for LMVH