I don't know that I'd describe this as "good". It's a hack solution that mostly worked at the time. Those mechanical voltage regulators wore out and had to be

I don't know that I'd describe this as "good". It's a hack solution that mostly worked at the time. Those mechanical voltage regulators wore out and had to be replaced periodically. They weren't great at maintaining consistent voltage so consumers had to accept loose voltage tolerances. They made noise and generated electrical interference. Modern cars are more reliable, despite their complexity. I'll take solid state.