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Death of the body-on-frame SUV?

118 messages,  Last post on Apr 17, 2012 at 4:51 PM

You are in the Honda Pilot Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Tahoe, Honda Pilot, Isuzu Trooper, Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango, Ford Freestyle, Volvo XC90, SUV

Messages Page 9 of 13

#72 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [powder73] by steve_ HOST

Jun 07, 2009 (9:06 am)

Replying to: powder73 (Jun 07, 2009 8:14 am)
You do have some idiotic drivers there. I almost got run down by a tailgating semi while doing the speed limit in my minivan.
 
Of course, an Expedition wouldn't have helped much in that case either.
 
(your logging roads are a whole 'nother story too!)

#73 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by stevedebi

Jun 08, 2009 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 04, 2009 10:17 am)
"...The bottom line is that to me at least, the safety of the millions of people driving small and mediums sized vehicles is more important then the safety of the few individual wanting to drive these huge SUVs. You can respond if you want, but every fact you provide just proves my point more. "
 
Motorhead needs a large SUV to tow. You can't do that with a small car, and (depending on the weight being towed) possibly not with a crossover either.
 
I rented an Expedition 4WD once in New Mexico. I was going out to some rugged areas. The one thing I instantly noticed was that the gearing on the vehicle caused me to drive more aggressively. I found myself starting to pull up behind smaller vehicles on the freeway, simply because the truck had so much power. I had to consciously ensure that I kept my distance. After I realized the issue, everything was fine so far as my driving behavior. But it was enlightening. I had to keep repeating to myself that I was driving a 3 ton vehicle - because it felt like a sports car so far as acceleration goes.
 
BTW I'd ordered a smaller 4WD, but they were out and "upgraded" me. I didn't want the size or MPG, but there you are. I must say that truck was comfortable in all situations, and the 4WD was awesome.

#74 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by volfangary

Jun 08, 2009 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 06, 2009 7:37 pm)
Actually one was an SUV. That's why I switched to a big truck at that time.

#75 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [stevedebi] by wlbrown9

Jun 08, 2009 (1:48 pm)

Replying to: stevedebi (Jun 08, 2009 12:03 pm)
"...The bottom line is that to me at least, the safety of the millions of people driving small and mediums sized vehicles is more important then the safety of the few individual wanting to drive these huge SUVs. You can respond if you want, but every fact you provide just proves my point more. "
 
IIRC, close to half of the vehicles sold are pickup trucks, SUVs or CUVs. So, I don't get your millions to a few argument. BTW, this is the US of A where freedom of choice is our right, within limits of course. If you want to dictate away our rights, then you might as well change the name of the country, IMHO.
 
I agree that we need to cut dependence on foreign oil. I see a very good way to do that is go with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. One company has developed a version of that for demonstration on a Hummer H3. 30-40 miles on electric charge then after that 30-40 MPG running on generator to rechage and power the electic motor. My normal commute is about 40 miles. With something like this I could probably cut fuel usage from 800-1000 gallons per year to 150-200 gallons per year and NOT give up my SUV. If we could get enough of these on the road, we could cut usage of gasoline a lot in the short term (until hydrogen fuel cell or whatever) is available in XX? years. This is a similar concept to the Volt, economical for short drive distances, extended range on fuel that is supplied from our current infrastructure.
 
More on the plug-in extended range hybrid http://www.rasertech.com

#76 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [volfangary] by motorhead15

Jun 08, 2009 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: volfangary (Jun 06, 2009 6:40 pm)
Volfangary stated a few posts back:
“Regardless... I for one will do everything in my power to keep my family safe.” Very commendable Volfangary. I too purchased my vehicle with safety as the primary consideration. Years ago old hotrodders had a saying. “There’s no replacement for displacement.” They were referring to engine size but perhaps that adage applies to vehicle size as well.
 
By the way I found out why Bobw3 is so scared of big SUV’s? Here’s the scoop… He drives a 2,500 pound econo-box. Heck Bob, I would be scared too if I drove a Honda Fit. There are literally thousands of Ford F-350’s and other assorted heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks running around the Austin area. Personally I would have chosen something safer for your family to ride around in but that’s your choice. By the way, I looked up your 2007 Honda Fit at http://www.safercar.gov . Did you know your car has only a three star crash rating for the rear passengers? Bob, you should seriously consider buying a safer car to haul your wife and two small babies around in. I know I mentioned it before but it is worth repeating. You should read “Buying a Safer Car” http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/DOT/safercar/pdf/BASC2008.pdf and utilize the government website where this document is located to help you make a more informed decision about purchasing a safer vehicle for your family. Getting 35 mpg should not take precedence over your family’s safety. Another thing Bob, please stop asking people to give up their larger vehicles just to reinforce the bad decision you made to put your kids in the backseat of a car with a three star crash rating. It is not my responsibility or anybody else’s to drive something smaller just so you can get 35mpg.

#77 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [motorhead15] by wlbrown9

Jun 09, 2009 (9:52 am)

Replying to: motorhead15 (Jun 08, 2009 6:19 pm)
"By the way I found out why Bobw3 is so scared of big SUV’s? Here’s the scoop… He drives a 2,500 pound econo-box. Heck Bob, I would be scared too if I drove a Honda Fit. "
 
Looking back bobw3 seems to have driven a Ford Freestyle in the past. That was in the CUV class. I remember he thought highly of it. So, if he has a Fit now he must have downsized his ride.

#79 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [motorhead15] by bobw3

Jun 11, 2009 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: motorhead15 (Jun 08, 2009 6:19 pm)
Funny how you're interested in what I drive (actually I drive both a Fit and Freestyle)...I guess I struck a nerve with some (feeling guilty, making you think...huh?)! Like I said, what several times now, it's not about ME but the larger SOCIETY. Like I also said, the more uneducated and selfish views posted by those only looking after themselves, the more it proves my point...so post on! My bottom line is still the real bottom line in that the less large SUVs out on the road the safer it will be for everyone driving something smaller and that can't be denied. I'm comfortable with my choice of vehicles for a variety of reasons and only one of them is good MPG. Don't be so worried. There's no bills in Congress outlawing your car...but if there were I'd call my representatives asking them to vote for it! Happy driving.

#80 of 118 Vehicle Safety by motorhead15

Jun 12, 2009 (7:41 am)

Well Bob, if you want to put your babies lives at greater risk for the larger SOCIETY and 35 mpg, that's your choice.

#81 of 118 Re: Vehicle Safety [motorhead15] by bobw3

Jun 12, 2009 (8:39 am)

Replying to: motorhead15 (Jun 12, 2009 7:41 am)
If you really think that the mllions of people that aren't driving huge SUVs because they can't afford or don't need one are endangering their families that's a pretty sad attitude from some who's actually participating in the endangering. That's like blaming a shooting victim because he's not carrying a gun, but then you probably think that everyone should walk around with AK-47s over their shoulder to defend themselves too! Actually, if you're so concerned with safety you should armor plate your SUV and hire a professional driver. If you go read your statistics you'll find that you're more safe that way too.

Messages Page 9 of 13

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