[varyouga]

Do you notice that GM and Chevy keep changing the names of their cars. Vega, Chevette, Nova, Cobalt, Cruze. You get the impression that they are trying to make people forget their experiences with the older cars.

LOL. I never thought of it that way. Nissan Maxima debuted in 1976 and my 99 is still running like brand new. Gets 29MPG at EPA conditions. A brand new accord gets the same thing.

I can think of many American models though: Mustang - '64, Corvette - '53, Town Car, Taurus, Explorer, Wrangler, F150, LeSabre

[WilliamReading]

The LeSabre is long gone , along with the Catalina.

[count-your-change]

Automobile names are frequently chosen for some psychological effect. Think of the connotations: (Mustang) a wild horse, (Pinto) a little Mustang, (Pacifica) the churning ocean, (La Sabre) obvious, (Expedition)(Explorer)(Denali) rugged outdoors, (Vega) (Corvette) sleek, fast ships or plans, (Eldorado) etc. Make your list but you can also see the West Coast influence, no more Chrysler New Yorker or Plymouth Belvedere.