Moreover, the array of choices in cars (and houses and similar things) is limited by oligopolies able to impose the most profitable form of a commodity rather t

Moreover, the array of choices in cars (and houses and similar things) is limited by oligopolies able to impose the most profitable form of a commodity rather than catering to a moderate range of tastes. A notable example was when quotas were imposed on Japanese cars, giving the Japanese a strong incentive to increase costs and profits per car - and thus allowing American companies to go back to this approach also. And the size requirements that zoning imposes on houses naturally has to be considered. Yeah, "it's what 'we' want..." /s