Best car designs that have been copied

[vmaxnc]

There are practical issues to "copying". Aerodynamics requires a certain shape/cross-area for the best results, so vehicles trying to be more aerodynamic are going to look somewhat similar. In a certain type of vehicle, there are only so many ways to maximize space, so they start looking similar. A buddy bought a Matrix a couple years ago, so I started noticing them more often. But in reality I was starting to see a number of vehicles that had similar designs at first glance.

Personally I don't agree that utilizing the latest technology is copying. Under that definition, everything has been copied or is a copy. I see that as sensible evolution.

[GregW]

The similarities could all be convergent evolution toward the ideal for a given task. Mommy boxes look like boxes on wheels. Electrics look like low drag shapes. same with very high performance cars. Pick up trucks look like a cab followed by an open top box. Vans are hust bigger boxes than mommyboxes.

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

So Nissan copied itself. So what? This car had no influence on car design whatsoever.

The Maxima had influence on the Altima's design, therefor it falls under the original thread question. I didn't post the Altima, just trying to figure out why someone mentioned it.

[hickoryfan]

Originally Posted by wamer27

The Maxima had influence on the Altima's design, therefor it falls under the original thread question. I didn't post the Altima, just trying to figure out why someone mentioned it.

Before the 2002 Altima, the midsize sedan segment was boring. Most manufacturers played it safe when it came to styling. Camry, Accord, Passat, Malibu, Fusion, all were invisible on the roads in my opinion. I believe the 2002 Altima infused some style in that class and woke up the manufacturers.

Same can be said with the 2011 Sonata. Though not an original design, the Sonata made all the players shape up after it hit the market.