Posted by Epoxy (66.26.80.19) on November 29, 2002 at 09:47:29:
In Reply to: Re: SUV Haters posted by diarm (194.125.220.224) on November 28, 2002 at 11:18:24:
> Far as I can tell, people buy SUVs for the same reason they buy handguns and gobble steroids: to enjoy the illusion of power.
> It's almost always the case that the person is covering up for a major weakness.
> SUVs are designed to be intimidating to other drivers.
> Buying an SUV is saying to the world "I'm so insecure I'm willing to pay $20,000 more than I need to for the benefit of intimidating nervous motorists." Another, better way is "I'm an asshole."
> If a guy came into work every day carrying a spear, because he likes intimidating those around him, would YOU like him? It's the same principle: be a pushy jerk, be hated. There's no mystery.
Far as I can tell, some large percentage of SUV owners are soccer moms who need a big vehicle to haul around 3 kids, a dog, and groceries. They test-drive mini-vans, station wagons, and SUVs, and like the fact that SUVs are easy to get in and out of (and put kid-seats in), give them a better vantage in traffic, and provide the option of 4-wheel-drive (which admittedly they will probably never use, but provides a sense of added security, sort of like homeowners insurance).