More than half of all new cars purchased today are sold under a lease agreement. Why? Americans have a love affair with cars. We like them big, fast, shiny and luxurious with all the bells and whistles—TV monitors, 12-disc CD changer, moon roof, heated seats, navigational system. We want it all. Problem! Cars with all the bells and whistles come with a healthy price tag. Even with repayment terms on new cars ranging from five to eight years, the monthly payment on new cars has proven to be a burden on the average American family’s budget. Solution! In an attempt to continue to sell cars at double-digit profits to a growing economy of people living on the brink of financial ruin, the auto industry is pushing leases.