Compact car: Difference between revisions
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'''Compact car''' is a [[vehicle size class]]— predominantly used in North America— that sits between [[subcompact car]]s and [[mid-size car]]s. The present-day definition is equivalent to the European [[C-segment]] or the British term "small family car". However, prior to the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to {{convert|110|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} were considered "compact cars" in the United States. |
'''Compact car''' is a [[vehicle size class]]— predominantly used in North America— that sits between [[subcompact car]]s and [[mid-size car]]s. The present-day definition is equivalent to the European [[C-segment]] or the British term "small family car". However, prior to the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to {{convert|110|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} were considered "compact cars" in the United States. |
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== United States == |
== United States == |
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=== Current definition === |
=== Current definition === |
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The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) ''Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year'' (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles|url= http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-1996-title40-vol16/CFR-1996-title40-vol16-sec600-315 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |date=1 July 1996 |accessdate=7 February 2016 |page= 733}}</ref> Based on the combined passenger and [[cargo]] volume, compact cars are defined as having an ''interior volume index'' of {{convert|100|-|109|cuft|m3|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses |title=FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined? |website=www.fueleconomy.gov |access-date=5 January 2019 }}</ref> |
The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) ''Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year'' (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles|url= http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-1996-title40-vol16/CFR-1996-title40-vol16-sec600-315 |publisher=U.S. Government Publishing Office |date=1 July 1996 |accessdate=7 February 2016 |page= 733}}</ref> Based on the combined passenger and [[cargo]] volume, compact cars are defined as having an ''interior volume index'' of {{convert|100|-|109|cuft|m3|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#sizeclasses |title=FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined? |website=www.fueleconomy.gov |access-date=5 January 2019 }}</ref> |
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===1930s |
=== 1930s to 1950s === |
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| ⚫ | The U.S. |
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=== 1950s === |
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[[File:1950-52 Nash Rambler conv.jpg|thumb|1952 [[Nash Rambler]] 2-door station wagon]] |
[[File:1950-52 Nash Rambler conv.jpg|thumb|1952 [[Nash Rambler]] 2-door station wagon]] |
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| ⚫ | The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were the late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the [[Ford Vedette]].<ref name="Stevenson">{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FGU5qHJY-y4C&pg=PA214&dq=Americans+did+not+take+easily+to+small+cars.+The+pre-war+Austin+Seven-based+Bantam+was+not+a+success,+and+the+postwar+Crosley+enjoyed+only+a+brief+vogue+in+the+late+1940s+before+extinction+in+1952 |page=214 |title=American Automobile Advertising, 1930-1980: An Illustrated History |first=Heon |last=Stevenson |publisher=McFarland |year=2008 |isbn=9780786436859 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>{{refpage|page=214}} Neither car reached production in the U.S., however the Vedette was produced by [[Ford SAF]] in France.<ref name="Stevenson"/>{{refpage|page=214}} |
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| ⚫ | The first U.S produced compact car was the 1950 [[Nash Rambler]]. It was built on a {{convert|100|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheelbase, which was nonetheless still a large car by contemporary European standards.<ref name="Stevenson"/>{{refpage|page=214}} The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of {{convert|110|in|mm|0}} or less.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2007 |page=144 |isbn=978030011038-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Ward's automotive yearbook |publisher=Ward's Communications |location=Detroit |volume=22 |year=1960 |page=92 }}</ref> It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=__JhCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT126&dq=Back+in+the+1950s,+the+Nash+Rambler+was+America's+first+small+car |page= |title=In Search of the Obvious: The Antidote for Today's Marketing Mess |first=Jack |last=Trout |publisher=Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=9780470288597 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=GW6jLldHjqsC&q=It+was+America's+first+compact+car,+and+to+get+a+name+for+it,+the+company+reached+back+almost+fifty+years+into+its+own+history.+1950+Nash+Rambler+was+a+historic+car+on+two+counts:+its+ancestry+and+its+small+size |page=115 |title=Car of the year, 1895-1970: a 75-year parade of American automobiles that made news |first=Henry Bolles |last=Lent |publisher=Dutton |year=1974 |isbn=9780525274513 |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the [[Henry J |
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| ⚫ | Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the [[Henry J|Kaiser-Frazer Henry J]] (also re-badged as the [[Allstate (automobile)|Allstate]]), the [[Willys Aero]] and the [[Hudson Jet]]. |
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| ⚫ | In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million car. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting a potential market size of 275,000 cars.<ref name=Kranz>{{cite journal|title=As the 1950s end, 'one size fits all' strategy gives way to Falcon, other economy cars |last=Kranz |first=Rick |work=Automotive News |date=16 June 2003 |pages=176–177}}</ref> By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a sideline [[convertible]] model became a success and was now available in [[station wagon]], [[hardtop]], and [[sedan (car)|sedan]] body styles.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Donovan |first1=Leo |title=Detroit Listening Post |journal=Popular Mechanics |date=June 1955 |volume=103 |issue=6 |page=92 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Bd0DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref> During the [[Recession of 1958]], the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gunn |first1=Malcolm |title=Today's compact cars trace roots to AMC's Rambler |url= https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/american-motor-corp-s-rambler-predated-today-s-popular-compact-cars-1.4708103 |website=Newsday |date=26 February 2013 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref> |
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Sales of small imported cars also increased as consumers turned to compacts that made up 14% of the US passenger car market by 1959.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |date=2007 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=9780300110388 |page=144 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Gr0nTRhwPJcC&pg=PA144 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref> The modern compact class expanded between 1958 and 1960 when the [[Studebaker Lark]], [[Chevrolet Corvair]], [[Ford Falcon (North American)|Ford Falcon]], and [[Plymouth Valiant]] were brought to the market segment dominated by the [[Rambler American]]. These models also gave rise to [[compact van]]s that were sized similarly to the [[Volkswagen Type 2]] microbus and were based from the Falcon, Corvair, and Valiant [[automobile platform]]s. |
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By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of the U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars.<ref>{{cite book |last=McCarthy |first=Tom |title=Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment |date=2007 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=9780300110388 |page=144 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Gr0nTRhwPJcC&pg=PA144 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref> By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars, while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space.<ref name=Kranz/> |
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Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made a push towards compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the [[Studebaker Lark]], [[Chevrolet Corvair]], [[Ford Falcon (North American)|Ford Falcon]], and [[Plymouth Valiant]]. These models also gave rise to [[compact van]]s built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sit or Stand: Rare 1963 First-Year Studebaker Zip Van |url=https://bringatrailer.com/2018/10/06/sit-or-stand-rare-1963-studebaker-zip-van/ |website=www.bringatrailer.com |accessdate=19 January 2019 |date=6 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah: 1963 Studebaker USPS Zip Van |url=https://barnfinds.com/1963-studebaker-zip-van/ |website=www.barnfinds.com/ |accessdate=19 January 2019 |date=15 June 2016}}</ref> [[Chevrolet Greenbrier|Chevrolet Covair Greenbrier]], [[Ford_E_series#First_generation_(1961–1967)|Ford Econoline]] and [[Dodge A100]]. |
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=== 1960s === |
=== 1960s === |
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=== 1970s-present === |
=== 1970s-present === |
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[[File:1978 AMC Concord DL 4-door sedan beige.jpg|thumb|1978 [[AMC Concord]] 4-door sedan, a new "luxury" compact at the time<ref>{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick R. |title=American Motors Corporation: The Rise and Fall of America's Last Independent Automaker |date=2013 |publisher=Motorbooks |isbn=9780760344255 |page=163 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CyBFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA163 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref>]] |
[[File:1978 AMC Concord DL 4-door sedan beige.jpg|thumb|1978 [[AMC Concord]] 4-door sedan, a new "luxury" compact at the time<ref>{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Patrick R. |title=American Motors Corporation: The Rise and Fall of America's Last Independent Automaker |date=2013 |publisher=Motorbooks |isbn=9780760344255 |page=163 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CyBFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA163 |accessdate=12 January 2019}}</ref>]] |
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In the early 1970s, the domestic [[automaker]]s introduced even smaller [[subcompact car]]s that included the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Chevrolet Vega]], and [[Ford Pinto]]. |
In the early 1970s, the domestic [[automaker]]s introduced even smaller [[subcompact car]]s that included the [[AMC Gremlin]], [[Chevrolet Vega]], and [[Ford Pinto]]. |
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Revision as of 22:51, 19 January 2019
Compact car is a vehicle size class— predominantly used in North America— that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. The present-day definition is equivalent to the European C-segment or the British term "small family car". However, prior to the downsizing of the United States car industry in the 1970s and 1980s, larger vehicles with wheelbases up to 110 in (2.79 m) were considered "compact cars" in the United States.
In Japan, small size passenger vehicle is a registration category that sites between kei cars and regular cars, based on overall size and engine displacement limits.
United States
Current definition
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles.[1] Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, compact cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 100–109 cu ft (2.8–3.1 m3).[2]
1930s to 1950s
The beginnings of U.S. production of compact cars were the late 1940s prototypes of economy cars, including the Chevrolet Cadet and the Ford Vedette.[3]: 214 Neither car reached production in the U.S., however the Vedette was produced by Ford SAF in France.[3]: 214
The first U.S produced compact car was the 1950 Nash Rambler. It was built on a 100-inch (2,540 mm) wheelbase, which was nonetheless still a large car by contemporary European standards.[3]: 214 The term "compact" was coined by a Nash executive as a euphemism for small cars with a wheelbase of 110 inches (2,794 mm) or less.[4][5] It established a new market segment and the U.S. automobile industry soon adopted the "compact" term.[6][7]
Several competitors to the Nash Rambler arose from the ranks of America's other independent automakers, although none enjoyed the long-term success of the Rambler. Other early compact cars included the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J (also re-badged as the Allstate), the Willys Aero and the Hudson Jet.
In 1954, 64,500 cars sold in the U.S. were imports or small American cars, out of a total market of five million car. Market research indicated that five percent of those surveyed said they would consider a small car, suggesting a potential market size of 275,000 cars.[8] By 1955, the Nash Rambler that began as a sideline convertible model became a success and was now available in station wagon, hardtop, and sedan body styles.[9] During the Recession of 1958, the only exception to the sales decline was American Motors with its compact, economy-oriented Ramblers that saw high demand among cautious consumers.[10]
By 1959, sales of small imported cars also increased to 14% of the U.S. passenger car market, as consumers turned to compact cars.[11] By this time, smaller cars appealed to people with a college education and a higher income whose families were buying more than one car. Customers expected compact cars to provide improved fuel economy compared to full-sized cars, while maintaining headroom, legroom, and plenty of trunk space.[8]
Between 1958 and 1960, the major U.S. car manufacturers made a push towards compact cars, resulting in the introduction of the Studebaker Lark, Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon, and Plymouth Valiant. These models also gave rise to compact vans built on the compact car platforms, such as the Studebaker Zip Van,[12][13] Chevrolet Covair Greenbrier, Ford Econoline and Dodge A100.
1960s
During the 1960s, compacts were the smallest class of North American cars, but they had evolved into only slightly smaller versions of the 6-cylinder or V8-powered two-bench six-passenger sedan. They were much larger than imports by makers such as Volkswagen and Datsun, which were typically five-passenger 4-cylinder engine cars, even though ads for the Ford Maverick and Rambler American would make comparisons with the popular Volkswagen Beetle.
Compact cars were also the basis for a new small car segment that became known as the pony car, named after the Ford Mustang, which was built on the Falcon chassis. At that time, there was a distinct difference in size between compact and full-size models, and an early definition of the compact was a vehicle with an overall length of less than 200-inch (5,080 mm), much larger than European designs.
1970s-present
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In the early 1970s, the domestic automakers introduced even smaller subcompact cars that included the AMC Gremlin, Chevrolet Vega, and Ford Pinto.
In 1973, the Energy Crisis started, which made small fuel efficient cars more desirable, and the North American driver began exchanging their large cars for the smaller, imported compacts that cost less to fill up and were inexpensive to maintain.
The 1977 model year marked the beginning of a downsizing of all vehicles, so that cars such as the AMC Concord and the Ford Fairmont that replaced the compacts were re-classified as mid-size, while cars inheriting the size of the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega (such as the Ford Escort and Chevrolet Cavalier) became classified as compact cars. And even after the reclassification vehicles like the Ford Fairmont were far larger than international midsize sedans and rather on par with large cars such as the Ford Granada (Europe). It would not be until the 1980s that American cars were being downsized to truly international dimensions.
In the 1985 model year, compact cars classified by the EPA included Ford's Escort and Tempo, the Chevrolet Cavalier, Toyota Corolla, Acura Legend, Mercedes-Benz 300, Nissan Maxima, Volvo DL, and many others.[15]
In the United States, the compact car segment currently holds a 16% share of the market.[16][failed verification] This segment is dominated by import models.
