Passenger Cars
>>
The passenger car category is, by far, the largest
and most competitive in the auto business—in 2003, passenger cars accounted
for almost 47 percent of total vehicle sales. With prices starting around
$9,000, consumers have a staggering number of nameplates and body styles to
choose from—the number of individual trims tops 300.
Hybrid
Vehicles
Sports Cars
>>
Generally speaking, sports cars are performance-oriented cars targeted at auto
enthusiasts. They're typically 2-door coupes or convertibles with powerful
engines, sport-tuned suspensions and sleeker body styles. That said, the essence
of sports cars is not really within a particular body style or drivetrain
configuration, but more in what they do for the driver.
Hybrid
Powered Cars
<< Minivans
and Vans
Vans and minivans together comprise almost nine percent of all new vehicles sold
in the U.S., with minivans outselling full-size vans three to one. Although
technically classified as light trucks, today's minivans are commonly regarded
as cars by their owners. Many come fully loaded and share many of the same
comfort and safety features as passenger cars.
