We all get a little stupid when we buy a new car [buying a new car rather than a used one is a stupid thing to do in the first place]. We add to our purchase things that we wouldn't buy when sound of mind, like overpriced radios, dvd players, navigation systems, rear view cameras, bluetooth, etc. and we ignore more practical options and features like the hybrid drivetrain, smaller engine, gas efficient tires, etc.

It would probably be more effective if governments instead offered on-going incentives. In Canada we pay every year to renew our license plates, I would like to see free-renewals for gas efficient vehicles and a good $500+ per year renewal for gas guzzlers. This would drive the message when we are back to our senses.

Best Tank = 54.2 mpg (Sep. 9'06)
Best Trip = 61.9 mpg