Tips on Buying Cars: Design, boxy shape, air drag

Question
Robert
When I bought my 2002 malibu in 2003 I thought the design would stay 'current' for a while.
Then in 2004 all the new cars foreign and domestic semm to be a boxy shape with flatter panels.They also look taller and not as wide.
Is this a technological innovation or just a new style?

Answer
Unfortunately today's auto industry is fueled more by design and style than technological innovation.  Taller and skinnier cars are less stable than a wider/lower vehicle... the boxy shape is due to the "retro" fad that we have... and is ultimately less aerodynamic than a smooth curved vehicle.. people also seem to think the boxy designs look tougher or more masculine.. and so automakers make the cars to look manly.  If technological innovation fueled the new car trends... the new mustang wouldn't be a 4000lb aerodynamic nightmare of a box.  The engines do seem to be improving.. but I feel they only improve the engines to make up for the added weight and air drag...

So if your car is wider and lower than the new models.. be glad... it will be more stable and handle better... Pop-culture and style sell everything from clothes to cars... so they cater the design to what they think culture will like.... it used to be the car was designed based around efficiency and testing.. and the public would later decide if they liked it... but the business is too tight for that now... unfortunately...