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I really do think that the public truly wants SUVs, at least for their main family hauler. Of course that's totally personal opinion based on the relatively tiny number of people that I know closely enough to understand their car buying process.
Theres two main reasons I've seen:
-Utility. They're more convenient than a car in almost every way for a family with 1 or more kids. More cargo space to carry stuff, more room for people, easier to load kids into, generally more individual space, etc. All of the benefits of a minivan, but without the uncool stigma just by putting normal doors on the back. I'll say thats the main reason we got one as our family was growing (previous car before we got into SUVs was a 08 Impala).
-Status. I think there's a large element of 'keeping up with the Joneses' in car buying for the average public. "Jimmy's mom just got a new Escalade, they must be so rich. We can't afford one, but we can finance a used Denali." and it just continues to snowball from there. There seems to be a perception tied to being middle class that involves owning the biggest house and SUV you can possibly afford the payments on. I do really think that many people believe a SUV is a higher status item than a car (even if mechanically some of them are very similar) stemming back to the late 90s.
The status thing is also my theory on trucks. Of the people I know that buy new trucks, I'd bet less than 10% really use them ever foe their intended purpose, much less on a regular basis like a contractor or someone would. America has an obsession with bigger and better, and almost nothing is bigger than a truck. The OEMs cater to those types also by adding all of the amenities of a luxury vehicle to further fuel the desire (which I think is partly responsible for both taking off in the late 90s / early 00s).
I do see your point as Chevy tends to have substantially more margin on up optioned SUVs and trucks. Its certainly in their best interest to push things that direction as much as they can. But I also dont blame them for not wanting to invest more in cars as their recent track record has been very poor. The Malibu seems to hold sales rather steady (although it could be argued thats only partially because of the other chevy lines being canned), and obviously the vettes have their own core following, but none of their other cars have done particularly well in recent history.
Just go to any school when it lets out and you will see 95% of women in SUVs. I asked a woman one day why she liked them, and the answer was it was taller and she could see out of it better. Now the downside is they have hardly ANY room for luggage, so taking vacations is a chore, but most have roof racks, and I laugh at the ones doing down the Interstate with those carryalls plugged into the trailer hitch. Still, my wife got rid of her Malibu, and got an Equinox, and just loves it. She is 5'1...lol. Damn thing gets 33 mph highway. Amazing. We went to Kroger today, and filled up both cars since we do the points thing, and when I came out I said where are you parked? She said "over there". Must have been 10 white SUVs in the lot. I said where over there.....geez.
Last edited by GrayGhost1951; Nov 18, 2022 at 02:07 PM.
I really do think that the public truly wants SUVs, at least for their main family hauler. Of course that's totally personal opinion based on the relatively tiny number of people that I know closely enough to understand their car buying process.
Theres two main reasons I've seen:
-Utility. They're more convenient than a car in almost every way for a family with 1 or more kids. More cargo space to carry stuff, more room for people, easier to load kids into, generally more individual space, etc. All of the benefits of a minivan, but without the uncool stigma just by putting normal doors on the back. I'll say thats the main reason we got one as our family was growing (previous car before we got into SUVs was a 08 Impala).
-Status. I think there's a large element of 'keeping up with the Joneses' in car buying for the average public. "Jimmy's mom just got a new Escalade, they must be so rich. We can't afford one, but we can finance a used Denali." and it just continues to snowball from there. There seems to be a perception tied to being middle class that involves owning the biggest house and SUV you can possibly afford the payments on. I do really think that many people believe a SUV is a higher status item than a car (even if mechanically some of them are very similar) stemming back to the late 90s.
The status thing is also my theory on trucks. Of the people I know that buy new trucks, I'd bet less than 10% really use them ever foe their intended purpose, much less on a regular basis like a contractor or someone would. America has an obsession with bigger and better, and almost nothing is bigger than a truck. The OEMs cater to those types also by adding all of the amenities of a luxury vehicle to further fuel the desire (which I think is partly responsible for both taking off in the late 90s / early 00s).
