Does anyone else drive an SUV?

[CoffeeCat]

I was just wondering if there are fellow DUers who drive SUVs. I was
wondering how you reconcile your political/environmental beliefs with
a car choice that could be considered hypocritical.

When it comes down to it, there ARE many alternatives to SUVs. Most
SUVs are gas guzzlers--and they can be symbols of exorbitance and greed.
However, they are fun to drive and they provide a great deal of room--if
you need extra room or if you need to haul things.

I admit it. We have an SUV in our family. We felt that we needed extra
room for the kids and their friends, and I don't like mini vans. I feel
guilty. I'm not looking for sympathy. I know I am being a hypocrite, because
I do care about the environment.

I was wondering if other DUers own SUVs--why they own them--and how you
ultimately feel about owning a car that is not good for the environment.

[lectrobyte]

1. I'll have a large popcorn.

[CoffeeCat]

7. LOL...butter on that?

I kinda stepped into a buzz saw, didn't I? ;)

[TheCowsCameHome]

9. On second thought, make that two.

[Target_For_Exterm]

2. I drive a Toyota Corolla that gets 40+ mpg

Personally, I wouldn't own an SUV unless it got mileage in the same range.

I like the idea of having more room. My car drives me nuts because I can't fit anything into it. But I'm fundamentally opposed to the idea of personally owning a gas guzzler.

The new hybrid SUVs might be promising in a few years, though.

[malaise]

55. So do I but I'd still like

popcorn with butter :rofl:

[SallyMander]

57. Check out a Matrix for your next car!

I just bought one this summer. It's the same car as the Corolla (actually the owner's manual calls it the "Corolla Matrix") -- same engine, chassis, etc. So it gets equally excellent gas mileage, but it's a hatchback, and the back seats fold down flat. There's tons of room, which is important for me because most of my driving is long road trips with luggage, dogs, etc.

Anyway, just had to toot my car's horn... haha...

[RamboLiberal]

82. I have a Vibe which is Pontiac's version of the Matrix

I'm just bummed that they are discontinuing the AWD version. Living in Pittsburgh with lots of hills it comes in handy in winter.

You're right about the folddown seats. Mine are down all the time carrying all the stuff I do in my car. And pretty decent gas mileage too.

Well I have hopefully at least 2 1/2 years to find an AWD replacement.

[bklyncowgirl]

83. I have one too, I like it very much.

My only gripe is that the 2003 model I have came with flimsy pointy doodads on the front bumper which seem to exist primarily to get knocked off. One of mine bit the dust when my daughter drove to fast on a rutted dirt road on her way (late again) to work. Toyota asks big bucks for a replacement part so my Matrix is short one pointy doodad.

Otherwise, excellent car with good cargo space.

[SallyMander]

101. Thanks for the giggle

Is "pointy doodad" the technical term? ;-)

I'll be more careful on bumps now!

[TAPat]

3. Of course almost no car is good for

the environment, however, we made the change from a minivan (which was very useful for our business and family trips) to a newer sedan. The gas mileage isn't much better but I know the emmissions are way better.

You gotta do what you gotta do.

[devilgrrl]

4. Why does everyone think SUV's have more room?

They don't.

Concerned about the environment? Get a Volvo wagon. Better on gas and probably more room than a SUV.

[xultar]

10. There are some cars with worse gas milage than some SUVs.

My parents have a car that is bigger than my SUV. It gets exactly the same gas mileage as my SUV.

[CoffeeCat]

I love the wagons...

Volvo and Mercedes make really cute wagons.

You're right, they have a lot of room. Many SUVs do not. Ours fits
two adults and three kids--with loads of room in the back. We put
five people and a ladder in there this weekend.

But you're right--a wagon is a good choice--and a better choice.

[seabeyond]

16. but what is the gas mileage on those vehicles. xultar is correct

there are cars that dont do a whole lot better. i was surprised that my sqaturn didnt get better mileage. surprised and disappointed. i thought i was doing good and then see i am not doing so awfully. the uptside, i dont drive around much and mainly use for kids to and from school and grocery store a mile away. i conserve in my driving. not so much by the car i chose

[TheCowsCameHome]

15. One son has a Durango, I've got more room for stuff in my Buick's trunk

than he has in his entire SUV.

It's nuts.

[DoYouEverWonder]

36. Because you can't tow with a Volvo wagon

at least not anything very heavy.

I've got to pull a trailer and a boat. Show me a car that can do that, that gets better milage then my Ford Explorer and I'll be glad to consider it.

[devilgrrl]

60. Is your trailer and boat huge?

Well of course a SUV or truck would be preferable! :silly:

[DoYouEverWonder]

79. The boat

is a 14 foot aluminum jon boat. The trailer is used to haul large, heavy loads, like our booth and merchandise that we take to trade and retail shows.

Is the smart ass attitude toward people who use their vehicles for a living really necessary?

[devilgrrl]

95. I wasn't being a smartass...

some people need SUV's - most don't.

[Zookeeper]

92. I don't know why everyone thinks that, because they don't....

have more room than some minivans.

My minivan carries seven people and has seats that fold into the floor so I can load it up with 4x8 sheets of plywood. I can also throw a sleeping bag in the back when I'm on a road trip.

It doesn't get great gas mileage, but it is a lot more versatile than any SUV I've seen.

[gollygee]

93. My minivan seats 8

and all the seats but the front two fold down so it can carry tons and tons of stuff.

But it's mileage isn't great either. Toyota said 18, but so far I've been getting closer to 20.

[Zookeeper]

94. I look at those ginormous trucks....

like a Ford F-whatever, and I always wonder how they carry a 10 or 12 foot board without having it stick out of the back of the truck. Aside from towing trailers and bullying their way through traffic, what is the point of those behemoths? I don't believe they can carry more than our vans, unless they are moving pianos or sofas.

And why are so many people worried about being seen driving a minivan?

[gollygee]

96. There's an idea that minivans are for moms

and I am a mom so I guess it doesn't bother me. :D My husband said he wasn't sure about a minivan but he's sold now. It is SO versatile. It can seat a ton of people, or seat a bunch and haul a bit, or haul tons of stuff. I love love love it.

My husband tows a lot so he does have a truck, but we drive that as little as possible because the gas mileage is very very sad. But we live in a small town with no commuting and everything close by. He rides his bike to work in nice weather, and we've been known to walk to the grocery store when we've only needed a few things, or ride bikes and use a bike trailer.

