Why all the SUV's and Trucks? (Phoenix, Scottsdale: lease, insurance, purchase)

[SpeedyAZ]

The only vehicles brands I consider "upscale" would be Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maybach, and Rolls Royce. Each vehicle from these brands starts at OVER $100K and some surpass the $500K mark ,to me that says that whoever driving this vehicle:

a) Has money.
b) Wants to be noticed.
c) Has good taste in automobiles.

Many average people can afford to drive a fancy SUV such as an Escalade or a luxury car like a BMW 5 Series but not many can afford to buy a new Bentley. People who think driving around in a leased Beamer or Mercedes makes them "upper-class" have never really been around true wealth.

Someone mentioned a Yukon Denali being a status symbol, well I drive one and love it but I know it's a very common vehicle (albeit a nice one).

[artyst]

i just spent 6 days exploring upstate ny and could probably count on my two hands the amount a big pick up trucks i saw. the majority of cars on the road are mid-size. there are way more mid-size cars than suv's as well. i've also thought there were an abundance of giant trucks and suvs here.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by dbean

Have only been in PHX for a month, but have noticed an abundance of SUV's and giant pickups, usually 2-3 feet off the ground (large tires w/ lift kits).

My question is....why?

Various reasons that have already been mentioned. Some are for very practical purposes such as self employment reasons (hauling), or for recreation (pulling boats, offroading, etc.). On the other hand, Steve-o is probably right that a good percentage also drive those big trucks around to compensate for a lack of something upstairs or downstairs. After all, I see quite a few of those 4x4 trucks around that AREN'T hauling or pulling anything ... so that part is definitely an ego thing.

Originally Posted by MaxPower123

It's easier to blame Bush and besides, it's their American right to drive a 10MPG vehicle.

Give me a break! There is no "right" to drive. I'll leave it to you to reveiw the Constitutiton, and indicate where it specifically says that driving is a right. I would say that's owning one of those roadhogs is a PRIVILEGE ... and if someone wants to make a lame attempt to appear macho, or shell out three times as much money on fuel as the average car consumes, so be it. I look at it this way: they're paying through the nose every time they buy gas. As long as I don't have to contribute to their addictions, let them drive what they want.

[Prinny]

Originally Posted by Greatday

LOT"S of people in the West pull their Boats, RV's, Toy Haulers etc - AND, we have our homes too -

Many have that 2nd home up North - and haul materials on the weekends to that Cabin they are building

And? We have home's too, I still won't spend money on "things" to prove myself as a where or what my status is. Things we buy are because we need them for a purpose, not show. My character, education, how I live or my husbands and my accomplishments speak for itself. Even if I did nothing or had nothing but lived a good honest life an SUV would give me no status. When I see cars on the road, it just doesn't matter to me.

[dbean]

Originally Posted by MJinAustin

Because they are compensating for a certain body part that is very small. The truck becomes the extension of their lack of physical masculinity...haha.

I think Arizona still has a bit of the western frontier bravado - like Texas - and that is where some of that comes from. I've seen many people carry guns in AZ...strapped to their waists in a restaurant, etc. It's just part of that frontier culture that has never left.

very well put and makes a lot of sense to us 'transplants'!

[dbean]

WOW, quite the discussion the original post initiated!
Its weird in this country...people complain day after day about gas prices, but yet, you see all the 'big rigs' on the road.

Travel around in Europe, a few times and you can count the number of suv's or trucks on a single hand.

Reasons why...I have no clue, just trying to point out obvious discrepancies and seek some explanation.

[Mom_2_specialneeds]

Originally Posted by dbean

Travel around in Europe a few times and you can count the number of suv's or trucks on a single hand.

Europe has a GREAT public transportation system- trains, busses, subways, etc. While America doesn't. Europe built up not out. There is a big difference in that most Europeans really don't have a NEED to even own a vehicle. I lived in Europe for a few years. Unfortunately, the way that most towns and cities are here in the US, we don't have that luxury.

[movin'on]

Oh, I only drive a 2002 Honda Accord (with less than 40K miles!) Only thing I can think of is status symbol.

[country pride]

You know, a mini van is just as economical as an SUV, if not more, when it comes to hauling large families. Depending on the streamline of the body, of course. Typically, an SUV can only seat 5-6 people, depending on whether the front seats convert to bench when you lift that console. But then, a car holds 5-6 people too. So the idea that an SUV is needed for larger families is a myth. A mini van makes more sense. But because they dont meet 'status' requirements, people choose other means. Thats the facts.
As far as the trucks being lifted, theres a story behind that, lol, as most of us have heard...though Im not sure how true that is. And personally, Id rather see a slightly lifted truck than a lowered one, anyday!
Most of the cities in Az that have that 'status' thing going on are really not much different than many other city where status means so much
to some. "Look at me, I fit in, here!". Jeeze.
So many great replies to this topic, and Im tossing in my 2c worth. Kudos to you folks who too, feel the same way.

[azriverfan.]

There are a lot of Escalades, Hummers, Forerunners and Navigators. I've never seen a high-rise truck dealership in the valley so you must be living in an area that I don't frequent too often.