"yet we allow pollution-spewing vehicles to damage our air quality in the name of "consumer choice." "
You, have no idea what you are talking about. A new SUV is as clean as any car (cept maybe hybrid and PURE electric) off of the lot. A common misconception is that bad mileage = pulluter. This is not the case. Those new H2's that get bad gas mileage are a Low Emmissions Vehicle. Just like a civic. I can Gaurauntee you they have essentially 0 CO, 0 NOx, and 0 HC. You would be better off suckin on a tailpipe of any new car (except some deisel trucks) than you would be being a smoker of cigarettes. Chances are, a 5 yr old Civic will be a bigger polluter than a brand new H2. Also, take a look at Europe. Gas is incredibly expensive their, so naturally they have VERY fuel efficient vehicles. Most people naturally equate this with low pollution, but almost NONE of their cars could pass even teh federal emmisions in the US, let alone the california emissions.
As for the reason behind getting an SUV,
Quote:
Want to really haul lots of stuff? Get a pickup or a station wagon?
Gas mileage? Small car
Comfy ride? A nice sedan
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Yes, many aspects of an SUV are better in a more specialized vehicle. But how many other types of vehicles can put all of those together? SUVs are unique in that they can provide room to haul stuff, room for people, a comfy ride, durability, multi-terrain performance, and in some cases decent gas mileage. If anyone had any of those requirements, and asked for a suggestion for a car, you would of course send them toward an SUV. Why? Because its pretty much the only vehicle capable of fulfilling all those needs.