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Mid-size car

From Wikipedia, in a visual modern way
The mid-size Honda Accord
The mid-size Honda Accord

Mid-size—also known as intermediate—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than compact cars and smaller than full-size cars.[1] "Large family car" is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification. Mid-size cars are manufactured in a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks, and convertibles. Compact executive cars can also fall under the mid-size category.

Discover more about Mid-size car related topics

Vehicle size class

Vehicle size class

Vehicle size classes are series of ratings assigned to different segments of automotive vehicles for the purposes of vehicle emissions control and fuel economy calculation. Various methods are used to classify vehicles; in North America, passenger vehicles are classified by total interior capacity while trucks are classified by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Vehicle segments in the European Union use linear measurements to describe size. Asian vehicle classifications are a combination of dimensions and engine displacement.

Compact car

Compact car

Compact car is a vehicle size class — predominantly used in North America — that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. 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.

Full-size car

Full-size car

Full-size car—also known as large car—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars. It is the largest size class for cars. In Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment.

D-segment

D-segment

The D-segment is the 4th category of the European segments for passenger cars, and is described as "large cars".

Sedan (automobile)

Sedan (automobile)

A sedan or saloon is a passenger car in a three-box configuration with separate compartments for an engine, passengers, and cargo.

Coupe

Coupe

A coupe or coupé is a passenger car with a sloping or truncated rear roofline and two doors.

Station wagon

Station wagon

A station wagon or estate car, is an automotive body-style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door, instead of a trunk/boot lid. The body style transforms a standard three-box design into a two-box design — to include an A, B, and C-pillar, as well as a D-pillar. Station wagons can flexibly reconfigure their interior volume via fold-down rear seats to prioritize either passenger or cargo volume.

Hatchback

Hatchback

A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume. Hatchbacks may feature two- or three-box design.

Convertible

Convertible

A convertible or cabriolet is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary among eras and manufacturers.

Compact executive car

Compact executive car

A compact executive car, also known as a compact luxury car, is a premium car larger than a premium compact and smaller than an executive car. Compact executive car is a UK term and a part of the D-segment in the European car classification.

History

Rambler Six "compact" car later reclassified as an "intermediate"
Rambler Six "compact" car later reclassified as an "intermediate"
1986–1989 Ford Taurus
1986–1989 Ford Taurus

The automobile that defined this size in the United States was the Rambler Six that was introduced in 1956, although it was called a "compact" car at that time.[2] Much smaller than any standard contemporary full-size cars, it was called a compact to distinguish it from the small imported cars that were being introduced into the marketplace.[3]

By the early 1960s, the car was renamed the Rambler Classic and while it retained its basic dimensions, it was now competing with an array of new "intermediate" models from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.[4] The introduction of the 1962 Ford Fairlane was viewed by consumers as too close to the compact Falcon in size and performance as well as too close to the full-sized Ford models in price.[5] It was the introduction of General Motors "senior compacts" that grew the mid-size market segment as the line of cars themselves kept increasing in size.[5] By 1965, these GM "A platform" mid-size models matched the size of 1955 full-size cars.[5]

During the 1970s, the intermediate class in the U.S. was generally defined as vehicles with wheelbases between 112 inches (2,845 mm) and 118 inches (2,997 mm). Once again, the cars grew and by 1974 they were "about as large as the full-size cars of a decade or so ago ... best sellers include Ford Torino, Chevrolet Chevelle, AMC Matador, Plymouth Satellite ..."[6] The domestic manufacturers began changing the definition of "medium" as they developed new models for an evolving market place.[7]

A turning point occurred in the late 1970s, when rising fuel costs and government fuel economy regulations caused all car classes to shrink, and in many cases to blur. Automakers moved previously "full-size" nameplates to smaller platforms such as the Ford LTD II and the Plymouth Fury.[8] A comparison test by Popular Science of four intermediate sedans (the 1976 AMC Matador, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Torino, and Dodge Coronet) predicted that these will be the "big cars of the future."[9] By 1978, General Motors made its intermediate models smaller.[10]

1994-1999 Vauxhall/Opel Omega: a British/European executive car, marketed in the U.S. as a mid-size car (Cadillac Catera)[11]
1994-1999 Vauxhall/Opel Omega: a British/European executive car, marketed in the U.S. as a mid-size car (Cadillac Catera)[11]

New "official" size designations in the U.S. were introduced by the EPA, which defined market segments by passenger and cargo space.[12] Formerly mid-sized cars that were built on the same platform, like the AMC Matador sedan, had a combined passenger and cargo volume of 130 cubic feet (3.68 m3), and were now considered "full-size" automobiles.[13][14]

Cars that defined the mid-size market in the 1980s and 1990s included the Chrysler K-Cars (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant), the Ford Taurus, and the Toyota Camry, which was upsized into the midsize class in 1991. The Taurus and Camry came to define the mid-size market for decades.