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. I have no car

Then again, I'm fortunate enough to work a 25 minute walk from where I live, and live in a dense urban setting with plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, stage theaters, taverns and the entire downtown retail core within a 30 minute walk.

The few times I need to go farther, I either take the bus or borrow a car from http://www.flexcar.com

[seabeyond]

6. husband does. i do not. i wont interferes with his choice. what

he is not conservative in one area he is in many other areas. i am not going to sit here and judge those who chose a vehicle for whatever reason. the real problem i have with these vehicles are that they obstruct cars views and puts cars in greatest risk and danger. even at that i dont want to judge the person that choses these vehicles, i just want them to be aware and be courteous to the little vehicles that cant see.

[xultar]

8. I have one. I don't feel guilty. I'm a single woman living alone. I don't want

to always have to depend on others to do the things I need. I also don't want to have to pay for delivery. I only have one vehicle. When I get a car I'll park the SUV until it is needed.

[kath]

138. but wouldn't it be cheaper to pay for delivery the few times a year

that you need it, rather than paying the increased money for gas day after day after day?? Plus the higher pruchase price and insurance for an SUV. Even if you rented a large vehicle when you really needed one, you'd probably come out ahead.

[nebenaube]

11. I have a small suv and I'm not guilty

I live up north where we used to have tundra all winter long. Last year we sold our house and moved into the downtown area so that school and work are only a mile away. Before we burned about $320 a month on gas. Now, thanks to our bikes and the city bus system we now average $87 a month in gas on the Rodeo (groceries) so no... I don't feel guilty and I doubt I'll ever buy another vehicle.

[moblsv]

12. I forgive you

I am an avid environmentalist, yet I pull my V8 wakeboarding boat with a V8 truck. No, that is no contradictory. Being an environmentalist is about making wise decisions and understanding the impacts of those decisions. You don't have to sacrifice your lifestyle to save the world.

My primary vehicles are a bicycle, 50+ MPG motorcycle and 30+ MPG car.

[Stuckinthebush]

25. Wise statement

It is best to look at your total lifestyle and reduce your cabon footprint overall. We have a minivan which is as bad as some SUVs in terms of consumption, but with three kids it is nice to have. It is paid for, but once it dies, we'll probably go with a wagon.

[notadmblnd]

13. yes, I own an SUV.. midsize

I hated them and wished they'd go away but realized after about 8 years they were here for the long haul. I gave in and I bought one just before my husband died. I do have an honest need for one too, my son plays the Double Bass that needs to be hauled to school for concerts. Despite its size, it really is a delicate instrument, the SUV is the only thing it can be transported in.

[twilight_sailing]

14. same old same old

[Brewman_Jax]

17. This should be interesting

:donut:

[CoffeeCat]

21. There's some people at the top of this thread...

...having popcorn. If you'd share your coffee
and donuts, I'm sure they'd let you join the party.

Cheesecake anyone?

[Ellis Wyatt]

18. Your SUV isn't all that bad

The thing that gets me is environmentalist activists who will charter a private plane to fly somewhere rather than fly commercial, or who show up to events in fleets of limos and Escalades. It's so hypocritical it's maddening.

I for one, don't own a vehicle at all, but I live in Manhattan, so there's no need for one. If I didn't live in NYC and needed a car, I couldn't get an SUV just for the reasons you list.

I despise hypocrisy.

[NoPasaran]

19. I do

Okay, it's a small one, a Honda CRV. But it's an SUV and I looooooove it.

I love its electric locks and windows. I love its cupholders. I love its four-wheel drive. I love the little picnic table that forms the cargo compartment floor (very handy for voter registration}.

The environment? Meh.

[Zodiak]

42. I've got a Honda CRV, too.

My mother gave it to me. It has four cylinders and gets pretty good mileage. I am not sure it qualifies as a "real" SUV.

And I love all of the accessories, too.

[sweetheart]

64. The hot tub is really nice in that model

:-) Its hard to qualify as an SUV when you're sporting 14 wheels and a lap pool. :-)

Your mum *gave* you one! How many bedrooms does it have?

[Zodiak]

65. No, try the other way

The CRV is considerably smaller than an SUV...it is 4 wheels and a 4 cylinder engine.

And yes, she gave me her old CRV because I am still in school and cannot afford a car of my own. Got a problem with that?

[sweetheart]

66. I have one of those too

I was making a joke.

Its a bit small to call a 4wd, and i could not get down my dirt
track in the winter without a 10 inche clearance.

Does yours have a skylight in the back seat?

:hi:

[Zodiak]

71. OK...sorry

I am a bad joke-taker and have very little sense of humor unless I am slapped in the face with its obviousness, so bear with me.

No skylight, mine is just a normal one, but I really enjoy the vehicle. I have never tried to off-road on it (because I just dont trust suck a small engine to off-roading), but that 4 wheel drive sure does come in handy going up a hill.

Now I have to wash this egg of of my face...sorry 'bout that.

[William769]

20. I own a SUV, it gets better gas mileage than the car I got rid of.

I mainly got it for the protection it offers from the crazy drivers out there.

To be honest, I don't care if people like that I drive one or not. Plus why should all the freeptards have all the fun! :evilgrin:

[LeftyMom]

103. The thing is, SUVs aren't that great in a crash.

They have weight on their side, but most lack even rudimentary safety features compared to much less expensive vehicles of other configurations. A largish sedan or a minivan is actually a safer choice.

[CrispyQ]

22. I wouldn't drive one if it were given to me for free.

But then, I have no children & we don't do activities like camping. Still, if my situation were different, I would opt for a wagon over an SUV.

If you're feeling guilty about your car choice, then do other things to off-set it. Plan out your errands so you drive less, ramp up your recycling effort, set your house temperature lower, eat vegetarian 2-3 times a week, consume less of everything, things like that.

Kudos to you for wanting to do more! We can all improve our effort.

[CoffeeCat]

24. What an awesome attitude you have!

You're so proactive and positive. That's way cool!

Our thermostat is set at around 62, we recycle and we make an effort to consume less.

We are doing things to help. Maybe I just need to enjoy the car and not feel so guilty.
It's all about balance, I suppose.

[CrispyQ]

88. Balance is key!!

Tolerance is also a good thing.