I do see your point as Chevy tends to have substantially more margin on up optioned SUVs and trucks. Its certainly in their best interest to push things that direction as much as they can. But I also dont blame them for not wanting to invest more in cars as their recent track record has been very poor. The Malibu seems to hold sales rather steady (although it could be argued thats only partially because of the other chevy lines being canned), and obviously the vettes have their own core following, but none of their other cars have done particularly well in recent history.
The truck thing is out of control. and honestly, I just don't get it. I live in Tennessee, and you cannot believe how many jacked up, lifted trucks with 33's or 35's on them sticking out a mile are on the road. Even worse some of these are only RWD. And they are lifting Suburbans only in the front. I am totally baffled about this craze.
Just go to any school when it lets out and you will see 95% of women in SUVs. I asked a woman one day why she liked them, and the answer was it was taller and she could see out of it better.
That's a good one too, I've heard that as well. Ive also heard 'it feels safer' especially for the larger sized SUVs as some people seem to feel the added size is a potential benefit in an accident.
Now the downside is they have hardly ANY room for luggage, so taking vacations is a chore, but most have roof racks,
I guess that depends on the size of it. We went from a 08 Impala to a 15 Edge and they were nearly equal as far as how much luggage they could handle (when counting the cargo area below the cargo area shade). We recently went a little larger to a 23 Traverse and the luggage area space in that is bigger than any car we've ever owned (as the area under the shade is the cargo area plus the folded 3rd row seats).
We also tint our cars pretty dark (including over the factory rear tint) so I've even left stuff in the back without the cargo net over it if we're just parking somewhere for a few hours. Someone would need a pretty bright flashlight to figure out theres stuff back there.
Last edited by bumpin96monte; Nov 18, 2022 at 04:57 PM.
That's a good one too, I've heard that as well. Ive also heard 'it feels safer' especially for the larger sized SUVs as some people seem to feel the added size is a potential benefit in an accident.
The high center of gravity makes that less true, but yeah, they think that.
I guess that depends on the size of it. We went from a 08 Impala to a 15 Edge and they were nearly equal as far as how much luggage they could handle (when counting the cargo area below the cargo area shade). We recently went a little larger to a 23 Traverse and the luggage area space in that is bigger than any car we've ever owned (as the area under the shade is the cargo area plus the folded 3rd row seats).
We also tint our cars pretty dark (including over the factory rear tint) so I've even left stuff in the back without the cargo net over it if we're just parking somewhere for a few hours. Someone would need a pretty bright flashlight to figure out theres stuff back there.
I had two Impalas, lots of room, but we never took the kids on vacation in them. I looked at a Suburban, and those things are huge. Like a small bus. Wanted something more agile, so I just bought a 2012 Acadia. Same deal. You open the back hatch and hardly room for much, but you can stack pretty high.
I am behind in the comments, but I love the statement about status symbols. There is a level of that with trucks and SUVs (because they cost more than most non-sports cars). Let's face it, even when the W-body vehicles were new and hot, a brand new v8 2006 Monte SS did not get the same "wow" as someone rolling a Suburban or a Escalade (heck a owning a non-performance Cadillac sedan or coupe fails to an Escalade).
And I know some people with "pretty boy trucks". The ones that next to never haul or tow anything or ever go off roading (but it's cool because I have a "truck"). I have also seen some truck owners who do use them as a truck but so rare that they could have done fine with a car and when they needed a truck rent one from the home improvement store OR ask a friend with a truck that is used as a truck. These are also the people who then don't want to drive on longer road trips because it is less fuel efficient.
But it is also funny reading the safety topic. I know people who do NOT want a 2-wheel drive anything! MUST be a 4wd/awd to handle winter here in Ohio (and I hear it mostly out of people younger than me). So that is safety item #1, the want to feel that 4wd/awd is the savior on icy roads (yet I have blown past some of these people on the freeway with ease in my 2wd cars with a good set of all season tires). And the other, people have a perception that MORE material to build the vehicle means it is better in the event of a crash. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. All depends on the engineering.
