General Discussion

primavera

(5,191 posts) Sun Jul 1, 2012, 04:40 PM Jul 2012

Why do people drive SUVs? [View all]

Seriously, I'm baffled. Everywhere I look, I see people driving SUVs, but I really don't get the attraction. SUVs are big and top heavy, so they don't handle particularly well and parking them is a bitch. They get poor gas mileage and put out a correspondingly high quantity of emissions, so they're not especially green vehicles. They're expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, expensive to fill up, so they're hardly the vehicle of choice for the economically conscious. I understand why someone with a big family would value a minivan. I understand why someone like a building contractor who needs to haul heavy loads would value a truck. I understand why someone who is into outdoor activities and drives a lot over uneven, rough roads would value something like a Jeep. I understand why someone into sporty performance would value a sports car. All of these are reasons I can fathom for driving a big, unwieldy, expensive, fuel inefficient, high emission vehicle. As far as I can tell, though, a SUV offers none of these perks, only the disadvantages of a big gas guzzler. Yet they remain the most popular vehicle in the country. Can anyone explain this to me? Surely someone here must love SUVs and can tell me what the attraction is, no?

394 replies

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Highlight:

Why do people drive SUVs? [View all] primavera Jul 2012 OP

I think for some it's a statement. drm604 Jul 2012 #1

Possibly making up for some 'shortcoming' ryan_cats Jul 2012 #30

And a lot of them don't even know enough not to park those high things near a corner. drm604 Jul 2012 #148

I hate it when We are Devo Jul 2012 #287

And Republicans like to thumb nose at Treehuggers ErikJ Jul 2012 #188

Insecurity. Big time anxieties are relieved by big wheels and lots of sheet metal. leveymg Jul 2012 #352

My Vue gets same MPG as a midsize sedan and its AWD is great in Chicago winters. Gidney N Cloyd Jul 2012 #2

Weather handling, good point primavera Jul 2012 #5

yup...come to the sticks in Maine where I live. Maine-ah Jul 2012 #93

Already been there and it was too cold for me! primavera Jul 2012 #114

I agree - also as a woman I don't feel like I am making up for any shortcomings nadine_mn Jul 2012 #122

I never question anyone driving an SUV in a rural environment that enjoys harsh weather. MADem Jul 2012 #197

Xterra....not a huge SUV...... blueamy66 Jul 2012 #238

I have AWD (don't think its an SUV) Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #3

What do you have? I'll tell you how it's categorized. I subscribe to Consumer Reports online. nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #44

Murano. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #64

The Nissan Murano is classified as a mid-sized SUV by Consumerreports.org. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #69

What sold me on the Murano was the backup camera Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #76

That was one of the things that sold me on my Prius, too! primavera Jul 2012 #90

I drove my Mom's car one day Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #95

Aren't they great? primavera Jul 2012 #102

We almost got one of those, Ruby. pacalo Jul 2012 #165

Another good reason. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #166

Consumer reports is a rip off if you ask me madokie Jul 2012 #70

I bought a VW Rabbit because of reviews in CR years ago and it was RKP5637 Jul 2012 #80

One of my old bosses did the same thing except it was something else VW madokie Jul 2012 #128

Thanks madokie!!! RKP5637 Jul 2012 #149

CR-V, RAV-4, etc. offer good economy with high seating, lots of room. FarCenter Jul 2012 #4

"High seating"? primavera Jul 2012 #6

No, the seat is higher off the ground, so you have better visibility. FarCenter Jul 2012 #7

I see, thanks primavera Jul 2012 #11

I don't have an SUV SouthernLiberal Jul 2012 #39

You should try "The Cube" PassingFair Jul 2012 #94

Not all SUVs sit higher. Only some do. Not sure that the RAV sits higher. The Forester doesn't. nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #40

I just was following a Forester and the beltline is much higher than a sedan's FarCenter Jul 2012 #269

The Forester doesn't "sit" higher, seems to me. You don't have to step up to get in. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #323

YOU BLOCK THE VISIBILITY OF OTHERS Skittles Jul 2012 #120

Yeap, we should get rid of semis too... /sarcasm uponit7771 Jul 2012 #241

As a matter of fact, semis are banned on certain commuter routes. ieoeja Jul 2012 #246

Had we not destroyed the rail system we could get rid of semi's GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #322

Not really. Rails can't get everywhere. Much of the country is off the beaten path, Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #383

