Despite High Gas Prices, Americans Keep on Driving ; Fuel Will Have to Top at Least $2, If Not $3, for Drivers to Change Their Behavior

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As Daniel Franco fills up his Ford Sport Trac, he watches the dollar meter on the pump tick past $40 before it finally stops. "Just a few months ago it used to cost just $25," he says, shaking his head.

Like most Americans, Mr. Franco is not happy about the high price of gas. But he's also convinced there's not much he can do about it because, as for many Americans, driving is an integral part of his work. And he's not about to trade in his Sport Trac for a fuel- efficient Mini - he needs the room in the truck for his building materials.

With gasoline prices reaching new highs, some analysts expect Americans to be working to hold the line on fuel consumption. But …