From: johnc@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU (John Cooley)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Sport Utility Vehicles overview
Summary: Summary of current SUVs
Keywords: Sport utility vehicle, 4WD, four wheel drive
Date: 15 Apr 92 17:25:28 GMT
Followup-To: rec.autos
Distribution: na
Organization: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO  80523

John Cooley's info (limited) and opinions (entirely too much) on
four-wheel-drive (4WD) sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Overview and diatribe  (Caution:  Lots of opinion)

SUVs are generally truck-based vehicles, usually equipped with
part-time 4WD with high and low range. A few have variants that 
allow 4WD to be used on the highway.  Some are available with 2WD.
Except for a few very specific applications, I believe that a 
station wagon or a van is a better choice than a 2WD SUV.
4WD cars and vans are not covered in this document.

SUVs generally have many of the strengths and weaknesses
of trucks.  Many of them ride more like trucks than cars, and
their high floors make them much smaller inside than their outside
appearance would indicate.  Many have no more luggage space than
a compact station wagon.  Most of them are fairly heavy and they
have poor aerodynamic characteristics. As a result, their gas
mileage is often poor.  Trucks are not required to have 5-mph or
even 2.5-mph bumpers.  Many of them might as well be tinfoil.

SUVs are mechanically complex.  They cost more to buy and more to
run than a comparable station wagon.

This is all well and good if you actually *need* what a SUV has to
offer.  If you don't actually need low range and high ground 
clearance, why put up with the inconvenience and expense of a SUV?
There are other options.

If you ski a lot or live in the snowbelt, you may want to consider
a 4WD or "all-wheel-drive" car or van.  The car will ride better,
get better gas mileage and handle better than the SUV.  The van
will ride and handle in a manner similar to a SUV, but it will 
have much more room for the family and all their gear.  Some vans
can be equipped to pull substantial trailers.  Most are available
with anti-lock brakes, a feature that is far more useful than 4WD
for keeping you out of trouble.

Consider how often you actually *need* 4WD.  If you live in an
urban area, the answer is probably almost never, even though you
might *want* it sometimes.  It's an expensive option for
occasional use.  When you go skiing, how often is the highway so
bad that you really need 4WD?  For that matter, how often do you
actually go skiing?  Very few people manage more than 10 days per
year. Maybe front-wheel-drive would work just as nicely 99% of the
time.

Keep in mind, also, that 4WD vehicles don't actually stop or steer
any better than conventional vehicles.  Everybody has 4-wheel
brakes.  4WD mainly provides new and wonderful ways to get into
deep do-do.  It's a *really* expensive way to go fishing, 
especially if you mess up that new $25,000 toy.

Do you live far from the nearest public road?  Are two-foot
snowfalls common in your area?  Do you need to haul a heavy 
trailer up a steep grade?  4WD begins to look like a better 
deal.

Vehicles currently available

Here's the list.  Some of the information has been updated since
last time.  In particular, the vehicles for which I've obtained
1992 manufacturer's literature have specifications sections
listing selected size and capacity information.

The market seems to have made a rather arbitrary division between
"small" or "downsized" SUVs, and "full-sized" SUVs.  The downsized
SUVs range from the Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker twins up to the 
Ford Explorer.  The full-sized models include the Ford Bronco, the
Dodge Ramcharger, the big Chevy Blazer/GMC Yukon, and the Chevy
Suburban.

Since the Explorer is actually a little longer than the "big"
Bronco, one is forced to conclude that the main difference between
the so-called downsized machines and the full-sized machines is
weight and power.  The Explorer probably has as much interior room
as any of the "full-sized" 2-door SUVs.  The Suburban is
undeniably the biggest of the bunch, and while it is certainly a
utility vehicle, one might wonder about the "sport" part of the
name.

The "downsized" SUVs weigh from 2,500 to about 4,200 lbs., and are
typically powered by 4 or 6 cylinder engines.  The "full-sized"
vehicles start at nearly 5,000 lbs.  A Suburban can weigh as much
as 6,000 lbs empty, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of
8,600 lbs.  That's pretty Gross!  The full-sized vehicles may be
available with large 6 cylinder engines, but they are most often
powered by gasoline V-8s.

