Chalk me up on the 'some people have use for SUVs' list. I don't own one, and likely never will, as I don't have use for one.

But, I've known people who previously drove half ton trucks to haul the stuff around that they did on a regular basis, and had to jury-rig campershells and the like to keep it sheltered.

That kind of use, to me, is what 'justified' SUV drivers have.

But also - if they're willing to pay the extra money for the gas they're burning, and willing to pay the exorbitant rates that the insurance companies charge, and are willing to deal with the myriad of slings and arrows thrown against 'em, more power to them.

Oh... couple reasons that the 'luxury cars' don't get as much flack anymore...

First of all, they've become TRUE luxury items. Think about how many you really see any more, unless you live in or around 'upper class' communities.

Also, look at the reports on MPG that they run - they've vastly improved the levels that they run at now. It's part of the strategy that the auto companies use to deal with the 'brand average' requirements... if they make the high end cars more efficient, they still comply while giving their incredibly expensive toys another feature to sell to the rich...

M