did the old stationwagons get better mileage than today's SUVs?

[pstokely]

did fuel standards kill them, or did the minivan? do many SUV owners drive SUVs because they can't get a big stationwagon that can tow a trailer anymore?

[ReadTomPaine]

1. Minivans and image did them in..

The minivan killed them on the utility front in the 1980's, for the most part, as well as the view that they represented the vehicles that out of the loop 'parental' types drove. SUV's are headed for the same eventually, just as minivans died into the 1990’s. BTW station wagons are making a come back - the 'crossover' breed of SUV/sedan (such as the DC Pacifica) is basically a station wagon, just don't mention this to the marketing departments of their manufacturers. They get rather upset.

[bearfartinthewoods]

2. a previous thread on the subject (link)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=86951&mesg_id=86951&page=

oh but you knew that didn't you since it's YOUR thread

[morningglory]

3. I remember when the SUV really took off.

My station wagon was getting 27 mpg. I had 2 children to cart around. Station wagons had become passe (not expensive enough for consumerists). One day a news item came out that the SUV would roll over. That was quieted down and one would think the problem was fixed and then there were news item after news item that in collisions with reasonably-sized cars the SUV destroys and the driver walks. Everyone had to have an SUV then, and they took off.

[uberblonde]

4. Love my wagon!

I drive a 4WD '85 Toyota Tercel wagon and get about 23MPG in the city and close to 30MPG on the highway. My grown kids make fun of me because my wheels are so UNCOOL, but who do they call when they need to haul something?

Plus, no monthly payments.

[newyawker99]

5. dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=86951&mesg_id=86951&page=

I am locking this one.


NYer99
DU Moderator