The main purpose of the big two-door vehicles seems to be pulling
trailers or pushing snow, since they aren't any better at hauling
people and stuff than the downsized vehicles.  Their space 
efficiency is very poor.  They may have stronger drivetrain and 
suspension components, but with more power and weight, they are
capable of breaking them just as easily as the smaller vehicles.

The Suburban is really in a class by itself, and can be optioned 
to haul more and pull more than anything this side of a full-sized 
pickup or big van.

In looking at the engine figures below, keep in mind that torque
is far more important than horsepower for day-to-day use in the
rpm ranges most people use.  This is why the big V-8s in the
full-sized vehicles are so effective and feel so strong, even
though their horsepower ratings are not much higher than the
6 cylinder engines in the smaller vehicles.  The figures are still
incomplete, but improved over the previous posting of several 
months ago.

All The Vehicles I Can Think Of At The Moment (small to big)

***"Downsized"***

Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick (Japan) $11,000-$15,000
These are truly small vehicles.  The Tracker is available only as
a two-door;  the Sidekick can be had with two or four doors.
Power is a double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 4 cylinder engine with 4
valves per cylinder.  It makes something like 90 horsepower and
125 ft-lbs of torque (approx).  The engine likes to rev, but lacks
low-end "grunt".  

Suspension consists of a live axle on coil springs in back and an
independent front suspension (Macpherson struts, I think, but I'm
not sure).

The two-door has received good reviews as an off-road machine,
mainly because it's so small.  The four-door is roomier than the
two-door, but neither exactly has an excess of luggage space.
They both behave like small cars on the highway.  Small, light 
vehicles cannot push through as much snow as bigger ones, but the
gas mileage on these approaches 30 mpg.

Diahatsu Rocky (Japan) $11,000-$13,000
Similar to Suzuki.  More "macho" look, but is (or at least, was)
available with a full-time 4WD system without low range.  No rock
crawling for you, son!  Also has 16-valve 4 cylinder engine.  
Available only as a two-door.

Jeep Wrangler (USA/Canada)  $10,000-$16,000
The current version of the classic.  It's not a CJ, but it's as 
close as you can buy new to a purpose-built off-road machine.

As a result, it sucks on the highway.  It's noisy and the ride
is terrible.  Live axles with leaf springs at both ends.

It now has an excellent engine, thanks to the 4.0 liter inline 
6 cylinder engine from the Cherokee.  190 hp and 220 ft-lbs of
torque, down at low rpm where you need it.  Gas mileage is 20 or
thereabouts.  Maybe.  If you're lucky.  The Wrangler weighs over
3,200 lbs and has the aerodynamics of a barn.

With 4 people on board, luggage space is nil.  Carry your gear in
your lap.

Jeep Cherokee (USA/Canada) $15,000-$25,000
Considered by some to be the best SUV.  At 3,300 lbs and 190 hp,
it's the hotrod of the 4-door fully enclosed vehicles.  Torque is 
220 lb.-ft.  Live axle with coil springs up front, live axle with 
leaf springs in the rear.  Won several "4WD of the year" awards 
from the rags, but has had problems with assembly quality.  Has 
about the same interior space as a small Toyota station wagon.  
Available with a part-time 4WD system or a part-time/full-time 
hybrid which can be left in 4WD while on pavement.  Both systems 
are equipped with low range. Anti-lock brakes available.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (USA/Canada) $25,000-$30,000?
New luxury model with more interior room than the "standard" 
Cherokee.  Same engine and drivetrain as above, but rumor has it
that the Dodge 230 hp "Magnum" 318 will become available soon.
Should be the champion trailer puller of the small machines, but
I don't have exact figures.

