Back a few years ago we were able to purchase station wagons and small cars that got 35-40 mpg consistently. Anyone remember the Honda MPG that was advertised specifically for HIGH GASOLINE MILEAGE? Now they cater to Expeditions, Suburbans and Hummers. All those SUVs out there (I know I am offending some of you and some of you actually NEED them for various purposes) get hideous mileage and yet they are the most popular things on the road. No one can criticize our government for its ties to the Saudis when those who purchase gas-guzzlers are themselves sucking at the Saudi nipple (whew - sorry, but that's what it is folks!)
I am not an eco-nut, but I am concerned about the economic implications should our oil supply be cut off or drastically reduced. Are you ready if Uncle Sam does cut off oil from the Saudis? If you think gas prices were bad recently, wait'll that happens! By the way, recent reports show the hybrids to get about half of the EPA mileage on the sticker. Not only that, but they charge additional dealer markup because they are in demand. Nothing like taking advantage of the American consumer now is there?
I do remember those cars!! Where are they now?
I am not ready if they cut off our oil. I drive a Suburban and I cannot afford a new car, soooooooo.... I'm stuck.
Yes, gas prices are killing me. I try to limit my driving and do all errands to and from work etc. No fun trips for the WCG. ;-(
I am an SUV owner (Toyota Highlander) and no offense taken.
Many have them who don't need them. And I do have a bit of a problem with that. I feel that people should own and drive vehicles that are appropriate to their circumstances and needs. We live two miles from a paved and maintained road.
During winter, I really need something to get me through the snowdrifts. Somtimes, this time of year, our little gravel road gets totally washed out from the storms and I have to go "off roading" a bit to get into town.
That said, I really wish we could reduce our oil reliance, espcially from the MidEast. Our whole economy is based on cheap oil. This country would collapse in a hurry if we didn't have it. I've spent alot of time in Europe, where gas is terribly expensive. But nearly everyone there lives within a mile of their work, and they can ride bicycles. Not so here. Mass transit is available in the large cities, but not here in the heartland. People have to drive to get to work....often long distances.
Our country has not built a new refinery in 30 years. The oil is available if we could only take advantage of this resource by getting the Sierra Club, et al, off our backs. This dependency we have on Saudi Arabian oil is a big problem, politically and economically.
Oops....kinda got off on a tangent there....sorry 'bout that.
Think: If there was no 4x4 or off road capability, then there would be no way to get to the hunting grounds and no way to transport a dead animal back home. Thus no "sporting need" to own what will instantly become an ultra accurate long range SNIPER RIFLE.
If the Gov't suddenly goes into a martial law scenario, then it's easier to get control if folks don't have access to 4x4 so they can take the zillions of unmarked (on maps) and unpaved local county roads to circumvent any road blocks that may be set up. How's THAT for tinfoil hattery?
>>>All those SUVs out there get hideous mileage and yet they are the most popular things on the road.
I heard on a radio talk show that the newer SUVs are now made to support alternative fuels. I can't reiterate all this correctly because I'm not 100% sure what or how this works.
There are a couple of states that sell this alternative fuel. Maybe the questions should be...why don't all the states allow sales of alternative fuel?