Chapter 1: The Decline of the Coupe

When you're the sole person navigating through a winter landscape in a two-door coupe, crossover drivers often inquire, "You actually drive that in the snow?"

For four decades, I've braved all weather conditions, including heavy snow, in my two-door cars (and convertibles). Yet, those who favor SUVs, trucks, and crossovers—who seem to populate every parking lot—look at me with disbelief, suggesting I should consider a "winter vehicle."

"This is my winter ride," I respond. "My other vehicle is a convertible."

The first video explores whether the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a better sports car option than the Mustang GT, highlighting the unique appeal of two-door vehicles in today’s market.

In a landscape where gray and white SUVs dominate, why not embrace the boldness of a red Camaro? According to U.S. automakers, they now identify as "tech companies," yet they still favor trucks: 76.8% of new vehicle sales in 2021 were crossovers, pickups, SUVs, or vans. Genuine cars, particularly two-door models, are becoming increasingly rare.

In 2021, cars made up just 23% of all light-vehicle sales, with only two sedans making it into the top 10 best-sellers and five into the top 25. Notably, all ten of the top-selling vehicles from American manufacturers were light trucks. The top three? The Ford F-150 (726,004 units sold), the Ram (569,388), and the Chevrolet Silverado (519,744).

These trends intensified between 2020 and 2021: sales of crossovers surged to 45.9% (up from 39.5% in 2020), while pickups saw a slight increase from 16.4% to 17.6%.

So, do American automakers still produce cars? Sadly, they are becoming increasingly scarce, especially if you're on the hunt for a two-door model.

The top five selling cars in 2021 were all Japanese sedans, with one solitary station wagon: the Toyota Camry (313,795), followed closely by the Honda Civic (263,787). Three additional vehicles made the top 25: Toyota Corolla (229,785), Honda Accord (202,676), and Subaru Outback (154,623).

Chapter 2: Why Choose a Coupe Over an SUV

In this second video, Keith Urban takes his 'Red Camaro' on an exciting journey, showcasing the vibrant spirit of driving a coupe in a sea of SUVs.

With 20 out of the top 25 best-sellers being trucks, SUVs, or crossovers—vehicles you need to climb into as if preparing for an off-road adventure—it's time to tell our children to be the red Camaro in a world full of gray SUVs. Embrace the uniqueness of driving a coupe. Here are five reasons to consider making that switch:

1. Fuel Efficiency: Cars generally offer better gas mileage than their truck and SUV counterparts. This reality was a significant factor during the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler in 2008/2009 when consumers shifted from trucks and SUVs to lighter sedans.
2. Performance: Two-door models typically provide superior handling and performance due to their more rigid structure and lighter weight. A coupe's shorter wheelbase enhances steering responsiveness and turning capabilities.
3. Space Utilization: Most of the time, I drive solo or with just one passenger. So why invest in a larger vehicle that I rarely need?
4. Minimalism: Smaller trunks—like the compact one in my convertible—encourage efficient packing for trips. We travel just fine, even with limited cargo space.
5. Winter Driving: You can manage driving in snow quite well (I haven't needed assistance out of a snowbank this century). Plus, harsh weather is a great excuse to work from home and Zoom that day.

The dwindling number of two-door cars has led to amusing encounters; I once met a millennial who mistook my $18,000 Camaro for a $75,000 Corvette. To him, with a minivan full of kids, all two-door vehicles might as well be sports cars.

So, when you're surrounded by white trucks in a snowy parking lot, remember: there's an advantage to being the red Camaro.

Photo by Joseph Serwach.