Automotive Trends

Another Alternative For The “Ain’t Gonna Drive A Minivan” Club

     They’re out there. They’re all around us. They are the people who will not drive a minivan simply because—it’s a minivan. Focus a bright light on them in a dark room and they’ll squirm, but admit they like the higher seating, the ample room for kids and cargo, and the comfortable ride. And they will also let you know, in no uncertain terms, they’d rather walk than arrive in the most un-cool of vehicles. It is because of people like this, and some very successful marketing, that SUVs have replaced the minivan as America’s portable people hauler of choice. Yes, you heard right. The traditional minivan segment is no longer growing by leaps and bounds. This is particularly true of the domestic vans, which face ever-stronger competition from the likes of Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Despite a slight increase in sales so far this year, minivan sales peaked in 2000. So the segment isn’t dead by any means, but at best, future sales graphs will likely resemble a plateau, at worst, the backside of Mt. Everest. Read more…

      With the way minivans have improved in the past 20 years, it’s amazing you don’t see more of them on the road.
     Case in point: The 2005 Chrysler Town & Country.
     Far from a breadbox on wheels — as the original Chrysler minivans felt like — the Town & Country provides one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to haul a family around town or across the country. Sure, you might hear a few “soccer mom” jokes along the way, but you can’t argue with the sheer practicality that this minivan offers. Read more…

     I love the magic of convertibles.
     When you drop the top and start the engine, they delightfully make you forget about things like mortgage payments, jerks at work, leaky faucets, and the IRS. Convertibles are designed for fun — nothing more, nothing less. Read more…

     With all the flashy new cars on Chrysler lots, it’s easy to forget about the company’s more traditional models.
     Just drive by a dealership, and you’ll see what I mean. There are stylish 300Cs, sporty PT Cruiser convertibles, gorgeous Crossfires, and fancy Pacificas, all of which scream for attention with gaudy styling and prime placement on nearby billboards. Like the head cheerleader at a school dance, they’re hot and they know it.
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Production Vehicles Dominate Day Two    

     Yesterday was the time for automakers to show off their visions for the future, today was about this years’ new production vehicles. Read more…