You Said it Best! Campaign members tell it like it is

Angela of Montgomery, AL, mother (2 under the age of 16) and driver of a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer

My Trailblazer has poor performance on rainy days.  I feel that the SUV is going to turn over when I make a turn.  It is always sliding and tilting over.  I pay too much for gas.

Casey of Widlomar, CA father (3) and driver of a 2003 Land Rover Discover

I think if Americans can put a man on the moon during in the 60's and develop abstract topics like artificial intelligence, computer science, bioinformatics and genomics then this goes to prove that Americans can do anything they put their minds to.  We need to be putting those minds to work for something that affects Americans on a daily basis; more relevant and practical for those that pay taxes and work hard like myself: Build a better SUV.  We are the customers.  They are the servers.  Let's see some real customer service.

Ron of CA, driver of a 2000 Toyota  Tacoma

My second 4 wheel drive vehicle, it's shameful that my 1984 Toyota 4 Cylinder 4Runner got better mileage than my 2000 Toyota 4 Cylinder 4x4, and the Tacoma has some of the best mileage in it's class, and the smallest engine available in the Tacoma line.  When I asked what the mileage was, they looked at me like was crazy.  With all the advances in technology, they want us to believe they can't improve fuel economy after almost 20 years?

Lynn of CA, mother (4) and driver of a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban

We need an extra-large vehicle for our children and special needs equipment, as well as dogs.   We have been frustrated for years by the lack of fuel-efficient, safe vehicle choices that meet our needs.   The refusal of the Detroit automakers to budge on fuel efficiency is inexcusable and the SUV safety problems are appalling.  We caught a used 1997 Suburban thinking something better (maybe with a hybrid powertrain) would come along. Tired of waiting, we are getting ready to unload our SUV in favor of a used minivan, but even that's not adequately clean and safe at this time. I think the SUV safety and fuel economy problems that have been allowed to mushroom over the last decade are a public policy disaster that shows the worst side of the automakers and an apathetic federal regulatory system.

Arianna of Boulder Creek, CA, and driver of a 1997  Toyota   Tacoma

I had to buy a new vehicle in 1997.  I desperately wanted to wait till there was an option to buy a small truck that was "clean", but could wait no longer to replace the old '86 model with 300,000 plus miles.  And there still is nothing I can buy to fulfill my needs: which is "clean".  This is a deplorable situation which could be so easily rectified if greed was not in the mix!

Julie of Granada Hills, CA, mother (1) and driver of a 1996 Lexus LX450

I feel guilty about driving an SUV, and I can only justify it by looking at my 90 and 115 lbs. dogs who ride all the way in the back.   My daughter sits in the middle of the back seat.   I thought the size of my vehicle made the most sense for my child, husband and dogs since we oftentimes take our dogs in the car.  I also like the interior height of my car.  I feel safe in my SUV, but after reading your information I am concerned.  Also, the price and waste of gasoline makes me nauseous.  We are planning on buying a smaller car in two years, when my car is nine years old.

Patrick of San Francisco, CA, driver of a 1997 Ford Explorer

I am a 32 year old male who has driven SUVs most of my adult life.  I am an avid outdoorsman and I have taken my vehicles through treacherous snow and ice conditions as well as off road for camping, exploring, and transporting me to places where I can go mountain biking or back-country skiing.  I realize that most people who get SUVs don't actually use them for their intended off-road purpose, and that to me seems a bit silly, but people should have the right to be silly and frivolous if they want to be.  This is the land of too much choice after all.  But, if it is simple and beneficial to create a class of vehicles such as hybrid or hydrogen powered SUVs or extremely fuel efficient SUVs then I say our public policy should encourage the development of those vehicles.  Americans love the convenience, roominess, and ruggedness of SUVs. Let's realize this and prod the automobile industry through responsible public policy to make SUVs much much safer (e.g. develop uniform safety standards so that all cars besides those freakishly tiny but cool Mini Coopers are not at gross disadvantage in a collision with an SUV/Big Truck) and more fuel efficient.  Let's start thinking about a few generations down the road, say fifty or so, and start developing a responsible and sustainable global energy and transportation strategy.  Polluted skies, wasted resources, and a spirit of gluttony are not the legacies I wish to leave to future generations.  I love my SUV, but I wish I could replace it with a similar vehicle that more properly reflects my deepest values.

