According to the New York Times, consumers used to buy small cars because the were cheap, eschewing air conditioning, power windows, compact players, etc., to keep the price low. But as the cost of gas rises, consumers of all income levels are buying small cars to save fuel costs but adding hundreds or thousands of dollars on options.  Hot sellers? The Toyota Prius hybrid and the Honda Civic.

Source: Car Buyers Downsize, but Spend Big on Options, New York Times, 7/17/08
Photo: Toyota.com

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