As a history major there is a reason for car companies coming out with car styled after old hotrods and the progression into sport sedans...
The study of demographics is alot to blame for this change... As you all know there was the baby boomer population splurge after the second world war. As they grew into their late teens they were of course into cars, and thus, the muscle car era... As gas prices rose this group started looking for more fuel efficient vehicles, then as they started having kids, it progressed into the minivan. Their kids (modern) are referred to as the "echo". Now that all these baby boomers no longer have little johnny at home they have more money and time to spend on themselves. And hey who wouldn't want to relive the muscle car days without getting 2mpg... There is also a fair amount of money floating around thus the 4 door sedans, which offer comfort yet sport feel....
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