Article bashing SUV driving and drivers
 

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/fe...2.mencimer.html

:rolleyes:

I would like to own a SUV eventually, so I guess I must be an a$$hole in training.

The link didn't work for me. :confused:

Your link says Page Not Found.

Probably can imagine what it says though....

Try this.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/fea....mencimer.html

Okay, that's actually worse than I expected by title. What a horribly written, blatantly biased article. Isn't a journalist supposed to at least attempt to show both sides?

Anyway, I have encountered the guy in the Expedition who gets in the lane he knows is closing, races me up to the cones and tries to force his way over in the logic that if he's in a tank and I'm in a two door coupe he can bully me all he wants. On the flip side, my mom drives an SUV and is the most courteous to a fault driver I've ever seen. She drives it because she's not quite 5'2'' and likes being big and above the road for once. It's almost always a weak argument when you try to make sweeping generalizations like the author is going for here.

I will say though that living in Denver I'm a little annoyed that everyone, and I mean everyone thinks they need a sport ute. I used to share an office with a woman who lived alone in a trailer park, was alone in her car 99.9% of the time, never went anywhere even remotely outdoorsy or adventurous, yet drove a Pathfinder with a Nature Conservancy sticker on the back. Stuff like that is one of my foremost pet peeves. If you have a single valid reason why an SUV is the most practical vehicle for you to drive, fine. Don't just get one because they're trendy.

I find that in the DC area, that most of the things here ring true. Sorry, but I cannot see around these things. But the solution is not for me to go out and get one.

I find that a lot of petite women buy these things and then drive them like they are invincible, and like there isn't another soul on the road any longer. Their line of sight sucks, and I cannot tell you how many times I've had to honk for dear life because someone was just moving over and couldn't see me over their car's big ass! AND THEY WEREN'T SIGNALING EITHER!!!!!!! GRR!!!!!!

They usually hog 2 spaces because they don't want their precious baby scratched or simply because it doesn't fit in a normal space.

I think these gas guzzling SUV contraptions are probably the worse inventions ever.

I agree with this article.

I drive a Taurus and my next car will be a Grand Marquis.

All SUVs do is pollute the enivorment.

Sorry but I gotta agree with the author on a lot of things. I've noticed that many times people who have SUV's have a hard time driving them because they're so big. Trouble keeping in their lane and trouble back in (and out) of parking spaces. The same goes for huge trucks too. My sorority sister was killed during spring break because an F-350 hit her on the driver's side. I bet she would still be alive today if the person was driving a Taurus.

i went from a mustang, to a firebird, to an explorer and i can say you actually become a better driver going from sports cars to an suv. I like mine b/c it has 4 wheel drive, and it becomes really useful in the winter here. also, its nice having space to haul stuff, the only thing i could really put in my firebird was my bookbag for school. its nice that i can throw my golf clubs in the back and they fit, and i can haul other things too.

I too, agree with the author. SUVs are often dangerous and almost always, too big than the driver needs. If you need it for towing, buy a pickup. If you need to haul lots of stuff, get a van. Just don't get it for your family of four. :rolleyes:

I live in one of those annoyingly yuppy, trend-conscious, suburb areas, and probably 80% of the cars on the road are SUVs. And most of the people don't know how to drive them.

I drive a *lot* (an hour to and from school every day) on the interstate and around town. I find SUV drivers are bad, but for my money, the worst drivers are in Fords. Mostly the Tarus, the Contour and the big-ass 6-wheeled trucks. I can't tell you how many times I've been tailgaged, nearly hit, cut off, been stuck behind one going 45 in the fast lane.

I used to think I wanted an SUV. I was driving home after my last final in college, had all my stuff packed up and was all upset about college "ending." Well, I almost met my own end that day. It was raining and my car hydroplaned all over the interstate. I am positve that had I been in an SUV I would have flipped over and probably been seriously hurt. I was very glad to have my little Mitsubishi Galant, which was low enough to the ground to not go flying off the embankment that I was spinning on. :eek:

I've driven sports cars (real ones -- two seat roadsters, not muscle cars masquerading as sports cars) pretty much all my life.

My biggest single complaint is not that people drive SUV's, etc., but that they feel invincible in them.

That's particularly true in the snow.

Because they have 4WD, and can get off the line faster, they feel they don't have to drive carefully.

Someone should remind them that we ALL have 4 Wheel Stop. They slide into things (like little roadsters) just like the rest of us.

IMO, if you need an SUV/truck for actual -work- then it's just fine and shouldn't be questioned. Otherwise, I agree with others on the car vs. suv debate somewhat. I drive my Jimmy because majority of time, I need it to deal w/the ever-so-changing weather of Ohio and the traveling of backroads, and no little rice burner could fill the job like my baby can, heh. Also, when I'm traveling w/semi's I much rather be hit by by a semi in an SUV than some little 4-banger tin box.

IMO, this may be a bad analogy, but here goes....SUVs are like guns. I believe driving in a SUV will protect you more than a car will (unless it flips, lol). However, if someone is irresponsible that can be dangerous to other people on the road.