Rail used to get to many places - a quick Google search came up with GoneOffShore Jul 2012 #385

It's like driving behind a goddamn wall ! jaysunb Jul 2012 #312

I think s/he does mean sitting up high. marybourg Jul 2012 #10

Yeah, I can see that primavera Jul 2012 #14

We actually lived where there were few marybourg Jul 2012 #87

Thank you so much for your response! primavera Jul 2012 #91

Good for people with back problems roody Jul 2012 #228

Lots of reasons icare4u Jul 2012 #8

Welcome to DU, icare4u! CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2012 #12

Back at ya Peggy! icare4u Jul 2012 #18

Welcome to DU! primavera Jul 2012 #20

A Jeep IS an SUV. That's all that Jeep makes. nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #37

They are a necessity for us. Marinedem Jul 2012 #9

Passengers and hauling primavera Jul 2012 #21

A four-banger does 10 times this load at your local airport every day. boppers Jul 2012 #155

Its a work vehicle for me. Big enough to haul feed, equipment, a two horse trailer etc riderinthestorm Jul 2012 #13

May I ask, how does the hybrid work for you? primavera Jul 2012 #23

When its hauling a load or the trailer, its powered almost entirely by gas riderinthestorm Jul 2012 #265

I have a Honda Element XemaSab Jul 2012 #15

Ah ha, a fellow birder! primavera Jul 2012 #24

The Prius now has a larger version. Saw one on the street. It looks great. nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #35

Interesting! I hadn't heard that. primavera Jul 2012 #45

It was so pretty I looked to see what kind of car that was. It was the new Prius V! Here's Youtube Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #74

Oh nice, I could definitely be down with that - n/t primavera Jul 2012 #86

Kicked around the idea of getting a Prius XemaSab Jul 2012 #36

Tell that to my three dogs! primavera Jul 2012 #43

What kind of dogs? XemaSab Jul 2012 #52

Happily I haven't had to deal with the barf problem primavera Jul 2012 #62

I did, too. Sadly, couldn't get a Prius with upgrades without getting leather seats, which I won't Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #77

We just got rid of our Element... sweetloukillbot Jul 2012 #164

When I lived in New York City, I was astounded by the number of SUVs. With very few unpaved libinnyandia Jul 2012 #16

And with what parking in NYC is like... primavera Jul 2012 #29

Where i lived, in south Brooklyn, the parking wasn't too bad, if you didn't mind walking. libinnyandia Jul 2012 #117

My wife insisted on a SUV - so I chose the best possible SUV of its time in terms of mileage Woody Woodpecker Jul 2012 #17

Hmm, yes an AWD hybrid would be nice primavera Jul 2012 #38

Subaru has a couple of SUVs that have the best AWD system. Subaru is uber reliable, too. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #82

Plenty of Roos in this area too... Woody Woodpecker Jul 2012 #121

I am single, with no kids.. HipChick Jul 2012 #19

Any thoughts on why? primavera Jul 2012 #26

My other car is a UFO? HipChick Jul 2012 #112

I've never understood it aint_no_life_nowhere Jul 2012 #22

SUVs come in all sizes. Check out Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV, and others at Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #33

It's quite possible that I haven't kept up with what the marketers now call an SUV aint_no_life_nowhere Jul 2012 #51

The small and medium SUV category is wildly popular. The Subaru Forester & Toyota RAV have been Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #63

The ones I'm aware of are the land yachts aint_no_life_nowhere Jul 2012 #75

SUVs combine some of the positives (and negatives) of both a van and a truck SWTORFanatic Jul 2012 #25

I can relate primavera Jul 2012 #32

Because they don't think "small" things matter enough to tolerate the "inconvenience". patrice Jul 2012 #27

You don't know much about SUVs. Here's the skinny: (1) There are small SUVs; Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #28

Yet you just made my case for me! primavera Jul 2012 #31

No, it doesn't cost less, comparing cost for size. The Forester costs less, comparing capability... Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #60

I love my Honda Fit, but it does have its shortcomings. Thegonagle Jul 2012 #198

Thanks for the review primavera Jul 2012 #218

The Fit and the Prius are 2 different kinds of vehicles. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #384

Insecurity? Other countries don't have them, and the US scarcely had any before the 1990's. NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #34

Excuses? LOL! Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #47

I make an exception in your case... NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #48

Heh - not at all. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #67

Europe has a lot of SUVs. They're sold all over the globe. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #68

You are right. And"Crossover" is a clever name for "Station Wagon" which became uncool in the 90's. NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #71

SUVs are the modern "wagon." Crossovers-not really a car category. It's a sales term, I think. Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #85

thanks for that info maddezmom Jul 2012 #111

Yup. It would be a sales "kiss of death" to call a station wagon a "Station Wagon"... NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #129

lots of large SUV's in the UK when I was there maddezmom Jul 2012 #99

Scarcely any before the 90's? You DO know that the Suburban is the oldest continuously cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #97

And very few people bought them who didn't need one. NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #108

Dammit I hate when that happens... cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #186

Trouble is sometimes that regional differences aren't appreciated. NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #196

I can't argue with a word of that. cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #207

Interesting info. Even if you were a bit hostile sharing it with the group. IMO, no one Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #124

Tell that to the woman who needs to get to the dialysis clinic.... Scuba Jul 2012 #235

Fortunately, you're not the boss of us. n/t PavePusher Jul 2012 #255

I'd like to see anyone Texasgal Jul 2012 #103

I've had 10 foot lengths of pipe and lumber, and a 10 foot kayak, fulling inside my Prius.... NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #109

Is that 10-foot lengths, kentauros Jul 2012 #289

Well, not ALL of these things at once! NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #295

I understand about being surprised at what fits into a small vehicle. kentauros Jul 2012 #298

Smart cars aren't the only alternative to large SUVs. drm604 Jul 2012 #152

I realize that Texasgal Jul 2012 #162

You can fit 5 people and plenty of groceries in a Prius frazzled Jul 2012 #225

Yeah, if the three people in the back are skinny. CrispyQ Jul 2012 #274

If you're smart enough you can do it! CrispyQ Jul 2012 #273

Other Countries don't have them? TheMightyFavog Jul 2012 #171

In UK they call them "Chelsea Tractors" when they're making fun of 'em. MADem Jul 2012 #199

I heard that particular term when I was over there... TheMightyFavog Jul 2012 #201

Ha! Loved the dulcet tones of "Jerusalem" at the finish when the kid swiped the fire lighters! nt MADem Jul 2012 #205

That's what the gun rack is for! Cheezitz, the Brits can be dense about some things. leveymg Jul 2012 #360

People think there are no guns in UK, but that's not true. They do their share of MADem Jul 2012 #361

I guess that America can still take comfort in the fact that Top Gear likes Russian trucks even less leveymg Jul 2012 #362

If Dick and Phil took a stroll, I wouldn't count on Dickie getting the best of PP! MADem Jul 2012 #364

Whether you arrive on the Raj's elephants or an armoured SUV, that's always been the way it's done leveymg Jul 2012 #365

Hee hee--great pics! nt MADem Jul 2012 #367

But do other countries have the Canyonero? guardian Jul 2012 #389

Herd marketing Tom Ripley Jul 2012 #41

sheeple CleanLucre Jul 2012 #88

My family has 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees. None of us are under madmom Jul 2012 #42

Not missing work is a good thing? primavera Jul 2012 #50

Some companies don't like that sort of thing. lapislzi Jul 2012 #252

Mainly so people like you can look down their noses at them. RB TexLa Jul 2012 #46

Have I looked down my nose at you? primavera Jul 2012 #55

Before you say a thing, we are looking at perhaps replacing nadinbrzezinski Jul 2012 #49

Because people don't want to get squashed like a bug on the road when a big ole truck hits them Raine Jul 2012 #53

But where does that end? primavera Jul 2012 #57

Just nail the garage to the exterior of the car and drive that down the road aint_no_life_nowhere Jul 2012 #101

Lmao! primavera Jul 2012 #105

Naw, just a semi truck. A loaded semi will squash several Escalades Thegonagle Jul 2012 #229

Towing a boat or a horse trailer. nt hack89 Jul 2012 #54

heh! subaru outback is the Maine state car magical thyme Jul 2012 #56

I know, I spent a winter in Maine once primavera Jul 2012 #65

Cubic footage. kwassa Jul 2012 #58

So, cubic footage for the homeless/nomads, then? boppers Jul 2012 #158

Do you have kids? kwassa Jul 2012 #292

It they took up that much cubic footage, boppers Jul 2012 #305

Thank you. You've answered my question. kwassa Jul 2012 #317

LOL, bzzt! I pack my twin boys tight. boppers Jul 2012 #331

uh, you have no idea. kwassa Jul 2012 #332

Okay, what do you need that cannot be easily packed into a sedan? boppers Jul 2012 #334

