The death rate for drivers of small cars continues to fall and are now at the same rate as drivers of large pick-up trucks, giving small car scared cats a glimpse of the reality that big vehicles are not any safer for the vast majority of families. Of course, the full-size sedans are still the safest if they are over the 3000-pound threshold that seems to be the touchstone for the highest safety ratings.

This is good news for intelligent buyers as large SUVs, such as the Hummer H2, are literally being abandoned in driveways as people fight to buy safer and more fuel frugal small cars. In fact, the average dealer lot time before sale of a Toyota Prius is four days. It takes months for someone dumb enough to want to buy a large SUV to show up and qualify. Rebates over $5000 are not uncommon and as the end of the model year looms closer rebates on the Hummer and other dreadnaughts might hit $10,000. Residual values could set new records for loss rivaling those of the ill-fated Yugo as the truck chassis based SUVs find few buyers and less dealers interested in taking these slow movers as trade-ins.

The surge of interest in hybrids is overwhelming with stock barely getting into dealer lots before it's sold. The lines are only going to get longer so it is good thing that those big Hummers and other monsters of the highway give a lot of shade for those waiting for the fuel friendly vehicles to arrive.

Interestingly, diesel powered vehicles are still not on many people's radar and this could be good news for early shoppers for Volkswagen and Mercedes new products. Diesel cars don't get quite the mileage as hybrids, but they are better on the highway and less expensive to maintain. Of course, finding a diesel fuel station in some parts of the country isn't easy, but they are just as good as gas powered vehicles and much better in terms of longevity and miles per gallon.

The number of children who have been run over by large SUVs and the crowded freeways has created technology options that are increasing in demand. The blind spot detection system is very good. We love the one on the Cadillac, and the back up sonar and cameras (Nissan has the best) are gaining buyers. The outlawing of hand held cell phones is making wireless systems a hot item. Don't leave the showroom without one because in time this is going to be in the same category as a radio when it comes to resale.

Suzuki, makers of an under-valued new SX4 sedan and small SUV, is going to make a portable GPS available next year. It is much less expensive and easier to update than those that are permanent. Suzuki also makes some of the best fuel mileage cars that have all wheel drive and have a terrific warranty. It is also easy to put in a child's safety seat and the rear hatch and cargo area can carry plenty of groceries and baby items.