Of all the things DU has done for me, the most critical is that it has opened my eyes to how judgemental I have been in the past -- judging others by my values & my lifestyle & always finding others lacking. :eyes:

There is plenty that each of us can do to improve the world. :hi:

[cedahlia]

31. Good points

I'm getting ready to buy a Honda CR-V in the next couple months, and although I feel I have a legitimate need for a small SUV, I have been feeling guilty. I always thought I'd NEVER buy and SUV, but after having moved to a rural area, in a state where we get a lot of snow but very poor road maintenance, I have definitely felt the need for a 4 wheel drive vehicle. We also have no recycling pick-up service here, so we have to haul all of our recycleables to the local drop-off station once a month...the CR-V will allow me to do that hauling as well. I'd love to buy the hybrid Toyota Highlander, but definitely can't afford that right now. So it's the CR-V for me!

And as far as "off-setting" goes, my husband and I have both been veggie for almost a decade now, and we do keep our thermostat at a pretty chilly temp all winter long...we just bundle up and use the woodstove a lot! So I guess maybe I shouldn't feel as guilty as I have been...thanks for pointing that out! :-)

[On the Road]

23. I Own a Toyota Matrix

which has kind of an SUV shape. I can't buy a sedan because I carry building materials pretty frequently. Pickup trucks have too small a passenger area. The larger pickup trucks are like blue-collar SUVs -- oversized and high on gas mileage.

The Matrix has a fairly small engine -- which is OK for most purposes. It gets pretty good gas mileage. And the shape is useful -- I've carried stoves and refrigerators in the back.

[Pugee]

48. I have a Pontiac Vibe (same thing as your Toyota Matrix)

We bought it because it is a car (station wagon) and has a 5 star safety rating. (which is important after hubby walked away from hitting a Ford Explorer in his Geo (Toyota made) at 70 mph when she pulled out in front of him on highway) but, he also gets 38 mpg with his 05 manual Vibe, and I get 28 with my automatic 04 Vibe.
All passenger seats fold down and you can haul surprisingly large things in it. Hubby works 40 miles away and rides his Honda Scooter (goes 80mph easily )when the weather allows. He gets 58 mpg on it, much better than the Harley he sold this summer.

[NV Whino]

52. I bought a Honda fit this year

just because the Matrix didn't have ABS without buying the whole moonroof, spoiler sport package. The Fit is slightly smaller and gets 33 to 38 mpg to the Matrix's 31 to 36 mpg.

This summer I picked up a couple of outdoor lounges for one of my clients. They fit in the Fit just fine. My client ask me to do this because he could only get two of the four lounges in his car--a Toyota Highlander. Hmm, what's wrong with that picture?

[Dastard Stepchild]

148. Tell me more about your Fit...

We were looking at this as an option. Do you like yours?

[Squatch]

26. I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 HO V-8

It gets around 22 to 23 Hwy miles.

My other car is a 1998 Civic.

[tabasco]

35. Civics rule! n/t

[Squatch]

38. It's definitely starting to show its age, though.

130,000 miles and starting to fall apart

[MilesColtrane]

27. Work requires it

I have to haul around a 6 foot double bass with amplification gear.

I try to balance the karma by subscribing to 100% wind power utilities and recycling.

[FedUpWithIt All]

28. I have a little 98 ford escort wagon...

I get unbelievable gas mileage and i can fit a ton of stuff in the back. It seats 5 and i have four members in my family.

I DO regret though that we cannot fit more people. My ex had a 7 seater and it was so nice to be able to pick up the kids friends and take them with us places.

I am sure that with your sensitivity to the environment there are other ways you make a difference. Personally i think we tend to focus on a specific few things to vent about when there are so many options for change that can be made.

Cutting out McDonalds would probably affect the environment more than the cars we choose to drive. Personally i think food waste is one of the single biggest culprits of the state we find ourselves in. Meat fruit and vegetable production take a HUGE toll on the environment. When one looks at the amount of food wasted in this country everyday, it is enough to make you cry.

I say do what you need to do for your family. If you see places you can make changes, do. Look into into things like fuel conversion as they come up.

[liberal N proud]

29. My wife wanted a Suburban several years ago

Now she is thankful that I resisted.

[gollygee]

30. I have a minivan

I doubt my mileage is much better. We got it pretty recently. We mainly just drive short distances, but when we go long distances we usually used to end up going with other people and taking two vehicles. Now we can all go together in the van.

[BlackVelvet04]

32. I have no real problem with SUV owners

IF they need an SUV. Most of the people I see driving SUVs don't appear to need them....it's just a fad.

I have no children and don't drive in the snow so I don't need one. I have a little convertible that I love.

[endarkenment]

33. I got rid of mine. What was I thinking?

Something was in the water in the 90s.

[GreenPartyVoter]

34. Yes but we only drive it when we have to. The car that gets the most

use is actually hubby's work one (he's a pc fixit guy who makes housecalls) which is a VW Golf.

[slackmaster]

37. Black 1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE

I drive it on jeep trails on the weekends. I love the desert.

If the price of fuel goes up much more, I'll probably keep the SUV and buy something much more fuel-efficient for daily commutes. But I will miss the additional margin of safety provided by the extra metal. (Yes, you are better off in a large vehicle as long as you have the skill and discipline to drive it safely.)

[MadHound]

39. I've never had one, and never will.

They are machines that have been created to appeal to people's vanities and insecurities, and as a practical vehicle, they suck. If you regularly haul lots of things and stuff around, get a pickup truck, say a four cylinder Nissan or Toyota. If you need to haul around lots of stuff and keep it dry, purchase that optional camper shell and put in your truck. If you need to regularly haul lots of people, with or without luggage, get a minivan.

An SUV, while performing the above functions, does none of them well. But sadly, they have been foisted upon the American public as the greatest thing since sliced bread:eyes: I never cease to be amazed by the gullibility of the American public.

I own a farm, and I also own a small four wheel drive pickup. I don't use this for my regular commute, it is the last resort for a commuting vehicle. Instead I either carpool, or ride this


2005 Bajaj scooter, gets 100mpg, cruises at 55-60mph, costs aprox $2800. A blast to ride, easy on the enviroment, and these puppies last forever.
If you live in a city, I would highly recommend that you get one. Heck, even if you're commuting in from the 'burbs you should get one. When I initially bought my scooter, I was commuting 52 miles round trip every day. Now that's been reduced to 34 miles round trip, and the scooter is still running like a champ.

