Accidental Americana

[xpatUSA]

Took a cellphone snap of this horrible little car outside the local grocery store, so aghast was I at it's typically OTT modern styling all squeezed down into such a tiny package.

After opening the image on my computer, I realized how classically American the scene (not the car) was:




The elements:

School bus.
Water tower with city name on it.
Overhead wires.
Ugly billboards on anything vertical.
Fast food drive-in.
Preponderance of pickup trucks.
Enormous parking lot.

It was a snapshot, not intended for posting, so please be kind

[Wavelength]

Nice

[Shadowman]

Actually it looks European, small cars haven't really caught on in the U.S. Nice capture.

[mknittle]

when I was a truck driver I passed through many places like this. I often wondered what life was like there.

[Andrew1]

There are quite few of the really small subcompact cars around here. From the Honda Fit to the Chevy Spark. The Mercedes Smart bears the brunt of a lot of jokes. As fuel prices rise to the levels in Europe you'll see more economical options on the street. Three cylinder engines will putt you around town but in a good wind a semi will blow one of these clear off the highway.

You're right. The background in the picture pretty much exemplifies small-town anywhere.

[mknittle]

I did some math and for the price an inexpensive small car(not figuring in gas for the period of time for the car) I can drive my old Dodge diesel truck around 130,0000 miles.

[billtils]

small cars haven't really caught on in the U.S.

Perhaps not "caught on" but certainly seem to be becoming more common. When we visited the family in Texas in September I was astonished at the number of FIAT 500s that were to be seen.

[Shadowman]

Perhaps not "caught on" but certainly seem to be becoming more common. When we visited the family in Texas in September I was astonished at the number of FIAT 500s that were to be seen.

You'll definitely see them, but until you see an entire street or parking lot lined with them they haven't caught on yet.

[IzzieK]

When I see a car like this, no offense to anyone intended, but I always think of it sandwiched between two big semis on a freeway...how in the world will the driver feels...and many other funny thoughts. Anyway, colour is good and you had exposed it nicely...

P.S. In Texas, where everything is Hhhhhuuugggeee, this is indeed "tay-knee". There must be a place there somewhere for them...be nice, OK?

[mknittle]

When I see a car like this, no offense to anyone intended, but I always think of it sandwiched between two big semis on a freeway...how in the world will the driver feels...and many other funny thoughts. Anyway, colour is good and you had exposed it nicely...

P.S. In Texas, where everything is Hhhhhuuugggeee, this is indeed "tay-knee". There must be a place there somewhere for them...be nice, OK?

In my years as a truck driver I found that the most aggressive drivers drove the smallest cars. I have had 16 Of 18 wheels locked up(skidding) more times than I can count from little cars cutting me off and hitting the brakes to make a turn. That and Merging into traffic moving at 65 MPH at 35 MPH. I really don't think it bothers them. I once destroyed a left front fender and drivers door on a Honda Civic at a traffic light because a woman thought I could see her. she was trying to cut into the line making a left turn and figured in front of the truck would be the place to do so. Ok rant off

[Clactonian]

Ouch!! I've got one of those.

[Kaye Leggett]

Ouch!! I've got one of those.

So has my husband - I hate it. No air con, no central locking, no heated seats.................but great on fuel economy and ideal for narrow English lanes

[Donald]

So has my husband - I hate it. No air con, no central locking, no heated seats.................but great on fuel economy and ideal for narrow English lanes

And much, much better for the environment.

[xpatUSA]

And much, much better for the environment.

Best not mention my old Chevy pickup with it's 6.4 liter long-stroke V8 and low-ratio back axle then, eh? . . .

[IzzieK]

In my years as a truck driver I found that the most aggressive drivers drove the smallest cars. ....

It is called "attitude" -- I really want to say more about this "attitude" but I will shut up... for now...

[IzzieK]

So has my husband - I hate it. No air con, no central locking, no heated seats.................but great on fuel economy and ideal for narrow English lanes

'Must make up for some of that lack -- what about bluetooth and GPS? How does he survive driving it in winter???

[Kaye Leggett]

'Must make up for some of that lack -- what about bluetooth and GPS? How does he survive driving it in winter???

You are having a laugh Izzie, it's barely got a radio! But my husband did pimp up that feature. Oh and he cheats in snow and long journeys and gets his 4*4 out..... Heated seats, sat nav etc. but not good on fuel economy or the environment

[Kaye Leggett]

'Must make up for some of that lack -- what about bluetooth and GPS? How does he survive driving it in winter???

You are having a laugh Izzie, it's barely got a radio! But my husband did pimp up that feature. Oh and he cheats in snow and long journeys and gets his 4*4 out..... Heated seats, sat nav etc. but not good on fuel economy or the environment

[mknittle]

It is called "attitude" -- I really want to say more about this "attitude" but I will shut up... for now...

And I thought it was a death wish. I guess that most people don't realize a loaded truck averages 80,000#

[IzzieK]

You are having a laugh Izzie, it's barely got a radio! But my husband did pimp up that feature. Oh and he cheats in snow and long journeys and gets his 4*4 out..... Heated seats, sat nav etc. but not good on fuel economy or the environment

I knew there was a cheat somewhere...what do you drive? Got all you want with it?