Why once compact cars are getting so much bigger?

[kokonutty]

The smallest cars being sold today are smaller than the smallest cars sold fifty years ago and the largest cars sold today are smaller than the largest cars sold fifty years ago.

The whole premise of this topic is wrong.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by reed303

With multi-media entertainment centers, because "driving is so boring" (quoting young lady interviewed on local TV news)

Of course it is boring. Cars practically drive themselves. Few cars are offered with standard transmissions anymore. Even the brands that advertise them seldom sell them on the lot. Did you know that you can buy an automatic transmission JEEP wrangler? None of the big three offers a standard transmission pickup anymore. They have taken the driving experience out of driving.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Originally Posted by HappyRider

There seems to be a disconnect. On the one hand, we are told the culture is moving to all things smaller, more frugal, sustainable, micro homes, bike path, etc. etc. In reality, the cars that in their times were considered large are now humongous in comparison. The other day I saw a 2000 era Maxima. It looked puny in comparison to what the Maxima is today. Even today's Corolla's are bigger. Look at the Civic and the Accord. Same thing. Pick up trucks whole 'nother story.

First Generation Honda CIVIC was 139.8 inches long and 59.25" wide. The car was 59.25" tall

My dad had a 1971 Honda N600, with its 2 cylinder air cooled engine. We loved that car as kids. It was 117.8" long and 51" wide It sat 53" tall

Today's cars are giants compared to the imports or the 1970's