Typical response from SUV driver 4549

Cartrivision1

My SO sons has a BMW 740i. It gets worse gas mileage than a Ford Explorer (and requires premium fuel too). It is wider and longer than a Ford Explorer. But you apparently think the 740i is OK, because it looks OK, and the Explorer is evil because you don't like the way it looks. Explain how the BMW is OK and the Explorer is not.

I personally am doing my best to decrease my gas mileage by 20% this year. I have several vehicles, so I try to drive the most fuel efficient vehicle for the task. I am trying to cut out unnecessary trips. I am trying to combine trips where possible. I might not make my goal of reducing fuel usage by 20%, but at least I am trying. It seems to me you are just another person who wants the other guy, or the government to do something about gas prices, while not altering his behavior at all. You know, "it is those damn SUV drivers fault" kind of person. Go look in the mirror instead of trying to shift the blame.

And yes I own an SUV, (2 actually), and a pick-up, and a Thunderbird (the little one). My Saturn Vue (4 cylinder VTi) gets as good gas mileage as most any mini-van and more than a few cars. My gas sucking Expedition is just the equivalent of a 70's station wagon and is actually smaller (shorter narrower) than my Mothers 1972 Ford Station wagon and gets similar mileage. It rarely moves unless I am towing a boat, or hauling at least 2 people, or hauling farm stuff (tractor parts, and things like that). However, I don't feel the least bit guilty driving it, although I do hate filling it up. The pick-up is used mostly off road, but on a long trip it can get 20 mpg. I only drive the pick-up around 3000 miles a year now. Unless I am hauling something especially nasty, or something bagged (seeds for example), I prefer to use the Expedition, since it keeps things dry and safetly locked inside.

I suspect the SUV "craze" is nearing an end. Better car choice would help. Most of the Japanese cars are too small-too low-too expensive-too unreliable. The only US pbuttenger car I like is the Ford 500 Freestyle. At least they are not so low I have to crawl into them. Of course, you probably be complainign that they are blocking your view....

Ed