I Hate SUV’s
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Hate may be a strong word, but I really do have a strong dislike for SUV’s, not just from a service standpoint, but also from a practical one. Therefore, I decided to buy one.
In this video I share those feelings as well as give a first look at my new SUV, a 2003 Honda Pilot.
What do you think I should do with this SUV?
Thanks for watching!
#ETCG1Video #SUV #HondaPilot
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ETCG1
SUV's literally killed the small car, no one feels safe putting their family in a Civic, Accord etc sized car when inattentive soccer mom's are piloting Tahoe's through red lights.
Drive like everyone else is an idiot and you're invisible. The only advice I have on this subject is to be a paranoid driver who always anticipates the worst from the moron in the next lane and the dipstick at the intersection, and especially the tailgater right behind you. Because you may have put your turn signal on and are getting ready to slow down, but you can bet he didn't notice and be right half the time.
Brake soft and early to avoid being rear ended, signal as soon as you pass the last turn before your turn, and speed past anyone who seems to be unaware of the lane lines (the only times I generally break the speed limit is to get the hell away from these people, I want a solid half mile between me and the family they're about to kill because that taco and that text message just couldn't wait.) Change lanes with 2-1/2 car lengths or more between you and the guy in the other lane, because he won't notice you moved in front of him. Accelerate before changing lanes so that you are going slightly faster than nearby traffic, then reduce speed to match once you're clear of the lane shift.
You get the idea. Pretend nobody can see you and they all have a 5 second delay in their attention span. Because plenty of them will prove that theory correct. And it only takes one to ruin your job, your wallet, your car, and potentially your life.
Don't let them be dumb enough to hit you.
While I typically detest privacy invasions and being tracked.. I opted for a monitoring device from my insurance company. And due to my driving record, my insurance is $18 a month, in a car that once lost an axle in traffic because Walmart removed the axle nut during a tire change and forgot to put it back on (I even managed to pull over on the shoulder as I could feel something was very wrong, and the act of making that hard right turn pulled it right out. Did some roadside repairs, took it home, fixed it myself, and trash talked Walmart Auto ever since.) Because I drive smarter than the guy next to me is dumb, and so at the very least, if I'm not killed by said idiot, he's got very little chance of not being forced to pay to replace my car when he turns it into an oversized snow shovel.
@@DawnBriarDev you sound like you're a pro. If everyone had that mindset we'd be ok.
@@ctdieselnut I appreciate the kind words. I am not a pro, I started driving just under 4 years ago. I just can't get in my car without thinking 'man, this thing cost a lot of money and our ability to pay rent depends on having it.' So, given that, I just spent some time as a new driver thinking 'how do I not lose this expensive thing we really need?'
I agree, if everyone thought like me while driving, we'd be fine. But if the above isn't clear: I consider this all just common sense, or at least I consider it common sense to acknowledge how important and risky driving is, and thus find the desire to do it safer.
@@DawnBriarDev EVs are scary as hell. wrecking balls with wheels. when the F-150 Lightning hits the road, watch out.
Sucks because I love my civic its fun to drive
Eric, when you said "SUVs inspire overconfidence", it reminds me of all that unnecessary technology nowadays such as back up cameras, lane departure, lane keep assist, etc. It inspires drivers overconfidence as well. They are a great feature to have but just seems that drivers rely so much on those that they forget to actually drive the car. Dont even get me started on the Tesla thing.
Was giving an elderly family friend a ride in my '02 Tacoma once & told him "Yeah it's a great truck, but it's old as dirt & doesn't have a lot of features. He replies "And for that reason you should keep it. Less features means less things to break & less things to keep your eyes off the road. You shouldn't have to rely on a computer to do what you should be doing for yourself & that's driving safely."
Back up cameras are NOT unnecessary. You can literally hide a dozen children behind your vehicle, and the only way to see them is to get out and look or a backup camera.
These stupid ideas about "overconfidence" are what kept seatbelts out of cars for decades. And people were asking for them all that time.
Don't entirely disagree. I just look at it a bit differently. The technology takes people off their guard and they become lazy. They become lazy and dependent on technology to do what they should still do for themselves. People just don't get that the Technology is there to augment, not replace.