But ditch the SUVs. They have no practical value that cannot be achieved by using another vehicle that is both more fuel effiecient, and better at doing its job than an SUV

[slackmaster]

45. You're sure right about pickup trucks

I miss the one I used to own. At the moment I have a large pile of tree trimmings that needs to go to the dump. It would take at least two trips in the SUV. My humble small pickup could have done it in one.

I'll probably go rent a Ford F250 or something for a day.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

40. Midsize hybrid SUV

Even as a hybrid, it doesn't get the mileage that a small car does (and not because the technology isn't there, this is about American automaker and oil company lobbyists not letting Japan actually USE the high MPG mileage technology in cars sold here...sucks). I like it because it fits more kids and stuff, including my son's surfboard. I also like being higher up and I feel safer.

I don't feel guilty, but I do try to drive in general as little as possible, carpooling the kids to school, combining trips, etc. This is as much about saving my time and avoiding the hassles and dangers of driving as it is about saving gas, but either way it works.

We also conserve at home, recycle a lot, 3 out of 4 vegetarians in the house, we try to do our part.

Also just did that great carbon offset contribution: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=6401

[CabalPowered]

41. I'm renting a TrailBlazer at the moment

I need the space and the 4wd. But what really irks me is the lack of a cover for the vanity mirrors on the visor. Who in the hell builds a $30k SUV and then forgets to provide a cover for the vanity mirrors?? They can probably source the stupid thing for less than a dollar. Grrrrrr.

[InvisibleTouch]

43. I selected one as a rental vehicle for about 2 weeks.

I had come to the point where I needed a bigger vehicle to transport my dogs to and from shows, as well as hauling home auction items - and when my Subaru wagon was destroyed in an accident, it was the perfect opportunity to "upgrade." Between the time that I lost my car and the insurance money came in, I drove a Chevy Trailblazer rental - abysmal gas mileage, but lots of space, lots of fun to drive, and room for a sizeable dog crate in the back.

Though the environment is my #1 political issue, I quite admit that I considered various SUVs for purchase during the time I was shopping - mainly for reasons of cargo space. I rationalized that if I can't make a living pursuing my dreams, I'll have nothing left over to share with the world, either.

I finally went with a Dodge minivan - even more space once you remove the second and third row seats, and considerably better gas mileage (especially without those heavy seats - I get about 27 mpg). At first a "soccer mom minivan" just wasn't as visually appealing to me as a "cool" SUV - but it's so much more practical, and I got it in such a great color, that now I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[nashville_brook]

44. i drove an SUV, 2 actually (jeep cherokee, ford explorer 2-door)

my ex-husband was a muscian and needed to haul equipment. the jeep was a decent vehicle. the ford was a death trap. i nearly flipped it twice.

i was okay with the ford until my boss (a skeevy piece of shit) complimented me on it, as if to say "welcome to the dark side."

we traded it for a miata which i loved.

then the ex got a 1500 ram pickup -- which, was nothing more than a penis extention. my feel couldn't even touch the floor. then the ex traded my miata for a convertible BMW, and my self-loathing kicked into high gear. it was a gas guzzler, sure, but worse, it's the kind of car that pricks drive and it made me want to drive like a prick.

SUVs are NOT safer. they are passenger vehicles built on a truck body and they don't have the crash engineering that modern cars have. that's not the worst part, tho. SUVs cut off the driver from the road and give the illusion of safety because the New Yorker had a great story on this written by a car designer. here's a link to a PDF: www.gladwell.com/pdf/suv.pdf

this is a great article on consumer design. please read it and think about your vehicle. i don't want to lecture anyone on their vehicle. some people actually need SUVs. most don't and most don't understand the inherent saftey flaws in the truck-like vehicles.

the bottom line is "how do you feel" driving it? i know that my vehicles that were a bad match made me feel horrible as the driver. maybe that comes from my perception of other peoples' perception -- and maybe that *shouldn't* be a good enough reason. BUT, i still felt like a prick.

i drive a honda hybrid now and nothing beats the feeling of driving for two weeks on 15 bucks! :)

[Crabby Appleton]

72. I currently have a Cherokee and a Miata

both are fun, I live on top of a hill with winding twisting roads, need something with 4-wheel drive to make it up and down the hills when it snows. Cherokee's aren't very large; they're the single most common vehicle model where I live.

[nashville_brook]

100. the cherokee was a 4-cylinder... so pretty efficient and was unbeatable on ice/snow

it was a great vehicle. i loved it.

[fudge stripe cookays]

118. They also....

screw up visibility for anyone behind you, next to you, or across from you ((at unprotected lefts). Especially the jerks who get tinted windows on top of everything else.

I have people beep behind me all the time at lights trying to get me to go when I can't see around an SUV. I'm in a 2003 Honda Civic that we JUST PAID OFF! You can just fucking wait! (shakes fist)

[SheilaT]

46. My current car is

a Honda Civic sedan. The trunk is huge. I could fit, two, maybe three bodies in it, depending on just how big they were. And the gas mileage is a giant improvement over the previous car, a Subaru Outback, which I did like for the four-wheel drive aspect, but did not like what I thought of as crappy mileage. Oh, yeah, and the Civic is a stick shift, which gives me a great deal of control, especially in iffy conditions.

You need to think very carefully about what you actually need this vehicle for. And it is absolutely true, that many SUVs do not have as much space inside as people are led to believe. Someone who is hauling a lot of stuff around needs a lot of cargo space. But an SUV is not the only way to get it. My husband drove SUVs for 20 years, justifying them because he's a computer guy and was frequently hauling computers around. I got him into a Honda Accord recently and he has every bit as much cargo space for his needs as in the Nissan Xterra he gave up. And since he commutes about 35 miles each way to work, he's absolutely thrilled with the improved mileage.

There are those for whom an SUV is the correct choice, but not for as many as who own them. I think what I hate the most is how slowly most of them go through intersections, which helps cause traffic slowdowns. Fewer SUVs can make it through a light than normal cars, so they lead to roadway congestion in ways that most people don't realize.

[rolleitreks]

47. Buying a 19 mpg Jeep Wrangler (third car -- other two get 29 and 26 mpg) to

tow my two boats (one power, one sail with an outboard (two stroke)), but you'll often find me on my motorcycle (70 mpg), both on and off road . . .

[liberalpress]

49. Yes. A Ford Escape hybrid.

As I increase in age, I find it more difficult to drop down the amount needed to enter one of these cars that drive close to the payment. Plus I get 30 miles plus a gallon, and pollute much less with the Hybrid. I like and SUV but am also trying to do my part for the planet. Seems to me like a nice compromise.

