Reply #43: When I bought my SUV in the early 90's

[Rosemary2205]

it was rated with higher gas mileage than every van on the market and my current mileage rivals many of the new 2007 sedans on the market. Plus the "regular" doors on the back seat have child safety latches where the vans at the time did not have it for the sliding door. Plus the 2nd and 3rd seat in my SUV has 3 seatbelts and comfortably sits 3 adults, where the vans only had 2 seatbelts in the 2nd and 3rd seats.

Also when I bought mine the 3rd seat easily folded flat for cargo where the minivans one had to manually remove the 3rd seat for cargo. Now that minivans have the folding seats and electronic door closers they are a good alternative for many.

Additionally, since I live in farm and mountain country I drive on unpaved streets fairly regularly. Try to get a minivan up a dirt mountain road that doubles as a creek in heavy rains.

Basically what I'm saying is, the claim that no one has any use for an SUV is a myth. Certainly most people than own them don't use them to full potential, and certainly there are wealthier people than can afford 3 or 4 vehicles to tailor to each need. But some of us financially have limited means and choose a single vehicle for all needs combined.