"User Example" wrote in message

Most small cars today have well over 100hp. Did you know that the Honda
CRX which would go over 100mph only had around 70HP? Did you know that
the VW Beetle (original) only had 38HP-60HP depending on model? The HP is
today's cars is a waste... automakers could easily trade some of that HP
for more efficient lesser HP cars.

The consumer seems to go in cycles, often based on the price/availability of
gas. Right now, the advertising is geared towards power (that will never be
used) and that is what people are buying. Look at the Chrysler ads and how
they tout the hemi engine. They are selling cars. Same with the SUV craze.
No matter how hard you try, 99% of the buyers of big cars and trucks just
cannot justify having the Super8DeluxeExtendedBedandCab4x4 to commute to
work or pick up a loaf of bread.

The Element and Scion though, seem to be selling, ugly as they are. What I
want in a car is enough room to get in and out easily, all the goodies like
power everything, rain sensing wipers, ability to cruise at 70 mph, enough
acceleration to get safely on the highway (not 0-60 in 4 seconds). Much as
I like the sexy sport cars, it is not what I want to drive day in and day
out. There are many cars that fit that category, but still get less than 30
mpg. They can get more and still give good performance.