ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- More and more Americans are jumping into the driver's seat of an emerging trend -- renting cars to meet specific lifestyle and transportation needs, according to a new survey commissioned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The survey concludes that consumers today place a lot of importance on matching automobiles with special occasions.

For example, Nick Rodi of Pittsburgh, a construction worker with a wife and four children, rents cars and SUVs for weekend family getaways. Ramona Hyde of Long Beach, Calif., rents to treat herself to a new car experience or to test drive a model she's thinking about buying.

According to the survey, titled "Poll of the American Driver," nearly two-thirds of U.S. drivers would rather rent than borrow a vehicle from a friend or neighbor.

When going on a date, 79% of minivan owners, 73% of pickup truck owners, and 70% of mid-size sedan owners say they prefer to drive a car other than the one they own.

When going to a wedding, 83% of pickup truck owners, 74% of minivan owners, and 72% of sports car owners would prefer an automobile other than the one they own.

When going to a high school reunion, 69% of pickup truck owners, 55% of SUV owners, and 52% of sports car owners would prefer to drive a vehicle other than the one they own.

Further, about one-third of those surveyed drive a mid-size sedan as their primary vehicle, yet they rarely cited it as their vehicle of preference for special occasions or fulfilling a need.