I think also that since the price slowly climbs people don't get the full affect. They just get used to paying a lot for gas. Remember the first time gas went to $1.90/g politicans were going to hold congressonal hearing. Until gas starts eating away at disposible income I'm afraid it will be the same old thing.
On a positive note my neighbors recently trading in there 2 SUV's for 2 KIA's one a 4 door the other a Min van. There goes one of my blind test vechiles
. So I think the tide is turning it will just be a slow process.