Hi all

To me, the issue with SUVs is this.

SUVs are classified as trucks along with vans and pick-ups. Minivans are classified as cars.

The classification is important in that there are a whole litanty of different secifications for trucks vs. cars. Emission standars are lower and even some safety specs are different. Theses classifications stem from the years prior to the late 1980s when trucks were considered "specialty" vehicles, were much less popular - especially for the average person, and because of the nature of them, for the most part, being work vehicles, they had lower levels of standards.

Since that time, it seems everyone wants a truck, yet few people use them for what they were designed for. I remember when I lived on the Western Slope of Colorado in the late 1970s - nearly everyone had a 4X4, but many people ALSO had a regular car. In the few months without snow, our family used the car almost exclusively and in the winter we used the 4X4 - much of the time it wasn't even in 4 wheel drive - even on snowy gravel roads, the big 6 in the International Scout was plenty of power to get us around.

The US has steadfastly refused to modify the specs for trucks - and a lot of people get a kick out if a high-powered and tall vehicle that can intimidate "lesser cars" on the road. (I'm not saying that anyone on this list enjoys this).

On the other hand - I pass the occasional wreck and many times I see that the SUV involved is upside down (and crushed to some extent because most no longer have roll-bars which used to be standard because the makers KNEW they were more likely to roll over).

The sooner we burn all the oil in the world, the sooner we will find out how to live with out - I'm looking forward to that day.

pax yall