[pshrynk]

For the first 3/4 of the 20th century, car manufacturers made a big deal out of cosmetic changes on their cars every year. A 58 Buick would have, say, longer fins, or something than a 57 Buick. Every now and again, they's come out with a radical re-design, such as the Corvette going to the "Shark" styling. (I'm not much of a car buff, so I can't give you specific dates and models.) Since the late 70's and early 80's though, most cars all look the same no matter who builds them, so the distinctions come down to esoterica tlike where the name badge is glued, etc. Now, they mostly talk in terms of model configurations, such as the 99 Miata looking different than the 98. (I know, it's a Japanese car, but it's the same principle.)