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I am not opposed to SUVs. I do believe Americans are buying them in abundance.

This fad of automotive-overindulgence is rooted in misplaced priorities. Yes, SUVs are generally more capable than any other single vehicle on the road. They can tow more than a car, they can carry more people than a truck, and they have better handling than a van. These are not bad attributes for a single vehicle to wrap into one package. For many people the idea of having one automobile than can do it all is simply too alluring. Add to this the peer pressure of everyone else driving one and it becomes obvious why sales have been through the roof.

The most important consideration is how often do these extra capabilities get used? Should the occasional towing capacity advantage of an SUV rule out the handling, comfort, efficiency, and price of a comparable sedan? Does the infrequent people moving requirement outweigh the bulk cargo capacity, off road ability, ruggedness, and towing capacity advantages of a pick-up truck? When the rare "need" for speed comes about, will you be happier with the handling of an SUV over a more nimble, lighter, more power-to-weight ratio sports car? Taken in these terms an SUV's advantages begin to dwindle quickly.

For the knockout punch in this argument, consider that the alternative vehicle choices above generally have either comparable or better fuel efficiency than the typical SUV. For many this should really be the deciding factor. As the miles pile on, the SUV simply costs more.

Naysayers will mention that one vehicle that does all things well enough is still the way to go. They are right from an insurance, depreciation, maintenance, and storage point of view. However, the key is to ascertain priorities. If the fringe benefits are rarely used, are they really worth the added costs? Do you really tow, off road, and haul enough people to make it worth the daily expense of muscling around your "do-it-all" vehicle?

It's not just about the fuel cost debate, SUVs strike out by letting too many other pitches get by.

Learn more about this author, Joe Symmes.
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