Carseats. laundry_queen Jul 2012 #336

Fair enough. boppers Jul 2012 #338

That's the problem kwassa Jul 2012 #354

I think the best thing for you is to not drive one madokie Jul 2012 #59

Up to a point primavera Jul 2012 #84

Some people will argue with a post madokie Jul 2012 #125

My apologies primavera Jul 2012 #127

Apology accepted madokie Jul 2012 #131

I wasn't aware I had a problem, but okay, whatever you say - n/t primavera Jul 2012 #136

Self awareness is important in life madokie Jul 2012 #139

Thank you for your common sense. n/t ChazII Jul 2012 #217

You are most welcome madokie Jul 2012 #231

because they feel entitled Skittles Jul 2012 #61

Excuse me madokie Jul 2012 #72

Did you even bother to read this thread Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #78

yeah I did Skittles Jul 2012 #115

Don't follow so fucking close then madokie Jul 2012 #138

you DON'T HAVE TO BE CLOSE Skittles Jul 2012 #140

I'm sure glad you are not king madokie Jul 2012 #141

???? Skittles Jul 2012 #145

I drive a 2 door Chevy Cavalier.... blueamy66 Jul 2012 #239

That's why I park my 1991 Volvo wagon MineralMan Jul 2012 #253

true blueamy66 Jul 2012 #257

You don't have to, but it is a real stress-reliever, MineralMan Jul 2012 #259

good advice blueamy66 Jul 2012 #262

My daughter bought a CRV in order to take left is right Jul 2012 #66

I have a Lincoln Town Car as one of our cars and we are dwarfed by RKP5637 Jul 2012 #73

That one bugs me too primavera Jul 2012 #110

People with GP6971 Jul 2012 #79

I drive a Tahoe because I live at 7,000 feet. We've been known to get 30" of snow overnight. cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #81

people drive SUV's because they like them. crazyjoe Jul 2012 #83

Because they have small penises scheming daemons Jul 2012 #89

Define small taterguy Jul 2012 #92

small: boppers Jul 2012 #159

What does internal self doubt and discomfort have to do with penis size? taterguy Jul 2012 #168

"internal self doubt and discomfort" is the primary reason a person would care about such things. boppers Jul 2012 #304

According to who? taterguy Jul 2012 #306

Some of us don't have one at all. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #98

I hear there are stores where you can buy one nadine_mn Jul 2012 #135

Don't worry, US car companies can sell you one. boppers Jul 2012 #160

Oh come on! Here I thought we were talking about penises and now you're talking about ASSHOLES? cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #203

It took 89 replies before the first "I'm going to change your behavior by trying to shame you..." cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #100

Dick-waving is not a matter of physical body. boppers Jul 2012 #161

So my penis is in my soul? cherokeeprogressive Jul 2012 #189

Psst...she left it in the Tahoe. Look there... MineralMan Jul 2012 #254

As a woman, I must have Vagina Envy because I pack so many big things in my SUV nadine_mn Jul 2012 #132

Only if you think it matters in the slightest. boppers Jul 2012 #163

The SUV owners in my acquaintance generally have none at all. n/t lumberjack_jeff Jul 2012 #388

'Cuz owning 2 or 3 vehicles for the same driver can get crazy/impossible for several reasons Mopar151 Jul 2012 #96

Why do people drive. Gregorian Jul 2012 #104

Because modern life in the US necessitates it primavera Jul 2012 #107

That's a pretty good answer. Gregorian Jul 2012 #113

Hear, hear! primavera Jul 2012 #119

You've got me rethinking this. There are two approaches to a better country. Gregorian Jul 2012 #209

Well, I'm a populist at heart too primavera Jul 2012 #213

Ah yes the romanticized view dmallind Jul 2012 #247

I'm fully aware of that. Gregorian Jul 2012 #249

Making up for something inadequate. HopeHoops Jul 2012 #106

What the hell is an SUV? Atman Jul 2012 #116

I'm afraid I missed those threads primavera Jul 2012 #123

I'll answer it. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #137

So where do YOU draw the line? primavera Jul 2012 #147

I will just put you down as being a better liberal than me. Ruby the Liberal Jul 2012 #153

