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For all fellow truck/SUV owners out there, do you believe having such a vehicle spoils you?
I was mulling this thought around this past Saturday when I was stuck driving a Honda Civic for the better part of my day. I got roped into helping a friend of mine move from an apartment to a small condo he just purchased and was stuck driving his little Civic for an hour. No headroom, no legroom, no power, no visibility, uncomfortable seats, too stiff...was VERY glad to get out of it!
All the way I was thinking how much I'd rather be in my F-150 where I could see vehicles ahead/behind me, the seats are big and comfortable, I have a decent amount of power to pass, and my head isn't hitting the ceiling when I go over a bump!
I really do believe that I'm a bit spoiled by driving a truck, don't think I could ever use a car for a daily driver anymore. Of course I pay for it at the pump but that's a small price to pay to not be cramped for my 30 mile commute. I'd much rather step up in to a vehicle than attempt to crouch down and slide into one all the time. I can see why some enjoy getting great gas mileage but is it really worth it to be uncomfortable in your small car? I would think not...
I like having a truck/SUV when I'm carting people or stuff, but they are not my favorite. I'm 6'4" and 240 and I enjoy driving small cars more than trucks. It's odd because I actually feel safer in a car where I generally have better acceleration, braking and handling to get into and out of trouble. The best kind of accident is the one you can avoid. I also like feeling like I'm sitting on the road versus perched above it. My wife is the complete polar opposite of me though and really enjoys having a truck/SUV and while she likes cars that are fast, she hates not being able to see over other cars.
I like having a truck/SUV when I'm carting people or stuff, but they are not my favorite. I'm 6'4" and 240 and I enjoy driving small cars more than trucks. It's odd because I actually feel safer in a car where I generally have better acceleration, braking and handling to get into and out of trouble. The best kind of accident is the one you can avoid. I also like feeling like I'm sitting on the road versus perched above it. My wife is the complete polar opposite of me though and really enjoys having a truck/SUV and while she likes cars that are fast, she hates not being able to see over other cars.
I'm 6'2" and would probably agree with your wife. I enjoy driving my 'Vette on the weekends but only for a short amount of time, not a vehicle I'd ever take on a roadtrip. The braking is better, engine is more responsive, but I can't seem to ever get comfortable in most cars especially the paper-thin seats that the Corvette has. My back just can't take the abuse that it gets when driving it for any extended period of time.
Come to think of it I need to get the oil changed in my truck...damnit. Might as well as that to my 8 page to-do list.
I wouldn't say "spoiled." I feel they are damn useful to have, though, and nice ones are quite acceptable to drive regularly. I'm going to miss our Range Rover after we sell it, as it's very comfortable to drive. THe diesel dually isn't going to be used as often as it's not quite as comfortbale and responsive as the Rangie. But being able to see over obstacles like hedges or mailboxes that block traffic coming from the side when sitting at intersections is still the same and still a benefit.
My BMW is still very comfy for long trips (though now with the H&R lowering springs, a bit stiffer than a luxury car normally is). So cars are still where I'd rather be (and given my choices, I'd always take the better handling/braking vehicle.)
I'm 6'2" and would probably agree with your wife. I enjoy driving my 'Vette on the weekends but only for a short amount of time, not a vehicle I'd ever take on a roadtrip. The braking is better, engine is more responsive, but I can't seem to ever get comfortable in most cars especially the paper-thin seats that the Corvette has. My back just can't take the abuse that it gets when driving it for any extended period of time.
Come to think of it I need to get the oil changed in my truck...damnit. Might as well as that to my 8 page to-do list.
Yeah, you are just like my wife, lol. I would drive the Vette everyday and leave the truck in the garage unless I needed it. She would drive the truck everyday and only roll out the Vette if she wanted to go for a cruise.
Uh, comparing a large pickup or SUV to a Civic is a bit of a stretch isn't it? There are just a few cars between these two. I have owned, driven, ridden in various trucks many times. For most of my use, I wouldn't swap my car(s) for a truck. Since there are a lot of cars still on the road, I doubt I am the only one.
I recently drove 16 hours 'straight through' in a car by myself. I averaged over 70 when moving, topping out at about 85 at times, nothing crazy. A lot of this was in fast moving traffic, so handling and stopping counted. I was quite comfortable all things considered. Including return and side trips I drove over 3,000 miles in about a week. The car performed very well and was a pleasure to drive at all times. I got well over 30 mpg for most of the trip.
It depends on what you value in a vehicle and how you use it. There are few that can do it all under all conditions and for all people...trucks have their place of course. To each his or her own...
I drive a Ridgeline most of the time. Some don't think it is a truck but it most certainly is not a car. It drives like a tall car and I like its utility and room a lot. When I'm not driving the Ridgeline I drive my NSX. Hands down I prefer driving the NSX. Yeah I can't see over vehicles in it. But the engine, the handling, the shifting, etc. all are superb and I never get tired of it. It has superb seats. I have driven it from Colorado to Texas and didn't get tired in the least.
We had a Ford F250 SD crewcab for a good while. It was an excellent truck, but I hated driving it. I don't like getting tossed out of my seat going over speed bumps in a parking lot.
My F150 is the smallest vehicle I drive and I enjoy room and comfortable seats, which the F150 gives me. In fact, I really don't care much for my wife's 2002 Explorer. Although we rarely use the hauling capability of the F150, it's nice to know we have it if we need it.
All that room is just fine until you have to put on your brakes and end up doing a 360 or 180. I'll stick with a safe car.
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. I got roped into helping a friend of mine move from an apartment to a small condo he just purchased and was stuck driving his little Civic for an hour. No headroom, no legroom, no power, no visibility, uncomfortable seats, too stiff...was VERY glad to get out of it! 
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