What in Hades does a SUV have to do with sports?

[raccoon]

Any more than my Camry does?

[onehandle]

1. SUVs were called Minivans in the 80s. Before that they were called Station Wagons.

All three have the primary purpose of taking your kids to soccer and picking up groceries.

[Samjm]

2. not for your average driver

But, SUVs do have many features that appeal to the rugged outdoorsy types. There are many roads in the mountains here in CO that are impassable without the high clearance, 4 wheel drive abilities of many SUVs. You can't go cross country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, hunting, mountain climbing etc if you can't get yourself and your equipment where you need to be.

Yes, I drive one. And while most of my driving is urban/suburban, there have been a significant number of times when I've really needed more than just a regular car.

[MicaelS]

3. Pulling your horse trailer with your horses in it..

So you can riding your horses somewhere. Pulling your boat, so you can go sailing, or fishing or water skiing. Carrying all your hunting or fishing gear to whatever spot you have chosen, frequently off a paved or dirt road, or no road at all.

[dawg]

4. Duh. You go muddin' in them.

Muddin' is a sport!

Aren't you supposed to be from SC or something? You should know all about this.

[Spike89]

5. Two explanations, both valid

Sports Utility Vehicles were originally Jeeps, Land Rovers, etc.--not station wagons. They virtually all had 4-wheel drive and extreme clearance. They weren't trucks (not really suited for cargo), but they certainly aren't cars. The "sport" in these vehicles (speaking as a purist) is off-roading, (baja racing, mountain rallys, endurance racing, and of course exploring "wild" areas).

Over time, these "sorta trucks" were given much better road manners because most people didn't actually need a rugged Jeep all the time. These road-friendly SUVs may not have been that good/suited to off-road sports, but they are very good at hauling Quads, dirt bikes, boats, trailers, etc. into the areas the jeeps used to tear around in.

Of course, most suburbanites buy them as an alternative to the minivan (the true station wagon descendent). They are pretty popular in northern areas for their 4-wheel drive, but honestly, I think they are mostly popular because they seem more "manly" than a minivan.

[TrogL]

6. It's for soccer moms to lug their balls around in