. Sadly you are correct. For over 50 years I owned and drove Volvo Station Wagons. That format in no longer available. Now days you get a Universal Japanese Car {UJC} with a 3 or 4 cylinder small displacement engine with a turbo or 2 on it. I now have a Lexus LS460 L {2013}. No miles on it. Want a new one. Mine has a big v-8 28MPG on interstate. They want me to buy the new one with a V-6 2 turbos and 26MPG. I will keep my old one.

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You can thank the government for that. Federal mandates on mileage and emissions have forced automakers into aerodynamic designs that tend to be identical. In the future expect interior enhancements like AI services to be the main difference in manufacturer’s models

After watching a woman in her 70s in an Aldi parking lot struggle to get in and out of the passenger seat of a red sports car I better realize why every car around here is an SUV.

I drive a medium/large white SUV. It's much easier to get an and out of than a low car, my seat is butt high so I slide in and out. I also have an 80 pound dog, so the back seats stay flat to accommodate him. I think SUVs are the best thing since sliced bread, because of the carrying capacity, and mine has a hitch so I can pull a trailer. Late 50s cars, two tone with chrome and fins are my favorites.

SUV with a M on the rear.

We have a blue Ford Explorer. One time I couldn't get it unlocked... How many blue Ford Explorers are there in TV, parked in Fenney parking lot? After finding and entering mine across the lane, we watched the one I was "burgling" drive by.

Some years ago I was on business staying at a hotel close to the airport with a rental car. In the morning I went to my apparent car, unlocked with the key and entered thinking something was strange because I didn't remember pulling the emergency brake lever. Started the car and began to back out when I saw another identical car slightly different color and it hit me I was in the wrong car. I have wondered what would have happened if I had returned the wrong car.

So many newer vehicles sure do look alike. As ehendersonjr noted, they are aerodynamically designed for better MPG. But I've noticed that each manufacturer has it's own grille/headlight design. I wonder if those different grille designs are "trademarked". It's mostly cosmetic differences that differentiate between brands. And sometimes it makes recognition difficult.

Suv
 

That is why owners attach colorful loofas to their roofs.

GRAY … that is how I can
spot Brand New Vehicles !!

Yes, and like Tinker said mostly all white. Unfortunately, we joined the party on 12/24/24 when we replaced our white 2004 Honda Odyssey with a white 2025 Suburu Forester. I so badly didn’t want white again, but Suburu’s color choices sucked so I once again settled for white. Sure do miss the Odyssey with its middle row individual & super comfy bucket seats, and overall roominess. The backseat of the Forester is a firm bench seat, which is very uncomfortable. I hate modern vehicles. I haven’t even driven the Forester yet because I’m so intimidated by all of the computerized electronics. Hubby loves it though!

Trouble finding your car?
 

If you have trouble finding your car in a crowded parking lot may I suggest putting your favorite color loofah on the roof. Looks nice and might help you meet new friends!

I did the same thing. Only I didn't get in. I opened the door and there was a man sitting in the drivers seat talking on his phone. He scared the heck out of me. I think I startled him but then he laughed. I was parked one car over from him.

It definitely was easy back in the 50's and 60's to identify cars, each brand had a style that was identifiable as to which brand it was. When I was a teen the 57 Chevy 2 dr hard top was the epitome of stye and desire.

I miss cars with actual BUMPERS on the front and back. I would like a car with bumpers on the sides, even. But, that won't happen.