More and more we've been seeing less and less of the classic fixed mast/pole/stick antennae that once served as evidence of our country's love of the radio. Now that we're migrating towards satellite radio, MP3s and DVDs, the metal mast antenna is being replaced by the smaller in-glass models or sleeker roof-mounted versions. Personally, we're sad to see them go. The newer versions may be better looking and less likely to get damaged in a car wash, but for local radio the reception provided by the long, proud mast is hard to top.
According to Ford, the company will probably migrate all cars and crossovers to either roof-mounted or in-glass setups like in the new Ford Taurus, which promise similar results without the annoying realization that the motor powering your automatic antenna just busted. [LA times]