[otohara]

50. I Do, Keep My Driving to Minimum

I had a RAV4 which I loved, then I had a car accident and it got totaled. Hubby thought I should get a bigger car - I was driving kids everywhere back then. So I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner, kid is in college now and it only has 39,000 miles on it. I try not to feel to guilty about owning it. I drive about 5,000 miles per year now.

[Kingofalldems]

51. Ford Escape

6 cylinder which gets horrible gas mileage. I'll never buy another one.

[nashville_brook]

53. 135 mpg? the TESLA (my fantasy car!)

http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php?js_enabled=1

[NV1962]

54. I whish I had one!

Or better, a Wrangler, or even better yet: a smaller Suzuki 4WD/AWD. And rolling on with big bad snow tires, too! Because plowing through the Sierra Nevada for work in the winter over iffy mountain passes is no fun in a two-wheeler I can tell you. It does do miracles for staying awake on long drives, though...

Then again, at least I'm getting about 40 mpg from my trusted 15-year (!) old barrel of laughing gas... But the snow chains ritual is getting mighty tiresome.

So, if I'd come across a decent smallish 4-wheeler / AWD I wouldn't turn my nose up. Nope.

That's the answer to the "yes" for me. Not necessarily an SUV though (I really don't like those half-arsed failed combo passenger and "sportsy" concepts - can you say Escalade? Absurd behemoths those... Yech... I'm much more drawn to rugged and honest Wranglers, even moreso the relatively fuel-efficient Suzukis)

[madokie]

56. all wheel drive with 4 wheel anti-lock brakes

when it snows we can go anywhere, 'cept we don't go anywhere much

[ComerPerro]

58. you know, most sedans will hold as many people as an SUV

[GoneOffShore]

59. SUV vs Hummers

How do you feel about them?

I don't have a real problem with people driving an SUV if they live in the country, or have a lot of things or people to haul. What I do have a HUGE problem with, that makes me see red are people driving around in the city in detailed, flashy wheeled, dark glass, heavily pimped Hummers, Escalades, Expeditions and the like. There are a lot of them here in Philly, and there is no reason for them, except for ego (or lack thereof).

[ironflange]

61. We have two, sort of

I drive an Avalanche, sort of an SUV and sort of a pickup. Two-wheel drive model. I admit it is a beast, but I don't drive it a lot, I frequently need to haul lots of stuff, and it tows the trailer. Mileage is really not that bad (I use a light foot); it's actually better than the Aerostar I drove for 12 years.

We just bought an Equinox, what they call a crossover, whatever that means. Mrs. Ironflange drives it around, she loves it, and it's the vehicle we use during evenings and weekends to lighten the load on the Avy. It's also the two-wheel drive type, even living in Calgary we couldn't justify the AWD with its added weight and complexity. Both vehicles have the full ABS and traction control, we've never gotten stuck.

For the sake of completeness, sonny boy drives our cast-off '96 Contour, a real gas sipper. I still take it out sometimes, it's so damn much fun to drive.

[tnlefty]

62. Yes, we got rid of a Windstar mini van that got horrible gas mileage

and that I quit driving 8 months before Shock and Disgust began, and downsized to a 4 cylinder, 5 speed Saturn Vue. The gas mileage is better, but still not great and is better than the automatic and better or about the same as some of the wagons we looked at.

I don't drive it very much. I'll admit that it was handy when I was taking people to vote - walkers went into the back very easily.

[ileus]

70. Jeep Wranger...Hardly a SUV

I've put almost 400 miles on the Jeep this year, and 350 last year. 23k in the past 7 years.

The wifes Ford minivan gets 21-23 mpg and my accord 5spd 31-34...

Here in my part of Va it seems everyone tools around in a SUV or Pickup. When I need a pickup I borrow one from a friend. Sometimes I'll tow the jeep to a event then I borrow a pickup and a trailer.

I'm going to buy a small ATV trailer this year to haul yard stuff and equipment I can't in the Van, I haul loads of stuff maybe 4 or 5 times a year, I'd like to have the option of moving a mower or ATV whenever I want without having to bum someone's elses equipment.

SUV ownership = No problem use it properly, it's that simple. I'd love to have a 4 door pickup instead of the van, but if we did there would also be another econobox in the driveway.

Half my friends hate Minivans and wouldn't be caught dead driving one. However.com in the end my ego doesn't mind when I look at my savings on Insurance, Personal Property taxes, and petrol taxes.

Besides I can park my jeep on their hoods (well at least the front tires)

[iwanmycntrybak]

63. I drive an Escalade ESV and here's why.

It mostly sits in the driveway as I work from home. We have a Mazda for beating around town. I have upgraded from a Toyota Sienna minivan, to a Toyota Highlander, to a Toyota Sequoia, to the Cadillac as my Family grew. I simply cannot fit my family of 5, 2 dogs and luggage in anything else as I have family and friends still in Florida and New York. I also don't feel the fuel thing is an issue when It comes to family safety on the road. I don't feel comfortable on the interstate with anything else. This thing has all wheel drive and is very stable in high wind and rain situations.

[ileus]

69. x

wrong entry

[Zookeeper]

98. I also have a family of five, a dog....

and lots of luggage when we travel and we are fine with a Dodge Grand Caravan (which is a large vehicle, but still dwarfed by yours).

I don't mean to flame you, but I do really notice Escalades and Lincoln Navigators on the road and it looks like a lot more vehicle than necessary. My main concern with them is that, in "protecting" the passengers in that vehicle, they are a menace to people in smaller vehicles.

When my kids are grown, I would love to buy a Cooper Mini, but I would be terrified to share the road with Escalades and Ford-150s.

[Zavulon]

67. I own one and don't feel guilty at all.

Minivans and pickup trucks don't get great mileage either, but there isn't half the hysteris about them. Limos aren't great on gas either, but a lot of so-called environmentalists have no problem riding in them.

Barack Obama likes SUVs, too. If a GMC Envoy is good enough for him, I'm not going to be relegated to an ugly little car if I don't have to. There's a difference between being concerned about the environment and getting so wound up in it that you're willing to sacrifice what you want. I don't fall into the latter category. I drive an SUV as a primary vehicle and I really don't feel bad about it at all.

Go ahead and flame me now if you like.

[SammyWinstonJack]

73. Flames are reserved for Hummers. Oh and the Chevy Tahoe, which is what we own.

Only one vehicle, which is driven 50 miles per week. Horrible people, we are!

