Better to be in an Aztek than looking at one, especially when survey results show that more people who have been intimate in a car, did so in a Pontiac.

Passion can strike anywhere, and the automobile has often provided a quick and easy refuge for lovers, as so many Hollywood films have reminded us. But fantasy does reflect reality in this instance, a new survey of nearly 3,000 American adults revealing that nearly three out of five have had at least one intimate encounter inside a car.

But the brand of choice, it turns out, will no longer be around to give shelter to lovers, General Motors dropping the much-favored Pontiac after its emergence from bankruptcy five years ago, noted shopping site CouponCodesPro.com, which conducted the survey after experiencing a surge in demand for adult toys and lingerie.

“Don’t Bother Knocking (If This Van’s Rocking)” was the name of a popular album by group Fu Manchu, picking up on an even more popular bumper sticker. For some, cars serve as mobile motel rooms, while for others to fill in when a more comfortable bedroom isn’t available, various studies have suggested.

Whatever the reason, the CouponCodesPro survey of 2,938 Americans found that 59% admitted getting naughty, whether behind the wheel or in the back seat.

“We didn’t realize just how popular sex in a car is and couldn’t believe how many had lost their virginity in a car,” said spokesman George Charles.

Asked why they turned their car into a temporary love nest, 31% responded that, “it wasn’t planned, it just happened.” Another 26% said they intentionally “wanted to do something a little bit risky,” while 22% answered that “it had to be the car (because they) couldn’t have sex at home.”

While for some, it was a one-time experience, others found themselves offered the opportunity more than once. Asked where their romantic tete a tetes occurred – and given the opportunity to list multiple answers – 46% said a parking lot, another 31% opting for a more romantic “viewpoint.” Still others apparently just couldn’t wait to get inside, admitting the moment of passion occurred in a driveway.

(The 14 Worst Cars of the Decade. For more, Click Here.)

The survey also asked which cars were most popular among the lovers, and the five most popular were:

• The new abandoned Pontiac, at 11%, was far and away a favorite;
• And Toyota, whose top managers have been talking about putting more “passion” in the brand might be surprised to know they were second on the list, at 9%;
• Ford came in third, so to speak, at 7%;
• Chevrolet, the everyman’s (or woman’s) car, was named by 6%; while
• Honda rounded out the list at 5%.

“Those who’ve just started dating someone with a Pontiac or Toyota could well be in for an exciting love life!” suggested Charles.

(Click Here for details on Fiat shareholders approving merger with Chrysler.)

While those brands might lead the list because they also are among the most common products on the streets, another website, AskMen.com, decided to look at what sort of wheels its editors would hope to have on hand for a passionate ride. The list was topped by the roomy and luxurious Bentley Flying Spur, followed by – somewhat surprisingly – the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI and the Mustang Convertible.

(To see how U.S. automakers performed in July, Click Here.)

But as lovers often realize, when the mood strikes, just about anything – or any place – will do as long as it’s nearby.