Also I go on a lot of road trips in which the majority of the trips are in the deep woods. SUVs are great for going off road!!! On the other hand, so is my '98 Dodge Neon!

Everyone!!! Fight the system, buy a Mountain Bike!!!!!!


bwahahahah

A van isnt safer than an suv, it actually can have a higher tendency to roll than an suv with the more people you have in it, I read an article in our newspaper a few weeks ago about this actually. Also, I have an explorer, an suv, but if i couldve afforded a Ford F-150, a truck, i wouldve gotten that. Trucks are usually more expensive than suvs, so if you need to tow stuff and cant afford a truck, an suv is your next best option.

also, bad drivers are bad drivers, plain and simple. it doesnt matter if they drive a truck, an suv, or one of those little hondas. Ive seen bad drivers in all and maybe suvs are the "in trend" right now, but ill bet you cash that before any of the suv drivers owned one, they were bad drivers in their previous cars.

OK, I didn't even read the article, but I really don't care much for SUVs at all. Lots of people have them here in the city, which I think is ridiculous--what, do they need 4-wheel-drive to navigate an *asphalt* jungle?? Once I had to drive my boss' SUV to her house, and it was a scary experience because you cannot see out of those things! I had to practically stick my head out the window to check and see if a car was coming when I wanted to change lanes. My advice to everyone is to pass on the SUVs and get a truck--I love my little Dakota because it's extremely easy to see out of, I feel a tiny bit safer in it, and besides that, it's damn cute. ;)

ok, most cars are not practical. unless you buy a 4 door 4 cyl fwd car, most likely, it's not practical. how many of you that have trucks haul stuff? how many that have 4 seaters ever drive with more than 1 other person? how many drive something because it's the most economical/practical choice, because it gets great gas mileage and is good for the environment, SOLELY for those reasons?

now, how many drive what you drive because you like the way it looks, drives, feels, etc?

if we drove vehicles because they were practical, then that would be one of probably many reasons why it would suck to live here!

Ha, DeltAlum! Real sports cars, not "muscle cars masquerading as sports cars!" That's hilarious... I hate when people classify their cars as sports cars when they aren't. When they get a Porsche, then they can talk!

Oh, and just to add to the true topic at hand... I LOVE SUVs!!!

Sure, some SUV drivers can't drive for $hit, but there are bad drivers in all sorts of cars. They'll get what's coming to them...

Um actually, THEY won't get it, the family in the other car will. That's the most annoying thing about these stupid huge ass cars, it would be one thing if they were like alchohol - only affecting the person who uses it. Sure, go ahead, risk your own life if you want to...but these beasts end up killing innocent people at a much greater rate than other cars, which to me is just unacceptable. And I agree with whoever made the comment about SUVs in the city, I live in NYC, and those motorized locusts of the road are all over the place. Really, in a city of millions of people you really shouldn't be driving off road. Even in other less populated parts of the country, I want to know how many people need to travel across "wild" terrain on a daily basis? People, stop letting these companies reel you in and take your money! ....and that concludes my lecture, hahaha...

Well this thread has certainly been interesting! I currently drive a four dour Honda, and am trying to decide between a minivan and a SUV! With the seat-belt laws and air bags, my children cannot have friends ride with us unless another one of my children stays home! I've always hated the minivans because they are just so uncool to ME! The SUV has appeal simply because it can seat eight people (most of the kids) and looks a little sportier than the minivan! I personally don't like either one, and would prefer the porshe...but alas, we would have to strap the little darlings on the roof! We've put off buying a vehicle for about 3 years now because I'm pretty intimidated by such a huge car! But the time for a bigger vehicle is drawing near - I'll be sure and let everyone know when I get one thought so you can all watch out! LOL!

I completely agree. Here in Austin people are suppose to be nature lovers but it seems like everyone has an SUV (and many of the people I know that have one don't have any reason other than they are popular). HELLLLOO they get like 10 miles to the gallon and pollute way too much. I would love to get a Range Rover but I have no good reason to get one thus I will never have one. Maybe if people drove smaller cars that get better mileage we wouldn't have to be worried about foreign oil and possibly drilling in Alaska.

There are bad drivers out there for every type of car but I know I would rather have a Toyota corrola hit me than a pathfinder or excersion. My beef is not with the accidents but with the environment, though driving a smaller car and seeing it surrounded by SUV's does make me nervous at times.

Yesterday it snowed here in the DC area, and most of the people you saw on the side of the road or in a ditch were driving SUV's! It goes to show that many (not all) people who drive them don't know HOW to drive them. I myself drive a little Nissan Sentra, so I can't even pretend that I would know how to drive an SUV properly. What annoys me though is when these soccer moms drive around these Ford Excursions, which are HUGE, and then can't drive them correctly.

Last week my boyfriend got a Saturn Vue, which in my opinion is the most practical SUV I've ever seen! It's a 4-cyl. fwd, it's not too big, has traction control and has proven to be great in bad weather. Gas mileage isn't too shabby either. If I were going to get something in the SUV class, I think this would be it.