Isuzu Amigo (Japan) $12,000-$15,000?
Available only as a two-door model with a removable canvas rear
top.  Hardtops available in the aftermarket. Available with 10.5" 
wide tires, a poor choice for snow.
Specifications:
  Length:      168"
  Wheelbase:    91.7"
  Min Ground Clearance:  8.3"  (9.3" with 10.5" tires)
  Weight (empty):  about 3,200 lb
  GVWR:            4,200 lb
  Trailer:         2,000 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent double-wishbone, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, leaf springs
  Engines:  2.6 liter in-line 4, single overhead cam,
            multi-port fuel injection
            (2.3 liter available on 2WD model)
    HP:      120 at 5,000 rpm
    Torque:  146 lb-ft at 2,600 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  16/20
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual (auto available on 2WD)
  Brakes:  4 wheel disc, rear-wheel anti-lock in 2WD mode

Isuzu Rodeo (Japan) $13,000-$18,000
Cheap, and feels that way.  Weak GM 3.1 liter V-6.  Slow, but in
return for the lack of acceleration, you get poor gas mileage.
Available with front bench seat, so it'll hold 6.  Ride and 
handling are OK, with independent front suspension and live axle
in the rear.  Back seat space OK, but small luggage area.  
Assembly quality probably OK, with the possible exception of the 
engine.
Specifications:
  Length:      176.4"
  Wheelbase:   108.7"
  Min Ground Clearance:  8.1"  (9.3" with 10.5" tires)
  Weight (empty):  about 3,600 lb
  GVWR:            4,800 lb
  Trailer:         3,500 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent double-wishbone, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, leaf springs
  Engines:  3.1 liter pushrod V-6,
            throttle body fuel injection
            (2.6 liter available on 2WD model)
    HP:      120 at 4,400 rpm
    Torque:  165 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  15/19
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual (auto available on 2WD)
  Brakes:  front disc, rear drum, rear-wheel anti-lock in 2WD mode

Isuzu Trooper (Japan) $17,000-$20,000+
One of the few fairly roomy SUVs.  All new for 1992.  Tall and 
boxy.  Available only as a four-door.  See specs below.  I haven't 
actually seen one.  Note that the engines need some rpms to work;
most people aren't particularly comfortable with the noise that
goes along with this.  These engines are probably not very good
creepers.  The Trooper now comes with 16" wheels.

The rear opening is an unevenly-split pair of side-hinged doors.
Specifications:
  Length:      179"
  Wheelbase:   108.7"
  Min Ground Clearance:  8.5"
  Weight (empty):  about 4,100 lb
  GVWR:            5,500 lb
  Trailer:         5,000 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent double-wishbone, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, coil springs
  Engines:  3.2 liter V6, single overhead cam,
            3.2 liter V6, double overhead cam,
            both with multi-port fuel injection
    HP:      175 at 5,200 rpm, 190 at 5,600 rpm
    Torque:  188 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, 195 at 3,800 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  16/18, 15/17
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual, 4 speed automatic
  Brakes:  4 wheel disc, no anti-lock

Mitsubishi Montero (Japan) $16,000-$25,000
All new this year, with the fanciest 4WD system on the market.  It
has porked up some, though, to about 4,000 lbs, and the 3 liter
151 hp V-6 has some trouble pulling it around with any enthusiasm.
Its 4WD system makes it one of the best all-around SUVs on the
market, despite the weak engine. 4WD system allows 2WD, 4WD high
range w/ center differential unlocked or locked, 4WD low range 
w/center differential locked.  The center differential
is of the limited slip viscous goo type, so locking it should be
necessary only in extreme conditions.  In addition, the rear
axle differential can be a conventional open differential, a
limited slip differential, or an air locking differential with the
locking action under the driver's control.

Ride is OK, but I've heard that handling is pretty sloppy.  Like 
the Trooper, this is a tall one, with a short, but tall luggage 
area. 10.5" tires are not the best choice for snow.

The rear opening is a single side-hinged door.
Specifications:
  Length:      186"
  Wheelbase:   107.3"
  Min Ground Clearance:  8.1"  (8.9" with 10.5" tires)
  Weight (empty):  4,130 lb
  GVWR:            ?? lb
  Trailer:         4,000 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent double-wishbone, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, coil springs
  Engine:   3.0 liter V6, single overhead cam,
            multi-port fuel injection
    HP:      151 at 5,000 rpm
    Torque:  174 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  15/18
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual, 4 sp auto
  Brakes:  4 wheel disc, 4 wheel anti-lock in 2WD  & 4WD modes

Nissan Pathfinder (Japan) $17,000-$25,000
This has been a popular and highly rated SUV.  It is comfortable
for 4, with a nice ride.  The back seat is especially nice.

