Why Do New Vehicles Keep Putting On The Pounds?

Sure, the Nissan Quest minivan that Gino Shnayderman was sizing up looked a tad bigger than the older Toyota model it would replace. But that was OK. In his mind, more room meant it will carry more people.

"Wouldn't you want to get more?" Shnayderman asked as his dad circled the used Quest on the lot of a Honda dealer here in this Los Angeles suburb.

Lots of automakers think they know the answer. Despite high gas prices, the industry believes consumers view bigger as better. Cars and trucks have ballooned as a result.

Models getting the XXL treatment range from Audi's previously tiny TT sports car to the venerable Ford Taurus sedan among next-generation models. Even BMW's Mini is going to offer a maxi version.

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