Culture separates Lyft from the rest. The pink mustache to me serves two functions: 1) it represents that culture that runs very deep and 2) it helps you ID a Lyft car in a fun, non-threatening way.

I use Lyft quite a bit, all of the drivers are great, friendly and people I don't mind spending 5-15 minutes with. It feels like getting into a car with a friend and is completely safe.

I'm the complete opposite - I find the mustache extremely gaudy and is the main reason why I prefer Sidecar/UberX (I find the drivers with Sidecar similarly friendly and interesting, and UberX more professional).

I guess that seems somewhat trite in retrospect, but for some reason I feel like I'm getting in a clown car when I use Lyft.

I've heard that a few times and I totally understand how that can be the case. For me it's dependent on where I'm going. Classy party? Uber. Friend's house or home from work? Lyft.

Does anyone even see what car you arrive in to these things?

Usually not. I haven't been going to red carpet things lately </sarcasm>

I wanted to be a Lyft driver, but they don't allow 2 door vehicles (I drive an Infiniti G37). I have a passenger seat that constantly goes to waste because of it (I drive throughout downtown Chicago, as well as in the suburbs).

I agree though, its a cultural thing. Uber is about a monetary transaction, and Lyft is about creating a shared commons from private ownership.

Lyft makes cities better. Sucks they don't let you be a drive with a two-door. Any idea why?

We called a sidecar for my 6'4" 250lb friend who was borderline blackout drunk, and were very amused when we had to help him into the Mazda Miata that arrived. Funny, but not ideal.

This sentiment sets off red flags for me. If people assume that cars with a pink mustaches are safe, it will be that much easier for somebody to take advantage of a false sense of security.

I think the pink mustache thing is brilliant on a few fronts.

1. ID. It really helps identify the car when it's there to pick you up.

2. Marketing. I remember the first time I saw a pink mustache on a car I thought to myself, 'What is that about?' After the second, third and fourth times I started asking and that's how I found out about Lyft.

3. Community. I've heard that Lyft drivers wave to each other the same way Jeep owners and motorcycle riders do.

I know some people are turned off by it, but I imagine the benefits outweigh the negatives for Lyft.

I think Lyft has a visible culture that may be a turn-off to some, but I think it's really great and I prefer the service to the others you mention. In other services you sit in the back seat and ignore each other, aside from the friendly hello when getting in the car. With Lyft, you commonly sit up front with the driver and greet each other with a fist bump. The last couple of rides, the drivers had bottles of water and snacks to share. It feels like more of a community with Lyft, and it's always cheaper than the equivalent Uber. Give it a try sometime, you might just like it :)

How about try Lyft first? Once you try it, then you can have an informed opinion.