Post-Recession Driving in Chicagoland

I haven't posted in a while because I've been keeping an eye out on the road vs. online for news and trends. I've become fascinated with the post-recession landscape (or roadscape) in my local area (Chicagoland).

For one, I don't see as many Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, and other assorted exotics. Sightings have gone down incredibly over the last six months or more. Even in good weather.

On the other hand, I've seen an amazing amount of Corvettes and BMWs (300-level natch, lower ranks).Speaking of BMWs, and their relatives, Benz and Audi... oddly enough the majority are either brand new lower-ranking models, or second (or third) hand higher models. I don't see as many (or at all in some instances) brand-new higher models. People might be moving to higher-ranking imports of the Asian persuasion, me thinks. (GO INFINITI!)

In bad weather, I did see my fair share of expensive SUVs, such as Land Rovers and Range Rovers, which seem to have lingered a little now, even in nicer weather. Either the leases were extended or just began later and are still trickling through this Spring and early Summer.

Most other people, who fall in the middle and working classes, are relying on trusty cars such as the new MPG-friendly economy, small, and mid-sized cars. A large majority invested in family vans, which now boast better comfort and MPG-friendliness.

I spotted two Fiat 500s, one in Lombard near Downers Grove, and another one near Naperville. Most compacts are in the Mini Cooper, Chevy Aveo, Toyota Yaris type of families however.

Toyotas have gone down exponentially as news of various reliability issues emerge in the marketplace and consumers become weary of their previously trusted stand-by.

Meanwhile, Hondas are ubiquitous, in all their varied shapes and sizes, new or old, and particularly, the little Fit model (in Europe, it's the Jazz).

I've seen an increase in American muscle cars (Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Camaro, etc.), which oddly, have terrible MPG but are fun to drive and may also come in stick shift. I believe these are the folks who used to drive Pontiacs and which have now given up on the GM-owned company.

Speaking of patriotism, I'm a little alarmed whenever I see US military forces bumper and window stickers on non-US made vehicles: Toyotas, Mazdas, Subarus, Lexus, Acuras, etc. I am torn between reading that practice as either "they prefer reliable, long-running cars" to "the infidels! how dare they, and with my tax money!"  Terrible humor aside, the jury is still out on this one.

There aren't many Toyota Venzas in this area, many preferring the Flex (still think it looks odd without wood panels) or minivans, else the variety of other cross-overs out there.

Speaking of cross-overs, I cannot get over my shock at how ugly and cross-overish the Ford Explorer has become. Utterly unrecognizable. The same goes for Jeeps, which not only are wavering on alarming low scores from Consumer Reports--which has been completely antagonistic against Jeep over the past six years--but also dare to sashay in those boxy bodies. It's no wonder older Jeep models abound, while it's more of a yuppified crowd that drives around in the newer models. The significant-other unit promises he'll get a Jeep Wrangler four-door on his next  car-purchasing foray, which is expected to take place in a distant future.

It'll be interesting seeing what other market trends actually translate to the roads in our area.