[Zavulon]

77. I don't own a Hummer, I would never waste the money.

However, I freely admit I'd drive an Escalade if it were in my price range.

[Catherine Vincent]

68. No gas guzzler here. I drive a 2007 Camry, moonroof, JBL soundsystem (bluetooth)

Love that new car smell!

:evilgrin:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

74. HELL no! Wouldn't be caught dead driving one.

While driving down the road I think everyone driving one is an asshole too.

[Catherine Vincent]

87. I agree.

Some of those SUV drivers are aholes. But then again, so are some of the people that drive cars. But I think the SUV aholes stand out more because they are so damn big with their big ole butt all in my face. :)

[Lurking Dem]

75. Yes.

A Highlander Hybrid.

[mod mom]

76. '06 Prius but try to walk or bike as much as possible.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

80. You are a hero - thank you....

n/t

[ET Awful]

78. I have a Honda Element.

If you want to call it an SUV (I don't know that it REALLY qualifies as one, but whatever).

The space in this thing is insane, it still gets decent mileage, and it's very versatile.

I like it, and have no feelings of guilt.

[RamboLiberal]

85. Since Pontiac did away with AWD on their Vibe

The Element will be one I definitely will look in to if Honda is still doing an AWD version. I love storage space of my Vibe and it looks like the Element has it equaled if not surpassed.

[in_cog_ni_to]

81. Nope. I drive a Prius which emits virtually ZERO toxins into the environment.

I pay $23.00 every four-six weeks for gas...12 gallon tank :) and have a TON of room in that little thing for carrying STUFF. You should have seen what we fit in it when we had our son's Bar Mitzvah...it was PACKED to the roof with everything we needed. I think the only thing I couldn't carry in it are appliances. I've carried 10 ft long baseboard trim in it and a screen door. I can carry 4 other people, it has plenty of leg room in the back seat area and in the front...it's all I'll ever need in a car.

I remember when I bought my son's bike. I had a Toyota SUV (YEARS ago) and went to pick up the bike. It took me forever to get that thing in the SUV because it was so big. The bike had to be in 'just the right angle' to get in in the SUV. Recently, he left that same bike at a friend's house and we had to go pick it up with the Prius. The bike fit in with no problem whatsoever when the rear seats were folded down. The Prius can carry anything an SUV can. If my son wants to take more than 3 (we have squeezed 4 in the rear before ;)) friends somewhere, either my husband takes his car, or the kids get rides from their parent. No big deal. It's rare that we take more than 3 friends anywhere though, so it's not an issue.

Driving a Prius makes me feel good about helping to do my small part for the environment...my license plate is "EARTH1." I wanted 1EARTH, but couldn't get it.:( I love my car with a passion. There's nothing I don't like about it....well, maybe the lack of lights in the front seat leg area, but that's about it. It has Navigation and Bluetooth with integrated phone system and voice command for climate and phone controls. It gets excellent gas mileage and costs a pittance to drive (compared to my last car which was $50.00 every 1-2 weeks to fill up). What more could I want?

So far, it's handled the snow and ice really well too. It actually made it up our very STEEP driveway when it was covered with snow. My last car, I had to change to snow tires every winter to get up our drive (that sucked). The Prius is my 'little wonder car.' It also has an engine brake that can be used for slowing down when you're approaching stop lights/signs. It's like a low gear in a manual transmission. It's perfect for winter driving. It slows you down so you don't have to use the brakes and possibly fishtail or slide on the ice/snow. The car really is sweet. I hope to have it for a long, long time.

[NashVegas]

84. It Was An Offer I Couldn't Refuse

A 97 Jeep and it was practically given away to me.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

86. Thanks to all the people here who care enough to have fuel efficient vehicles.

n/t

[Bobbie Jo]

89. I have one...

I also have just a 5 mile commute to work. I have my own business and haul supplies frequently (as opposed to using delivery services). I can operate it for less than $25.00 per week.

Great tax deduction for me as well.

[Ghost in the Machine]

90. Yes, and I *LOVE* mine...

it's a '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, full time 4WD, fully loaded, all leather, all power, sunroof, V8 & heavy duty towing package. I feel like I stole at the price I paid. I get 24MPG on the highway, which is most of my driving.... 10 miles one way from my house to my restaurant. It also pulls my 24' Pontoon Boat with no problem, but drops me down to about 14 MPG.... good thing I only live 6 miles from the lake, huh? It also has plenty of room for the family...The Girlfriend and I have 4 kids between us. I also have an F-150 Extended Cab truck. It serves a lot of purpose, too. I won't own a truck without extend cab, nor will I own a small vehicle... I'm 6'3" and 275 lbs ... I'm gonna be comfortable in what I drive and don't really care who likes it or not. I don't apologize, or make excuses, for the way I choose to live or what I choose to drive.

PEACE!
Ghost

[Cleita]

91. My stepdaughter has an SUV, but she needs it for her job

to haul samples and construction materials around. I believe once the bio-diesel revolution gets underway, SUVs and large trucks won't be as big a problem because they will basically be using recycled cooking oil to run, which burns cleaner, is abundant and recyclable.

[devilgrrl]

97. Gas Mileage of 2006 Small Station Wagons

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass/Small_Station_Wagons2006.shtml

Check out the least fuel efficient vehicles, none are SUV's:

Least Fuel Efficient Cars

Least Efficient Two Seaters
Lamborghini L-147/148 Murcielago , 12 cyl, 6.5 L, Man(6) 9 14

Least Efficient Minicompact Cars
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Manual, 12 cyl, 5.9 L, Man(6) 11 18
Aston Martin DB9 Volante Manual, 12 cyl, 5.9 L, Man(6)

Least Efficient Subcompact Cars
Bentley Azure, 8 cyl, 6.7 L, Auto(6) 11 16

Least Efficient Compact Cars
Bentley Continental GT, 12 cyl, 6 L, Auto(6) 12 19

Least Efficient Midsize Cars
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, 12 cyl, 5.7 L, Auto(6) 10 17

Least Efficient Large Cars
Bentley Arnage LWB, 8 cyl, 6.7 L, Auto(S6) 10 15

Least Efficient Small Station Wagons
Audi S4 Avant, 8 cyl, 4.2 L, Man(6) 15 21

Least Efficient Midsize Station Wagons
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Auto(S7) 14 20

[Zookeeper]

99. Aren't those cars built for performance?

As in, built to drive much faster than is legal on any U.S. highway?

