How the US got hooked on big cars — despite their flaws

Americans love big cars.

It gave the world Cadillacs with massive tail fins and big pickups.

In Europe, for example, small cars such as city cars, subcompacts and compact cars will account for more than 35 percent of sales in 2021, according to industry analyst JATO Dynamics. In the United States, these three segments accounted for just over 10 percent of sales.

Consumer demand has forced automakers to make bigger and bigger vehicles, and some industry analysts say regulatory loopholes in favor of trucks have also played a role in the shift.

But there are also disadvantages. Bigger cars cost more—often much more—and, especially if they run on gasoline, are more harmful to the environment. Some studies have shown that accidents involving these large vehicles also contribute to more fatalities on American roads than smaller vehicles.

Watch the video to learn more.