Sign In Join 



Death of the body-on-frame SUV?

106 messages,  Last post on Sep 12, 2009 at 1:50 PM

You are in the Ford Freestyle Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

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


Messages Page 8 of 11
1
...
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#67 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by tidester HOST
Jun 05, 2009 (1:42 pm)
Reply

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 05, 2009 11:00 am)

the problem with most Americans...
 
I think that is an unfair generalization and isn't particularly cogent in making your case.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#68 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [tidester] by bobw3
Jun 05, 2009 (2:32 pm)
Reply

Replying to: tidester (Jun 05, 2009 1:42 pm)

Maybe...but Americans are known to value individual freedom above all else.
#69 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by volfangary
Jun 06, 2009 (5:40 pm)
Reply

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 05, 2009 11:00 am)

Regardless... I for one will do everything in my power to keep my family safe. Who wouldn't want to do everything possible to protect their family? Safety to me is more important than where oil comes from. Most of my friends also drive big trucks or SUV's. Those who don't have made the decision not to for various reasons and I accept that. I wish them no harm, but they realize they are no match against a large vehicle. I owned a motorcycle for several years when I was younger, but after being hit three times by cars, I decided size and protection does matter. You can call us "short sighted", but at least we will be safe.
#70 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [volfangary] by bobw3
Jun 06, 2009 (6:37 pm)
Reply

Replying to: volfangary (Jun 06, 2009 5:40 pm)

"but after being hit three times by cars, I decided size and protection does matter" I wonder if a huge SUV hit you instead of a car if you'd be here today??
#71 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by powder73
Jun 07, 2009 (7:14 am)
Reply

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 06, 2009 6:37 pm)

well bob i have 4 kids ...i love hunting and i love fishing...first i had a 4runner but then the 4th one force to upgrade to a bigger one...right now a suburban.....until i change it for an expedition...and then maybe another one....
 
and here in quebec let me tell you it's not the big suv you see every night on the news smash to a pulp....it's those small cars young people drive to insane speed....that's the real problem here....
#72 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [powder73] by steve_ HOST
Jun 07, 2009 (8:06 am)
Reply

Replying to: powder73 (Jun 07, 2009 7:14 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 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by stevedebi
Jun 08, 2009 (11:03 am)
Reply

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 04, 2009 9:17 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 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [bobw3] by volfangary
Jun 08, 2009 (12:00 pm)
Reply

Replying to: bobw3 (Jun 06, 2009 6:37 pm)

Actually one was an SUV. That's why I switched to a big truck at that time.
#75 of 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [stevedebi] by wlbrown9
Jun 08, 2009 (12:48 pm)
Reply

Replying to: stevedebi (Jun 08, 2009 11:03 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. "
 
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 106
Re: Vehicle Safety [volfangary] by motorhead15
Jun 08, 2009 (5:19 pm)
Reply

Replying to: volfangary (Jun 06, 2009 5:40 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.

Messages Page 8 of 11
1
...
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement