| SUV fuel economy is a contradiction in terms; A | | | | stance off the road and resulting higher center of |
| matter of fact, SUVs are known as the biggest gas | | | | gravity. That isn't to say that SUVs are not safe; |
| guzzlers that the average American can buy. So | | | | they're just not as safe as you may think. Just |
| when searching for the best gas mileage SUV rating, | | | | because they are large vehicles doesn't make them |
| be prepared to discover that none will get good gas | | | | bulletproof. |
| mileage; it's just that some are not quite as crappy | | | | But what is the definition of a SUV? A car like the |
| as others! | | | | Saturn Outlook, for example, might be considered an |
| If you're going to buy a SUV, you are expressing a | | | | SUV but it might not. Would a vehicle like this qualify |
| certain message: vehicle size and luxury matters to | | | | for the best gas mileage SUV? Or is it too small and |
| you much more than efficiency. But there are certain | | | | would thus have an unfair advantage over larger |
| SUV companies, such as Subaru, which specifically | | | | SUVs? This is open to debate, but it's probably safe |
| market to hippies and other supposedly | | | | to say that any vehicle large enough to make you |
| environmentally conscious folks. But even these are | | | | FEEL like you're driving a SUV should qualify it to fit in |
| not known for being very energy-efficient. | | | | the SUV category. |
| Nevertheless, if you are in the market for a new | | | | Researching the best gas mileage SUV will make you |
| SUV, it's better to find out more about the best gas | | | | think twice about buying a large vehicle--even if it is |
| mileage SUVs before making a decision to buy one. | | | | for status symbol purposes. Because for the amount |
| The SUV category is not set in stone; although SUVs | | | | of money that you could spend buying a new Sport |
| are supposed to be rugged vehicles equipped for | | | | Utility Vehicle, you could get something that was |
| off-road driving, we all know better: For many | | | | REALLY fuel-efficient--such as a Honda hybrid car or |
| people, SUVs are simply status symbols. These folks | | | | Toyota Prius--and save $400 per month in fuel |
| like to show off or drive something larger than other | | | | savings alone! |
| vehicles and have a "commanding view" over the | | | | You just may come to the conclusion that you don't |
| other drivers. They are roomy inside and high above | | | | even need or want a big, gas-guzzling sport utility |
| the ground, which makes them generally safer in | | | | vehicle. Because if you don't have to carry around |
| crashes. I say, "generally safer," but oftentimes the | | | | much cargo and don't drive in the snow, why pay |
| opposite is true: Sport Utility Vehicle crashes often | | | | extra money for a SUV? Instead, invest in a hybrid |
| result in violent rollovers that can injure or kill the | | | | electric car and help America gain independence from |
| driver and/or passengers. | | | | the choke-hold that the middle east has on the |
| The reason for these rollovers is due to their higher | | | | United States economy. |