New cars are so depressing

[A Horse With No Name]

I'm in agreement with Camino, YJ, and others. The issue isn't necessarily the cars themselves, it's the fact that we're inevitably told we can't have exactly what we want option wise. Cars today are packaged to streamline production and, of course, to maximize profit. Unfortunately, that means fewer choices for the consumer. Want the polished aluminum wheels? Sure, check off option package 1SB, which also gets you the six speed automatic, heated leather seats, navigation system with backup camera, dual zone AC, adaptive cruise control, etc. Oh,and by the way you've just bumped the car's price by $4500.

Bingo...

[Camino LS6]

I want to see passionate design, and increased personalization.

[balthazar]

Dodgefan ~ >>"This right here. The thing is, and it may come as a shock, but the automakers aren't exactly rolling in money, so they've done just this to help save costs and make whatever money they can."<<

They've been doing this for decades- early '90s AT LEAST. Things were relatively 'fat' then.

Camino ~ >>"As for the rest, how many sedans of the same general shape do we really need? They are so boring, no "wow" at all."<<

Agreed; once one comes to the realization that auto form design is over & done, AND you take in the massive proliferation of models from so many manufacturers... it IS depressing. Homogenization run wild...

[Camino LS6]

I want to see cars that really have no ready competition be created. Individual designs that stand out, not your version of evrbody else's sedan.

Give me an unusual bodystyle, an innovative flair, a distinct identity, something that breaks the mold.

Above all some cars in which form trumps function for a change.

Find a real freakin' signature for the damn brands!