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May 7, 2008 7:45 pm US/Eastern
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Love Affair With SUV's May Be Over
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
Americans have had a love affair with environmentally unfriendly sport utility vehicles for years, but it's quickly turning into a love-hate relationship.
The sales of gas guzzlers such as SUV's are feeling the fallout from the soft economy. Is this the beginning of the end for the SUV? "I only want to get enough for a couple of days, and it's $50," complained Ed Cerrito as he poured gas in his tank.
This is a complaint echoed across the board by many auto owners, especially those who own SUV's and large trucks. However, even smaller high-performance cars are being shunned away.
SUV sales are currently down 28%, while subcompact sales are up 32%.
Chad Kays, of Carmax says the compact Ford Focus is one of their most popular sellers these days.
Oscar Moncada, who was also filling up his tank, told
CBS4's Ted Scouten he loves his Nissan Sentra because he has to make a minimum of trips to the gas station to fill up.
"The mileage is great, and I wouldn't change it for an SUV, ever," said Moncada.
Chrysler Auto Dealers are trying to help out car buyers while trying to increase sales. Their Let's Refuel America Program promises new buyers of any of their vehicles to only have to pay $2.99 per gallon of gas for three years. This mean any difference above $2.99 per gallon, Chrysler will pay during that period of time.
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