I am behind in the comments, but I love the statement about status symbols. There is a level of that with trucks and SUVs (because they cost more than most non-sports cars). Let's face it, even when the W-body vehicles were new and hot, a brand new v8 2006 Monte SS did not get the same "wow" as someone rolling a Suburban or a Escalade (heck a owning a non-performance Cadillac sedan or coupe fails to an Escalade).
And I know some people with "pretty boy trucks". The ones that next to never haul or tow anything or ever go off roading (but it's cool because I have a "truck"). I have also seen some truck owners who do use them as a truck but so rare that they could have done fine with a car and when they needed a truck rent one from the home improvement store OR ask a friend with a truck that is used as a truck. These are also the people who then don't want to drive on longer road trips because it is less fuel efficient.
But it is also funny reading the safety topic. I know people who do NOT want a 2-wheel drive anything! MUST be a 4wd/awd to handle winter here in Ohio (and I hear it mostly out of people younger than me). So that is safety item #1, the want to feel that 4wd/awd is the savior on icy roads (yet I have blown past some of these people on the freeway with ease in my 2wd cars with a good set of all season tires). And the other, people have a perception that MORE material to build the vehicle means it is better in the event of a crash. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. All depends on the engineering.
Oh down here in TN these idiots use 2WD and jack them up like they are 4WD. 5 inch exhaust tips. Some of them imitate stadium racers and only jack the front up. They think it's a blast until their $2000 tires wear out in 10,000 miles. And yeah, most don't dare go off road for fear of putting a scratch on. I guess there are phases everyone goes through, but this is the silliest thing I have ever seen.
So the SUV is kinda like the Mini Van in a way when it was introduced Dodge had a huge market on them and everyone wanted to catch up.
I think a redesign of the existing platform might be what they are.
Back in the 50's the Station Wagon was a big deal, very popular then.
The Nomad was introduced back then looked pretty cool. Our next door neighbor had one and I got a ride a few times It still smelled new I was 7 years old then.
The SUV is a Station Wagon on a Truck Platform.
This one is my 2020 Blazer I named Red Ryder.........Lol
I was talking about Cars when we got this I was interested in the Impala. But Mrs. Bickerson wanted the SUV we have a 2013 Equinox and Love it. The new Equinox was not as roomy as she wanted so we got the Blazer and it has a bunch of features we enjoy, it has a 4cyl. Turbo and if I stand on it from a stop it will churp the tires. 35 mpg when to do a trip.
The Color is Red Hot Red and we love it.
The stripes and pinstripes and accents I did, and you know it needs a 3 on it. Took it to a few Carshows and got a Trophy.
Took it to one in Iowa back in Sept. and they put it in with the Trucks and the Judges didn't know what to do????? In 2021 took it to the H&H all Chevy show mainly because I had to pick the wife up at the Airport and I love this show they have a huge variety of Chevys there from the first to the last. Several of the Staff asked if they could copy my look?
Every one enjoyed it. But I get a lot of stupid ? too! Like is this a DE edition? Haha Well I am all in on that and I can tell a few whoppers, and they believe that stuff too. Lol
No Black wheels for me, back in the day I wanted mag wheels on my Car Red 63 Chevy SS it took awhile to save up for a set of Crager SS wheels, I got 2 at a time. The first pair the guy asked if I wanted them in the front or the back and I said put them on the same side? He bout fell over?!?! Lol that way I got 2 cars. That worked out good!!
The Black wheels were the Poor mans mag back in the day. Today you have to keep them cleaner than the Chrome or alloy ones or they look terrible.
