[quote=Doc;1869896
It took a few years for the manufacturers to find ways of significantly improving mileage while giving customers cars they wanted. Engine technology got better, cars got lighter, mileage went up, and ultimately quality improved.
I'm sure there are many other factors at play, but that's how I look at the graph, FWIW.
And that's how the Japanese managed to infiltrate the market. They had a huge jump start on fuel efficiency in the early 70s and USA took a while to catch up
I especially love this story of how Honda slapped GM in the face the best way they knew how: no words, just show of engineering superiority
http://jalopnik.com/when-honda-gave-gm-one-of-historys-most-amazing-smackdo-1576732771