However, it has a very small luggage area, and a rooftop cargo
box might be a good investment.

It weighs about 4,000 lbs and has a 3 liter V-6 rated at about
150 hp.  Torque is about 180 ft-lbs.  Power is adequate, but not
exemplary.  Real-life gas mileage seems to usually settle into the
mid to high teens.

Although it can be ordered with 31x10.50 tires, these are a poor
choice for winter driving.  They look good, though, and since many
people buy these things for their looks, they buy the fancy wheels
and the big tires.

The rear opening is a hatch type, with a large tailgate hinged at
the top, like many small station wagons. The window may be opened
separately.

Reliability is rumored to be good, but I have seen no actual 
figures.

Toyota 4Runner (Japan) $17,000-$25,000
The new body design, available with 4 doors, is a vast improvement
over the old one, but the back seat is still *very* snug and the
truck now weighs about 4,000 lbs.  Response of the 150 hp engine 
has been described as "weak" by several publications.  Like the
Pathfinder, mileage usually seems to be in the upper teens.

The luggage area is longer than most downsized SUVs, but it is
neither particularly wide nor high.  The floor is very high, and
some find access to be inconvenient.  The seating position is
car-like because the seats are close to the floor compared to most
SUVs.  The sport seats are some of the best available in an SUV.

Unlike most vehicles in this class, the 4Runner has a roll-down
rear window and a tailgate.  The window may freeze closed in the
winter, requiring pounding to break the ice around the edge so 
that it will roll down.

31x10.50 tires are available on fancy wheels.  They look good, but
may be mediocre in snow compared to a smaller tire.

Toyota reliability is generally excellent.

Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy (USA/Canada) $16,000-$25,000
This popular vehicle has only rarely received good reviews in the
ragazines.  It has the usual problems with interior size, ride and
handling, except that they are apparently somewhat worse with this
vehicle.  The front bucket seats are said to be unsupportive, the
manual transmissions have long, vague throws, and the clutch is
heavy with a very long travel.  The 4.3 liter V-6 was, through
1991, noisy, rough and harsh.  In other words, it drives like a
truck, when most people in this market really want a car with
some foul weather capability.

The rear opening is a "clamshell" type, with a window that lifts
up and a tailgate that drops.

The Blazer is powerful.  The 4.3 liter V-6 is available in 160 hp 
and 200 hp versions. The 160 hp version comes only with a 5 speed
manual; the 200 hp model must be ordered with a 4 speed automatic.
Specifications:  (Four door only - two door is several inches 
shorter and weighs about 200 lbs less)
  Length:      176.8" 
  Wheelbase:   107"   
  Min Ground Clearance:  7.8"
  Weight (empty):  about 3,750 lb
  GVWR:            5,100 lb
  Trailer:         5,500 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, leaf springs
  Engines:  4.3 liter V6, pushrod,
            throttle body fuel injection
    HP:      160 at 4,000 rpm, 200 at 4,500 rpm
    Torque:  230 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm, 260 at 3,600 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  GM doesn't want to talk about
                                     this.
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual, 4 sp auto
  Brakes:  front disc, rear drum, 4-wheel anti-lock in all modes.

Oldsmobile Bravada (USA/Canada)  ~$25,000
This vehicle is similar to the Blazer, with all its shortcomings,
except that it is available only with an automatic transmission
and a full-time 4WD system that does not have low range.  I don't
see the point of this vehicle.  Without low range, it cannot be
used for difficult low-speed work, but one is stuck with all the
disadvantages of an SUV.  You can get the same drivetrain, 
including anti-lock brakes, in an Astro van, and get more room and
better access.  For specifications, see Blazer above.

Range Rover (England) $30,000-$55,000
This machine is expanding into a family of vehicles.  None of them
are cheap.  Even the cheapest one is about $30,000 or something,
and you don't even get the leather seats, dahling!  I'm not sure
they import such low-end junk :-) to the US.  Most models 
available in the US are over $40,000.