My wife has a 2018 Equinox and just loves it. All kinds of devices to pair. You would think she is on the Enterprise. Like yours, she gets 33 mph with a 4 cylinder and small turbo. Really is a nice ride. So I got jealous. Hers is just a FWD, So I decided we needed an AWD, with 3 seats, so I found this Acadia Denali. 2012 model. Well it had been rode hard and put up wet, and I was taking a big chance. Drove an hour to get it, and some idiot had changed the oil and when you started it smoke came out the vents. Anyway, drove it home and started "restoring" it. Changed the oil and tranny fluid, cabin and air filter. Someone had robbed the Cats off, so had more put on and the exhaust. fixed. Had worn out off road tires on it, but found some really nice Continental Cross Contact (20" ugh), and gave $300 for them. They sell for $150 each new. Needed brakes, and small stuff like the hood prop rod and rear hatch support. So now it is really coming along. Drives and runs just great. Seats are bad on these things, and collapse, so ordered a new cushion and heated element. It will take me two weeks to find out how to work everything. The sticker was over $50K. Has rear set entertainment with drop down screen, extra sun type roof, etc. Has the V6 so getting around 23 highway. Very smooth. I am thrilled to have it. Just need to upgrade the radio. I can't do maps like she can on hers.
Love that red. Really looking good. She has that typical white like everyone else, but we got a super deal on it. Mine is black. Not my favorite, but I only paid $3900 for it, so will learn to enjoy it. Hers Mine
My wife has a 2018 Equinox and just loves it. All kinds of devices to pair. You would think she is on the Enterprise. Like yours, she gets 33 mph with a 4 cylinder and small turbo. Really is a nice ride. So I got jealous. Hers is just a FWD, So I decided we needed an AWD, with 3 seats, so I found this Acadia Denali. 2012 model. Well it had been rode hard and put up wet, and I was taking a big chance. Drove an hour to get it, and some idiot had changed the oil and when you started it smoke came out the vents. Anyway, drove it home and started "restoring" it. Changed the oil and tranny fluid, cabin and air filter. Someone had robbed the Cats off, so had more put on and the exhaust. fixed. Had worn out off road tires on it, but found some really nice Continental Cross Contact (20" ugh), and gave $300 for them. They sell for $150 each new. Needed brakes, and small stuff like the hood prop rod and rear hatch support. So now it is really coming along. Drives and runs just great. Seats are bad on these things, and collapse, so ordered a new cushion and heated element. It will take me two weeks to find out how to work everything. The sticker was over $50K. Has rear set entertainment with drop down screen, extra sun type roof, etc. Has the V6 so getting around 23 highway. Very smooth. I am thrilled to have it. Just need to upgrade the radio. I can't do maps like she can on hers.
Love that red. Really looking good. She has that typical white like everyone else, but we got a super deal on it. Mine is black. Not my favorite, but I only paid $3900 for it, so will learn to enjoy it. Hers Mine
The local dealer in my town only gets white and lighter color vehicles when they get some in and really won't even suggest getting anything else. So we just shop elsewhere.
When you live in the area that will get Snow and other winter wonderland issues the white car may be difficult to see and with the crazy way folks drive in bad weather they might not see you until it is to late.
Anyway I saw this White Blazer recently and had to take a photo of it I liked the way they made it look.
Love that black stripe. We came out of Kroger the other day, and were in two cars so we could fill up using Kroger points. So I said where are you parked? She motioned and said over there. It was a sea of white SUVs. I said where over there? She was beside another white SUV. I guess they have to buy them because that is all the dealers seem to order. Like the reverse of the old Model T.......any color you want as long as it's black.
Just bought an upgrade radio so I can have real time mapping and traffic and Spotify. Crutchfield was great, and they have an interface to keep all your factory controls. After that just need the seat fixed. Being a tall SUV, when people get out the seat tends to roll over and eventually hits the side trim. Ordered a new cushion. Hope that fixes it. And I used plastic JB Weld to reinforce where they break. Got ambitious and cleaned the wheels.
too! Like is this a DE edition?
Haha 
Well I am all in on that and I can tell a few whoppers, and they believe that stuff too. Lol 
