It's Official, The Prius Is Now Spacey

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The most important fuel-saving technology in new cars may be empty space.

Though the average passenger vehicle in America today gets only about 21 miles per gallon - not much different than 25 years ago - it also is much bigger, heavier and faster. We're doing more with that fuel, we're just not going any farther with it.
With gasoline now topping $3 a gallon, it seems car buyers are finally willing to trade in some of that bulk to actually travel farther on their fuel.

But, spoiled as we are by years of driving minivans and SUVs, we aren't willing to give up all that much. Weight and bulk outside are one thing. Space for passengers and cargo is another. We're not going to give that up.

That's why empty space is so important to fuel savings. Buyers will shift to smaller vehicles only as long as they can still stretch their legs and carry some wood sheeting once in a while. <more>