The SUV Debate (is there any alfa content in this?)

["David Gurevich" <dgurevich@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think the reason why SUVs are popular is because the big american car is
gone and out of favor. SUVs are the substitute for tail fins, vinyl roofs,
opera windows, white wall tires. Pickup trucks became popular in late 70's
and early 80's. SUVs are much more practical. Now they are getting to be a
lot like cars (check out the absurd Lexuses - both the Toyota Landcruiser
clone and the newer car-based item). I owned both pickup trucks and SUVs
(Mazda and Jeep). They have their place. This place is not on the paved
road, commuting to work. If you use them for that, its a compromise. A car
is much better (and more fun). People who say that SUVs are fun on the
highway just like the feeling of sitting up high. Its the same kind of fun
you'd get driving a bus or a big rig. If you use an SUV for its intended
purpose - good for you. For others (most), an SUV is just a manifestation of
ostentatious consumption. It's as American as apple pie. The only thing that
will make it go away is changing tastes (when the current kids grow up they
will reject their parents choices) or another gas crisis (aren't we due?).

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