[WyldKard]

I hate to say it, but if adding an improvement of just a few MPG to the ratings of most cars gets us completely off foreign oil within 5 to 10 years (because even if drilling in ANWR got approved today, it would take about that long before we started seeing the oil.) then it might be within our best national interests to compel automakers to comply.

I'm sure the Government called upon corporations to make sacrifices, or take certain actions during wartime, and this is no different.

I plan to seriously look into a hybrid vehicle when it comes time for a new car....

[toddst]

I'm sure the Government called upon corporations to make sacrifices, or take certain actions during wartime, and this is no different.

I think you should buy what you want, but I see no justification for the government injecting itself in the fuel economy issue on any grounds whatever - current "standards" included. The auto industry should respond to market forces, not mandates from the government based on some energy independence objective.

Fuel efficiencies are improving and if Honda can prove its approach in the marketplace the demand from consumers will swing other manufacturers in that direction.