That kind of shift in prices could very well signal another adjustment in consumer demand, just as it did during the '70s. Then, import automakers saw the looming oil shortages, took note of the prices and began shipping compact vehicles and other fuel-light vehicles to our shores.

It seems as if it is happening all over again. Realizing that people will likely not go back to compacts, Toyota and Honda are well-positioned to offer consumers hybrid powertrains across their vehicle lineups: a key headstart over Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler, considering the changing face of autos and what consumers buy:

Fuel prices will increase to the point where people will begin buying cars that save money at the pump.

But it won't be econo boxes and compacts, as it was so long ago. Automakers will deliver the same types of vehicles consumers have grown accustomed to by using "hybrid" technology and super-efficient engines. Hybrid technology is based on a simple concept: combine a traditional internal combustion engine with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle, and you'll get significant fuel economy and virtually zero pollutants. For example, a hybrid vehicle essentially "stalls" when at a stop. When you step on the accelerator, the electric motor instantly engages the engine and zoooom - of you go. No more idling cars spouting black tar out of tailpipes. Hybrids on the market today include the Honda Insight, a two-door vehicle that looks like a hybrid; the Toyota Prius, a futuristic vehicle that has become the Trend du Jour among Hollywood's royalty; and the Honda Civic Hybrid - which is exactly what it says - a Civic - and has ushered in the application of hybrid power into mass market cars.