Why were hatchbacks so passé in the US during the 1990s?

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Apart from the CRX/Civic Si and Golf/GTI, they just weren't really a part of the mainstream. Compare that to now, with the whole "hot hatch" trend, not to mention stuff like the Fit/Yaris/Scion appeals to first-time buyers, there was a complete dearth of hatchbacks in the 90s. Could this have been due to hatches being stigmatized as cheap economy cars (e.g. the Fiesta/Festiva and Metro, which offered no amenities whatsoever)? Or is it because in the 90s people were not concerned about fuel economy? Or perhaps it's just fashion, given that SUVs are out, things are trending toward the opposite direction (similar to how 90s=baggy pants/00s=tight pants)?

naus, Monday, 3 March 2008 07:33 (sixteen years ago) link

I don't know the answer to the thread Q, but I feel kind of bad for this board. Bring it to NASCAR or Car Porn on ILE if you like. :)

felicity, Wednesday, 5 March 2008 20:56 (sixteen years ago) link


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