once again Curt distills the issue to some words of wisdom.

Thank goodness one has the freedom to drive one's SUV to the store for bread or instead chooses to drive one's 911 if he/she so desires.

And, also, thank goodness that folks are free to criticize such activities.

Ain't it grand?

Best,

Kurt

Then, WHY...ask yourself, am I driving a Porsche at all? I'll admit it. I'm for free choice, But when it comes to producing the Cayenne? I ask the same question: WHY? Then the answer becomes clear. That is, they are relatively cheap to produce, and the Porsche Corporation can sell them for a huge profit. So really, let's admit it...there is no longer a "Porsche philosophy"...not at the top levels of the corporation, anyway. Knowing that kind of makes me feel likea sucker, one of those born every minute...my only comfort is in knowing I'm not alone?

I find my general surprise that people are so keen on SUVs has nothing to do with the freedom to drive what you want, it's to do with why would someone want to drive something so big, ugly, atrocious handling (in a lot of cases), poorly made or reliability issues (e.g Jeep; unreliable Land/Range Rovers), unless they had to - like for work, or large families, etc.
I'm OK with why someone want's to drive something they will not use to even 20% of its true capabilities, but why something that is so flawed in a lot of ways? Like Porsche owners that don't use anything like the performance of handling capabilities of their car, but at least it's a Porsche.
Oh well...and no offense intended, just a critique of a vehicle when it is not used for it's true purpose and it is only just adequate at everything else, in some cases. (To counteract "the neither is a Porsche" argument: Porsche are small, easy to park, often capable of great fuel economy, well made, and handle very well at average speeds in the hands of the uninitiated; basically, everything SUVs aren't).
Freedom to drive what we want is a narrow margin, also. Can I drive a 917 on the road? No. Can I destroy my license/registration/have no ID, drive naked in a lime green 914 with the roof off at 90 mph down Santa Monica Bvld, when stopped by LA finest (or asked to) I jump out the car and run off? I don't think so....
Well, at least we don't have to all drive around in these:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/t601_k.jpg
and offense to anyone who does....

A while ago, at the start of the SUV craze, I leased a new Ford Contour. A co-worker of mine was shocked and didn't understand why I didn't lease an Explorer "for only $20 an month more".

I don't like trucks. I don't like the way they look, handle and accelerate (maybe that explains my 911 ownership). The SUV is a fashion statement, especially in the more wealthy neighborhoods.

Everyone is free to drive what they want. That's why I drive cars instead of trucks.