Could the day of reckoning be at hand for gas guzzlers? The current price tag at the pump seems to indicate that times have changed drastically in the auto world.

It seems like only yesterday that people wouldn't think twice about buying a car the size of a minibus. But skyrocketing gas prices have made people rethink the notion that bigger is better. These days, people are taking out car loans to buy smaller cars. If gas prices continue their upward climb, the market may make many gas guzzlers modern day dinosaurs.

High prices here to stay?

Griping about the rising costs of gasoline is an American tradition. It generally occurs around big travel holidays when fuel prices always seem to skyrocket. In the past, those escalating gas prices always come back to earth, and all the griping about high fuel costs was forgotten.

This time, however, things are different. Gas is hovering right around $4. Experts are speculating that a price of $5 per gallon is very possible. Judging by the surge in small car sales, Americans are sensing the price surge is here to stay.

Buying right

If you're going to make the commitment to using less fuel, the first thing you'll probably want to do is purchase a more fuel-efficient car. If you currently own a gas guzzler, you're probably going to take a hit in the wallet if you try to sell it. You may have to take out a car loan and buy another vehicle, and then restrict the use of your SUV or truck for shorter trips or commutes.

If you purchase a new car, you'll want to focus on the imports for top fuel efficiency. The best gas mileage cars include the Toyota Prius; the Honda Insight, Civic, and Civic Hybrid; and the Volkswagen Diesel New Beetle, Golf, or Jetta.

Using less gas

Another way to use less fuel is to make some simple adjustments to your driving habits. Start by staying within posted speed limits. If you exceed 60 miles per hour, your fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. You may also want to ease up on aggressive driving. Burning rubber when the light changes will not only cost you a new set of tires, it will hurt your fuel efficiency.

Other common sense adjustments apply. Don't leave you car idling for long periods of time. Carpool, combine errands, and keep heavy loads out of the trunk as much as possible.

The soaring prices at the pump have spurred a big change in consumer behavior, much to the delight of environmentalists. The trend toward more fuel-efficient cars will cut down on our carbon footprint and result in cleaner air. Keep these benefits in mind as you take out a car loan for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Little cars may not be as much fun as big behemoths, but you'll find them to be much easier on the earth and your wallet.