The problem is that most Americans view cars as status symbols and want them to be as luxurious as if they're buying a second home. Ironically according to AAA

The problem is that most Americans view cars as status symbols and want them to be as luxurious as if they're buying a second home. Ironically according to AAA the average American spends about 300hrs a year behind the wheel. In other words about 3.5% of your time is spent actually driving while 96.5% it's garaged or parked. Spend money on a better a bed where you spend 33% of your life and buy a used 2009-2019 Toyota Yaris, agreed to be one of the most reliable commuter cars Toyota has ever made.