Tesla and others cars with similar self or "assisted" driving tech have gotten in more than their fair share of accidents. The way I look at it: There are a lot of bad drivers out there - but you don't get better at something by not doing it! Or worse having something/one else do it for you.
With all the structural safety features they incorporate in modern cars, I'll take all the rear visibility I can get 😂
It's a mixed bag, the larger size gives some addt'l crash protection against smaller vehicles, higher seating means better view of the traffic and road obstacles (like potholes), and the 4WD/AWD can come in handy, but the higher center of gravity means all else equal, they can't be driven as fast and maintain the same level of safety.
Some people will be crappy drivers no matter what they're driving so maybe a lighter vehicle will cause less harm to others, but the heavier one may give the passengers of that vehicle more protection because accidents aren't always your fault, sometimes you're going to get hit and all you can do about it is have a lot of metal around you to buffer and crumple, and of course air bags.
You're so right about the overconfidence.
I had a first generation Honda insight, which was 1800lbs. With winter tires on it, i was doing laps around everyone else in deep snow. And if i lost traction, it was very easy to regain control, because of the low weight.
Best winter car ever. Except for the snow destroying the lower aerodynamic panels repeatedly, lol.
This is so important! Lightweight, lower down cars are easier to control when they start to slide. With a top-heavy 5000# SUV, once you lose grip, you're just along for the ride (into the ditch).
As a Jeep Wrangler owner, a lot of your comments would apply to Wranglers as well. I use my 2 door Rubicon to go through all kinds of terrain, but 90% of Jeeps rarely roll on something other than concrete or asphalt (and Wranglers are even less practical than SUVs). I will say my wife's Explorer (with AWD) is FAR more capable than I thought it would be (full time AWD can be pretty nice even if the most you deal with are wet roads)- no ground clearance though!
I used to hate suvs until a Mazda CX5 found me and I like it a lot. A real transmission and timing chain. I do my own maintenance so I'm not worried. I live in snow country and respect deep treaded tires. The Element is an SUV lol
Great review ! I would take a sedan or station wagon any day over these crossovers . I in fact only grew up with cars ( sedans ) and station wagons back in the day . I hope the domestic companies go back to the humble cars and wagons . 😊
I own a 2000 Odyssey LX, a 2000 CR-V M / T and recently a 2011 Pilot and I definitely love the Odyssey and love the crv more but I have three children with their child seats and I travel constantly to the farm where there is a lot of mud and the road is not asphalt, for that reason and because of the space and clearance of the floor we decided to buy the Pilot for those occasions that have become more frequent.
By the way, I am a mechanic and I do all the preventive maintenance myself sacredly and with genuine parts.
I love all the automobile gatekeepers in the comments. “You don’t need an suv”,”people drive big trucks and don’t haul anything”. Last I checked this is still America and people can buy whatever they damn well please. If I want to drive a 6 inch lifted diesel only hauling groceries while I smoke a cigar blowing black smoke out the exhaust and eating a triple cheeseburger, I’ll damn well do it.
People can drive whatever they want, for whatever purpose they want.
75 % of big car sales are made by city slickers, living in suburbia. Driving to their office job or do grocery shopping. I guess you live in a rural area? Yes, then you see a lot big stuff hauling or towing a big trailer.
While I would agree that SUV's inspire a bit of overconfidence. I don't really know if it's that, that is driving them off the roads in inclement weather. The sheer number of them alone could be the deciding factor. (Lack of skill + terrible vehicle) * bad weather = vehicle in ditch. It's just compounded by the number of actual SUVs sold.
That's an excellent point, but whenever I'm driving in bad weather, it seems the SUV's are often passing me at a high rate of speed.
I did all the maintenance myself on a RWD 98 Explorer and it was expensive. I can’t imagine taking a 4WD to a shop. At least my pickup is more useful day to day
If the rear seats on "normal" cars had room for actual people to sit comfortably, and decent trunk space (think Ford Crown Vic), there would be a smaller number of SUVs on the roads.
What's "comfortably"? My Charger has same space at the back as Equinox, the only difference is that you sit higher in the latter...
