ALT-4 Suvs are they Worth it
They are big, they are bad, and no one gets in their way. No, I am not talking about some motorcycle gang nor am I promoting the the newest alien action movie. I am talking SUV's, those large and in charge vehicles that are dominating America's open roads and highways. As popular as these massive vehicles have become in todays society are they really worth the money necessary to purchase them and keep the fuel tanks full? Is the impact on the enviorment just a price the planet has to pay for our ability to drive a hefty piece of machinary to the grocery store and back?
I have found that seeking out the pro-SUV arguement is a lot harder then it sounds, unless you write directly to the manufacturer of these vehicles. I have gotten responses like "safe, fun family vehicle" , and "great for large families". Well my dear friends what could possibly be worse for a family with 6 kids then a gas tank that could easily swallow $75 or more worth of gas for just one fill-up? While at a gas station not too long ago I encountered a gentleman who was paying nearly $125 to fill the tank of his HUMMER. He justified the purchase to me by saying "Well the tank is near empty and I have to fill up my reserve tank as well. But the full tanks will last me a little over a week.". As I picked my jaw off the ground and the driver began the climb into his skyscraper on wheels I could only feel sorry him. Its true, there IS a sucker born every minute.
Sure SUV's are great at caravaning yourself and a small army of friends and family where ever your adventurous hearts desire, if of course you are financially sound enough to fuel your adventures. Yes, most are great off road vehicles if your willing to ignore the plentiful amounts of research to the contrary. Of course they are a useful vehicle for people like "soccer moms", but isnt the mini-van the king of that department? And for a much better sticker price, and superior gas mileage?
In this researchers opinion its hard to really justify the purchasing of an SUV in todays marketplace. Until fuel efficiancy is improved, and more hybrid choices are available it is our responsibility as drivers and eco-aware citizens to let the manufacturers of SUV's know that improvements must be made and our planet must be a true consideration.
