Life is a Highway

 By Bruce Shawkey

This is a great book, chronicling our country's love of cars and travelling by car over the decades.

The book starts at dawn of affordable car transportation when Henry Ford perfected the Model T and assembly line production,  changing transportation forever.

This single car alone gave people freedom, spurred new industries (gas stations, mechanics, etc.), and started to influence city planning. It's estimated over 15 million Model T cars were produced between 1908 and 1927. 

During WWII, there was little happening on the consumer front, because all effort was devoted to the war effort. Consumers were left with buying used cars, and of course you had the added headaches of gas rationing. 

During World War II, the American consumer car market essentially ceased to exist as auto manufacturers completely shifted production to military vehicles like tanks, trucks, and airplanes, meaning there were virtually no new civilian cars available for purchase, and existing cars were heavily rationed due to limited fuel and parts access.

Once the U.S. entered the war, all civilian car production was halted, with factories retooled to produce military equipment instead. Gasoline and tires were strictly rationed, limiting how much people could drive even with their existing cars.

While used cars were still available, their sale was often restricted and prices were controlled by the government. Car owners were encouraged to maintain their existing vehicles as best as possible to extend their lifespan due to limited availability of new cars.

Next, we have the post-War boom and the rise of the suburbs (1940s-1950s). After WWII, the booming economy and suburban expansion made car ownership a symbol of prosperity. Drive-in theaters, diners, and car-centric entertainment as a part of social life. Iconic American cars like Ford, Chevrolet, and Cadillac became status symbols.

Then, we have muscle cars and the counterculture (1960s-1970s). The rise of powerful cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, reflected American ideals of power and freedom. The influence of drag racing and hot rods became part of the youth rebellion. And of course, we experienced the customization and “van life” taking off in the 1970s.

Next up: Environmental and economic shifts (1970s-1990s)

The oil embargo of 1973 changed American attitudes toward fuel consumption, leading to the rise of smaller, more efficient cars. The environmental movement saw increased focus on emissions and fuel efficiency, influencing car designs. The arrival of Japanese car brands like Toyota and Honda reshaped the American auto industry.

The book ends in 2010, but discusses issues that are still at the forefront today, such as how EVs and hybrids reflect modern concerns about the environment and sustainability. But car culture remains vibrant through online communities, car shows, and even in video games and movies. Cars remain deeply embedded in the American way of life.