The modern American lifestyle is built from very sophisticated and aggressive marketing especially with vehicles. The lessons we have learned have never been around moderation (Thanks Reagan) but around consumption. Look at the backlash when the Prius first came on the market to see how people were shamed for buying something small and efficient. The brainwashing is real and deeply set. I agree with your assessment I hope that more people start looking at fuel efficient cars, but in America its a big economic and mental hill to climb.