Well-Designed American Cars

Since everyone is down on the big three automakers these days, I want to highlight what I think are some well-designed American cars.

All of these cars are currently sold under a big-three American brand (that means no Volt, and no Saabs) Also, by design, I refer only to exterior aesthetics – I haven’t had a chance to drive any of these, so I can’t vouch for interior styling, practicality, engineering quality, etc.

Without further ado…

Chrysler 300

With its huge grill and armored-car looks, the Chrysler 300 looks truly menacing. If I was a drug dealer, I’d definitely want one of these.

Ford Mustang

Just like the New Beetle captured the essence of the original bug, the Ford Mustang embodies the classic American Muscle Car (yup, I just compared the Mustang to the New Beetle…).

Cadillac XLR

My personal favorite, I think of the angular Cadillac XLR as the “cubist SL500″.

While most US cars are bland and shapeless, I think these cars all achieve a coherent, thoughtful aesthetic designed to appeal to a particular audience. I’m not about to go out and buy one, but it’s great to see some good-looking vehicles coming from Detroit.

How about you – what cars from the big-three automakers do you admire?

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2008-12-8-8:08 AM #   

6 comments

The new Dodge Challenger, like the redesigned Ford Mustang, is a throw back to class American Muscle Car aesthetics:

http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/challenger/gallery/

It is definitely sharp. One caught my eye on the freeway the other day. First time in a while that an American car, other then a Viper, managed to do that.

by Greg
12-8-9:43 AM

Agreed, it looks like a more refined version of the Mustang. I love the slim grill and tail-lights.

12-8-10:04 AM

I’d have to say the Tesla Roadster. http://www.teslamotors.com/ Not only is it a great looking car, it’s American, and it’s electric!

by David
12-10-5:14 PM

That’s definitely true. It’s a great piece of engineering, though I found the interior somewhat lacking (it’s still a Lotus…).

Of course, they’re also not from the Big Three. Then again, they do seem in danger of bankruptcy as well :)

12-10-5:33 PM

I’m not sure that the problem with the Big-Three’s cars is in design. I think many of their cars are quite attractive. Like the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150… My Toyota Matrix, on the other hand, is ugly as sin, but is almost infinitely reliable and fuel-efficient (that’s the 07 Matrix, with no AWD to waste gas…)

Hi Nick, Long time no see.

by Rory
12-15-2:37 PM

The above comment by Rory suggests that there is a meaningful difference in reliability and efficiency between domestic and foreign brands, but this is no longer true given that much vehicle production are globally sourced. Efficiency is a question of what technology the engineers choose to employ. The original Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe was in fact a joint venture and the vehicles shared many components. Personally, I think that Ford has the worst quality, but all of the Big Three have made great progress in the last 10 years in closing the quality gap. Cadillacs are some of the best domestic vehicles available. I’ve driven the SRX, CTS, STS, and DTS. All of the cars have a unique, consistent aesthetic, are loaded with content, great performance, and high quality fit and finish. My only complaint is the interior layout and ergonomics… the buttons in the vehicle are awkwardly placed and poorly labeled. I stand by my 2001 Saab 9-3 2.3 Turbo.. this car still beats almost every other new car in terms of comfort, performance, technology, efficiency, intelligent design, and ease of use.. and yes, it does contain some GM parts. The Jeep Wrangler is a classic and highly functional vehicle. Also, Saturn used to be a joke, but their current line-up is great, especially the Astra and Aura, which are closely related to the Opel cars sold in Europe.

1-1-5:06 PM