What would it take to make small cars desirable?

[skewbe]

It's probably because Dad didn't teach 'em how.

[StorminMatt]

Want to sell more small cars? How about Honda bringing back the CRX? That car was such a hot seller back in the day that you just have to wonder what drove Honda to stop making it. By sacrificing the back seat, the CRX simultaeously became even smaller, yet managed to shed alot of the baggage associated with small cars. The front seats are actually VERY roomy. At six feet and 250 pounds, I have NO problems fitting in there comfortably. Cargo space is better than MANY cars that are MUCH larger. And with double wishbones all around, it was a handling champ. And we all know they got good mileage. Hell, it is one of the few small cars from that era that you actually still see on the road. And unlike those fugly, too-tall-for-their size small cars like the Fit and Yaris, the CRX was sleek, low to the ground, and attractive - a true mini sportscar. If Honda could build a new CRX with updated styling, yet retain the positive attributes of the old ones (ie VERY light weight, attractive, sleek design, etc), they would have a winner. Hell, they could even throw a K20 in the thing and have the kind of power and torque that VERY few cars on the road could touch, while probably getting mileage in the mid-30s. Of course, more frugal versions could also be made (and probably would) that would still provide the kind of power, torque, and fun-to-drive nature that most people crave. How about it?

[bobc455]

Originally Posted by theclencher

i maintain that $5, $10, or whatever gas is the only way to finally make the small economical vehicle the "preferred choice" for the bulk of the sheeple.

Well I kinda like saving gas in order to save myself money, so this kinda seems self-defeating. But it could help with the "greater good" (economy, environment, etc.)

[rvanengen]

Originally Posted by bzipitidoo

Reliability most emphatically is not in the eye of the beholder. Who are these people who would dis a car over wiper blades? Do they exist?

I have known two people personally, that traded cars before they needed tires because they could not stand the thought of a car needing a repair and becoming unreliable. I also know people that drive Soviet era cars that tolerate needing to bleed air from the cooling system if the drive time exceeds 20 minutes or 40mph, and buy whatever parts they find for a car, even if it doesn't need it right at that moment because they know it will need it soon enough. My wife's grandfather drives an early 80's Muscovich and is afraid to drive it above 35mph, but wouldn't consider getting rid of it.

So, yes, 'reliability' or the perception is in the eye of the beholder. ALL cars break and need maintenance, it is simply how often and what type of repair/maintenance based on the vehicle use, design, and age. There are no exceptions to that rule.

My sister had a 1983 escort that had almost no problems at all other than a bad distributor...she drove it from 1987 to 1993 with only normal maintenance (oil & filter changes, tires, wipers , and I think an A/C recharge)...and traded it with about 145k on the clock and still running well enough for a more "fun" car.

I had a new Honda Accord that had several warranty repairs within the first year, but I did keep it and drive it for another 170k miles.

*SHRUG* YMMV seems to be the key concept here.

[rvanengen]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I guess that explains why women cause and are in less accidents,

I will buy the 2nd assertion, but I have never seen positive proof of women not causing their share of accidents...in fact, I believe that the insurance industry had to reverse the long-time trend of gender ratings quite a while back because of the lack of evidence.

My personal experience DAILY is that the vast majority of oblivious drivers are women in the Charlotte area, leaving the men to avoid the women...so... ???

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I guess that explains why women cause and are in less accidents,

Actually, I think the reason why women are in fewer accidents is that they tend to (1) take fewer chances while on the road, and (2) tend to avoid driving in bad conditions. This does not mean that they are better drivers or more capable of handling a vehicle. On the other hand, this does not mean that women are LESS capable of handling a vehicle. But despite any liberation of women, MANY women simply lack interest in being able to handle their cars in sticky situations.

[1993CivicVX]

Oh come on, everyone knows women aren't as good drivers as men. The difference between men and women is their attitude while behind the wheel. Women tend to be more mature and responsible, viewing driving as a means of transportation only, whereas men tend to be filled with accident proneness testosterone. Of course there are exceptions. My lady neighbor is a much better driver than her husband. But by and large, my experience is that women have less confidence and self assuredness behind a wheel than men. Which ties into the comment about women being less inclined overall to drive in inclement weather. I hate when people won't acknowledge that men and women are different, and therefor have different strengths and weaknesses. There are a lot of things women are better at than men, and ways they are superior to men, SO GET OVER IT. (although I can't think of any atm )

[mcouture]

To make small cars more desirable: Stop designing them for the average "tree hugger". I wouldn't mind a Prius as my around-town car ...however I wouldn't be caught dead in one....the "looks" of that car is horrible!
Most small cars fall into this design trap. They make them for the rice-rocket, teenie bopper club or the environmental junkies and they totally ignore the rest of market.
Also, I have 2 kids, and always have 1 or 2 "extras" with us. If I am on my way to band practice or field hockey or so other activity, there is no way I can fit 3+ kids and all their gear in a civic or golf.
I find my 2000 Olds Intrigue marginal on size as it is. My around town isn't all that bad for the size (25mpg). I just don't see any vehicle that is smaller doing all this for me.
Given this, I've been watching for any vehicle which I could average >25 around town. Where's the diesels? The hibrids? in the mid/large sized cars?

[rvanengen]

Correct! There needs to be some more research into affordable larger cars that get reasonably good FE! When we go shopping, it involves 2 child seats...so scratch 3 passenger positions on the backseat...and if it will be more than a shorter trip, we need room for a stroller, diaper bag, food bag, and all the other assorted "stuff" that accompanies 2 little kids that papa (me) doesn't even know about.

Then you have to fit the parental units in the front seat (I need a little bit of room at 6'2" and 260lbs...and then if we are going to accomplish anything with the shopping trip, we need room to put the items purchased. This is just a *tad* more than a typical compact can carry on a good day. There are times when the Taurus wagon is stressed to its maximum volume capacity. I suppose it would be "easier" to just get a large SUV or minivan...but the times when we need that much room are pretty few and far between.

On the bright side...have you seen the MPG that a Buick LeSabre gets on the highway?? Impressive all things considered...powerful engine, large comfy car...makes you wonder what they could do with less power or a diesel?? Might even make it more affordable if it was lighter with fewer luxo items!

Heck...really makes me wonder what could be accomplished by taking 10% of what is being spent in Iraq ($200M / day) and put it directly (and quickly) into battery and EV technology...pay for GM, Ford and Chrysler to develop some really kickbutt and affordable electric cars!!! Then who cares what goes on in the middle east!!

[VetteOwner]

Originally Posted by rvanengen

Correct! There needs to be some more research into affordable larger cars that get reasonably good FE! When we go shopping, it involves 2 child seats...so scratch 3 passenger positions on the backseat...and if it will be more than a shorter trip, we need room for a stroller, diaper bag, food bag, and all the other assorted "stuff" that accompanies 2 little kids that papa (me) doesn't even know about.

Then you have to fit the parental units in the front seat (I need a little bit of room at 6'2" and 260lbs...and then if we are going to accomplish anything with the shopping trip, we need room to put the items purchased. This is just a *tad* more than a typical compact can carry on a good day. There are times when the Taurus wagon is stressed to its maximum volume capacity. I suppose it would be "easier" to just get a large SUV or minivan...but the times when we need that much room are pretty few and far between.

On the bright side...have you seen the MPG that a Buick LeSabre gets on the highway?? Impressive all things considered...powerful engine, large comfy car...makes you wonder what they could do with less power or a diesel?? Might even make it more affordable if it was lighter with fewer luxo items!

Heck...really makes me wonder what could be accomplished by taking 10% of what is being spent in Iraq ($200M / day) and put it directly (and quickly) into battery and EV technology...pay for GM, Ford and Chrysler to develop some really kickbutt and affordable electric cars!!! Then who cares what goes on in the middle east!!

hehe buicks are some of the most comfy cars that i have ever sat in...its like a poofy leather coutch on wheels
yea whatever happened to the small 4cyl desils of the 80's? i know the desil chevettes could get 50+ mpg without trying...