The 'customization' thread

[guruerror]

THE SHORT OF IT: You're right...it's theirs and if they wanted it like that 'great' that's their right. In the same token my opinion is mine...and, to me, what they've done is DUMB.

THE LONG OF IT: The part that 'gets' me about this type of customization is that this 'pimp my ride' sh!t is why these trucks get so little respect in the 4x4 world and part of the reason that the brand doesn't exist any longer. If Hummers had been primarily purchased by outdoor/off-road enthusiasts they wouldn't have attracted all of the negative attention for being gas-guzzling 'status symbols.' Hummer could have happily flown under the radar like Jeep all the other full sized 4x4s in this world that got similar mileage. But because ours were perverted (sorry...'customized') like this over and over in the face of the media they became perceived as being elitist, gluttonous, symbols of over-indulgence making them a lightening rod for environmentalists which eventually made the brand so radioactive that nobody wanted it.

And if you still don't buy into what I'm getting at; tell me why Mopar continues to happily churn out 16MPG Wranglers, Toyota 17MPG FJs, and Ford can introduce an 11MPG Raptor and RAM the Power Wagon (they don't even post the MPG on that rig) and no one is vandalizing dealerships. These vehicles are designed for a similar purpose as ours...but yet no one is up in arms about them...they are not seen as harmful status symbols of the global-warming apocalypse. Why? Because they are, more often than not, bought buy individuals that use them for their intended purpose. I guarantee you, if the 'rich and famous' start choppin' and droppin' Power Wagons; blingin' them up with some 24s and rolling to red carpet events, Mopar will drop that truck like a bad habit too.

(wow...that was kind of a rant...lol)

...and I get your NASCAR reference, but I don't think that's an apples-to-apples comparison. Those aren't Camrys and Fusions...they're race cars with Camry/Fusion-esque shells on them simply to promote a particular brand and/or marque. Think more like someone lifting your Camaro, installing a 4x4 transfer case, and slapping on some 38" mud terrains...