This driver isn't alone in feeling blindsided by the promise of those big numbers on the new car sticker.

FORBES: Fuel Economy Sticker Shock

Hillary Clinton invited supporters to help choose her theme song, and the Democratic Senatorial Committee is running a contest to design a new bumper sticker.

NPR: Mitt Romney Involves Supporters in Campaign Ads

Some card providers put a sticker on new credit or debit cards sent to customers.

BBC: Insurance company CPP hit by record FSA fine

Still, the Tennysons, who moved to New York from Los Angeles, have sticker shock.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In 2006, 16-year-old Kyleigh D'Alessio was killed in a car crash, and a New Jersey law requiring that young drivers display a sticker on their vehicles identifying them as minors was named after her.

WSJ: Driver's Ed, for Parents

Power and Associates says 62% of new-car buyers first consult the Internet for invoice prices, sticker prices and trade-in values.

FORBES: Dealers 1 Internet 0

Depreciation is the biggest factor in determining how much a vehicle will cost the owner--most new cars lose anywhere between 10% and 20% of their sticker price the moment they leave the lot.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Energy Star So, you're patting yourself on the back because that new refrigerator or TV you just bought comes with a bright blue Energy Star sticker.

NPR: Series Overview: How Green Is It?