There’s a “big” problem with cars in America: They’re incredibly big. Brands such as Ford and Chevrolet have all but discontinued sedans, hatchbacks, and smaller models in favor of crossovers and SUVs, leading to a lack of variety in the industry and driving up vehicle prices.
The smallest car on sale in the US currently is the Mitsubishi Mirage, with a length of around 12 and a half feet long. Its starting MSRP is about $17,000 for the base model, before dealership markups. It is important to note that the Mitsubishi Mirage is being discontinued after the 2024 model year, similarly to many other small, entry-level vehicles from other brands.
Meanwhile, the most popular vehicle on sale in the US currently is the Ford F-Series pickup truck, which range from around 20 feet to about 22 feet in length. The F-Series starts at about $39,000 before dealer markups and options.
There are a few problems with this trend of larger, more expensive vehicles. First of all, the average salary in the US stands at $59,228. As almost every single vehicle on the market becomes more and more expensive, they become completely unaffordable to many, leading to financial problems. Unlike Europe, where someone could simply elect to take public transit, many in the US depend solely on their cars to get them where they need to go, making a car a vital purchase.
Another problem is the complete inefficiency of these vehicles. Almost every day I drive somewhere, I see massive, hulking pickup trucks driving by me. They are not hauling anything, there is only one occupant in the vehicle, and they have stickers complaining about fuel prices on their windows. Now, driving a huge pickup truck certainly does not help this problem. However, even if the driver elected for something else, they would still be driving an SUV or a crossover, which are much less fuel efficient than a sedan or a hatchback.
Lower Dauphin students agree with my sentiment. “I do believe that cars have gotten larger over the years and definitely more expensive,” says senior Chris Taylor. “There are cars that are on the market now that were made in 2017 that easily go for double their price from then.” Senior Toby Bilger agrees, saying: “Yes, they are definitely more expensive, and they all look the same. They have no identity or soul like old cars did.”
Will car manufacturers in America ever make small, affordable, or fun cars again? It seems unlikely in the near future, as many brands elect to make their range of sedans smaller and smaller. However, as EVs and hybrids become more commonplace, brands may put emphasis on efficiency, which could mean the return of small and affordable cars.
