Blog Layout

How America’s Car Culture Has Changed Over the Years

Site Administrator • Sep 08, 2021

America and cars are synonymous, especially when you consider that cars were invented within the United States. Because of this, the American culture has strongly been associated with vehicle ownership, although this culture has manifested itself in a lot of different ways. As these cultures have risen and died down, designers have noted what the populous liked and disliked. Eventually, a car became more about personal identity rather than just the direct ownership of the vehicle. Different models meant different personal characteristics, with decals and wraps being only one of the many ways different cultures chose to show their colors. Let's take a look at how America's car culture has changed over the years!

The Big American Ideas

American car culture thrives around a few specific ideas that have grown to be synonymous with American car ownership. Ever since the conception of the car, automobiles have been central to the American identity. Everything from our towns to our transportation systems is based around the automobile and its mobility, further driving the home the fact that Americans and cars are inseparable. These three ideas are central to the American automobile and have thus characterized it.

Drive-Thru

The drive-thru window is one of those great American ideals that facilitated an automobile-centered culture. Drive-in restaurants became popular in America in the 1920s, mostly due to the increasingly affordable automobiles on the market. Drive-thru windows were implemented to develop with this and the increasingly popular "on-the-go customer" identity. Many say that the drive-in was born from laziness and a desire for good service.

The Road Trip

America is a country centered around traveling. It is one of the few countries with vast pristine wildernesses and ecosystems ranging from deserts to forests. It only seems appropriate that America's culture reflects this nature through the road trip. While common in other countries, the idea of the road trip in America was characterized in the advertisement of the ideal American getaway.

Nascar

While not a major player, Nascar still holds a huge place in the American cultural landscape. Nascar has inspired countless movies, toys, and even food, as countless look in awe at the fast-paced and dangerous sport of racing. Nascar has become the basis for a lot of the historical and cultural movements surrounding cars, which is something we will examine later!

The Age of the Middle-Class Utopia

Cars in America have always become ubiquitous with the middle class ever since they were marketed to the public as affordable means of transportation. As such, a majority of middle-class automobiles followed a strict format based on the competition. Even so, there have been limited advances in the design of automobiles, mainly reflected by their top speed. As cars became faster and faster, the design of cars had to keep up with the wind forces. This resulted in their now somewhat uniform appearance, although middle-class consumer cars always had a somewhat uniform appearance. In this realm, the culture of cars has not changed ever since the inception of the automobile. People back then were looking for the same things that they are looking for now: adequate room, good gas mileage, and an affordable but well-built vehicle.

The Age of Rock and Roll

By the early 1960s, car culture and rock and roll began to collide through their similar veins of rebellion and showmanship. During this time, radios became standard on vehicles, meaning that car culture would be easily spread from car owner to car owner. During this era, the automobile entered a period where it represented freedom and prosperity. Not only that, but it stood for those who went against the status quo. This, in turn, made for a perfect outlet for the rock and roll community to use as subject matter in songs.

The Age of Muscle Cars

Much of what we identify today as muscle car culture has a lot to do with the role of Nascar in America and what was shown in American cinema at the time. During the 1960s through the 1980s, the muscle car was idealized as the calling card of the typical American young adult. Movies such as Goldfinger and built further pushed this stereotype to the forefront of young adult's minds. Soon enough, everyone from the Beach Boys to the Beatles had muscle cars as a centralized topic in their art.

How Has It Changed Overall?

Now, we know that the average American car has seen great changes since the first inception of a mass-produced automobile. As such, it is important for us to know how these automobiles have changed overall.

Less Emphasis on Speed, More Emphasis on Safety

As time went on, better engine technology was developed, making it less impressive to go faster speeds. Highway speeds were also very quickly catching up with the top speeds of some of the older cars. As safety laws were passed in the US in greater numbers, the laws placed a bigger emphasis on safety to convince the public that automobiles are trustworthy.

Lighter Materials for More Efficiency

Another change that we see in cars from past eras are the materials used in the manufacture of automobiles. In older vehicles, more steel and heavy solid metals were used. While this does strengthen the car's frame, it also cuts down on its top speed potential and fuel efficiency. In order to make a product that would keep up with fuel efficiency standards, designs placed more emphasis on lighter materials and construction.

Design-Based Solely on Aerodynamics

As time went on, car manufacturers incorporated wind tunnels as part of their vehicle body designs. This would make for more efficient cars with a higher potential top speed. This, however, came with a tradeoff. As time went on, many car manufacturers seemed to hit a wall in a unique design. Many chose to sacrifice identity for efficiency. This leads us to the vast present-day market of cars with very few differences in terms of design.

It would be an understatement to say that America's car culture has changed over the years. What started out as a fledgling idea to help people increase their mobility quickly turned into an economic and cultural icon. Many will credit the automobile as part of the pillars behind iconic America's culture. If you are looking to sell your luxury vehicle , get in contact with Nahas Motorcars. Our selling process is streamlined to make it as simple and easy for you to accomplish as possible!

Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Used Luxury Cars
By Amanda Delatorre 25 Aug, 2022
When buying used luxury cars, there are many mistakes that people commonly make. Look here for a recap of some of the most common mistakes many make.
What Determines Generational Luxury Car Brand Preference?
By Site Administrator 22 Aug, 2022
Generational luxury car brand preference can be an important metric to predict future car markets. Look here to learn the biggest factor to consider.
Luxury Car Companies You Didn’t Know Made EVs
By Erika Tames 18 Aug, 2022
EVs are some of the most profitable types of cars on the market today. Look here to get a picture of which companies are selling these you didn’t know about.
Electric Luxury Cars: Which Porsche Models Are Electric
By Erika Tames 18 Aug, 2022
Porsche has a lot of cars that appeal to many different tastes. Read on to learn more about the models that are electric and what they bring to the table
Why You Should Consider Buying SUV Supercars
By Site Administrator 10 Aug, 2022
SUV supercars are some of the most noteworthy vehicles on the road today. Read on to learn more about why you should consider buying an SUV supercar.
BMW vs Mercedes: Which Car Is Better for You?
By Site Administrator 29 Jul, 2022
Two of the most notable titans of automotive engineering are Mercedes and BMW. Look here to find out which car is better for you and your lifestyle!
Then Versus Now: The Evolution of the BMW
By Site Administrator 27 Jul, 2022
BMW certainly has a storied history—one many are oblivious to. Look here to learn about the stunning evolution of the BMW company throughout history.
Things To Consider Before Buying Your McLaren
By Site Administrator 25 Jul, 2022
A McLaren is one of the most amazing cars to own in terms of quality and power. Look here for the top things to consider when buying a McLaren!
Reasons Why People Buy Expensive Luxury Cars
By Site Administrator 22 Jul, 2022
Buying a luxury car is not just a status message—it could be a lot more. Look here to learn about the most common reasons why people buy expensive cars.
Hidden Features You Didn’t Know Rolls-Royces Had
By Site Administrator 21 Jul, 2022
Rolls-Royce cars are renowned for their upscale construction and features. Read on to learn more about the hidden features you didn’t know they had.
More Posts
Share by: