[legion]

Don't forget the thousands of laws in the U.S. and abroad that manufacturers must now take into account when designing cars. Laws that didn't exist 40 years ago.

Why don't you see boxy much anymore? Fuel economy standards.

Why don't you see thin steering wheels or radical dashes? Interior crash standards.

Why do all cars seem to have a high back end and thick C pillars? Rear/side crash standards.

Why are all dashes big, soft, and close to the driver/passenger? To fit air bags.

Why are comparable cars 1000+ lbs. heavier than 20 years ago? Because of crumple zones, passenger safety cages, air bags (up the wazoo), ABS, traction control, stability control...I'm sure I'm missing at least a dozen other mandatory gadgets.