Wait, scratch that last part.

According to USA Today, full-size SUVs are outpacing small cars in terms of sales. True, in terms of sheer numbers, small cars have the clear advantage: 974,000 small cars sold compared with 121,000 SUVs in the first six months of the year, according to Autodata. But year-over-year sales for small cars during those six months saw an increase of 14 percent -- well below the overall industry gains of 17 percent, and well below the 19 percent gains enjoyed by big SUVs.

Those numbers make more sense in light of the fact that the full-size SUV category still includes popular, large, car-based crossovers such as the Ford Flex and the Buick Enclave, not to mention that gas prices have come down significantly from a year ago, even in the summer driving season.

Despite what the government wants, and tries to enforce with fuel-economy standards, it seems as if Americans' love for oversized vehicles springs back to the forefront given even the slightest excuse.