Vehicle size classes as used in the US "Fuel Economy Guide"
| Class[17] | Interior volume index |
|---|---|
| Minicompact car | < 85 cu ft (2.4 m3) |
| Subcompact car | 85–99.9 cu ft (2.41–2.83 m3) |
| Compact car | 100–109.9 cu ft (2.83–3.11 m3) |
| Midsize car | 110–119.9 cu ft (3.11–3.40 m3) |
| Large car | ≥ 120 cu ft (3.4 m3) |
| Small station wagon | < 130 cu ft (3.7 m3) |
| Midsize station wagon | 130–160 cu ft (3.7–4.5 m3) |
| Large station wagon | ≥ 160 cu ft (4.5 m3) |
Japan
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2019) |
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Definition
In Japan, vehicles that are larger than kei cars, but with dimensions smaller than 4,700 mm (185.0 in) long, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) high and with engines at or under 2,000 cc (120 cu in) are classified as "small size" cars.
Small size cars are identified by a licence plate number beginning with "5". In the past, the small size category has received tax benefits stipulated by the Japanese government regulations, such as those in the 1951 Road Vehicle Act.[18]
1950s and 1960s
In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry set forth a goal to all Japanese makers at that time to create what was called a "national car". The concept stipulated that the vehicle be able to maintain a maximum speed over 100 km/h (62 mph), weigh below 400 kg (882 lbs), fuel consumption at 30 km/L (85 mpg‑imp; 71 mpg‑US) or more, at an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) on a level road, and not require maintenance or significant service for at least 100,000 km (62,000 mi). This established a "compact car" target that was larger than what has become known as the "light car" or the kei car.
One of the first compact cars that met those requirements was the Toyota Publica with an air cooled two cylinder opposed engine, the Datsun 110 series, and the Mitsubishi 500. The Publica and the Mitsubishi 500 were essentially "kei cars" with engines larger than regulations permitted at the time, while the Datsun was an all-new vehicle. These vehicles were followed by the Hino Contessa in 1961, the Isuzu Bellett, Daihatsu Compagno and Mazda Familia in 1963, the Mitsubishi Colt in 1965, and the Nissan Sunny, Subaru 1000, and Toyota Corolla in 1966. Honda introduced their first four-door sedan in 1969, called the Honda 1300. In North America, these cars were classified as subcompact cars.
1970s to present
By 1970, Nissan released their first front-wheel-drive car that was originally developed by Prince Motor Company which had merged with Nissan in 1966. This was introduced in 1970 as the Nissan Cherry. In 1972, the Honda Civic appeared with the CVCC engine that was able to meet California emission standards without the use of a Catalytic converter.
See also
References
- ^ "Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles". U.S. Government Publishing Office. 1 July 1996. p. 733. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined?". www.fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- ^ a b c Stevenson, Heon (2008). American Automobile Advertising, 1930-1980: An Illustrated History. McFarland. p. 214. ISBN 9780786436859. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ McCarthy, Tom (2007). Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment. Yale University Press. p. 144. ISBN 978030011038-8.
- ^ Ward's automotive yearbook. Vol. 22. Detroit: Ward's Communications. 1960. p. 92.
- ^ Trout, Jack (2008). In Search of the Obvious: The Antidote for Today's Marketing Mess. Wiley. ISBN 9780470288597. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ Lent, Henry Bolles (1974). Car of the year, 1895-1970: a 75-year parade of American automobiles that made news. Dutton. p. 115. ISBN 9780525274513. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ a b Kranz, Rick (16 June 2003). "As the 1950s end, 'one size fits all' strategy gives way to Falcon, other economy cars". Automotive News: 176–177.
- ^ Donovan, Leo (June 1955). "Detroit Listening Post". Popular Mechanics. 103 (6): 92. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ Gunn, Malcolm (26 February 2013). "Today's compact cars trace roots to AMC's Rambler". Newsday. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ McCarthy, Tom (2007). Auto Mania: Cars, Consumers, and the Environment. Yale University Press. p. 144. ISBN 9780300110388. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ "Sit or Stand: Rare 1963 First-Year Studebaker Zip Van". www.bringatrailer.com. 6 October 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah: 1963 Studebaker USPS Zip Van". www.barnfinds.com/. 15 June 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- ^ Foster, Patrick R. (2013). American Motors Corporation: The Rise and Fall of America's Last Independent Automaker. Motorbooks. p. 163. ISBN 9780760344255. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ "Gas Mileage of 1985 Compact Cars". www.fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ Gasnier, Matt (12 August 2012). "USA 7 months 2012: Discover all 273 best-selling models!". Best selling cars blog. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Vehicle Size Classes Used in the Fuel Economy Guide". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Road Vehicle Act of 1951". www.law.e-gov.go.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 February 2016.
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