Why don't any auto makers produce small, base model RWD cars anymore?

Question

I would commit the insane act of getting a CREDIT CARD to have a new car that didn't suck!

Seriously, why do all cars nowadays have to be so damn big, fast and luxurious?

Even the Yaris has too many "options" for my likes.

Answer 1

Car companies are not into selling cars. They are into selling profitable cars. It doesn't cost that much more to add options and such for "luxury" but it will cost you much more to buy one. So they know that there are X cars to be sold. If each car can make more profit then that's what they'll do.

===
That's where the competition comes in and "fills the gap". It used to be that the Japanese (and then the Koreans) were selling the low end (price not quality) cars. But now they are also the high end.

You said so yourself, you want a car that's don't suck. Well for many people cars that don't have options and luxury.

I am like you. Since I try to do all my own repairs, for me more options means more stuff to break down. I don't even care for stereos (yes you read that correctly). But from the car manufacturers' point of view, there are more people who wants the options than who don't.
====
As for FWD vs. RWD, RWD are better for out right top performance. But FWD are better for everday car. They are lighter and roomier because everything (engine, transmission and axle are all under the hood. And most cars don't need that top end tranction of RWD.

Good Luck

===
Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.

FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWER

Answer 2

hmm, i can think one of the greatest cheaply priced sports car. The mazda miata or mx-5. It's light, which is the most important ingredient of any "true" sports car. Like i saw some egotistical idiot in a charger srt-8. It's huge, your car is bigger then my grandmas 'ol buick. Sure it might kick *** on a straight section, but me and him on a track like leguna seca or infineon raceway, and i'll kick his butt in my miata. And that's what a true sports car is. It should be well rounded. The miata also has a 50/50 weigh distribution, positive feedback, close gearing, tight suspension, and a neutral feel. The 240sx was also great just needed a little more power like the miata. The s2000 is still around and is great. MR2 turbo was awesome.I agree with you, but all is not lost there are still great cars coming out, Evo, STi, MS3,Si, GTi, and you can look foward to the nissan gtr coming out, which will decimate all. There are still cars out there that adhere to the principles of a sports car, and are not just overly powered luxury cars that have more body roll then a then a 400pound fat man.

Answer 3

It is the profit margin. The more options, the more money the car makers make.

It is cheaper to make a FWD car. That is why you find so many FWD cars on the road. Although the trend is going back to either rear wheel or AWD cars. good luck.

Answer 4

the public doesn't want rear wheel drive cars that much anymore,they want cars that will go good in all kinds of weather,and the front wheel drive car fits that bill for now,i like the front wheel drive cars also,i don't like getting stuck in some of the places i used to with rear wheel drive cars,trucks are still rear wheel drive though,and a few cars are,good luck.

Answer 5

well FWD and AWD are more reliable in snow and rain for one, but i must say that i do agree with you about too many big cars these days, but you cant ever have a car thats too fast lol.... i guess i dont really see what you were actually asking, were you just stating your thoughts?