I have never understaood the blanket condemnation of SUVs...the small and mid-size ones are a great combination of size, utility and gas mileage.
Actually I love SUVs and I think that if someone wants one and can afford the gas for it so be it - i'm not giving up my Jeep Liberty. You do remember Texas though, right? More pickups and SUVs are sold here than most anywhere else. My problem is with the soccer mommy mentality of the stay at home mommy that has to drive an Excursion, Expedition, Suburban or H2 Hummer to haul their 1.2 kids to dance, T-ball or run erands. Too large of a percentage of these types can't park them, can't back up in them and a lot these women have a hard time getting in and out of them. It's a status symbol and nothing much else.
The gal accross the street from me just ditched her 1 year old Suburban because she got tired of fighting it - she traded for a loaded Altima and loves it and, yeah, she has one 6 year old kiddo.
Don't get me started on the 1 ton plus 4 wheel drive trucks with the lift kits and trailer hitch that would tow an aircraft carrier! 99% percent of these trucks never tow a thing and never go off road.