Score: 8.8
One word: kick-ass. Sure it didn't go far enough (cars should be around 40 mpg in city driving, not 35 combined mpg as will be legislated), but it's the first significant increase in CAFE demands in 20 years. Since that point, cars have gotten bigger, heavier, and more powerful. It's time to cut down on all three. Power outputs now are excellent, and more than most applications need. Sure, most subcompacts are still underpowered, but there is absolutely no reason midsize sedans need more than the 170 hp provided in most four-cylinder variations. They would need even less if they weren't ballooning in weight every Full-Model-Change. It's gotten so bad that Honda's lineup (which is actually probably the best collection of well-weighted and appropriately powered cars) has done a complete change-up since the late 80's. The Accord is as big as a Legend was, a Civic is the size of an Accord, and the Fit is the new Civic. It's kind of sad really. The big three are going to have to do one hell of a job in order to engineer cars that can meet these requirements, as well as still compete in terms of power and refinement with the Japanese and Hyundai. Ford and Chrysler will have the harder time I believe, since GM has invested a lot in newer, more efficient powertrains in the last six or so years. Ford is still relying on horrible V6's and 8's to equal the power-outputs of far more efficient vehicles. Hell, the 500-hp Vette Z06 got 16 mpg in EPA tests, for the city! The same as the 300-hp Mustang. Ford is in a world of trouble. Chrysler can just up and die for all I care.
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