Not to pontificate, but in essence that is the problem: "some pretty out of touch decisions."
US Automakers, like the US itself, should've taken the hint after something called the "Arab Oil Embargo" and smartened up. They didn't, the goverment didn't and most importantly, "we" didn't. The Dodge/Plymoth- Omni / Horizon, K-car, Pacer, Pinto and other stop gap models built by the "Big 3" were quickly replaced by the mini van, SUV and of course the "Macho Package Dodge Dakota 4x4", with optional gun rack, trailer-towing package, beer refrigerator and let's not forget our old friend from the 60's- the Hemi. (Oh yeah, and of course the ever present American flag and Marine Corp / NRA / Harley sticker.)
We getting exactly what we deserve, except now along with money were paying a price literally with our children's blood. It's not really "low class" as much as it's Darwinism, education, and economics at work in it's most brutal form.
(sorry "griff" i accidentally sent this to u on the first post)