I wish you'd reconsider primavera Jul 2012 #206

Okay - I drive a little two-seater. Am I a better liberal? REP Jul 2012 #219

I have no idea whether you're a better liberal or not primavera Jul 2012 #221

We don't have kids, that's why REP Jul 2012 #222

So basically your problem with SUVs boils down to guardian Jul 2012 #299

Actually, despite the eager assertions of some SUV defenders... primavera Jul 2012 #301

Thank you guardian Jul 2012 #313

We drive a Hyundai Santa Fe and I love it nadine_mn Jul 2012 #118

An all around good pecwae Jul 2012 #232

I actually don't own one but I can think of one - pets TBF Jul 2012 #126

I've got three dogs myself primavera Jul 2012 #130

What size dogs? TBF Jul 2012 #151

I dunno, we evacuated during Gustav without too much trouble primavera Jul 2012 #154

For pets just get a Mendocino Jul 2012 #371

Don't even get me started - TBF Jul 2012 #372

Backup plan for homelessness? n/t Duer 157099 Jul 2012 #133

That's why I bought mine. justiceischeap Jul 2012 #375

Thank you everyone for your responses! primavera Jul 2012 #134

CAFE JVS Jul 2012 #142

I drive a crossover Sgent Jul 2012 #143

As a Jeep owner, I take offense. bluedigger Jul 2012 #169

Hi, neighbor! primavera Jul 2012 #185

I like Go Vols Jul 2012 #144

I have no choice but to drive this rig, what with the snow and the soccer team and boat.... NYC_SKP Jul 2012 #146

Rotfl! primavera Jul 2012 #150

That dog is freakin adorable Inkfreak Jul 2012 #233

Love the pooch! "Hey, man...we goin' for a drive or what?" Adsos Letter Jul 2012 #283

i would love to have one, buf i am too poor! blondie58 Jul 2012 #156

1. Laziness. boppers Jul 2012 #157

Not all cities, even towns, are bike-friendly. nt Ilsa Jul 2012 #211

They don't have roads? boppers Jul 2012 #311

It varies. Ilsa Jul 2012 #363

I used to drive an SUV. It was a great ride over country roads and in the winter. applegrove Jul 2012 #167

I love my SUV. Here are some of the reasons that I need it: femmocrat Jul 2012 #170

We have a Honda Hyrbid sedan and an SUV Bettie Jul 2012 #172

Republican Vehicle-like to thumb nose at treehuggers- My mini-van has TWICE the cargo as any SUV. ErikJ Jul 2012 #173

For regularly towing a trailer a min-van is not the best vehicle Bettie Jul 2012 #179

Comfort and room to haul 4 kids and sports equipment or suitcases on vacation. Pisces Jul 2012 #174

Some do it because of family size bigwillq Jul 2012 #175

Why do people drive cars? DCBob Jul 2012 #176

I care as much about the environment as YOU do about unionized autoworkers. Romulox Jul 2012 #177

We made sure or new vehicle was Union made Bettie Jul 2012 #181

About 80-90% of the folks posting in this thread (including the OP) didn't bother. nt Romulox Jul 2012 #182

Which ones? primavera Jul 2012 #184

My neighbors in the UAW. (PS: Toyota has a "company" union...) Romulox Jul 2012 #187

You mean, kind of like interjecting a labor discussion into an unrelated thread? primavera Jul 2012 #190

Inconvenient Truth? Most definitely! Unrelated, my eye. Like I said, I care just about exactly as Romulox Jul 2012 #191

Yeah I'm a little surprised at what I'm seeing. I Love a Mystery Jul 2012 #220

People in the know think Unions suck, yet they want us to accept their agenda DainBramaged Jul 2012 #394

Real liberals drive these Son of Gob Jul 2012 #178

Cool! Where can I get one? primavera Jul 2012 #183

You have to buy an SUV to get one Son of Gob Jul 2012 #194

You just won this thread! Ikonoklast Jul 2012 #275

Looks like a Smart Car that got squashed Historic NY Jul 2012 #192

!!! SunsetDreams Jul 2012 #193

You have a great sense of humor. ChazII Jul 2012 #224

ehe :) but what if the Earth doesn't give a s! about you? mwooldri Jul 2012 #264

Not only can you drive it on snow and ice Son of Gob Jul 2012 #267

All I've own since 1985 its a bus, a limo, a pickup truck, my file cabinet, its take me camping... Historic NY Jul 2012 #180

