When gasoline prices shot up to a whopping $.50 per gallon in 1974 the American public was outraged. By 1984 people were paying $1.25 a gallon at the pump and still grumbling about it. In 1997 gas prices hit $2.00 a gallon and our gas guzzling society began screaming for more fuel efficient vehicles. Now that gas prices are hovering around $3.50 a gallon and increases in the months to come will easily hit the $4.00 mark people are seriously reconsidering their methods of transportation.

With escalating hostility in Libya and consequent oil price increases, the cost of fuel is sure to continue climbing. As most Americans currently spend between $50 and $75 for a full tank of fuel spirits of driving enthusiasts are becoming dampened, if not downright soggy. However there is comfort in the knowledge that U.S. subsidies are working in the background to keep our costs as low as possible. By contrast, our European neighbors are dropping about $9.00 per gallon for their petrol.

U.S. auto dealers are reporting that hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles are selling like hot cakes. In fact many dealers are reporting that pre-orders and new car reservations are more prevalent than ever before. As more and more Americans demand fuel efficient cars auto manufacturers are working diligently to incorporate new technology and innovative engineering into new models. One example of this is a new technology currently being researched by the Ford Motor Company that injects minute bubbles into the plastic molding process to create lighter plastic parts. It is expected that cars built with these parts will be between 250 and 750 pounds lighter than current models. Of course, as the weight of a vehicle decreases the miles per gallon increases, sometimes dramatically.

Two wheel vehicle dealers are seeing a significant increase in sales, much to their delight. Harley Davidson, Moped and Vespa dealers are thrilled that more and more Americans are buying their vehicles for affordable, around town transportation. Considering that even the heaviest Harley Davidson gets 50 MPG and a Moped or Vespa can yield around 70 MPG, people are trading in their travel mugs for helmets with a new „born to ride“ attitude. Of course those born to ride may have second thoughts about this when the temperature drops to below 30 degrees. Somehow a quick jaunt down to the grocery store by motorcycle is just not as appealing when wind chill becomes a factor. However, for those blessed to live in parts of the country with mild climates two wheeled craft may be a fun alternative.

If you are thinking about trading in your gas guzzler for a more economical ride you might consider the 2011 Dallas Ford lineup or new Los Angeles Subaru cars and SUVs. By visiting new car dealership websites you can see MSRP prices, compare vehicles and see the MPG ratings online.

Written by Windy Reigns: Dallas Ford Dealers, Los Angeles Subaru,