Unimpressive criticisms of Cash for Clunkers

Its surprisingly successful start rejuvenated by a tripling of its original $1bn budget, Cash for Clunkers is also making enemies fast.

Via Green Sheet, Edmunds.com has run its own analysis showing that trucks are the major beneficiaries, not small cars. Their conclusion is based on the top-selling models, not comprehensive numbers, so until further information the best quantification I've seen is:

Eighty-three percent of the vehicles traded in were trucks or SUVs, while 60 percent of the vehicles purchased were passengers cars, for an average increase in fuel efficiency of 61 percent.

Other haters are charities who rely on car donations (find me a piece of meaningful legislation that doesn't hurt SOMEONE) and Matthew Kahn, who thinks we should be shipping our old cars to Mexico instead.