Why Americans love big cars

As I navigate the streets of Brooklyn in my modest sedan, I have ecome acutely aware of a striking phenomenon. Amidst the congested traffic, I find myself either dwarfed by towering SUVs surrounding me or unable to see beyond the line of cars ahead. This observation isn't merely incidental; it reflects a significant trend reshaping the American automotive landscape.

Over the past few decades, the production of traditional passenger cars such as sedans and wagons has plummeted, while the manufacturing of SUVs has surged. This seismic shift in consumer preferences has fundamentally altered the composition of the American automotive market. In 1975, passenger cars dominated new car sales, but now, SUVs and trucks collectively constitute a staggering 80% of new vehicle purchases, a dramatic increase from the 52% share they held in 2011.

The omnipresence of large vehicles on our roads may not come as a surprise, but the underlying reasons for this transformation extend beyond mere cultural preferences. As I embark on a journey from Brooklyn to Rhode Island, tracing the evolution of automobile design and consumer behavior, it becomes evident that this shift has deep roots in policy decisions made over half a century ago.

New York, my starting point, joined the ranks of states where SUVs and trucks dominate the roads in 2014, according to a comprehensive analysis by The Washington Post. However, Alaska was the pioneer in embracing big cars back in 1988. As I traverse various states, I meticulously observe the vehicle landscape, from bustling Costco parking lots brimming with SUVs to quaint Connecticut rest stops frequented by road-trippers extolling the virtues of their expansive vehicles.

Conversations with individuals like Thomas Bochenek, navigating the highways with his trusty SUV, shed light on the allure of these formidable machines. Comfort, perceived safety, and towing capacity are among the factors driving consumers towards larger vehicles, facilitated by the sprawling infrastructure tailored to accommodate car-centric lifestyles in the United States.

The origins of this vehicular metamorphosis trace back to the oil crisis of the 1970s, which prompted the US government to enact regulations aimed at improving fuel efficiency in passenger cars. However, these regulations created a regulatory loophole, exempting light trucks—primarily utilized for commercial purposes—from stringent fuel economy standards. Consequently, automakers pivoted towards the production of SUVs, leveraging relaxed regulations to satisfy consumer demand for spacious, utilitarian vehicles.

The evolution of SUVs—from rugged, truck-based models to sleek, unibody constructions—underscored their adaptability to mainstream consumer preferences. This strategic maneuvering by automakers, coupled with favorable taxation policies and marketing strategies, cemented the ascendancy of SUVs in the American automotive landscape.

Yet, this shift towards larger vehicles carries profound implications, ranging from environmental concerns to pedestrian safety. Studies indicate that the proliferation of SUVs has led to a surge in pedestrian fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for reevaluating our vehicular preferences.

As I reach the shores of Rhode Island, the final bastion of SUV dominance, I reflect on the broader societal implications of our automotive choices. While transitioning towards electric vehicles represents a step towards sustainability, addressing the underlying biases towards larger vehicles necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing regulatory reforms, consumer education, and urban planning initiatives.

While reversing decades of ingrained automotive preferences may seem daunting, there exists a burgeoning desire among younger generations for alternative transportation modes and sustainable mobility solutions. By challenging the status quo and advocating for policies that prioritize environmental stewardship and public safety, we can steer towards a future where the size of our vehicles no longer dictates the shape of our roads.