Main thing I hate about SUVs is the drivers. Some of them are just straight up assholes. 65 in a 40 zone, cutting people off, flying from one side of the freeway to the other because they're on the phone and won't pay attention. Same with BMW drivers.
Ground clearance is a big factor.having the option to go on some terrain thats is a no go in a car mud ,snow ,sand etc.or over a curb slowly if you had to.also debris in road which is pretty common not going to rip bumpers off or damage if you go right over it. CRV just right .
Remind me to never use the sidewalk where you are driving!
@@ronaldjohnson1474 yup stay out of my way .
@@ronaldjohnson1474 i hope you realize curbs are not dedicated to sidewalks .
any of my customers looking for a new car I try to steer them away from a SUV , AWD systems just cost more to maintain and nobody wants to pay the bill . Can't go wrong with a 4 cylinder honda or toyota
On tight turns, winding roads SUVs can roll out!!!
For start off the line, traction, AWD/4WD are great in snow/mud/ice.
But like the man said, it’s all about the condition of the tires…and weight distribution.
(My dad used to drive a FF van and in winter 🇨🇦 usually put a big lead block in the trunk, for stability! 😂)
If you’re suddenly breaking in an emergency on snow/ice, FF FR AWD…won’t make a difference. You’ll spin out! Driver input & weight balance ⚖️ of vehicle…?
Get yourself a 4wd Toyota Tercel wagon. It comes with all the advantages an SUV does (minus the people carrying and towing of an SUV) with none of the draw backs. If you don't have it in 4WD it acts just like a front wheel drive econo box tercel. Throw it in 4WD and it locks the center and front differentials now you have a pretty decent off-road car. Throw it in 4 EL and now you have a granny gear that can crawl you up almost a 30% grade. Put it back in 2WD and you have a little wagon that can fit just about anything you might need with same maintenance cost as a Corolla with the exception of changing the rear diff oil every 40k miles
In my state snow in the winter most use it and you can register them as cars and save money on plates
I'm guilty, I got a big ole gas hog/expedition 4x4 sitting outside, I never use the 4x4 because I live in Ga, it never snows here, I got a nice tow hitch that I never hooked a trailer up to, however, I do take full advantage of the cargo space with all rows folded down, I've carried a chest freezer, washing machine/ dryer, I will get a trailer soon for my lawn tractor
SUVs are simply more comfortable as a family mover than a sedan is. The cargo space allows more room for stuff if you are going to the beach or pool party. Some families don’t need a van but have need for something more than a sedan. SUVs are the sweet spot for the tweener family of 3 or 4, that can’t get by with a sedan but does not need a van.
I also have an suv because it’s paid off and I have no desire to get rid of a reliable vehicle that was used as a family hauler just to get a $40,000 sedan.
you need to add in "excellent" form bill & ted in your intro
I don't like them either. I bought my wife a Honda CRV, which I really don't like driving because it feels like I'm driving a brick. They are MUCH better driving in the snow and bad weather because of the AWD and the larger tires. I drive regular sedans which suck in bad weather, but 99% of the rest of the time, are much better at handling, gas mileage and maintenance costs.
a lot of the reason CUVs and SUVs are so popular is because of the continually-aging demographic of new car buyers. As boomers and even Gen-Xers get older, step-in height is a real concern that CUVs address, making it easier to get into and out of their vehicles. I know that's the exact reason my father who is turning 64 this year, got a lexus rx330 to replace his Camry as a daily driver.
I have never left comments on your channel before but this one I have to respond to. So what is my opinion of SUV's? Will you said it perfectly. For the first time some has spoken my thoughts exactly. Everything you said is exactly what I have said. After 12 year driving trucks over the road everything you said I saw first hand. Every time it started to snow I always was in a hurry to get over a couple mountain passes because someone eventually mess up and shut everything down and 9 times out of 10 it was the SUV that did it, so yes I to have this inherent dislike for the SUV. This video was refreshing to know I am not alone. Thanks
if more wagons and minvans had AWD they would bw a great choice- my 04 outback was betterin the bad weather than my Xterra
Agree. I think 4wd cars like Volvo XC70 or Subaru Forester are better choice for all weather driving than classic SUV. They handle more that passenger car, its more safe
I miss small cars :(
I never realized how useless my Expedition was until I started in carpentry, and was given a cargo van for work. It could hold stuff, but not the right stuff. Hauling any lumber required a trailer, and its tow rating was never inspiring. Ladders were a pain too. Not to mention it had the 5.4 3v abomination under the hood. I always liked the vehicle, but I couldn't wait to get rid of it.
I've owned a total of 7 Honda's in the last 30 years and by far, the most comfortable one IS my 2006 Pilot EXL. Still my daily driver with 194k.
How many transmission have you rebuild or swapped out ?
@@mrphiscal None, why? These cars last forever. Currently, I have the '06 Pilot (194k), an '09 Accord (124k), a '12 civic (112k) and the wife has a '16 civic with 64k. My daughter had a '98 civic with 190k that was totaled when some idiot t-boned her. She'd still be driving it today. First car was an '89 civic hatchback that I traded in with 190k. Also had a '94 civic that had over 100k. NEVER had an issue with any of them. Oil, tires, brakes and misc maintenance
I agree about the 4WD, not necessary! I bought a brand new Honda CR-V in September of 2009. Being the end of the model year, I gt a pretty good deal, but I got stuck in a 4WD. This was an EXL, wanted the leather, I paid $26500 out the door, I live in the Chicago area. Forward to 2017, my wife’s 2006 Honda Accord (bought new in January of 2006) started to hiccup at 170,000 miles, time to buy new one. I looked at purchasing another new Crv, but Honda changed from the 2.5L engine regular 5 speed automatic transmission to a 1.5L with turbo and CVT transmissions…….oops…..not for me! I looked at Toyota and they ere still doing the 2.5L engine with a regular 6 speed automatic transmission…….that’s for me! I decided to purchase a new Toyota RAV4 for my wife. She didn’t want leather so I decided on a sport edition (SE model). I found out that all model RAV4’s had the safety sense (adaptive cruise control, lane hold and warning and automatic front braking), which is only on the most expensive Honda models. I ended up purchasing a new RAV4 EXL (was $4000 less than SE model, still had sun roof and fog lights, good enough for me) but I wanted only 2WD! The dealer had many in stock, but all 4WD. I got on Toyota’s web site and found a Silver (color my wife wanted) EXL in Calumet City, Illinois. My wife got her car in 3 days! It now has 55,000 miles and has had no problems so far. She’s very happy with it as am I. It gets about 25% better mileage than my CRV, which I still drive, it has 121,000 miles with no issues. I paid $26,100 for the RAV4, cheaper than my 2009 CRV even though I purchased it 8 1/2 years later, strange eh? Thanks….Jim
2wd with winter tyres always beats 4wd with summer or all weather tyres....
I believe that this topic has been discussed more or less from all angles, however I too am one who sees no real use in SUV's. That said most people I believe buy them for the same reason that a person in Holland would buy a mountain bike, that being cause they think they look cool.
We just got a 2wheel drive crossover :D
They only suv is the 4Runner. Other than that I agree!
Everyone’s daughter seems to have a Crossover SUV with AWD for a commuter/Starbucks retriever
LOL! When my neighbors daughters sixteenth birthday was approaching he told me how he wanted to get her something “pretty cool” to drive. Weeks later when I saw the Nissan Rogue in the driveway with a huge bow on it, I had a chuckle as I thought to myself “so that’s what you consider ‘pretty cool’ huh??” 🤣
So having a better handling vehicle is bad?
Or are you confusing AWD with 4wd?
@@JamesDavis-mb1jw it’s not bad, but awd in many parts of the country don’t make much sense. They cost more to run and maintain than a comparable fwd model. If one lives up north where they get a considerable amount of snow, than the pros of having an awd vehicle start to outweigh the cons.
@@ghostwrench2292 hey I would say it is pretty cool that her parents even bought her a vehicle for her sweet 16 lol. Can’t be too picky in situations like that lol.
@Trade Misconception - I totally agree it was cool of her parents to buy her a car. I just found it a little funny he bought a Rogue after he said he wanted to get her “something cool”. The family are really cool people but definitely not car people. 🙂
As a paramedic, I tend to agree with the ditch stories.