[cobalt1999]

102. Someone show me an alternative that will...

1) Get me into and out of the woods / deep sand where I take the family biking & kayaking

2) Will tow a 23' foot boat with a double axle trailer

3) Will allow me to load up 2 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs along with camping gear

Do that and I'm there. Until then, my SUV is required without giving up our outdoor lifestyle.

[devilgrrl]

105. At least you use yours for what it's built for...

now explain the suburban housewives in Southern California. The only thing I see them towing is a cellphone.

[wuushew]

126. Why not rent?

Most people work more than they vacation. You could rent the boat to and save on boat payments.

[cobalt1999]

140. Most people don't live in Florida though.

We use our boat about 200+ hours per year add in it's paid off and to rent an equivalent boat would cost about about 40% of the purchase price each year. Even with maintenance and gas, it's much less expensive. Furthermore, we load up the boat and camp the weekend on small islands. Most rental boats must be returned by closing. It's not practical if you really use a boat a lot.

[jgraz]

104. Some of these posts make me want to puke

"To be honest, I don't care if people like that I drive one or not. Plus why should all the freeptards have all the fun!"

I hear racism is also really fun. Maybe you should try that next.


"There's a difference between being concerned about the environment and getting so wound up in it that you're willing to sacrifice what you want. I don't fall into the latter category. I drive an SUV as a primary vehicle and I really don't feel bad about it at all."

I'll also take a shit in your living room if you invite me over. I don't see why people should be so wound up that they stop shitting wherever they want.


"Barack Obama likes SUVs, too. If a GMC Envoy is good enough for him, I'm not going to be relegated to an ugly little car if I don't have to."

There are no words for this one...just...no..words.


"I'm gonna be comfortable in what I drive and don't really care who likes it or not. I don't apologize, or make excuses, for the way I choose to live or what I choose to drive."

Please don't make me think. Please don't make me think. Please don't make me think.



WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?? The time when your fuck-you freewheeling greedhead attitude was cute has long since passed. How can you be proud of sucking down more resources and spewing out more pollution than any 10 people should?

You make all the excuses and non-excuses you want. The fact is that your personal, pigheaded choices are contributing to a helluva lot of bad shit in this world, and saying you just don't give a shit is NOT acceptable. You want to work to find alternatives, fine. You have a job that requires a big truck, fine. But don't come on this board and give a stiff middle finger to all the people who care about the environment and work hard to protect it. I'd rather you just STFU up and continue quietly turning my air brown.

[index555]

107. Talk about self-righteous ,hateful attitudes!

" I DEMAND THE WORLD SEE THINGS THE WAY I DO, OR STFU!"
At least thats what you sound like.

[jgraz]

108. God forbid someone should object to selfish, destructive behavior

Tell me...which part of the world sees driving a gas-guzzling SUV as a good thing? All I'm saying is that people should at least have the common decency to not treat it like some fucking badge of honor.

[index555]

110. They simply said they were comfortable with their choice.

I own a small 4 cyl. pickup myself , and would like something even easier on the gas to drive.
When I can afford it , I'll get one.(a tesla would be nice , but that 135mpg figure is only because you charge it at home, once the batteries run down the mileage drops a lot)
If I could afford it I would have a big 4WD truck/camper and a boat too, but I would use them for their intended purpose.

But I don't go chewing other people out for their personal choices.
maybe you should try friendly reasoning instead of screaming instead.

[jgraz]

121. No they didn't -- they said they didn't care about their choice

Big difference

The fact is that most of these people know what they're doing is wrong, so they cover it up with this faux-bravado swagger about how they'll drive whatever they want and we can all go fuck ourselves. In reality, they're trembling at the thought of having to come to grips with their own selfish lifestyle.

With these cases, I think a little more forceful language is warranted.

[Jcrowley]

142. Choices impact others

The myth of choice dies hard here in Never-Never Land but it is just that. Most of the world have no choices because of the aforementioned gluttony of folks who think they have a right to drown others in their gravy spills.

I just chose to set up camp in your backyard and eat from your fridge. You don't mind do ya'? Please don't impinge on my freedom to choose.

[index555]

112. Although I agree that excessive consumption is destructive.

But if you scream at people , they will usually just tune you out.:shrug:

[jgraz]

109. Oh, and welcome to DU!

;)

[index555]

111. HI!

of course this is where we can rant at each other right?:-)

[Selatius]

113. This is America. Land of freedom...freedom to live irresponsibly or responsibly.

If I owned an SUV for driving on paved roads to the grocery store and for dropping off the kids to soccer practice when there are alternatives like Volvo station wagons or the Toyota Matrix, I am generally going to sit poorly with my own conscience than if I used it on a regular basis for business or to haul heavy equipment like many workers in small or medium-sized construction firms do and like many farmers do or because I live out in the mountains or in areas with few roads that could get a lot of snow.

This is my opinion. Freedom of choice is, in many ways, the solution and the problem to many of our dilemmas. Ultimately, I would not outlaw SUVs and make the decision for people as I'm more libertarian than that, but I am in favor of levying a luxury tax on SUVs except for businesses and hardships and am in favor of raising CAFE standards to 30 MPG. There should be tax breaks offered for purchasing hybrids.

[oblivious]

116. Those quotes blew me away too. No hope.

[Phillycat]

119. POST OF THE MONTH

:thumbsup: Bravo!

[Lautremont]

129. Every single one of those quotes stood out to me too,

and for just the same reasons. Blah.

[barb162]

106. NO WAY

but all my gas guzzler neighbors have them

[cynatnite]

114. I wouldn't own an SUV

That's because I think SUV's are ugly. I'm content with my old mid-sized car. It's a matter of preference, IMO. I don't think all SUV's are the scourge of the environment or their owners. I don't care for the vehicles. That's all. :)

Are there any automobiles that are good for the environment?

[WritersBlock]

115. Yup. Sure do.

This one:

http://www.carpages.co.uk/guide/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-m-class-gallery.asp


Do I feel guilty?

Nope. Sure don't. Because this is our runabout:

[k_jerome]

117. full size Bronco. 18 MPG highway. nt.

