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What's Hot? Some Guzzlers Among the Sippers

Sales of hulking vehicles held up by rich, families

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Jun 25, 2008 10:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – Soaring gas prices have predictably driven sales of gas-sipping vehicles such as Honda’s Fit and Toyota’s Scion xB, which have seen increases of 64% and 59% respectively, reports the Wall Street Journal. But guzzlers such as Toyota's Sequoia and Tundra are also selling surprisingly well (29% and 8.5%, respectively).

Experts say sales hikes among big vehicles are likely to be short-lived and were driven primarily by redesigns, but the market appears to be being buoyed by families, as well as high-end buyers. "If you're buying an $80K+ car, you better be able to afford the gas that goes in it," says one owner of a Lexus LX, which averages 14mpg and has doubled sales this year.

Toyota's full-size SUV Sequoia continues to sell well, despite gas prices.
Toyota's full-size SUV Sequoia continues to sell well, despite gas prices.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
The Honda Fit has been a hot seller as gas prices have risen.
The Honda Fit has been a hot seller as gas prices have risen.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, file)
Toyota's Scion xB continues to sell well in an era of high gas prices.
Toyota's Scion xB continues to sell well in an era of high gas prices.   (AP Photo/Toyota)
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