What ever happened?

Burntorange70:

Cost could always be a benefactor but the real reason is evolution of design. All this can be said about fenders, wooden spoke wheel and rear wheel skirts. Styling and product development.

Fishbreath: Drip rails and chrome bumpers had nothing to do with CAFE standards. The American car company couldn't make an efficient small motor like Nissan Honda and Toyota. All their cars had drips and chrome well into the 80's Funny thing too. an 84 Corolla made 40 mpg now a 08 makes 35mpg?

Design changed a lot. The Taurus changed most of the playing field.