"They're all just bubbles," declared a friend of mine, as he and I walked down Riverside Avenue. The dozens of commuter vehicles parked along the road weren't to his liking -¡- and he had a point. With their oval contours and wide backsides, rounded headlights and faux-revolutionary euro-style tail lamps, all the cars we looked at were utterly homogenous.
For the past several years, cars sold in the United States have been taking similar style cues - each car looking even more like the one that just drove by. Despite a few polarizing exceptions, like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Honda Element, it seemed certain that the gods of automotive style trends were stuck in a rut of bland rotundity.
Then came the new Ford Mustang. Completely redesigned for 2005, the car borrowed its looks from mid-1960s Mustangs and quickly became a popular seller for Ford. But ask any marketing major about popular sellers: Ripping off a profitable idea is simply the name of the game.
At this year's North American International Auto Show - which began Saturday and continues until Sunday - Chevrolet unveiled its Camaro, reborn in a brand-new style after a brief hiatus. And damn if it didn't look just like the new Mustang.
The Dodge Challenger is the latest car to break into the retro-chic trend, sporting the same aggressive front grille and sloping body style of the new Mustang and Camaro.
It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Of course, it's to be expected that once a good idea comes along, copycats will emerge to share in the profits. So eventually, instead of being a breath of fresh air, a once-new idea sinks into the dregs of trendiness.
These cars, of course, are mostly meant to appeal to baby boomers, who got their driver's licenses at the same time the original versions of these muscle cars were introduced. Now that boomers are approaching retirement age and have pensions to spend, they're looking to finally buy the dream cars of their youth - except now these cars come with navigation systems and lightweight fiberglass body panels.
But recent gift-giving holidays have obviously been kind to Ball State University students, and I have noticed more new Mustangs rumbling down McKinley Avenue than before. I know it won't be long until a few new Camaros and Challengers join the traffic. At that point, what was once eye-catching will soon be just another passing fad.
For Ball State students in the market for new cars, looks are unlikely to be the most important consideration. While almost everyone wants a good-looking car, not everyone has the cash to make that desire a reality - especially college students. Certain trims of the aforementioned Mustang can cost around $32,000. And to be honest, what more must a car do than get its driver from point A to point B without breaking down?
When even a few options are available, though, and each car is relatively similar, it's fun to go with the car possessing the most visual personality. For instance, when choosing between a Monte Carlo and Malibu priced in the same range, a good friend of mine recently purchased the more daringly styled Monte Carlo.
Trends come and go, but anything you own is an expression of who you are. If possible, make sure it says what you want it to say.
Sources:MSN Autos
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
