Fer the record, I have had a 2002 or later Ford F150, Hummer H2 (9mpg), a M class Benz, a Ford Freestyle (supposidly economical lighweight SUV for the environmentally concious), and currently own an Audi Q7. The best gas milage from that group I got was from the F150, which was also the most practical car I have ever had as I used it to haul absolultely everything, including 6 people and 2 motorcycles. BTW. My “giant” Q7 gets better gas milage than that Freestyle did (turns out CVT transmissions are not so economical on gas).

I also read recently that it takes 13 yrs for a Prius buyer to recoup the extra cost of buying the car in gas savings at current gas prices vs the cost to buy a comprable quality/type gas powered one plus costs to service a Prius vs a gas alternative. Of course, hopefully you drive the Prius to save the environment (and to clog the commuter lane) and not to save $$, but this thread seems to be about saving $$ and not the environment.

While I admit to having owned and currently owning gas guzzlers, my contribution to the environment(and my wallet) is to turn a 1-1.5hr commute to 5-10 min on a 2 seater or motorcycle depending on the weather. I also commutted to work for 6 years on a bicycle, when that was possible.

I still miss my Hummer though. With the drivers on the road driving the way they do, it was indeed nice to cruise in that thing, while hauling a trailer and feel like you were in a tank. It was also the best off road vehicle I have ever owned. It could go virtually anywhere and Tahoe trips in blizzards were a breeze.