Kim of San Francisco, CA, mother (2) and driver of a 2000 Volvo X-Country

The safety and fuel technology is available and people want cars that use it to the fullest extent.  Physics does not dictate that bigger is safer.  The auto industry should stop dragging on these issues and provide people with safer, more fuel efficient or alternative fuel (clean) vehicles.  The only reason that we own a pickup is because we have horses.  Our other car is a Volvo X-country and it is safe but gets terrible gas mileage (18 to 20 mpg)!  My 1982 Volvo 240GL got better gas mileage then the new one (25 to 30 mpg)!  Unbelievable!  As soon as the family size hydrogen cars come out we are going to purchase one.

Rob of CT, father (1) and driver of a 2001 Ford Explorer

I'd like to see a hybrid electric vehicle in an SUV type package.  I'd trade weight and size for a less polluting truck.

Belinda of Washington, DC, mother and driver of a 1998 Chevy Blazer

Automakers listen up... I want to drive a SUV that is safe, fuel efficient, and performs well in all types of driving situations; not one that is bigger, shinier and a potential deadly weapon on four big tires.  Automakers are giving the American public a false sense of security with SUVs.  Because these vehicles are so big, drivers believe that they are insulated from injury by being in a big powerful SUV, however, statistics show that just the opposite is true.  SUV drivers and the American public should not only voice their opinions to automakers about improving the performance, fuel-efficiency, and safety of SUVs, but we should also be willing to hit the automakers where they will really feel it - on the sales floor and finance offices.

Richard of Miami, FL, driver of a 1992 Dodge Ram Charger

Unfortunately, government regulation is the major motivating factor in any improvement in safety and fuel efficiency within the automobile industry. I support further government regulation in this industry only because I know that is the only way change will come industry-wide. I usually believe in letting the market determine what's needed but unless we get uniform rules for all the manufacturers to follow we'll all be too old to drive by the time they do it themselves.

Frank of Mount Dora, FL, father and driver of a 2003 Ford Explorer

I bought the Ford Explorer   '03 to protect myself against the monster vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and Ford Navigator and the GM Yukon, etc. I had a sensible '02 Honda Civic.  No matter the speed, there was always one of these silly oversized behemoths, Yukons, Navigators, and Excursions, tailgating me.  It is as if they were saying "I'm bigger than you, move over.  I don't care that you are doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone.  Get over"!  In desperation, to protect myself against these denizens of the deep, I bought a monster myself....  Note, the Explorer was supersized in 2002 and became a mid-size SUV.  In many minds 'bigger is better'.  I don't think anyone is going to make the public think otherwise. Everything is 'supersized' from hamburgers, french fries and soda pop to SUV's.

Margaret of Decatur, GA driver of a 2000 Lexus RX300

I think that SUV's should have to maintain the same guidelines and laws as those of conventional cars in matters of safety and of gas consumption.    I think more needs to be done in making these vehicles less gas guzzling as with the new hybrids.   I understand that next yr. the Lexus RX 330 will have a hybrid model, and I believe that's a step in the right direction.   I am disabled and cannot get in and out of the typical cars made today without pain, they are just too low to the ground.   That is the main reason I bought an SUV.   I was not impressed with gas consumption or the safety problems   (rollover problems, etc.) associated with these vehicles.   Please work to make improvements to future models of SUVs, and I will purchase another one someday.   I think that otherwise the American people will rise up and fight for laws to make these things happen, if the major car companies don't act on their own.     I personally plan to fight for these laws and elect those who are in favor of such laws.

David of Driggs, ID, Father (1) and driver of a 1993 Mazda MPV

I think this is one of the most encouraging campaigns in recent memory. Talk about the practical application of common sense! I fully support the efforts to make safer and more fuel efficient autos, not just for SUV's but for ALL vehicles! Thanks for giving average citizens a voice on this topic!

