Well put Kim C.    I drive a Nissan Xterra. I have two kids and my wife and I need the space for long trips. We don't care, nor can we afford to fly on vacations.   The Xterra has been wonderful.

I keep the car tuned and maintained. I am getting about 18 to 20 miles per gallon, not great but then again not that bad. I see dozens of old cars that are obviously burning oil and I'm sure doing worse things to the environment than my 4x2. (not a 4x4).

I properly recycle my oil, avoid air conditioning unless it is absolutely brutal, wash the car by hand (and only when it really, really needs it, and I avoid unnecessary "joy" rides.

Do I need such a big car? In the long run I am sure we could all get by with only bicycles. However, I do feel much safer in this vehicle. If you spend time driving the NJ Turnpike, I am sure you've noticed the tractor trailers that zip by. I do feel much safer in the Xterra than I did in our old Tercel.

Did I buy it for status? Hardly. I would not call an SUV or truck "sexy" or a status symbol. It is practical for my lifestyle, and I'm not ashamed to admit it - it is the most comfortable ride I've ever owned.   I would not buy a Hummer, nor would I buy a larger or more expensive SUV. The size fits my needs.   

There are a lot of cliches in this world, and many of them are being made at SUV owners. It is just another form of bigotry. Believe it or not, I DO, understand the problems and I am not trying to play spin doctor or justify my actions. I do think that there are ways to improve our quality of life, and I would make a strong case that the diesel burners are among the vehicles that need reformed.