[woofer2425]

There is a place for small fuel efficient cars and a place for SUVs and pickups. You won’t be able to load up the little fuel efficient car with the kayaks and the kids for a vacation somewhere....that’s what the SUV is for. In contrast one shouldn’t be driving the SUV just to go to the grocery store...that’s what the little hybrid or electric car will be for.

[wolf78]

There is a place for small fuel efficient cars and a place for SUVs and pickups.

Spot on! I know there are people that fervently hate SUVs and others that love them as an embodiment of the American lifestyle. I simply couldn't care less. Everyone should be able to set his priorities, be it cars, housing or travel.

Personally I find SUVs as a fashion statement rather pointless. If I wanted to drive a fun car, I'd buy anything BUT an SUV. (A Lotus Elise or Ariel Atom, now that's a fun car.) The rigid frame actually makes them less safe than a mid- / full-size station wagon. And of course, with high gas prices, the SUV as a fashion statement will die out like the 50s/60s tailfins. That doesn't mean that the SUV, or rather the real off-roader, will die out. It's just that in urban areas station wagons and minivans will make a return.

And that's neither good nor bad but just the way it is.