I think it would be great to be able to get twice the mileage I'm getting now.  There's no reason that we can't produce that kind of mileage, but we need to start in Washington with some properly fostered initiatives.  Give automakers a reason to perform the R&D. Give tax breaks for ULEV car owners, and create a sizeable tax for auto owners who use gas-guzzlers.  I bought this car used to be able to move my family around, especially with car seats being an issue.  I figure it's an older car and I'm sort of 'recycling' it.  It's stable and I'm not worried about rollover (it's got an acceptable center of gravity), but the MPG should really be higher, so I'll drive as little as possible until there's a car out there that the environment (and my pocketbook) can better afford.  Thanks for advocating some progressive change!

Ganno and Bethany of New Orleans, LA, parents (1) and drivers of a 1997 Ford Explorer

My family needs an SUV-like vehicle for our real estate business.   But current SUV's are too rollover prone, get poor mileage, and are too polluting.  Car companies can and should focus on real improvements such as safety, fuel economy and pollution reduction, instead of - or in addition to the latest gadgets and gizmos.

Donald of North Brookfield, MA, father and driver of 1991 Ford Bronco

I do not use this vehicle very much, in fact if it wasn't given to me by my son I would not have one.   The vehicle is in very good condition but I only get 15 miles per gal.

David of MO, driver of a 1998 Honda CRV

I have been driving my mother's old SUV for about two years now, and I do think it is necessary for a family to have a large car.  My CRV has been very useful in carrying all of my music equipment like speakers and amplifiers, which could not fit in a small car.  Though my SUV has been very useful, I do not understand why the car companies are not searching for ways to adjust the center of gravity to make the cars less prone to roll-overs and to make the cars more fuel efficient.  Decreasing rollovers and making SUVs more fuel-efficient should be the top priority of the car companies, but unfortunately, the SUV manufacturers seem to only be spending more money to increase the horsepower of their vehicles.  It is imperative that the companies value the lives of the consumers and make their cars safer and more fuel-efficient.

Jeff of MO, driver of a used SUV

I bought a used SUV two years ago in order to have enough space to haul musical equipment. However, I continue drive my girlfriend's compact car whenever it is convenient for us.  This is primarily an economic decision reflective of the poor fuel efficiency of my SUV and increasing gas prices.  I don't know how much longer my SUV will last (I had to repair the transmission earlier this year) and I am planning on buying another auto in the next year.  I will search for a hybrid that suits my needs.  If there was an option to purchase a new hybrid (or at least fuel-efficient) SUV, I would jump at the chance.  But I know the current government has no desire to push for higher fuel standards for automakers.  I wish that I could get by on public transportation.

Ronald of Charlotte, NC, father and driver of a 2002 Jeep Liberty

It's too tall and has too narrow wheelbase, so it's prone to roll over.   I was shocked to learn after I bought that it has drum brakes on the rear.  They lock on a wet road when I apply the least bit of pressure.  It takes too much gas.

Edward of City Carson, NV, driver of a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder

Like the vehicle but no longer trust the stability.  Tried to avoid something that fell off the back of a pickup truck and it felt like I was going to lose control.  Fortunately all was well.

Christine of Larchmont, NY, mother (2) and driver of a 1994  Toyota 4-Runner

We are required (rightly so) to use safety seats for our children, which in turn, forces us to buy bigger cars.  But then we are stuck with the large gas eating monster vehicles that give us a false sense of security when it comes to safety.  With all of the amazing technological and scientific breakthroughs we've made, I just don't buy the fact that we can't make SUVs more fuel-efficient.

Brendan of NY, driver of a 1997 Ford Explorer

It is awful that I need to pay that much for gas when there are so many ways to make SUVs more fuel-efficient.  I mean heck, I would pay more for an SUV that has better mileage.  I would not care if it cost more if it costs less for gas.

Robert of  Ashland,  OR former driver of a Ford Explorer

My wife’s Ford Explorer went out of control when a car pulled in front of us on the Interstate 5 in California.  I was in the passenger side.  The car rolled 5 times for over 500 feet and landed on its roof in the middle of the freeway.  The roof broke and pancaked on us.  I broke my neck at C3-4, I now suffer with paralysis and constant pain.  I'm so glad we didn't have our children with us.  The car is a menace, it is uncontrollable and shouldn't be allowed on the road.

