>I was under the impression that they passed a law requiring 35 mpg.
>35 mpg may not be achievable on gasoline in a 5,000 SUV going 80 mph, true.

I believe it's the CAFE that has to be 35mpg, not every vehicle built. But I kinda feel sorry for Detroit, no one seems to want the small cars US manufacturers build. I live in Loudoun County, Virginia, one of the fastest growing and most affluent counties in the country (everyone except me!). The Lincoln Navigator, Ford Excursion, Hummer, and other gas guzzling behemoths reign supreme here. I know one guy who drives a crew cab dually pickup-but doesn't own a farm and has no real need for it. The attitude among these folks is they don't care what gas costs as long as they can get it. The gas lines of the 70's would give these folks a kick in the ass-$3.50/gallon won't. The few conservatives I know make fun of the "liberal tree huggers" who buy the Toyota Prius. Truth is most Prius's in my area were bought by conservative Republicans-because they were car pool lane exempt for a while. And for that matter, look at how many Japanese SUV's have become bloated gas guzzlers. Just wait ti
l the Smart 4-2 goes on sale. I expect to see a lot of them in my county-but not for the mileage, but because they are "cute" and will be a status symbol.   Jeff