Mid-size cars were the most popular category of cars sold in the United States, with 27.4 percent during the first half of 2012, ahead of crossovers at 19 percent.[15]

Discover more about History related topics

Ford Taurus

Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus is an automobile that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States from the 1986 to 2019 model years. Introduced in late 1985 for the 1986 model year, six generations were produced over 34 years; a brief hiatus was undertaken between 2006 and 2007. From the 1986 to 2009 model years, the Taurus was sold alongside its near-twin, the Mercury Sable; four generations of the high-performance Ford Taurus SHO were produced. The Taurus also served as the basis for the first-ever front-wheel drive Lincoln Continental (1988–2002).

Ford Falcon (North America)

Ford Falcon (North America)

The Ford Falcon is a model line of cars that was produced by Ford from the 1960 to 1970 model years. Though preceded by the Rambler American, the Falcon was the first compact car marketed by the Big Three American manufacturers. Introduced five years after the Ford Thunderbird, the Falcon was the third car line introduced by Ford.

Ford Galaxie

Ford Galaxie

The Ford Galaxie is a full-sized car that was built in the United States by Ford for model years 1959 through to 1974. The name was used for the top models in Ford's full-size range from 1958 until 1961, in a marketing attempt to appeal to the excitement surrounding the Space Race. In 1958, a concept car was introduced called "la Galaxie" which incorporated the headlights into pods inline with the grille and a reduced front profile.

Ford Torino

Ford Torino

The Ford Torino is an automobile that was produced by Ford for the North American market between 1968 and 1976. It was a competitor in the intermediate market segment. The car was named after the city of Turin, considered "the Italian Detroit". The Torino was initially an upscale variation of the intermediate sized Ford Fairlane with a similar approach to the Ford LTD being the upscale version of the Ford Galaxie. Beginning in the 1968 model year the intermediate Ford line consisted of Fairlane and Torino models. The Fairlane name was utilized for the lower trim level models while the upscale models were called Torino. During this time, the Torino was considered a subseries to the Fairlane. By 1970 Torino had become the primary name for Ford's intermediate, and the Fairlane was now a subseries of the Torino. In 1971 the Fairlane name was dropped altogether, and all Ford intermediates were called Torino. This name was one of several originally proposed for the Mustang while in development. The Torino was essentially a twin to the Mercury Montego line.

Chevrolet Chevelle

Chevrolet Chevelle

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by Chevrolet in three generations for the 1964 through 1978 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The "Super Sport" versions were produced through the 1973 model year and Lagunas from 1973 through to 1976.

AMC Matador

AMC Matador

The AMC Matador is a car model line that was manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) across two generations, 1971–1973 (mid-size) and 1974–1978 (full-size), in two-door hardtop and coupe versions as well as in four-door sedan and station wagon body styles.

Plymouth Satellite

Plymouth Satellite

The Plymouth Satellite is a mid-size automobile introduced in the 1965 model year as the top trim model in Plymouth's "B" platform Belvedere line. Available initially in two-door hardtop and convertible models, the Satellite remained the top-of-the-line model until the 1967 model year. A station wagon version was added and a higher "Sport" trim introduced.

Ford LTD II

Ford LTD II

The Ford LTD II is an automobile produced and marketed by Ford Motor Company between 1977 and 1979 in the United States and Canada. Deriving its name from the full-sized Ford LTD model line, the intermediate LTD II consolidated the Ford Torino and Gran Torino model lines, with the Ford Elite replaced by the Ford Thunderbird. Offered in a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and station wagon, the LTD II also served as a basis for the final generation of the Ford Ranchero coupe utility.

