Island auto sales are starting to creep back up. They reached record levels of 70,000 cars sold in 2005, but during the recession those numbers were cut to less than half.

Experts say auto sales show how car dealers are doing and are an indicator of the health of Hawaii's economy. Based on the numbers, things are starting to get going.

Roxanne Ramones couldn't wait any longer to buy another car because both her teenagers now have drivers licenses. But they still won't get the keys to her new Ford Fusion.

"We needed a car for my teenage daughters and rather than letting them drive the new car, my husband said why don't you drive the new car," said Ramones.

She, like many others car shoppers, looked at some key points before making her decision.

"Mainly price, economy and gas mileage," stated Ramones.

"Everyone is still looking for a great deal," said Honolulu Ford General Manager Dave Wray.

Small cars that get great gas mileage have been boosting sales across the country. Nationwide, auto sales are up 14 percent.

Cars like the Fusion have even helped Hawaii dealers make a dent in the popularity of imported autos in the islands.

Forty percent of the cars and trucks in Hawaii are Hondas and Toyotas, but last year more people bought domestic vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge.