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No, its more like Americans getting tired of badass cars, and going for a bit more utility.

More signs of the wussfication of America.

As a guy who once got seven tickets in under three years, three tickets in a week, one on a Sunday morning on a deserted Southern California free going in excess of 125mph, I think I can explain this in terms that are reasoned.

I don’t speed. I follow the posted driving speeds at all times. I came to realize I wasn’t just putting myself in danger at times, but others too. I make a concerted effort to drive safely.

What is the point of having a 289+ under the hood, if you can’t use it. And if you do use it to get up to speed all you’re doing is burning off money at an excessive rate.

I picked up a small SUV (Mercury Mariner) in 2006. It was a hybrid. Heck, if I have 150 horsepower under the hood, it’s by accident.

I can get up to speed on freeways quickly with gas and electric motors engaged, but if I can I’ll do it slowly as long as I’m not impeding traffic.

I have the ability to haul tools and other things around if I need to. I get 25 to 32 miles per gallon. I get a kick out of the electric motor, and getting around for blocks at a time with my gas engine off. At the same time I had a Ford Mountaineer that was getting about 15 mpg, sometimes as low as 12.

Are there more virile cars out there? Heck yes. Do I care? Not really. I’m happy with myself and I don’t need to drive a more virile vehicle.

I don’t see this as a ‘pussy’ move, but if you think that, it’s okay with me.

At the time I bought the SUV gas was expensive and heading higher. I’ve been stalled in traffic a number of times watching others sit there burning gas by the thousands of gallons collectively, while I move alone under electric power not burning a drop.

Am I saving the planet? No. Am I saving tons of money? In the over scheme of things, probably not. I will tell you though, I’ve been very happy with the Mariner. It’s the best I’ve ever owned, and I get exponentially more enjoyment out of it than any other vehicle I’ve owned.

I’ve own a Mustang, a Firebird, a Trans-Am... none of them were nearly as fun as this vehicle is.

I would love a Mustang convertible. But.....they're rear wheel drive cars. I rented one while visiting home a year ago (St. Louis) and we had a surprise snow storm. That bugger just spun its wheels in the parking lot until I shoveled down to the pavement. And it was only about 3 inches of snow.
Because I live where it snows occasionally in the winter, I have to forgo my girly muscle car dream....sigh.....