| They were supposed to have gone away especially | | | | clean. Netting and removable compartments help to |
| in the face of four dollar a gallon gasoline, worries | | | | keep everything in its place. Let's not get started |
| about global warming and their supposed arrogant | | | | about the nifty entertainment systems most |
| nature. But the American car buying consumer has | | | | crossovers feature! |
| spoken and rendered their verdict: we still love our | | | | Economy -- Surprise! Today's car based SUVs are |
| sport-utility vehicles! | | | | fuel efficient. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain |
| Untraditional SUVs | | | | deliver 32 miles to the gallon the highway, matching |
| According to a report from J.D. Power & Associates, | | | | what many compact cars offer. Thanks to new |
| in 2010, from the first of April to May 19, the best | | | | engines paired to six-speed automatic transmissions, |
| selling vehicle segment was SUVs. Of course, what is | | | | these vehicles offer plenty of room without the |
| being called an SUV these days has changed as | | | | attendant guilt. |
| seven of the 10 best-selling models are crossovers, | | | | Towing -- Best in class towing still belongs to |
| based on car platforms, while the three remaining | | | | traditional and large SUVs, but even the Ford Escape |
| models are truck-based traditional SUVs. | | | | can pull 1500 lbs.; 3500 lbs. when its Class II towing |
| No matter, SUV popularity continues and for the | | | | package is included. Larger crossovers such as the |
| following reasons: | | | | Buick Enclave can pull up to 4500 lbs. Other |
| Roominess -- You can't beat an SUV for room. In | | | | crossovers worth considering include the Kia Sorento, |
| fact, most of the newer, crossover models offer | | | | Dodge Journey, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the |
| plenty of space, seating as many as eight passengers | | | | Lincoln MKX along with its rival the Cadillac SRX. |
| and comfortably at that. If you have three children a | | | | Summer Season |
| sedan just doesn't do it, especially if you have other | | | | Of course, dealer incentives are behind some of the |
| children you need to bring along for a soccer match, | | | | increased demand as manufacturers continue to look |
| party or other important outing. | | | | for sales and move older models off of the lot. The |
| Storage -- Unlike a sedan featuring a trunk, today's | | | | summer selling season will likely offer additional deals |
| SUVs offer far more storage room especially if the | | | | as dealers seek to clear their lots before the new |
| third row seating area is not needed. Much easier to | | | | model year crossovers and traditional sport-utility |
| access than a pickup truck bed and protected too, | | | | vehicles show up. |
| an SUV's storage area is contained, carpeted and | | | | |