If you want to get the attention of the American consumer, you have to hit him/her in the pocketbook. And that's what's been happening lately. It takes awhile to get their attention (great story about a prize mule and a guy with a three-foot length of 2x4 that I won't go into that right now), but it seems that after going to the gas-pump a few times to fill up the RoadCrusher SUV and paying $60.00 for what used to cost about $25.00 not that long ago, the RoadCrusher, for all its macho appearance, is no longer such an attractive vehicle anymore. When it comes time to replace it, or when one gets fed up with gas prices at last, a Toyota Prius starts looking very nice indeed.

Every once in a while, even that congenital idiot known affectionately as the American consumer has been known to stick his/her head up and look around a bit.

I have a 1999 Toyota Corona myself. I have a friend who has a Toyota Prius, and he loves it! Great little car!

And before some twinkie jumps in and tells me I'd be a lot safer in a bigger, heavier car, be it known that on a couple of occasions, I have maneuvered my way out of an imminent collision because my car is small—and quick—and nimble. I couldn't have done that in a big SUV. By that way, have you ever seen an SUV that's been hit by a Greyhound bus? Not a pretty sight.

Don Firth