But according to recent sales figures, few consumers are buying them. In 1980 fuel economy rated number two.
Most consumers consider safety, utility and durability more important than fuel economy.
Seating, luggage space, and hauling and towing capacity are important criteria for many car and truck buyers. While small, high-mileage subcompacts have been widely publicized and available in dealer showrooms, consumers have shown little interest in buying those vehicles. Two of the highest-mileage models have now been discontinued, due to extremely weak sales. Both GM and Honda continue to offer other versions of their high-mileage subcompacts, but with slightly better performance and additional options which lower their mileage ratings. Higher-mileage compact vehicles may save a little money at the gas pump, but not enough to offset the loss of other desired vehicle attributes in the minds of most consumers.