::OT:: What is up with all the new SUV/MiniVans?

[bparker]

I know this is offtopic, but I want to ask why are there so many "hot selling" SUVs out now that are merely jacked up MiniVans?

I mean most people squawk at the idea of owning a mini-van and say they never would - but - then they go out and buy an one of these:

Lexus - RX330 - Price: 50k-63k
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c445208a.jpg

2005 Buick Rendezvous
Base Retail Price: $32,850 - $46,415
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c448269a.jpg

2005 Honda Pilot
Base Retail Price: $39,000 - $46,200
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c445280a.jpg

2005 Volvo XC90
Base Retail Price: $49,995 - $62,620
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c450380a.jpg

Would you agree or disagree that all of these are pretty much mini-vans on lift kits?

[bparker]

I know this is offtopic, but I want to ask why are there so many "hot selling" SUVs out now that are merely jacked up MiniVans?

I mean most people squawk at the idea of owning a mini-van and say they never would - but - then they go out and buy an one of these:

Lexus - RX330 - Price: 50k-63k
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c445208a.jpg

2005 Buick Rendezvous
Base Retail Price: $32,850 - $46,415
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c448269a.jpg

2005 Honda Pilot
Base Retail Price: $39,000 - $46,200
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c445280a.jpg

2005 Volvo XC90
Base Retail Price: $49,995 - $62,620
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/Gallery/c450380a.jpg

Would you agree or disagree that all of these are pretty much mini-vans on lift kits?

[H3OH]

I would say more like station wagons on lift kits, than mini-vans on lift kits.

The best parts of of your post are the price points. The H3 can be had cheaper than all of them. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyway, out of the bunch, if I were to pick, I'd take the Lexus.

Aren't most of them on car wheel bases anyway?

[bparker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3OH:
Aren't most of them on car wheel bases anyway? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, sir they are. But I am mostly reffering to the use of the term SUV.

I guess Sport Utility Vehichle is a very loose term once you break it down. But I have always envisioned these as SUVs.

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/YearGlance/y448407a.jpg

2005 Ford Explorer
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/YearGlance/y450059a.jpg

2006 Land Rover Range Rover
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/YearGlance/y455124a.jpg

2005 Nissan Xterra
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c447849a.jpg

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c447802a.jpg

[f5fstop]

In the car industry, they actually refer to these type of vehicles as "crossover" vehicles. A cross between an SUV and a Van or wagon.

[H3OH]

So, f5fstop, what you are saying is they are...


SUX


Sport Utility Crossovers.

LOL!

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif