That is a crazy statistic . This past spring I bought a hybrid toyota corolla LE (the lowest end model). It lists for $23K (of course the dealer added various m

That is a crazy statistic . This past spring I bought a hybrid toyota corolla LE (the lowest end model). It lists for $23K (of course the dealer added various markups that I couldn't opt out of). What does $23K get? I drive the car like a normal person with no attempt to eek out extra mileage. I'm averaging 48 mpg over the past seven months since I got the car. Even though it is a low end model, it is amazing what technology it comes with. It shows me the speed limit and indicates when I'm over -- not by having a map of the speed limit, but by reading the signs as I drive. It has lane keeping and adaptive cruise control, and warns me when my closing speed is too great. My ego isn't attached to my car so I don't care it is not flashy. I can't imagine paying twice as much unless I had some specialty need (eg, had to buy a heavy duty truck).