IF Sedans Completely Disappeared And Only Crossovers, SUVs and Trucks Were Left, Would ANYONE In The USA Care?

If there's one thing we've been noticing for the past couple of years, it's that the sedan as we know it is a tired form factor for the automobile as we know it. Think about it: how many variations have we seen come out as of late?

There's four-door coupes like the CLS, hatchback things like the A7, four-door sport-utility vehicle coupes like the X6, and then there's just coupes as you usually know them. It seems like that's just the start of it as new niches are created annually.

In addition to this, there's absolutely NO question that if there was was segment to pick when it came to sales growth it would go to SUVs. To be more specific, compact SUVs.

AND, pick-up truck sales are also on the rise. More specifically, the luxury editions that are kitted out and selling at prices above $55,000.

It was sort of a running joke when Agent 001 and I would walk into an auto show he'd state "IF sedans completely disappeared and ONLY crossovers, SUVs and Trucks were left, would ANYONE care?" This was because the show floors have become more and more SUV and truck-centric.

After this year's Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) though, we want to know: would YOU care?

Sciros - 1/20/2016 10:38:28 PM

+3 Boost

Civics, Camrys, Corollas, Accords, Fusions, Malibus, etc. all still sell very well. Then you have the Euro imports that are also selling alright. Sedans aren't exactly a niche thing :-/

Vette71 - 1/20/2016 10:38:40 PM

+1 Boost

Our family of five vehicles wouldn't care if sedans went away:
1. Retired parents like mid to small SUV/crossovers. Sit up high, easy to get in and out of, open the back and toss stuff in, decent economy, many now with luxury features for road trips.
2. Gen X daughter with infant. Current sedan would be replaced with CUV
3. Millennial daughter drives CUV. Hated sedans. Sit up high is winner.
4. Millennial son shopping hot hatch to replace GTI. Likes easy carrying capacity, with driving fun.

TheSteve - 1/21/2016 12:30:02 AM

+2 Boost

The market for sedans is still huge. In my 100% unscientific glance at traffic, it looks like about 1/3 of vehicles are SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks.

I've been driving sports cars (coupes or convertibles) all my life, and only recently I switched to an SUV (Audi Q5) because my needs changed so much. Now that I've driven my car, I would never lose this for a sports car or a sedan as my only vehicle. A sports car as a second vehicle? Sure.

TomM - 1/21/2016 8:03:07 AM

+3 Boost

Yes - LOTS of people would care - the market for regular cars is not in jeopardy - there is no reason for most people to commute to work in anything but a car - especially in California. Gas mileage is still better in cars - some people have problems getting in and out of Suvs.

My neighbor MUST buy a truck because he is too large to fit into anything with Bucket seats - however - most truck buyers are not using them as trucks. Frankly - my favorite vehicle - a Station Wagon - has already gone by the boards. However - they were just what I needed - and wanted. THey could carry lots of people - or lots of cargo - or a mixture of both - but still drove like a car - looked like a car - was not too tall - and some were even fun to drive too. I still want to do that USA northwest trip from NJ - and I would have liked a Taurus wagon to do it in -now it is likely it will be a Mini-van.

Vette71 - 1/21/2016 12:48:23 PM

+1 Boost

Actually one of the best touring vehicles I ever owned was a Dodge Grand Caravan ES. Fully optioned up, it was comfortable and enjoyable to take on long trips, yet perfect for hauling stuff when needed. Would't hesitate to take that same cross country trip in the new Chrysler Pacifica which especially with options like auto cruise control, etc.

PUGPROUD - 1/21/2016 8:24:54 AM

+1 Boost

I volunteer and drive senior citizens most of whom are in their eighties with mild to major disabilities and walkers to doctor appointments, church, etc. The majority of them would not be able to enter any vehicle but a sedan with the exception of the BMW 5GT which is slightly higher than a sedan but lower than an SUV. At some point manufacturers will see the value of making an SUV which lowers itself for entry and exit of our greatly aging population here and around the world.

Vette71 - 1/21/2016 12:42:22 PM

+1 Boost

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Summit both lower themselves when in Park for easier exit and entry. Minivan's are also easier to get into and out of for seniors.

Vette71 - 1/21/2016 12:42:35 PM

+1 Boost

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Summit both lower themselves when in Park for easier exit and entry. Minivan's are also easier to get into and out of for seniors.

MDarringer - 1/21/2016 8:28:13 AM

+1 Boost

Tallness runs in my family and also in my wife's family. We have 4 boys. There simply isn't a sedan that fits us if we want to go somewhere together. My wife and I each drive a non-SUV, but we have a Ford Flex for going places as a family. It's also a great vehicle for doing the shopping.

If anything, I can see affordable sport coupes becoming MORE popular as SUVs and crossovers displace sedns.

Vette71 - 1/21/2016 12:50:18 PM

+1 Boost

Exactly. Second car my wife drives is a convertible. Fun Machine.

Vette71 - 1/21/2016 12:52:35 PM

+1 Boost

Even cops are dropping sedans. Ford Explorers are replacing Crown Vics around here for both state and local police.

MDarringer - 1/23/2016 12:32:29 PM

+1 Boost

Can you imagine of Lincoln gave the police interceptor treatment to the MKX? Yummy.

MDarringer - 1/23/2016 12:32:33 PM

+1 Boost

Can you imagine of Lincoln gave the police interceptor treatment to the MKX? Yummy.

skytop - 1/21/2016 2:46:04 PM

+2 Boost

Companies that make floor mats for sedans would care.

Families need the space of the cross over. Years ago, the station wagon was the car of choice. Evolution has produced the crossover which is far more efficient at moving people and junk.

cidflekken - 1/21/2016 2:59:57 PM

+1 Boost

SUVs/Trucks is a continually growing segment. Sedans aren't necessarily a disappearing segment. I could be wrong, but I cannot think of a brand that has ceased production of a sedan and replaced it with an SUV. In many cases, those with SUVs/trucks have sedans as the other family car. The majority of relatives and friends with families, or coupled folks, have both SUV/truck and sedan in their garages and driveways.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/21/2016 4:36:49 PM

+2 Boost

I cannot see the benefit of a sedan or coupe any longer as they simply cannot carry bulky items in their trunks like a crossover or hatchback can. I would not miss the sedan or coupe personally as long as there are performance hatches/crossovers/wagons for myself.