They wouldn't go and say that exactly, but a lot of people really didn't factor fuel efficiency into their buying decision at all. Dealers wouldn't bring it up either, and next think you know, the streets are filled with 1 star crash rated 5 miles per gallon truck built SUVs that have exploding tires and like to roll over. A lot of people were just concerned with keeping up with their neighbors in suburbia, and had to run out and buy a bigger vehicle when Bob came home with a shiny Hummer.