Clunkers Getting Traded For Small Japanese Cars

American automobile owners dumping their clunky trucks and big sedans for Uncle Sam's cash and are buying, in this order - - small, fuel-efficient Toyota Corollas, then Honda Civics, then the Ford Focus, according to data published by Investors Business Daily.

Bottom line: the US consumer is choosing efficiency and reliability, and though it is good to see Ford in the picture - - the sole US car company making strides with hybrids, and doing it without bailout money - - the preferences are more proof that GM and Chrysler in particular wasted years and much goodwill in the marketplace.