In Defense of the Good Old SUV

Warning!  I am killing two birds with one stone, as I need to practice my persuasive essay skills for the 7^th grade writing test.   

If you are in the market to buy a new family car, then I believe that you should buy an SUV.   

Americans like SUV’s because Americans love big cars.  Why?  They like the three S’s; Safety, Space, Status. 

People think they will most likely be safer in a big car in a crash.  The bigger the car, the less likely they will get killed.    

Many people haul kids or carpools.  Kids come with stuff (just ask my mom). Many like to go camping a lot.  They most likely will have a boat or trailer that they tow.  They are geared towards the great outdoors.  Many SUV’s are great on just about every terrain, so skiers and campers can get around in the snow or mud. 

Even retirees like SUV’s.  My three next-door neighbors all have SUV’s for the utility of it.  They haul skis, bikes, grandkids and big dogs!  The SUV appeals to all ages. 

I can anticipate the arguments you have against the SUV.  I know all about their bad rep, so don’t go sending comments to me about this! 

SUV’s are getting eco-friendlier as emissions and fuel economy standards are going up.  It’s true that many SUV’s still guzzle fuel like my sister’s chickens guzzle food.  The SUV’s may not get nearly as good fuel economy as a Prius.  The Prius gets 48 MPG; the SUV with the best fuel economy is the Ford Escape Hybrid, which gets 26 MPG.  It will be a while before the SUV gets that good MPG, but they will get there.  

In addition, many automakers are starting to put powerful, but smaller engines in their SUV’s.  A good example is the Honda Pilot.  It has 5,000 pounds of towing capacity out of a 3.5 liter V6 that makes 250 horsepower.  There are also a lot of car-based platforms like the 2011 Ford Explorer.  Its advanced electronics allow it to go off road with ease and it can also tow up to 5000 pounds if properly equipped.  It has class leading fuel economy for city and highway. 

Some people might think that an SUV is too much car for them, but there are many small SUV’s out there on the market.  Check out the Hyundai Tucson or the Subaru Forrester. 

SUV’s run about the same price as cars out there on the market.  There are a few SUV’s that are expensive, but they cost the same as a luxury car.

Thanks for being my guinea pigs!  Do you want to get an SUV?  I want to get a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo.  Now where’s that lottery ticket?  I swear that I just bought one!  Oh!  I found it!  NOOOOO!!  I didn’t win!!  Whaa! 

Sorry that I didn’t post yesterday!  I really am!