They are all powered by a V-8 of 3.5 or 3.9 liters.  The 3.9 makes
about 180 hp.  I believe all models currently imported into the US
have automatic transmissions and full-time 4WD with low range, but
I could be mistaken.  They have several aluminum body panels.  
They weigh about 4,200 lbs, I think.

Range Rovers are short vehicles, and the luggage area is not 
large.  Suspension is a live axle with coil springs at both ends.
Ride and off-road capability are both supposed to be good, but
handling is a little loose.

Because of the V-8, these are sometimes classified as full-size,
but compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser and the big American
vehicles, they're a bit smaller.

Ford Explorer (USA/Canada) $17,000-$25,000
The new king (at least in sales) of the "downsized" SUVs.  Since
it weighs some 4,200 lbs, and is longer than the big Bronco, it's
not very far "down."

The engine is a 4 liter V-6 rated at 155 hp.  Torque saves the 
day, with a rating of about 230 ft.-lbs., so the engine feels 
fairly strong.

Suspension is Ford's "Twin Traction Beam" on coil springs in the
front, with a live axle on leaf springs in the back.  The "Twin
Traction Beam" is a weird hybrid between a live axle and an
independent front suspension.  The two sides are independently
sprung, but the suspension for each side is a crude swing axle,
one of which carries the differential.  The system has a history
of front end alignment and tire wear problems.  It rides a lot
better than most straight live axle systems, but some people
think the handling and ride are both a little "strange", and most
people think a more standard independent front suspension drives
better.

The Explorer is the roomiest of the downsized SUVs, and roomier
than the full-sized ones, except the Suburban.  This, I suspect,
is the reason for its popularity.  It fits lots of places you
can't put a Suburban, but it's still not as convenient as a van.
Rear opening is a "clamshell" type.

***"Full-sized"***

Dodge Ramcharger (USA/Canada)  $18,000-$25,000
Two-door traditional SUV, with a V-8, part-time 4WD, high floor,
cramped back seat with poor access, terrible ride and terrible gas
mileage.  Power is a 5.2 liter (318 cu. in., 230 hp) or 5.9 liter
(360 cu. in., ??? hp) V-8.  The magnificent 5.9 liter turbocharged
Cummins diesel is only available in pickup trucks.  Weighs about
5,000 lbs and gets about 12 mpg, maybe 15 on the highway.

Ford Bronco (USA/Canada)  $18,000-$25,000
Another traditional full-sized SUV.  Weight about 5,000 lbs., 
power is 4.9 liter (300 cu. in.) inline 6, 5 liter (302 cu. in.) 
V-8 or 5.8 liter (351 cu. in.) V-8.  Two doors only, mediocre gas
mileage.  "Twin Traction Beam" front suspension, live axle on leaf
springs in back.

Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Yukon  (USA/Canada) $18,000-$26,000
Yet another traditional full-sized SUV, refined for 1992 with new
sheet metal and a new suspension.  Also, it finally has a halfway
decent instrument panel again.  Weight about 5,000 lbs. (Where 
have we heard this before?) Two doors, period.  New independent
front suspension with torsion bars (live axle and leaf springs in
back) vastly improves ride and handling.  Power is a 5.7
liter (350 cu. in.) V-8 that is rated at 210 hp. and 300 ft.-lb. 
of torque and has an excellent reputation for reliability.  Note,
however, that this is *not* the ultra tough 4-bolt main bearing
engine of the 70s.  All Blazers/Yukons now come with 16" wheels.

Rear opening is now a "clamshell" type instead of the failure-
prone roll-down rear window of earlier years.  The clamshell is
mechanically simpler, lighter and available with a defroster and
wiper (finally!!).
Specifications:  
  Length:      188" 
  Wheelbase:   111.5"   
  Min Ground Clearance:  They don't say.  8" or more, depending on
                         tires.
  Weight (empty):  about 4,700 lb
  GVWR:            6,250 lb
  Trailer:         7,000 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, leaf springs
  Engines:  5.7 liter V8, pushrod,
            throttle body fuel injection
    HP:      210 at 4,000 rpm
    Torque:  300 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  13/17
  Transmissions:  5 sp manual, 4 sp auto
  Brakes:  front disc, rear drum, 4-wheel anti-lock in all modes.

