why do people drive SUV's?

Answer 1

It depends. Some people buy them to haul people around in. Some people buy them to haul people and items (groceries, shopping items) around in. Some people buy they cause they feel safer in a big SUV, even though they might not be safer than a smaller car. And some people buy them as status symbols to show-off in.

Answer 2

Unless you really need the 4 wheel drive feature, a mini van can do everything an SUV can do, besides costing less and getting better milage. So that leaves 3 believable excuses.
1. I need to boost my self image by driving a macho vehicle; I'm too insecure and concerned about what other people think to drive a mini van.
2. I'm scared of the OTHER monster SUVs on the road and want something just as big in case some idiot in a Navigator or Suburban blows through a stop sign and crashes into me.
3. I like to drive aggressively and can do so more effectively in a monster of a vehicle.

Answer 3

Of the reasons that are cited for driving SUVs, mostly it's a question of personal preference. Some like the extra cargo space, some like the higher view of the road ("safety," they call it, though SUVs have a higher rollover risk), and still others genuinely need the off-road capabilities provided by larger tires and higher ground clearance. For this latter concern, one could always opt for a smaller Subaru, but for a combination of all these factors, only an SUV can satisfy. Even Al Gore himself has admitted to driving an SUV – though it's a Lexus hybrid. Tall people claim to need SUVs for the extra leg room, though leg room isn't always synonymous with car size. Basically, take into account all the factors you need when buying a vehicle. With gas prices these days, fuel efficiency will certainly be one of them.

Answer 4

Americans are lead to believe that bigger means better. The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, The Big Gulp, the "family" sized this and that. Bigger waistlines and heart disease go up. But yeah, back to SUVs, I think a lot of it is the perception of safety. Just because you are higher up does not guarantee safety. It only guarantees that the SUV will destroy the opposing vehicle. SUVs can be very handy in transporting half of the girls youth soccer team, but they are just so unreasonable when it comes to gas mileage. I think that Americans want to have the biggest, baddest, vehicle on the road to try and complete their need to feel better about themselves. On top of all that, my girlfriend's mom purchased a Ford Expedition brand new in 2000 for $42,000. Guess what it is worth now.... $12,000. Only six years later. That's just something to think about. :-)

Answer 5

My mom drives an '04 Yukon Denali with 20" chrome wheels (of course they were put on as an extra from the dealership) and I think she picked this SUV because it makes her look good when she is pulling up in front of the execs at work in the morning. Surely she doesn't need it...its just me and her, (I'm an only child) and I drive my '05 Grand Prix or my '02 Eclipse...

Answer 6

I drive a small SUV (Toyota Highlander) because it will haul seven people, has four wheel drive and sits up a little higher so I can see what's going on in traffic.
...and yes, I need to haul six or seven people, I use four wheel drive in the snow, and I find it's helpful to see what's going on in traffic.

Answer 7

I drive one because I have a very large dog that likes to go everywhere with me and he needs the room. I know a little league coach who drives his entire team to the games in one--that way he knows they will all show up on time.

Answer 8

Because they are selfish and are not aware of the amount fuel consumed by these vehicles or the amount of road spaced used on the road.....do these drivers realize how much they must pay for fuel? A more fuel efficient car is the way to save money and get more for your buck.

Answer 9

For me, I like the way mine rides (ML 320), it's only a 6 cylinder so it doesn't guzzle as much gas as an 8 cylinder and it actually gets decent gas mileage, it's roomy, I can use it for hauling kid or "stuff" and the best of all.....I like being able to see over the little cars - I like being up high!

Answer 10

room to haul the dogs and stuff around..plus better driving in the snow