[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I am 55 years old and when I began driving at age 16, many cars were sold that were basic cars without many options (such as power steering, power brakes, a/c, automatic transmission, radio, etc.). My first car was a used 1965 Chevrolet Malibu 2 door with no options. Cars then without the advanced safety equipment and design of today's vehicles were death traps, and caused many injuries and fatalities.

Given the state of the economy, I suspect you will see a return to a decontented vehicle over the next few years. The vehicle will contain the required safety equipment, but many convenience features will be removed to reduce cost and weight.