Minivans, Pickups and SUVs

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: This subject has been beaten to death but I can't seem to walk past a dead horse without taking a few whacks at it myself so I apologize in advance. I also wrote this rant in bitesize easy to understand language for certain people who shall remain nameless. : I think most of us responsible consumers have an axe to grind with SUVs for one reason or another but I wanted to explain why I personally target them as opposed to trucks and minivans. : Minivans are generally built on car chassis, they are mostly front wheel drive and I can't think of a V8 powered minivan in recent history (I can't think of any besides the old RWD Chevrolet Astro). Being built on a car chassis means they are lower to the ground for easier access. They aren't as prone to a roll over since the center of gravity is lower. Lower vehicles are safer to the occupants of other vehicles in a collision. : They are also lighter being that they don't need to lug around 2 to 4 extra cylinders worth of engine, two differentials, a transfer case, two driveshafts, or even a full frame. They are lighter and get better mileage for that reason. Unibody construction also enables engineers to design safer crumple zones on the vehicle in case of a collision. : Minivans run skinnier, lower profile, lighter, high pressure tires. They do not run large, heavy offroad tires that hurt gas mileage and highspeed vehicle stability. This means the vehicles get better mileage and are easier and safer to drive at highway speeds. : Pickup trucks tend to be lighter than SUVs because of the obvious lack of... vehicle. They also tend to be spartan in trim level. I live in an apartment in the middle of a city and as such, I would never need to own a truck, but I can't hold it against truck owners that genuinely need either offroad capability or extra cargo space. Farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, or rural workers (contractors, carpenters, etc.) need trucks. Big countries need pick-up trucks. Pickup trucks tend to be less luxurious and less status oriented so people who buy them tend to need them. I would make a generalization that the average number of passengers in an off road situation is more likely to be 3 or less, and in those cases a pick-up truck is more than adequate (especially extended cab trucks). Pickup trucks are also a necessity for towing loads. This is especially nice for my particular vice (race cars). I realize I might sound hypocritical when it comes to trucks, but I think there are enough situations that justify the purchase of a one, as long as it's within reason. : To me the SUV is the embodiment of irresponsible and conspicous over-consumption. They consume more fuel than is needed. They are unsafe on public roads for both their occupants and other drivers. SUVs are rarely used to their full capacity. In fact I'm amazed car companies were able to sell any at all (3 leather sofas 4 feet off the ground on 30 inch offroad tires seems to defy logic). They are unsightly and ruin my view of the world twice a day during my 10 minute commutes. : I wish I could have titled this rant, "My Ford Focus Is safer, cheaper, better looking, and more fun than your 12 passenger, padded, diesel, land yacht" but modesty got the best of me. : This website is entertaining and I'll recommend it to all my friends. Thank you guys for both providing a public service, and a few laughs. I've printed those tickets out and hang one up proudly in my cubicle at work. : ---HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE---

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