It is talk about how driving an SUV has a much greater impact on the environment
than driving other passenger cars because they have a far worse fuel economy which is set
set by standards by law and government regulations. Many environmentalist are trying to
get automakers to change the SUV's mpg... it would cost the auto companies extra money
so they are hesitant. What do you think of global warming and the impact of our
dominating FJ Cruiser which is a SUV model? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/00000732.gif)

The manufacturers keep making SUVs because there's a market for them. I know alot of people who just like the way they look, and over time, they'll probably stop buying them if gas prices are a problem. I actually use an SUV for what it was meant for and hope to always have one.

For me, and it's pure personal opinion, there's some truth to all the environmental stuff we've been hearing, but some of it is overly dramatized too.

Gas prices are a joke. Gas is LESS per barrel now than it was a year ago but prices at the pump are higher. Though when I see I really high total on the pump I am inclined to ask what kind of car it was!

The FJ Cruiser is worse for the environment because of it's lower fuel economy, but I dont think you can expect it to pull the same MPG as a sedan.
The FJ is heavier and less aerodynamic than a sedan and will probably never pull the same MPG.
I do think its kind of silly for someone who doesnt drive in snow, doesnt drive off-road and doesnt pull a trailer to have an SUV (one reason why Im looking to trade my F-150 in on a Camry in the near future), but Im not going to tell someone what they should drive.

I agree the FJ isn't going to help the environment any. Wasn't really made for that. Neighbor has one he likes it no matter how much gas it sucks up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/460.gif)

If I didn't need an SUV, I probably would opt for a different kind of car. Last purchase, I drove some station wagons, etc. to see if they might work. They're just too low for what I need. If it were a perfect world, I'd have a very small car as a second one ...like a mini or something.

There is a rumor that the smart cars are about to invade America. I might be interested in one of those. They are so little and cute. I doubt they will do well though in a nation of big he-man cars!

Smart cards In America, should be very interesting. I don't know how well they will do though.

YOu'll hate it unless you live in a very urban area where a tiny car is good to have. We had one in London for a while, and I hated it. They're sort of fun but the minute you do more than 40 mph, you know you're in trouble lol.

The reason a lot of people like SUV's like the FJ Cruiser, and HUMMER vehicles is because they like to sit up high on the road, instead of sitting inches above the road in a regular compact car! They feel more secure and safe, and you can take SUV's places that cars just really can't go....
I had a car for my first vehicle, now I have an SUV, and I will never buy another car, unless its another SUV!
It's really depending on taste really!

I could imagine the smart car being a good option for a first car, maybe, or in very large cities I guess, but in rural america, and with the fact that most american families have 2.4 children.... lol.... I can't imaging it doing that well. I couldn't own one because they're way too small.

As far as SUVs go.... since I needed a larger vehicle to carry my kids and all their stuff, I chose a mini-van on my last car purchase. My husband wanted me to have an SUV, probably because they're "cool," but a minivan is a really good alternative. They are still big enough to handle everything, but it's a V6 engine, which means at least a little better gas mileage as compared with an SUV.

I also think it depends on where you live. I need a heavier SUV type vehicle because of ice and snow. Neighbors have a mini van that is lethal in some of our weather and I'm always picking their kids up at school for them when it's bad.

For me personally, a truck is my only real option. I need something that can haul my snowmobile and a car wont get the job done.
Most cars, even midsize cars, are only rated for 1000 pounds towing and even a small utility trailer with my snowmobile on it would overload a car. Most trailers weigh about 500 pounds and my snowmobile weighs 500 pounds. You do the math.
I had seriously considered getting a Camry, but for me it just doesnt fit my needs. Nice car though.

I don't think my FJ Cruiser has as much impact on the environment as Sheryl Crow's entourage. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/harhar.gif)