I drive a Jeep. bluedigger Jul 2012 #195

great dog blueamy66 Jul 2012 #242

Leather doors! bluedigger Jul 2012 #243

Well, the Jeep and the husband are gone blueamy66 Jul 2012 #245

You've already posted what I was going to. No fair! Rob H. Jul 2012 #347

I almost picked up a JK when I bought in 2010. bluedigger Jul 2012 #348

Yeah, I'm liking the Pentastar Rob H. Jul 2012 #349

That's pretty funny. bluedigger Jul 2012 #351

The problems is irresponsible SUV drivers if you're in a sedan flamingdem Jul 2012 #200

Well call me rare. 6 Cyl. Santa Fe with hitch, hit from behind by a corolla, hit me and landed at a NotThisTime Jul 2012 #204

That sounds terrible flamingdem Jul 2012 #214

Thanks, it's going to be a long road but I consider myself lucky, could have been so much worse..... NotThisTime Jul 2012 #244

I admire your attitude flamingdem Jul 2012 #350

Because they think they can Demeter Jul 2012 #202

I'm sorry but please don't be judgemental and lump all SUV together LynneSin Jul 2012 #208

No doubt primavera Jul 2012 #215

Because I have a family Incitatus Jul 2012 #210

I'll tell you why I've been looking at them laundry_queen Jul 2012 #212

All excellent points, thank you for sharing them primavera Jul 2012 #216

Stop-THINK! Imagine gas tripling in price or worse-unavailable. VERY real possiblity. ErikJ Jul 2012 #227

LOL, where would my kids sit? laundry_queen Jul 2012 #230

I never liked SUV's, I had the same attitude as some of the posters here. Silver Swan Jul 2012 #223

They certainly seem less popular here lately. frazzled Jul 2012 #226

remember all the zero interest financing after 9-11 G_j Jul 2012 #250

Pulling the boat, hauling the dogs and getting through the Wisconsin winters... Scuba Jul 2012 #234

I drive one for a couple of reasons... belcffub Jul 2012 #236

lol @ these 'he must be compensating' replies NatBurner Jul 2012 #237

Many reasons SoCalDem Jul 2012 #240

People feel like they aren't contributing enough to climate change. raouldukelives Jul 2012 #248

Just as you pointed out there are reasons why people purchase certain types of vehicles... Swede Atlanta Jul 2012 #251

Spacious and safety in a vehicle that's not a minivan... OneTenthofOnePercent Jul 2012 #256

"Hummer owners view themselves as morally superior" KansDem Jul 2012 #258

Thanks for posting this primavera Jul 2012 #290

Don't discount real snow tires as a solution for winter driving Kolesar Jul 2012 #260

Right, AWD only helps you go; it doesn't help you stop. FarCenter Jul 2012 #270

Snow Tires are a MUST where I live laundry_queen Jul 2012 #337

I Can Speak from Driving a Toyota Matrix On the Road Jul 2012 #261

We can rationalize any convenience LanternWaste Jul 2012 #263

Eloquently stated - n/t primavera Jul 2012 #293

Los Angeles - folks driving around in Cadillac Escalades and other big fancy things alone Liberal_in_LA Jul 2012 #266

Thought that the Escalade was the preferred vehicle of real estate agents? FarCenter Jul 2012 #271

Tell me about it! We are Devo Jul 2012 #286

Utility krispos42 Jul 2012 #268

We drive an SUV because it's comfortable, gets reasonably good mileage, has lots of room for ladjf Jul 2012 #272

Because it is difficult to tow a 4,000 lb. GVW trailer with a compact car. Ikonoklast Jul 2012 #276

You can haul that kind of stuff in a SUV? primavera Jul 2012 #277

I have a '96 Suburban with the two rows of back seats removed. Ikonoklast Jul 2012 #280

You may be making assumptions about other people's assumptions primavera Jul 2012 #285

Then you admit to being a 'Nanny-Stater' who uses their sense of moral superiority to judge other's Ikonoklast Jul 2012 #310

Well, I have no idea what a "nanny stater" is primavera Jul 2012 #314

Because they need the space and they worry about lack of protection in a car DainBramaged Jul 2012 #278

I've sold cars. Lots of people looking at image & status buy SUVs. DirkGently Jul 2012 #369

Who are we to judge what people can or cant buy? DainBramaged Jul 2012 #373

The OP doesn't say that; neither did I. DirkGently Jul 2012 #377

Who are we to judge what people can or cant buy? DainBramaged Jul 2012 #378

??? The OP says nothing about telling people what to do. DirkGently Jul 2012 #379

