Gas prices are a big topic these days with politicians and "experts" arguing about how to increase fuel supply(increase fuel consumption), make fuel efficient cars, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. has traditionally done very little about any of these problems in the past until it was too late. We wait until gas reaches 5$ a gallon before anouncing what to do about it. The answer is simple although most people won't like it. Japan and Europe drive small cars and trucks. They get 35+mpg. This is because gas costs so much there. The answer is to adopt the Japanese transportation way. Why do we need gas guzzling SUV's to go to the corner store or take the kids to soccer practice. Most will say, "ther're too small and unsafe". Any vehicle is unsafe when it comes up against a a bigger vehicle, especially at speed. Speed limits on the interstates are 70mph, some 75. Getting from point A to point B, may report an average speed of only 55mph, although we are driving 75 and 80. It just doesn't make sense. What automotive companies are doing anything about fuel economy? The only ones are the Japanese companies and they have been doing this for many years.
This brings up my gripe. There are some mini trucks on the market that are imported as used vehicles from Japan. In Japan, older vehicles are taxed to the point where they are not economical to use any longer. They are still in good shape, but can't be used on our roads because the DOT deems them as unsafe due to their size. They can be imported for use as recreational vehicles only, which they excell at. They are all 4wd, can travel 50 to 70 mph, gets 40+mpg and can carry 1/2 a ton of cargo. They can be licensed for the road, but only ones older than 1980. What's the difference? a 1980 mini truck looks the same as a 2007 mini truck, same size, same economy, maybe a bigger engine. These newer trucks cannot be imported into this country for road use. Why? The reason is the lobbyists in Washington who represent the automotive and oil interests, keep it from happening. If we could get these vehicles, it would sound a death noll for Detroit and oil companies. In truth, they don't want to see cheap vehicles that everyone can afford to own and operate. If we and the rest of the world want to survive, we need to rethink our driving priorities before it is too late. I have driven small fuel efficient vehicles for the past 50+ years. I never had a problem with that even though I'm 6 feet tall. I have owned some large vehicles in the past, but would get rid of them when gas prices were going through the roof. I live on a fixed income, so I can't afford the gas prices. At this moment in time, I can't afford to buy one of the mini trucks($3400). Take a look at them on the web and compare them to what John Deere($10000+) and others have to offer for a similar product. Just type in "K-trucks" or "mini-trucks" in your search engine. It just makes me mad that I'm not free to purchase what I like.