My beliefs and prejudice towards SUV's were solidified the day I saw the SUV advertised that has a retractable STEP up INTO THEM!! IF YOU NEED TO ASSISTANCE TO GET UP INTO YOUR CAR, IT'S TOO DAMM BIG FOR YOU!!!!!!!!

Even if everyone drove better gas mileage cars we would still be drilling for oil in Alaska and importing crude from eastern countries. There is not that much oil in the US.

If people are worried about America being self supporting (which is a totally differenct topic) we need to look into other ways to fuel cars like natural gas, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell.

Off topic I know...

People make crappy drivers, NOT the vehicle they choose.

I think you can name a stereotypical driver for MANY different types of cars. The fact is it is a STEREOTYPE. While some may fit it, others do not. That simple fact should have in my opinion stopped the author from writing about it.. It sounded more like an editorial type piece anyhow... Some more stereotypes:

Small imports: Riced-Out.. Superchargers, street racing, driving down the interstate like it was the Indianapolis 500.

Sports cars: Trying to race everyone at the stoplight

Minivans: Soccer-mom car... Never paying attention to the road, just trying to keep the kids quiet. Random swerving, etc.

The list goes on.

I've been driving an SUV now since I recieved my driver's license. They get bad mileage but are great cars to drive. I enjoy the cargo space and the 4 wheel drive feature (which I occasionally need). My favorite feature though is how high they sit compared to other cars. When I drive in my girlfriends Accord I can truly appreciate being able to see over the tops of most other cars on the road. Honestly it's safer for me to be able to see what's going on.

I also have a tendency to run up on curbs on turns.. I'd probably have killed a normal car by now:D

Gas guzzling.. yep and I pay for the gas it guzzles.. 14 MPG costs a lot you know. I pay for it. Until there's an actual shortage of fuel I really don't see the validity of anyone's complaint unless they're worried about me taking longer and more frequent trips to the pump.

Pollution? Anyone hear recently the hole in the ozone layer shrank over the last few years??? The amount of "greenhouse gasses" that humankind produces are insignificant compared to things like volcano eruptions, etc. As far as the air quality in my immediate area it's just fine.

Bottom line is if you don't want an SUV buy a smaller car... fine. I personally would rather be in the SUV when someone else (or myself) does someting stupid and ends up in a collision. I just feel better having a 2 thousand pound advantage over the other vehicle involved.

And woe is the rest of us in our regular sized cars, even if the accident isn't our fault...

If you are actually going to use your SPORT utility vehicle for SPORTS, I say go ahead and get one. But if you're Muffy Suburban Princess and you only got one to be chic, boo, boo, boo on you.

My S10 can run on ethanol!! WE already have the technology. Just sue Texaco and Shell out of existence for crimes against humanity and nature. :)

Come on man, what about those big a$$ family vans which are the size of a shuttle bus? Those can be very dangerous too. Also, if the weight isn't distributed right, and can tip over easily.

I'm sorry but I don't think you know the details of the accident so for you to make a generalization is quote on quote "ridiculous". The reports that came back that said the force of the truck is what killed her. If it had been a small car, she would have lived.

It's funny that you mention ethanol. Actually the US only produces enough crops to run 25% of the US populations cars on ethanol. And it only comes close to being economical for the mid-western states that have the farming capabilities. But this is the exact technology I am talking about. Although there are more environmentally conscious alternatives out there. :) You might feel more environmentally conscious choosing the civic over an explorer, but if you really had the environment in mind you'd get a ethanol or natural gas driven car.

But to defend the oil industry, oil companies are under some of the strictest regulations for diesel and gasoline production. Especially in California. The industry has come leaps and bounds since the beginning of crude oil usage for gasoline. Oil and Gas companies are very environmentally conscious.

its not about going over wild terrain, try going through a nebraska winter with a mustang and a firebird, i did both, and youre not going to get anywhere. even when its snowing really hard my parents front wheel drive cars had trouble, so a 4 wheel drive option is important, so even though most dont do "off roading" in it, sometimes a truck or suv is a necessity in the city.

So what they are still bad. :) :(

That may be true, my little two door coupe sucks in the snow, in fact I've almost gotten stuck a couple of times. On the other hand, I drove an Accord for almost four years that was GREAT in the snow. My passengers would often comment on how well it was handling and I rarely had traction problems. I lost control once and that was at 2a.m on a patch of black ice and I'm pretty sure I would have spun out in any vehicle. The issue isn't four wheel drive. Any decent weight and wheel base width and you're fine.

not necessarily, my firebird was 3400 pounds without gas and was wider than my moms buick, and it sucked in snow. and speaking of my moms buick, that was front wheel drive and was wide, but it still wouldnt do that well when it snowed bad. 4 wheel drive can be a requirement here sometimes. for instance, last year i left a hockey game downtown, and i was on the interstate going 35 b/c if i went any faster the rear end wouldnt be stable. even sedans had problems, the only vehicles that were able to handle well were trucks and suvs with 4 wheel drive.