Barbara of Portland, OR, mother (2) and driver of a 1997 Chevy Suburban

Would love to have a more fuel-efficient vehicle that can accommodate our family of 5 to camp and ski.  It is our 3rd vehicle and mostly sits in front of our house, except for vacationing and hauling more than 6 people which fit in my wagon.  For such a big heavy vehicle it also has really lousy brakes!  We deserve more options.

Christopher of Willamette, OR, father (1) and driver of a 1994 Isuzu Trooper

I have a V6 that has nearly the same atrocious fuel consumption of the larger V8, averaging an obscenely mere 14 mpg on the highway.  My dream is to one day in the not too distant future and definitely in my lifetime, see all vehicles on the road replaced with Hydrogen fuel cell technology.  This would eliminate the prospect of resource wars over the remaining crude reserves, protect the future of our environment, and counter adverse climatic changes due to global warming.  We'd, perhaps, even save the planet from a collision course with global extinction.  Gosh, what a concept!

Rav of Devon, PA, father (1) and driver of a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder

Would like a more fuel efficient SUV with more safety devices instead of extra weight.  Would also like to see lower emissions on SUV's.

David of Uniontown, PA, father (1) and driver of a 2002 Ford Escape

I love my Escape for its size and comfort.  I love the convenience of it as well.  However, the gas mileage kills me.  This is my first car out of college.  It is one of the few cars that I could use for my clients that I could afford.  I was at the time fortunate enough to have a gas mileage plan, I no longer have that job and I have an hour commute to work every day. I spend about 60 dollars a week in gas and I have no more power than a Grand Am. There is no reason that SUVs should have lower standards.  The auto companies are using loopholes in the laws that need to be filled.

Scott of TX, father (1) and driver of a 1997 Isuzu Trooper

We have one child and another on the way and lead very active lives.   We've traveled all over paved and unpaved roads in the south and southwest to go camping, hiking, and mountain biking.  We depend heavily on our SUV to get us to great locations.  When we bought our Trooper in 1996 we accepted the poor gas mileage as a tradeoff for the utility, but we were unaware of that the emissions standards were lower than passenger cars, which continues to trouble us.  Nevertheless, simply selling the vehicle and replacing it with a car not only fails to meet our utility needs, it doesn't remove the vehicle from the road.  It'd be an easy solution for us, but not for everyone else.  Instead, we do our best to minimize its impact, but keeping it well maintained, driving less, consolidating trips, refueling early or late in the day, etc.  Our intention was to keep our Trooper for >10 years and we're definitely on track.  Otherwise, we've been very happy with the vehicle.  Still, we'd like the option to replace ours someday with an SUV that gets significantly better mileage and much, much lower emissions - a hybrid, perhaps.

Irene of Austin, TX, mother (1) and driver of a 2001 Mercedes ML320

The best SUV is a station wagon.  Period.  Unfortunately until laws are put in place to restrict licensing and tax SUV's out of existence, I can't see where I'm going and stand a good chance of being decapitated by an SUV unless I'm driving one myself.  No matter how fuel efficient, how clean, how much less prone to rollovers SUV's are made, there will always be room for improvement by making them lower profile.  Bring back the family station wagon.

Phyllis of Austin, TX, driver of a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer

My next car will be a foreign make if American SUVs don't become cleaner and more efficient.

Kathleen from Waco, TX, mother (2) and driver of a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport

I am very concerned for our safety!

Sean-Patrick of Burlington, VT, and driver of a 1997 Chevy Tahoe

In northern Vermont, with the tough winters, we need SUV's and trucks to get around.  However, we don't need the poor fuel economy and rollover risks.  I hope that car makers will listen to driver's concerns and make the needed changes.

Sharon of WA, driver of a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban

It's a crime that I felt forced to go against my own convictions, environmentally speaking, to buy a SUV I consider safe to drive.  The mini van I drove 11 years prior to 2002 was a poor fit for myself, my 3 Bouviers and all our gear.  I love to drive my Suburban, but cringe whenever I'm at the gas pump.