Like covidiots....job security.
-ED cardiac tech
To me, SUV's are the GM Tahoe _ Ford Expedition truck based vehicles. Crossovers are minivans without sliding doors. You could get minivans with AWD.
Well said
Toyota is the only one that makes an awd minivan today
@@jaywattman199 The Pacifica is awd. Would be good also
Real SUVs, like you mentioned, are good vehicles. I like to call crossovers liars because they're minivans that are lying about being capable, lying about being rugged, lying about being practical, etc.
@@Tracert-mc1hu Crossovers are not mini vans by any means. They are literally lifted cars. Rogue/Murano/rx350/rx400 anything that doesnt have a 3rd row are USELESS. They are a mid side sedan lifted to make you "feel safe". Buy the tool you need, not the tool you want.
As far as hauling people and groceries I would rather have a station wagon
I get groceries too like everyone else and I use a car works perfectly fine put what I can in the trunk rest in the backseat done you don’t need an suv unless you are hauling big items all the time
This is why I love hatchbacks, they're a sedan's and a stationwagon's baby!
Good idea, until they practically stopped making them. A contemporary crossover hatchback is essentially the modern version of a station wagon.
SUV are todays station wagon.
Before CAFE standards US station wagons ran truck drivetrains (like the 460/C6 I harvested for my Ford wrecker) for the same reasons SUV do today.
SUV are comfortable for tall humans and easy to ingress/egress for old humans.
Station wagons went the way of the dodo bird lmao. The Dodge Magnum did look nice though.
Eric, I agree 100%. One excuse I can’t stand hearing from SUV owners is, “ I love this car because I feel safe, & I love sitting up high because I can see everything.” Me as I scowl at all these behemoths on the highway that I can’t see around as I drive my Honda Civic. It’s literally a race to the bottom to drive the biggest vehicle.
Funny, I feel safer in vehicle with a lower center of gravity. If I need to see better in traffic, I make adjustments (position in traffic, speed, etc…) so that I can perceive as much as I can to drive safely.
We have small parking spaces here and these people are always scowling around with no where to park.
Dude,I think the same,I had been driving a 92 Civic si hatch to work on pipelines in northern British Columbia and Alberta for years until the engine finally wore out at 462 thousand kms, always started even at -42 Celsius,no block heater or nothing. My wife always says I should buy a big truck for work and I’m like,nah,I’ll stick to my Hondas. I bought a ‘14 civic coupe 5 speed to replace the si hatch which I still have btw. I used to be a truck guy but now I can’t stand em 😎
Have you ever driven a vehicle that sits up high? It does feel safer. It’s so much better than dragging ass in a little car.
@@lesterparker1594 while I don't agree with little cars. Feeling safer and being safer are 2 entirely different things, and high centre of mass autos will flip at the nudge of a bumper or sill.
All I'll say is make wagons and vans great again.
Mother: "station wagons are mom cars, so lame"
but families need a lot of space, and vans are lame and guzzle fuel-> here's a minivan.
Mother: "Awesome!".
Later...
Mother:"Minivans are mom cars. I just want a big vehicle that can haul kids and a lot of stuff. Cars are too low and scary. I want an SUV so I don't look lame and I feel safe despite terrible roll-over ratings presently"
Buys suv but needs more space and seats so SUVs just become minivan like with slightly different styling.
Mother: "I love my (totally not a minivan) SUV!"
The public now: "SUVs are for soccer-moms, wagons are so cool, why are there no wagons!? I also want to live in a van like a hippy, it will be so cool!"
Took you a while to get back to the same place we all were when you decided they were lame just because people used them in a logical capacity.
I really wanted a Saturn lw200 2003 or newer but they are hard to find. I found a lw300, I went and looked at it because I was told it was a lw200, sadly I don't want the v6, I want the ecotec so a lw300 won't do.
I agree with you! Never got into SUVs for the reason you mentioned. Would be nice if they make wagons out of the current sedans out today
@@krazyelr yeah wagons are not only very fuel efficient but also an awd like subaru or volvo are perfect soft offroader very practical.
