Dunno about the cars, but he seemed like a good husband and certainly father.
She even SAYS as much when she finally gets smart and tries to break it off with the actual "d bag" of the film, her boyfriend. She states that she has a great husband, and a great kid. There is zero evidence that he isn't good to her. Ford Pintos, when they were brand new, weren't exactly seen as pieces of sh**. But who knows why he had a hot rod and she had that? Blame King? Blame the director?

I always said the same! Selfish d bag

Maybe that's why she was humping the friend.