Discover how big trucks and SUVs took over the auto industry, reshaping safety, design, and consumer preferences.
Matilda
How Big Trucks and SUVs Changed the Auto Industry From Compact Cars to a Nation of Big Trucks and SUVs In just a few decades, the American auto industry has undergone a dramatic shift, moving from small, fuel-efficient sedans to big trucks and SUVs dominating the roads. Today, more than four in five vehicles sold in the U.S. fall into this category — a striking contrast to the 1990s, when sedans and hatchbacks ruled neighborhood driveways. This rise of big trucks and SUVs isn’t just about style; it’s tied to changing consumer preferences, evolving perceptions of safety, and automaker strategies that prioritize profit margins over smaller models. Image : Google A generation ago, compact cars like the Honda Accord, Dodge Dart, and Volvo 240 were common sights. Trucks were mainly work vehicles, often smaller models like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux. But as the years went by, manufacturers began introducing larger SUVs with more power, more features, and more aggressive designs. Over time, the market for sedans began shrinking, with majo…
