Did Car Manufacturers Deliberately Design Cars to Fail in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s?

The idea that car manufacturers in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s intentionally designed vehicles to break down in just a few years is a common myth. However, personal experience and historical evidence suggest a different narrative. Cars from these decades, despite often being lower-end models, were reliable and long-lasting with proper maintenance.

Brooks Stevens and Planned Obsolescence

Planned obsolescence, as the term suggests, is often misunderstood. It was not a covert plan to intentionally make cars fail. The concept, popularized by industrial designer Brooks Stevens, was more about encouraging aesthetic changes rather than functional obsolescence.

My observations over the years indicate that vehicles from these decades were built to a reasonable standard with the technology available at the time. While some models required more attention after 100,000 miles, many were still functional and reliable. Higher quality would have made these cars more expensive and less competitive.

Technological Limitations and Industry Standards

The vehicles produced between World War II and the early 1970s were largely uniform, using similar technology beyond a few upgrades like automatic transmissions and power brakes. These improvements made the older vehicles less desirable but did not render them unusable. They were repaired frequently due to the availability of parts and the communal parts inventory used by the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers.

However, manufacturing techniques were not as advanced as today, leading to faster wear and tear on components such as shocks, springs, and steering gear. Engines were also large and inefficient, lacking the metallurgical capabilities to achieve fuel efficiency that some claim was possible in the 70s. Developing the technology for smaller, efficient gears required significant resources that were not available at the time or at a competitive price.

Marketing and Cost Competitiveness

The auto industry's primary focus during this period was on cost and market competitiveness. The US market valued cars as consumer goods, with many seeing them as a tool for convenience rather than a symbol of status. Feature options such as double-galvanized rust-proofing were prohibitively expensive, limiting their availability to luxury brands. Brick-and-mortar dealerships offered easy financing, making cars more accessible to the average consumer.

Consumers had varied needs and preferences. Some wanted a new car every few years to stay current, while others drove their cars heavily, wearing them out quickly. Others took exceptional care of their cars, maintaining them well into their lifetimes. The competitive market drove manufacturers to produce vehicles that were cost-effective and competitive in terms of quality and features.

Consequently, the shift to southern production and later to Mexico was not a result of deliberate car failure but rather a strategic response to market demands and production costs.

In conclusion, cars from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s were not intentionally designed to fail. They followed the limitations of the technology and market demands of the time.