Toyota Land Cruiser (Japan) ~$29,000
A "luxury" competitor for the Range Rover.  Four doors, three
seats, so you get seating for 8 if no one has any gear.  4,700 
lbs., with 4 liter 155 hp. inline 6.  Yes, it's underpowered, 
but gas mileage isn't very good either.  The engine is torquey 
(though I don't know the exact number), so it's driveable, but
never quick.  Live axles with coil springs at both ends, just like
the Range Rover.  Only drivetrain in the US is automatic with
full-time 4WD.

Chevrolet/ GMC Suburban (USA/Canada)  $20,000-$30,000
The biggest of the big.  Four big doors, optional 3rd seat can get
you seating for 9.  With space left over for one of those giant
coolers.  Without the 3rd seat, 210 cm. skis will lay flat on the 
floor (diagonally) behind the second seat.  The next increase in
size gets you into the Winnebago category.

Engine options are 5.7 liter (350 cu. in.) and 7.4 liter (454 cu.
in.) V-8s (gasoline).  The 5.7 is the same as in the big Blazer; 
the 7.4 is rated at 230 hp. and (this is the important part) 385 
ft.-lbs. of torque.  The big engine reaches maximum torque at less 
than 2,000 rpm.  It has "grunt." The 6.2 liter diesel is not 
listed as being available this year.  The 6.5 liter turbodiesel 
may become available in the future, but is not currently an 
option.

Like the Blazer, the Suburban has new sheet metal this year,
and 4WD models have an independent front suspension with torsion
bars.  It has a part-time 4WD system with low range, and comes
with 16" wheels and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

The Suburban is the only SUV available as an actual heavy-duty 
vehicle.  It can be purchased with a full-floating rear axle and
a GVWR of 8,600 lbs.  The 7.4 liter V-8, by the way, is only
available in the heavy 3/4 ton model.  It can be configured to 
pull a trailer weighing 10,000 lbs.

Rear opening is either dual side-hinged panel doors or a
"clamshell" type opening instead of the failure-prone roll-down 
rear window of earlier years.  The clamshell is mechanically 
simpler, lighter and available with a defroster and wiper.  
If you get the doors, you have to do without the
defroster and wiper.
Specifications:  
  Length:      219.5" (we're getting *serious* here!)
  Wheelbase:   131.5"   
  Min Ground Clearance:  They don't say.  8" or more, depending on
                         tires.
  Weight (empty):  about 5,200-6,000 lb, depending on model and
                   options.
  GVWR:            7,200-8,600 lb
  Trailer:         10,000 lb
  Front suspension:  Independent, torsion bars
  Rear suspension:   Live axle, leaf springs
  Engines:  5.7 liter V8, 7.4 liter V8, both pushrod,
            both throttle body fuel injection
    HP:      210 at 4,000 rpm, 230 at 3,600 rpm
    Torque:  300 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm, 385 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm
    EPA gas mileage (city/highway):  12/16  (5.7 liter; if you   
                                     have to ask, you can't afford 
                                     to drive the 7.4 ;-))
  Transmissions:  4 sp auto
  Brakes:  front disc, rear drum, 4-wheel anti-lock in all modes.

Closing (finally)
I may sound like I don't like SUVs very much.  In fact, I do, and
have owned several.  However, I think the compromises they place
upon their owners make them a poor choice for many of the people
who buy them.  I can think of many ski trips which would have been
more comfortable and economical in a conventional automobile.  On
the other hand, the 24" of snow we've had in my mountain 
neighborhood several times in the past year would have prevented 
me from getting within 3 miles of my house, were it not for my 
heavy, inefficient, gas sucking SUV.  People should realize what 
they're getting, and paying for, when they buy these things.

There's a lot of information missing here.  This article is long
anyway, and should probably be broken up.

I will consider adding any additional information that anyone
thinks might be useful, as long as I can verify accuracy.  
Opinions may be added, too, as long as it's clear that they are,
indeed, opinions.

There are undoubtedly errors in this article.  I welcome 
corrections, again, subject to verification.

  John Cooley
  johnc@yuma.acns.colostate.edu  (No "UUCP"!)
  Somewhere in the foothills of the Rockies west of Fort Collins, CO