re: #177 lawhawk

Those SUVs were a creation of the CAFE rules in the first place - by not including them in the original mileage requirements, they became the place where manufacturers turned when station wagons went extinct under the CAFE rules.

You want to see SUVs disappear? Find people a vehicle that lets families lug their kids around with their strollers, required car seats, and do so when going to the grocery store with room to spare and the horsepower needed to merge onto highways safely.

That’s the conundrum. Sure, Smart cars sound like a great idea, but they aren’t for folks with kids - and only one car. You need a second larger car to do the kids thing. And forget about carrying stuff as well.

I have a full sized van, 4 kids mom and dad. I bought the most efficient van possible, it’s the Dodge Sprinter by Mercedes. The 2.5L CDI engine is efficient and very clean. No matter under CA type emission standards that engine is too dirty, never mind it meets European clean air standards.

I’m a home DYI guy. Second vehicle is a full size pickup. With a compact PU I’d be making more trips.

The ijits in DC with their chauffeurs, nannies and other to do all the mundane stuff for them have no clue has to how middle America lives and what they need.