In May of 2007 the all-time high price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Colorado was $3.34. Customers are now wishing for a gallon of gas that inexpensive.

The product is essential. As it nears $4.00, the price for fuel conjures up some colorful adjectives.

“Outrageous,” said Otis Maffett. "Horrible," said James Jarvaise. "It's crazy," said Anthony Ortiz. "Crap," said Sara Ellis.

Drivers looking for their best buy are risking fender benders in lines two to three cars deep to save a few cents over the slightly slower competition only blocks away.

"It's cheaper than $3.55!" said Maffett.

Record highs of today make record highs within the past five years look downright cheap.

From the all time national high of a $1.87 reported in May of 2004, to the tense days of 2005, when anything less than $2.00 created frenzy.

"We've had a few fist fights break out for people being ignorant and rude trying to get to the pump," said a Western Fuel and Convenience Store clerk during a 2005 interview.

2006 kept climbing into the worst of 2007, and now 2008.

"No one ever thought we'd see oil prices over $120 a barrel," said AAA Colorado Spokesperson Eric Escudero.

In crunching the numbers, AAA of Colorado reports the sticker price causes shock, but the overall picture is less painful. Filling up a 15-gallon tank this year at this time, according to AAA, will cost, on average, seven dollars more than it did last year, just before the Memorial Day holiday.

"If anyone's planning memorial travel, $7.00 may not be as much as people think," Escudero said.

Llooking forward offers little relief, even as lawmakers discuss temporary solutions. Some predict suspending shipments to the nation's strategic reserve could lower gas prices by five to 24 cents a gallon. Colorado Senator Wayne Allard was the only dissenting voice in a recent vote, saying the move will have no effect.

"The only thing consistent about gas prices is inconsistency,” Escudero said.

In the meantime, many Colorado Springs drivers anticipate another year of climbing prices and giving thought to more affordable options.

"We'll be going back to scooters and motorcycles, man,” Maffett said.