Meh, I made my point here long ago, go find someone else to argue with DainBramaged Jul 2012 #380

Oh. I see. The agenda here is YOURS. DirkGently Jul 2012 #393

They make you *feel* safer Taverner Jul 2012 #279

I drive a Ford Escape hybrid. RiffRandell Jul 2012 #281

Some people genuinely need them for work 4th law of robotics Jul 2012 #282

Sounds like it primavera Jul 2012 #288

I drive my SUV because it gets better mileage than my El Camino. LeftyMom Jul 2012 #284

Not following your logic primavera Jul 2012 #291

Do you even have an argument? kwassa Jul 2012 #294

Then you're reading into my posts something that isn't there primavera Jul 2012 #297

Sorry, I think my perception of you is quite accurate. kwassa Jul 2012 #318

Funny you should mention chips on shoulders... primavera Jul 2012 #324

LOL! Your post, #84. flvegan Jul 2012 #307

Yes, and...? primavera Jul 2012 #315

troll, troll, troll. kwassa Jul 2012 #320

Do you have anything to contribute other than insults? primavera Jul 2012 #325

I have much to contribute, as do many others. You ignored it. kwassa Jul 2012 #330

Because being holier than thou about people's cars is stupid. It's doubly stupid if your choices are LeftyMom Jul 2012 #327

Hmmm, okay, I guess I can see that primavera Jul 2012 #328

The next time you address a vegan in such a way flvegan Jul 2012 #335

Um, in what way? primavera Jul 2012 #341

Looks like a pump,... TeeYiYi Jul 2012 #296

Why do people drive godawful electric cars or comedic hybrids? flvegan Jul 2012 #300

Outside of heavy towing or rough / snowy roads, it's a weird choice. DirkGently Jul 2012 #302

Well, clearly a lot of people around here get a lot of use out of them primavera Jul 2012 #326

They're just insisting you refine the point. It's still valid. DirkGently Jul 2012 #368

I drive a compact, but will buy a small SUV next time. progressivebydesign Jul 2012 #303

They're the Bullies of the Road Iggy Jul 2012 #308

Looking out the windshield of my Freightliner even SUV's look small B Calm Jul 2012 #333

Size queen! boppers Jul 2012 #339

I have a VERY small SUV MissMillie Jul 2012 #309

One word: versatility guardian Jul 2012 #316

I drove a GMC Jimmy for awhile LadyHawkAZ Jul 2012 #319

I drive a Suburban Broken_Hero Jul 2012 #321

Well I wanted one of these....SUV's. Historic NY Jul 2012 #329

Threads like this have been showing up on DU since 2001 DainBramaged Jul 2012 #340

It's called "caring" primavera Jul 2012 #342

I'm not a FUCKING Libertarian, meh, nice try pal. DainBramaged Jul 2012 #343

Nice try primavera Jul 2012 #344

Enough people have already made you look foolish in this thread. Your 'concern' is touching. DainBramaged Jul 2012 #345

In other words... primavera Jul 2012 #346

talk about 'holier than thou' guardian Jul 2012 #381

There's no pleasing you guys, is there? primavera Jul 2012 #386

Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining REP Jul 2012 #356

Well, you can check post 344 primavera Jul 2012 #357

What about the rest? What - can't defend wasting resources on inefficient heating/cooling, lights? REP Jul 2012 #359

Because I enjoy the finer things in life? bluedigger Jul 2012 #353

America is lousy with over-consumption. mizzuz pibb Jul 2012 #355

"eco-libruls" DainBramaged Jul 2012 #366

because people can... that is all fascisthunter Jul 2012 #358

Because I live in a place where KatChatter Jul 2012 #370

You'd better get a Peeon the restof us electric and jack it up or don't go DainBramaged Jul 2012 #374

Once someone builds a hybrid or electric vehicle that KatChatter Jul 2012 #376

To get to the other side? (yuk yuk yuk!) nt Honeycombe8 Jul 2012 #382

This message was self-deleted by its author bupkus Jul 2012 #387

lol octothorpe Jul 2012 #391

I always thought the giant tanks sized ones were hilariously stupid, but I found the smaller ones octothorpe Jul 2012 #390

Without doing any research, I think SUVs have taken over some of the minivan market share. BlueCheese Jul 2012 #392