Plymouth Fury

Plymouth Fury

The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. It was introduced for the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere, becoming a separate series one level above the contemporary Belvedere for 1959. The Fury was a full-size car from 1959 until 1961, then a mid-size car from 1962 until 1964, again, a full-size car from 1965 through 1974, and again, a mid-size car from 1975 through 1978. From 1975 until 1977, the Fury was sold alongside the full-size Plymouth Gran Fury. In 1978, the B-body Fury was the largest Plymouth, and by 1979, there was no large Plymouth. This product gap was filled in 1980 with the R-body Gran Fury, followed by the M-body Fury in 1982. Production of the last V8, RWD Plymouth Fury ended at the Kenosha Main assembly plant in Kenosha, WI, on December 23, 1988. Unlike its sibling brand, Dodge, Plymouth would not live to see the resurgence of the large, V8/RWD sedan.

Popular Science

Popular Science

Popular Science is an American digital magazine carrying popular science content, which refers to articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. Popular Science has won over 58 awards, including the American Society of Magazine Editors awards for its journalistic excellence in 2003, 2004, and 2019. With roots beginning in 1872, Popular Science has been translated into over 30 languages and is distributed to at least 45 countries.

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.

Dodge Coronet

Dodge Coronet

The Dodge Coronet is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge in seven generations, and shared nameplates with the same bodyshell with varying levels of equipment installed. Introduced as a full-size car in 1949, it was the division's highest trim line and moved to the lowest level starting in 1955 through 1959. The name was reintroduced on intermediate-sized models from the 1965 until 1976 model years. Muscle car versions were available starting in 1965 with the 383 and 426 wedge cu in Chrysler RB engine, followed in 1966 by the powerful 426 cu in Chrysler Hemi. Other performance models included the "Superbee", and featured, the 383 cu in Magnum, among other engine options. The nameplate "coronet" is a type of crown worn by royalty.

Current definition

Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu

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.[16] Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, mid-size cars are defined as having an interior volume index of 110–119 cu ft (3.1–3.4 m3).[17]

Source: "Mid-size car", Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, (2022, December 26th), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-size_car.

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Further Reading

Station wagon

American Motors Corporation

Muscle car

Compact car

Pony car

Rebadging

AMC Ambassador

Crossover (automobile)

Subcompact car

Full-size car

AMC Hornet

AMC Matador

AMC Rebel

Rambler Classic

Nash Rambler

Rambler Rebel

Rambler Six and V8
See also
References
  1. ^ "'Mid-size' car definition by Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary". K Dictionaries. 2005. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  2. ^ Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (5 September 2007). "1956-1957 Rambler". Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ Corporate Strategies of the Automotive Manufacturers: An historical perspective on the automobile industry. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1978. p. 153.
  4. ^ Severson, Aaron (25 December 2009). "What's a Matador? The AMC Matador, Rebel, and Classic". Ate Up With Motor.
  5. ^ a b c Flory , Jr., J. "Kelly" (2004). "Introduction". American Cars, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year by Year. McFarland. p. 8. ISBN 9780786452002. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  6. ^ Shafer, Ronald. D. (1974). "What Women Should Know About Cars". Harper's Bazaar. 107: 36. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  7. ^ Lund, Robert (March 1976). "Detroit Listening Post". Popular Mechanics. 145 (3): 14.
  8. ^ Jim Dunne (September 1975). "Detroit Report: an intermediate step". Popular Science. 207 (3): 40. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  9. ^ Jim Dunne; Hill, Ray (February 1976). "Intermediate sedans - big cars of the future". Popular Science. 208 (2): 36, 38, 44, 46.
  10. ^ Jim Dunne (October 1977). "GM for '78: the intermediates are smaller". Popular Science. 211 (4): 92–95.
  11. ^ Appel, Tom (25 October 2017). "Review Flashback! 1997 Cadillac Catera". The Daily Drive: Consumer Guide.
  12. ^ "How are vehicle size classes defined?". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  13. ^ "1978 49-state Fuel Economy Guide". fueleconomy.gov. 10 November 1978. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  14. ^ Jim Dunne (June 1977). "A Sneak Preview of the '78 cars". Popular Science. 210 (6): 78. Retrieved 27 January 2019. AMC plans to offer a more luxurious Matador model to compete in the full-size market
  15. ^ St. Antoine, Arthur (December 2012). "Comparison: 2012-2013 Midsize Sedan Comparison: Battle of the Best-Sellers". Motor Trend. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  16. ^ "Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 600.315 - 82 Classes of comparable automobiles". U.S. Government Publishing Office. 1 July 1996. p. 733.
  17. ^ "FAQ - How are vehicle size classes defined?". www.fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
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