People have always hated small cars. They suck ass for families and I'm not sure where everyone forgot that. People did choose small cars, it's what they could afford. Then for the last 7 years you could get basically free financing and it was suddenly affordable.

The Honda Accord, the most popular sedan of the sentry is only 4 inches shorter in 95 than my 21 outback. 188 vs 191.5 inches.