Survey says: Americans feel the impact of gas prices at the pump and at home

A year ago, the Consumer Reports National Research Center took the pulse of American motorists and found them to be anticipating making significant changes in their spending and lifestyle to offset rising fuel costs. This month, we again reached out to random households that own a vehicle and interviewed adult drivers, finding that the consumers have indeed been cutting back on spending, altering their driving habits, and shifting their car-shopping priorities—all in a big way.

It is no wonder the automotive market has turned upside down. Just this year, gas prices have skyrocketed from $2.96 per gallon (February 11, 2008) to $4.08 (June 23)—a 38-percent increase, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. (Check the latest gas prices.)

Now we find:

80 percent of car shoppers are considering a diesel, flex-fuel, or hybrid vehicle.

79 percent of car shoppers intend to buy a vehicle with better fuel economy.

74 percent are driving less due to fuel costs.

54 percent would pay more for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

24 percent have cut spending on essentials like food or health care.

17 percent have charged more expenses on credit cards.

The survey shows that consumers are conserving in many ways, and they plan to focus more on fuel economy with their next purchase.

Read “Gas prices survey shows pain at the pump hurts at home” to learn more about how gas prices are impacting the American lifestyle and buying habits, plus who motorists blame.

—Jeff Bartlett

Join the discussion in the Cars forums to share how gas prices have impacted your lifestyle and what adjustments you are making to compensate.

Learn how to save at the pump by visiting Consumer Reports’ guide to driving green. Check the latest national average gasoline prices.

Comments

[Rick]

Open the Alaskan north slope. There is enough fossil fuels to last 300 years. I know the "Green Folks" will grovell but there is nothing within 300 miles of the site. No wildlife, no vegetation, nothing. Lets do it!!!

[jason]

The north slope is already open and ANWAR's possible supply isn't significant enough to make a difference for 3 years, let alone 300 years.

Simply put, we are now paying for the artificially low gas prices and bad policy regarding MPG requirements. Many of our lifestyles have been planned around low energy prices and now those lifestyles will have to change. It actually will be a good thing once it filters thru the system with more energy efficient cars, appliances and so on; but it will hurt while it does.

When you are addicted to oil as we have been for almost a century, kicking the habit is gonna hurt.