[Christ]

The true idea of value has been thrown askew by the idea that things have to be big and shiny... yet the largest vehicle I've objectively owned was a Plymouth Volare... (Objectively, in this case, meaning "with purpose")

Obviously, we don't want to be uncomfortable in our driving practices... hence the need for a mid-size (at least) vehicle. But who really needs all that damn space in a Yukon Denali, or an Escalade?

Do you really need auto-adjusting suspension as a standard option?

One of the reasons that companies like Honda/Acura are still selling is b/c they're modular... not that they've "gone modular", they always have been. An engine from a 5th gen Civic is a direct bolt-in for a 4th gen/2nd gen CRX. The 6th gen is also backward compatible.... some 7th gens as well... Same with Acura's Integra. All the same B-series engine... (essentially) They've recycled engine designs, not to save money, but because there is no need to fix what is already working fine. They've tweaked designs here and there, but by no means has Honda gone through major reconstruction in the last 20 years.

In fact, the '99 Si model in USDM trim was the FIRST time a Civic had used anything other than a D-series engine since 1984. (EW and EV engines are also referred to as D-series.) 15 years of minor revisions, lacking a major reconstruction. And noone has complained. They're still one of the best bases for driveability, ease of modification (due to the modular designs) and they make a great platform for most common uses for automobiles.

Until the US auto makers come up with something like this, something that actually works, and isn't prone to breaking (usually thought to be a way of revenue guarantee), they're doomed. Oh, and they have to do it for less than the Jap auto makers now.. since it's been let go for so long.

Trouble is, they'll find a way to do it, and noone will know that they cut out safety as a means of saving money in production until it's too late.

[flame proof suit on]

That's just my $0.02