Are minivans as bad as SUVs?

[progmom]

Why or why not? They get similar mpgs...

[GOPisEvil]

1. They are better.

They are safer for other vehicles since they don't tend to roll over as much as SUV's and drivers don't tend to have that invincible feeling that SUV drivers seem to have.

Edit - added stuff for clarity.

[fricasseed_gourmet_rat]

2. Well...

...they're even uglier. But they don't guzzle as much gas, right?

[progmom]

3. but most minivans do guzzle the same amount of gas as a mid-sized SUV

:shrug:

[Kathleen04]

4. I'd have to say yes..

MPGs are MPGs. And trucks would be thrown into that mix too. But, I'm also the shameful driver of an SUV...I used to drive a small truck (which is why I now have the SUV, it's similar to what I'm used to and comfortable in)..they get the exact same gas milage.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

5. The issue is with tailpipe emissions

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/archive/page.cfm?pageID=226

<snip>
Automakers have taken advantage of a loophole in federal air-quality and fuel-economy requirements that was originally created because of the heavier demands on light trucks. The loopholes for SUVs and minivans has caused:

1.8 million additional tons per year of smog-forming pollutants


237 million additional tons per year of global-warming pollution


18.4 billion additional gallons per year of gasoline use.

[progmom]

6. so your vote was that they are as bad?

[NJCher]

7. thanks to Kathy in Cambridge for that info

I can't speak for Kathy but I voted that they were not as bad because of the issue she mentions.

Also, I do believe many vans get far better mileage than SUVs.


Cher

[1monster]

9. During the school year, I average about $40.00 in gasoline a month.

And I average about eighteen to thirty miles a day, depending on whether or not I have to pick up my son after school and which school I am subbing at.

I drive a 1990 Chevy Astro Van which we purchased because we had a delivery business in the early nineties. I have over $155,000 miles on the old bus. I'd love to trade it in for a new Honda Insight (66 mpg on the highway, 60 mpg in town), but I can't afford it at this point. I just hope it keeps on getting me where I need to go until I can afford another car.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

10. SUVs are worse because of MPG

plus I hate the assholes who drive them in the city.

[progmom]

12. my van gets the same mileage my Jeep Cherokee got

which is what got me thinking about this poll...

[Gemini Cat]

16. Yes. Agree!

Especially the asshole who chatters on the mobile and almost runs into me on my bike. That generally pisses me off a bit.

[jandrok]

8. We bought a minivan last year.

The gas mileage is ok, especially on the highway. Not so great in the city.

BUT, with two young kids, the extra room is a blessing. Plus, we like to travel and take day trips, so we realy like being able to pack up and go. It's great for trips to the State Parks and to the beaches.

Bottom line, we like the van. A wagon might have done just as well, but we're ok with what we got.

[progmom]

11. i drive a van too

i was just wondering if people who think SUVs are evil also feel the same way about mini-vans. our van gets the same mileage our old Jeep Cherokee got.

[jandrok]

13. Well, I try not to judge.

For some people, owning an SUV is a perfectly practical option. Large families, country folks, business people who haul a lot of stuff...there are plenty of folks for whom owning an SUV makes perfect sense. Same with vans.

What gets my goat are the people who live in urban environments, who don't have kids, who don't really need the things. THOSE are the people who kinda piss me off. For them, the vehicle is nothing but a status statement. At the same time, I really try hard not to judge. I spend more time ridiculing the guys with the 2-story pickups with the oversixed wheels that would never, EVER, consider actually getting their trucks dirty by hauling something in them. THOSE guys are evil.

We bought the van because it made sense for us, considering our family size and our travel habits. We don't feel guilty for doing so.

[shanti]

21. me too

bought a new caravan last year. after 11 years with a manual, subcompact and a teen son, the van is wonderful. i got the beginning of 2005's production, so no "stow and go" seats, which i would have dearly loved to have.

[sundog]

14. of course not...

i drive one :blush:

i need space for supply runs & the mileage is pretty good

i wouldn't drive a suv (save a hybrid escape) & i'm not really into trucks, so a minivan is my best option...

fuck it... i like it... does the job

[Left Is Write]

22. ...

:)

[qnr]

15. Don't know. However, I would buy a mini-van. We have a blind dog

that can't move that well due to gunshot wounds as a puppy. That side door would make it much more convenient for him to go for a ride, which he loves.

[NoSheep]

17. No.

[NoSheep]

19. Because I said so.

:+

[qnr]

20. Thank you for clarifying that :) n/t

[LeftyMom]

18. They're *much* safer

and unlike SUVs, people usually don't get one unless they need it. Of course, I'm planning on getting a van next year, so I'm probably a bit biased.