Will we ever learn?

[Chuck-17]

I have no interest in trucks and SUVs. I wouldn't trade my 35 MPG Corolla for any car.

I love my Jeep and I would not trade it for a compact car. You also will not hear me complain when gas goes up.

[Aikman_TheGreat]

Yeah, it would be nice if they made a truck big enough to haul what I haul that got 35mpg, or was good for the environment, but they dont.

I haven't looked into it, but has anyone heard of them making hybrids more powerful for people who use their vehicles to work?

[WilyWestbrook0]

I was just watching CNBC this morning and they reported that trucks are the #1 selling vehicle and hybrids are not selling because gas is so cheap. Will we EVER learn?

This link may also interest you:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17344368/

"CSI found that the number of vehicle models sold in the United States that achieve combined gas mileage of at least 40 miles per gallon actually has dropped from five in 2005 to just two in 2007..."

"...Overseas, primarily in Europe, there are 113 vehicles for sale that get a combined 40 mpg, up from 86 in 2005."

So, there is a definite difference among typical Americans and Europeans regarding vehicles. Most Americans apparently value the additional interior space of trucks/SUVs over the more efficient gas mileage of most compact cars. The average American will always take a truck (stereotypically male) or SUV (stereotypically female) over any other kind of vehicle. But as someone who doesn't need to haul lots of things around on the road, I have never needed a truck or SUV, and it's certainly preferable to ride along for longer periods of time than having to stop more often for gas.

Or maybe I am just un-American and have way too much Russian background or something.

[themanishere]

^ I think a difference which can partially explain the disparity between the US and many European countries is transportation infrastructure. The layout in many European countries sees generally more compact roads/streets (at least in cities), which means smaller cars/vehicles, which in turn means less gas needed to operate the cars. Then again, a lot of things are smaller in Europe...lol...

Another difference is basically the American way - bigger is better, and that carries over onto cars (and food, and many other things).

[Lesracing]

Hey Now... I drive a truck, but only put a couple of thousand miles on it a year.

Of course I try and help out the good earth where I can, just in a different manner. I recycle scarp metals to help make up for the extra gas I use driving a pick-up. Of course the little extra green in my pocket helps out now and then too.

[WilyWestbrook0]

^ I think a difference which can partially explain the disparity between the US and many European countries is transportation infrastructure. The layout in many European countries sees generally more compact roads/streets (at least in cities), which means smaller cars/vehicles, which in turn means less gas needed to operate the cars. Then again, a lot of things are smaller in Europe...lol...

Interesting point - hadn't really thought of this one.

Another difference is basically the American way - bigger is better

But I'm a short person..sniffle ..lol.

[Gtbballer20]

kinda like global warming,i get over 15 mpg in my chevy 4x4

wow...that was actually suprising...but at the same time not...