Here we go again....

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...big-cars_N.htm

You think near $5 dollar a gallon would have sunk in...

But apparently we are a society of ADD...

 

And this surprises you? In general, the American public love their big, ungainly vehicles. Very few people are interested in fuel economy or a vehicle that handles well. To them, a car is just an appliance with cushy seats and plush ride. Unfortunately, gas probably needs to be around $3/gallon to break most people of buying a vehicle that is way too big and thirsty for their needs.

 

No it doesn't surprise, me, it just disappoints me.

 

Agreed. I saw an SUV commercial the other day that stated the vehicle "fits your lifestyle." Maybe that's the problem.

 

For some reason the "public" seems to feel 20 mpg is good mileage. Idiots.

 

Ah... America.


Anyway,
It will take generations to loose the 'bigger is better' mentality.

 

Americans have an attention span of about 10 sec.

 

Maybe people are thinking if their homes are foreclosed on, they can live in their SUV's.

 

Gas prices are on the rise again. We will be at the door step of $5/gallon step by the time the summer begins.

Our insularist mentality will catch up with us sooner or later.

 

The "got to have it all" mentality at any cost at work here.

 

Wait, what were we talking about?

 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washing...missions_N.htm

Obama is ordering the DOT to develop higher efficiency standards. So some hope on the horizon.

 

I, for one, salute these American patriots for supporting our domestic automobile companies (even if their actual vehicles are assembled elsewhere). j/k

Honestly, though - there are situations where an SUV is a viable choice. You have to think in terms of fuel used per mile and *per person*. It uses less gas to move 6 people in one 20mpg SUV than in two 35mpg MINIs. Feel free to keep mocking SUVs with only one occupant though

 

I expected people to forget $4 gas, but not this quickly. It's only been a few months.

We'll get to hear them whine again next summer.

 

This is one of the times that I wholeheartedly agree with Jeremy Clarkson's observations about Americans.

 

Unless you need a 4x4 for off road, live in high snow country, or tow stuff more often that not, there IS no reason to buy an SUV. If it's just for people hauling (which it seems to be 90% of the time), a Mini Van will do it better, carry more people, and get better milage. But Mini Vans have that "Soccer Mom" stigma attached, even though the SUV is now the official "Soccer Mom" vehicle.

 

I've been saying for a long time that 95% of Americans are idiots.

 

Disappointing to say the least. I can honestly say the only reason our family has an SUV is because my wife has to be able to get to work no matter the weather condition. If it wasn't for that, we easily could (and would) do without!

 

Yup, and there a amazing number of folks who thing 30-35 in a MINI is something to brag about too! I clearly remember a 70's era Rabbit diesel that got 51... and Civics etc in the 40's.

Yes, current cars carry more weight for crash worthiness etc... I know, but we can all rationalize now can't we?

 

This is very disappointing. You'd think the country would have learned or at least have been able to place some logic with the sale of big cars/trucks and it's relation to gas prices. I mean, how many people really NEED giant trucks that get 8mpg??? I know that farmers and such do, but most of the farmers I know usually buy used beat up trucks that they only have to worry about maintaining, since they're going to get beat up anyway.

 

It certainly isn't necessary to buy an SUV just to get all-weather performance. There are lots of non-SUV choices that will perform as well, or better, than an SUV in bad weather. An AWD sport sedan or wagon fitted with winter tires will run rings around any SUV.

Having said that, there's nothing wrong with owning an SUV, a MINI, or anything in-between. If you can afford the payments and the gas, drive whatever you want!

 

Y're being generous. I say 98.6%.

 

The automakers need to start showing some backbone and have some vision. If they won't then don't bail them out and good riddance to them. Stop catering to the idiots and get smarter about more efficient product lines.

 

I for one take offense to your statement, however I do agree that we "Americans" do idiotic things in our quest to get all that we can.
I know I'm not the only one here that will bash the SUV, but have no problem buying a high powered muscle car or an exotic if I could afford it. These cars probably waste as much gas as a sensible SUV. (If there is such a thing.)

 

Although I agree that many consumers and most politicians are dangerously short-sighted.

However... If I have my reasons for buying an SUV, can afford it and the gas even at $5/gallon or more then somebody will meet that demand.

Besides, what would use to tow the MINI to the track or pull several cords worth of firewood, the quad and the splitter, at once? ...or get up the driveway in 8" of snow when I'm on call?

Complain all you want, there are good reasons for me having my Commander with a Hemi. I put probably 6K or so on it per year and it lets me keep the toy car in storage over the winter, where it should be.