It’s quickly approaching an epidemic status: people are selling their large trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles as quickly as possible because of rapidly rising gas prices. Most owners are reluctant to see their prized vehicles go, but are finding that it is just not worth the price of gas to keep them. With the average price of regular unleaded gasoline over $4.00 a gallon across most of the U.S., and some experts warning that gas may soon be approaching the $5.00 mark, Americans are rethinking their need for oversized transportation.

In the early 1990’s, the SUV began rising in popularity, boasting more power, off-road capability, larger interior space and more seating. Pickup trucks, historically purchased by blue collar workers and those who live in rural areas, have become trendier in suburban circles, and have also increased in size, adding an extra row of seating to accommodate families. The minivan and station wagon, which had reigned supreme as the family vehicles of choice, suddenly became passé, even an embarrassment to own. Truck and SUV advertisements promised people that they didn’t have to give up being cool just because they had kids. But not everyone jumped wholeheartedly on this bandwagon. There has been a moderate outcry from environmentalists who have criticized these large vehicles for the unnecessary guzzling of natural resources. They have noted that most Americans truck and SUV owners live an urban or suburban lifestyle, and have no need for the off-road capability that many claim as a prime reason for buying their vehicle. Despite this criticism, nothing seemed to make a dent in the number of SUV and truck sales, which have increased steadily over the past 20 years. That is, until now.

Suddenly, people are realizing that this may be the last chance they may be able to sell their vehicles before their values drop so low that they will not be able to be sold for enough money to cover what they already owe. At this point, there are probably still those who would see the opportunity to purchase a used SUV for a reasonable price as a good deal, as the eventual resurgence of the economy is inevitable. But even an economic turn for the better may be too late. The state of the current economy matched with the high price of fuel has forced Americans to take a hard look at how they live. There is an ever-increasing desire to conserve and make our lives more “green” as people try to find new ways to save their hard-earned money. This changing mindset is already having a significant effect on the entire car industry—major car companies are beginning to shut down big truck plants, and new car dealers are offering incentives to those who purchase their SUVs and trucks, such as providing cheaper gasoline up to a certain mileage. Many Americans are looking toward more fuel-efficient or hybrid cars. And even if the price of oil decreases significantly in the next year, it may already be too late to salvage the popularity of these large vehicles, leaving a graveyard of valueless SUVs and trucks in its wake. Owners, take note: sell now, or you may miss your chance.