I essentially agree with Harry's assertion that SUV's were a insignifant part of US sales until the early or mid 1980s to exploit the CAFE loophole for light trucks.

Although rare, SUVs have been around for a long time. The Chevy Suburban came out in 1936, Internationals have been out for decades. Jeep's SUV in the 1980's basically kicked off the surge of these vehicles. The way most of them are used, they are overpowered. You don't need 4WD, big tires, and off roading capabilities for a station wagon.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated