Yeah, most people don't. My Sable has the same rear wheel arch and people think it's ugly because of it. I personally like it. It makes it look space-like and futuristic.

On GMs, however, there was a valid reason for them to get rid of them. Law enforcement agencies noticed that it was difficult to remove the rear wheels on those Caprices. GM makes the cut for the wheel well below the trim line (this applies to the Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs with similar design too). Ford makes it above the trim line so when the car is lifted off the ground, the wheel clears the body.