[laundry_queen]

120. Well, we do own a truck.

Make that a minivan and a truck. Dh has the truck for his business (4x4, needs it for hauling things out to the boonies on dirt or ice roads). Dh has tried to get me to think about an SUV and I flatly refused. Every single one of the ones I looked at has less room than my minivan, and worse mileage.
We did have a small sedan until baby #3 came along and we could no longer fit 3 car seats across the backseat, so minivan it was. It's our primary vehicle, and dh uses his truck for work, or hauling our RV (large 5th wheel) or his dad's boat. It's a diesel that he had fitted with some kind of chip that super charges your mileage and power. He gets better mileage with the chip in than much smaller V6 trucks. Manufacturers have the technology to put those chips in all vehicles, but don't. Fuckers.
When we go on vacation, if we aren't taking the RV to stay in, we take the minivan. It actually gets pretty good gas mileage on the highway.
I have never understood the allure of SUV's.

[LSK]

122. 1994 GMC Jimmy (S10 Blazer clone)

Its paid for, worth nothing on a tradein, and I have a 5 mile commute. Plus it is good at hauling things around and the 4WD is nice in winter. I bought it in 1998 when gas was under $1.

[Gabi Hayes]

123. carbon dioxide contribution of various car types:

http://www.carbonfund.org/site/

SUV/Mega
10-18 mpg
20,000 lbs CO2 per year

Full size
19-28 mpg
12,000 lbs CO2

Efficient
20-40mpg
8000 lbs CO2

Green
40+mpg
6000 or less lbs CO2

doesn't mention mileage, that I noticed

[LSK]

128. isnt the rule of thumb 19 lbs for each gallon of gas burned?

[Gabi Hayes]

133. got me...so for an SUV to do 20K lbs CO2, that'd be about 1000 gallons

at, say 20 mpg, that's only, what, 20K miles/year?

I drive about 10K, so that's about 6-7K lbs CO2 for me.

sounds about right

[Not_Giving_Up]

124. Not a chance

Both of our vehicles get 40 mpg, and my trunk is big enough for my groceries.

[jeffrey_X]

125. Haven't owned a car for three years now.

eom

[Rockholm]

127. Yep.

[Horse with no Name]

130. I have one because I like it

It is a Jeep Cherokee.
Bright Red no less.:)
I conserve other ways. But after injuring my back at work several years ago...sitting DOWN into a car aggravates my back. I need to step into something and keep my legs extended with my hips at a certain angle to remain pain free.
It works for me.:shrug:

[Tyo]

131. Fun to drive??

That I don't understand at all. Unless it's maybe an X5 or something.

[gollygee]

145. I don't understand that either

I wish I lived somewhere with public transportation.

[lynne]

132. One Mini-van, one Mega-van and one Prius -

The van's are paid for with mega-mileage but we love them both and drive them exclusively. I'm hauling musical instruments and kids and you just can't beat a van for that. The Prius is a work vehicle that my spouse hates because he has to sit in it all day and he's a very tall guy with long legs and his knees end up at his chin. The Prius is just uncomfortable for him.

The vans are gas-guzzlers but - since they're paid for - they're less expensive to operate than it would be to pay a car payment. When hybrid prices go down and their size goes up, then we'll be able to consider it.

[AspenRose]

134. Subaru Forester

We live in the mountains so the all wheel drive is great in icy, snowy weather. It gets good safety ratings and the mileage is EPA highway: 28 and EPA city: 22 (for the 2005 model). You can see around it when you drive....honestly, it really doesn't strike me much as an SUV (more like a Volvo wagon to me) but technically it is one, so... :shrug:

[tammywammy]

135. No SUV here, I don't need the space

But I do drive a VW Beetle TDI (diesel).

http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/E-VOLKSWAGEN-NewBeetle-06.htm
It gets a 1 on Air Pollution Score and an 8 on Greenhouse Emissions. :shrug:

Diesels produce more NOx, but less CO & HC, and overall my emissions are lower because I get around 45 mpg (higher than the sticker).

Also, when biodiesel becomes more available for me, I'll use that.

[jcrew2001]

136. jeep

I drive my father's old jeep, the gas mileage sucks but I've had it forever and don't have enough saved to buy a new car. I like the room and driving above everyone else.

I'll probably buy a Honda next, they're the most fuel efficient. I do some consulting work with Honda and their yearly sales are through the roof this year, go me!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

137. I Do, A Smaller One. No Guilt, No Care, Don't Need To Reconcile Anything, None Of Anyone's Business.

Way I see it, most of the nose lifters who would choose to trash me for it are hypocritical in a million other ways anyway. I kinda laugh heartily inside at them when they try preachin at me, actually.

[jgraz]

139. Just curious... how is your pollution of my air none of my business?

And why does anyone else's hypocrisy make yours acceptable?

[Lautremont]

141. Why did you point out that it was a smaller one? (nt)

[eridani]

143. 1990 Honda Civic here

There is no reason in hell why SUVs should not be held to the same mileage standards as other vehicles. Change that, and they'd be unobjectionable, or even recommended because of their other features.

[blues90]

144. I don't have one and never will

If a person does not need a large road unti for their work then they are just selfish polluting wasteful freaks .

I heard it all working at dealerships , the best was I need room for my family , two small children . Give me a break or it was safety . No one would need a big SUV if it were not to defend themselves against other unnecessary SUV's on the road .

It is all just an excuse to feel like a big shot with a big ego .

[Pawel K]

146. Ford Escape

Not sure if you can consider an escape that bad, thought its a 2003 before they made them hybrids.

[Dastard Stepchild]

147. Nope... my husband has debated the merits of a Honda Element..

because we like to take road trips and could ostensibly use the vehicle for offroading fun and camping and hiking excursions. That said, we spend roughly 90% of the time in an urban environment that does not call for this type of vehicle... we can only take 1 vacation a year.

I don't think that either of us are particularly convinced that we need such a vehicle, and I have a very difficult time making peace with the whole environmental aspect of the SUV. At the same time, we would both love a car that would give us the space that an Element does.

Right now we are doing some serious calculations on what our next car should be. We have some time before we actually purchase anything, but we are very seriously weighing the pros and cons of a station wagon, a sedan, a hatchback and an Element for the next phase of our life. Since we never take a decision lightly, we've been talking about this for roughly 6 months now, and will probably continue the conversations for another 6 months more.

In the end, we will choose the vehicle that has the best balance of what we need in a car with what we want to contribute to the sustainability of the environment.

[bridgit]

149. we drive a ford focus...

:shrug: have rented SUV's for certain projects or cause it was the only thing available on such short notice, don't care for the way they handle, and the MPG sucks :thumbsdown: