Out with the big and in with the small.

That’s the consensus of most auto dealers across the parish who say the record-setting gas prices have drivers itching to trade in their boxy, gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles for a more fuel-efficient sedan.

Knowing fuel prices have no plans of backing off, dealerships like Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Nissan of Slidell have steadily begun weeding out their bigger vehicles to make room for more economy-sized sedans that offer 30 plus miles per gallon.

With fuel prices reaching record levels daily, more and more drivers are turning from the bigger vehicles with sights on smaller, more economical cars. (Staff Photo by Chad Ruiz)

But don’t worry, Used Car Sales Manager Bill “T Boy” Giovanni said, the lots still boast a considerable selection of power-savvy beasts, which continue to sell at a steady rate.

“A lot of people are coming in here looking for vehicles that get more than 30 miles per gallon,” he said contributing the increased interest to the spike in gasoline prices.

Giovanni said they currently offer eight auto models that boast the desired 30-mpg rating.

Robert Levis Chevrolet-Cadillac has also seen a spike in small vehicle sales.

“Smaller car sales are up, but people are still wanting SUVs because they have to have them for transporting their family or hauling stuff,” Sales Manager James Henry said.

But no dealer has possibly seen more traffic than Honda of Slidell. Sales Consultant Jerry McLamore said he’s seen a considerable increase with customers wishing to trade their SUV in for one of the smaller-engined sedans that achieve close to 40 mpg. McLamore also said the Honda Hybrid is by far the most requested vehicle on site.

“We can’t keep the hybrids on the lot,” he said. “As soon as we get them in, we sell them right away.”

In fact, the pseudo gas-powered autos even have their own waiting list of potential buyers to be contacted whenever another shipment arrives.

But even with fuel prices pushing $4 per gallon, some motorists are still reluctant to forfeit their mighty steeds of steel, claiming they feel safer while towering above other drivers.

No stranger to big autos, Faith Stanton of Pearl River, owner of Jeep’s supreme being the Commander that sports an eight cylinder Hemi, said she’s sacrificing fuel economy for safety.

“I get 14 mpg on a good day, but it’s big, so I feel safer in it,” she said, adding she only drives 12 miles to work and back. “Plus, I need it because there’s room to transport family and friends.”

Room seems to be the most prevalent reason for drivers seeking or keeping SUVs nowadays, as some can house as many as nine passengers, Giovanni said. But even with the extra space, Giovanni believes the SUV is quickly becoming a pleasure craft.

“The big vehicle is becoming a bass boat or pleasure boat, something only used for recreation,” he said.