We have a Ford Escape Hybrid. Doesn’t get the milage we were supposed to get (29-30 instead of 34). but still does well for a small SUV. I really like the technology. If I am not useing the Navagator, I watch the power distibution system. Still find it cool afte a year. We did get the tax advantage as well. Both Fed and State. Does not off set the cost. Still I like it.
Also, I don’t think high gas prices are to much of a worry for a population that pays a dollar for .5 liter of water ($7.40 a gallon) or $4.25 for a 12 ounce cup of coffee at Starbucks ($54.40 a gallon).
Being older, I can remember that people (in the 1970’s) were saying that the death of the RV was $1.25/gallon gasoline. (They wer also predicting ‘Global Cooling’ and a new ice age). I tend not to get spooled up about the silly side of life anymore.
You make a good point; we do seem to get worked up about fuel costs out of proportion with how much money we actually spend on motor fuel.
According to this site, http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi:
"What cost $1.25 in 1972 would cost $6.01 in 2006.
"Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2006 and 1972, they would cost you $1.25 and $0.26 respectively."