I loved and miss my 1993 Ford Explorer, but I do hate big full size SUVs. Everyone down here in Louisiana drives a Tahoe or Expedition and they're always the worst drivers.
I usually don't comment on videos but this @2:43 was one of the most accurate things I've heard. Being at a dealership for 7 years, you hear anything and everything. Customers neglecting their vehicles then wonder why their car breaks down. Some don't even know there's more fluids to change than just oil. 🤷🏻♂️ It's the endless cycle.
Just wrapped up a 2,000 mile round trip in my 08 Odyssey. Every time we take a trip I come away loving the minivan even more. Great highway car.
"Im a minivan guy!"
Something I would NEVER expect a car guy to say 😂
@@tjts1 always have been (aside from off-road). People just want to hate what's popular, and stereotype eachother based on what they drive.
For getting people and stuff where they need to be, its the practical vehicle type id expect a car guy to want.
@@sparkplug1018 i'd rather drive an SUV based solely on styling. Minivans have always been homely to me.
I’d buy one if Honda would stop with the BS and give the Odyssey the same i-VTM4 system that the Pilot has.
Honda minivans handle great, after having a new kia sportage rental i realized how much cuteuvS suck at handling
I still use the heck out of my 2005 Pilot with 252,000 on the dial. I bought it new and attended to the maintenance carefully and the Pilot has never let me down. You NAILED the personalities of SUV (and many pickup) owners! The 1st gen Pilots were brutes, the newer ones are grocery getters. I do desire a new Ridgeline though.
I prefer a station wagon over the SUV, its the same thing but simpler and more reliable, yes a bit smaller but better
THIS, such a shame that wagons were pushed out in favor of SUVs.
More extended like a hybrid of a van
I have a Volvo V90 wagon and I hauled an entire bedroom set and got 31mpg doing it yesterday. SUVs aren't all they are cracked up to be.
Why do you say more reliable? I'm about to break 350k on my 4runner just following the maintenance guide. The only downside is I keep wrapping the 120k guide and have to do math 😉
A station wagon has more usable space than an SUV and they look nicer.
The one thing an SUV has over a sedan is step in height. You get older and stiffer it is way easier to get in and out of my MDX, than my Accord.
This is really the only legitimate argument I can think of for buying a crossover
@@frafraplanner9277and its a fucking stupid, stupid, stupid ass reason.
Bring back the station wagon is what I’ve always said, I snap up them for fixer upper cars when I find a good one. Sad they went away…
I’m a huge wagon enthusiast, luckily i also live in eu where there is lots of them. Atleast on the second hand market. Though suv;s definitely impacted the market.
I really don’t understand the drive for a suv. Sure it’s safer (when you crash) and easier to step into. Also slightly better visibility. That’s what old people that bought them told me. I get that. But like, worse fuel economy, much worse handling. Often time it doesn’t even have better storage and definitely inconvenient to have something on the roof. Slow and ugly. Like eric said. Expensive af they simply don’t last as long. Also ground clearance usually not that much higher anyways.
For me atleast the biggest downside is definitely style and they dead slow.
@Eric Babcock How is that? Like low income?
When I think of station wagon. It reminds me of the Oldsmobile with wood grain design
@Eric Babcock 😅 I did notice them. Seen a couple of the older Accord ones, Audi & Mercedes. They just look weird. My mom has a 2005 Ford Focus ZXW (Wagon).
You’re in the minority. People don’t want wagons. And companies aren’t going to make a model for a small number of people.
I had a CR-V for a while. It was a great, practical vehicle that I liked, but I outgrew it with my 3rd kid. I have a minivan now, which I surprisingly love. I knew it would be super practical, which is why I bought it, but I never expected to love it. I think some truck-based SUVs are cool (I also own a '94 Ford Bronco project car) in the same way pickup trucks are cool, but I agree they're not as practical as a minivan for most uses. I don't see the appeal of car-based crossovers that are ubiquitous now. A lot of people refuse to drive a minivan because they're too dorky, so they buy a crossover instead, but in my opinion, a crossover is every bit as dorky AND less practical than a minivan.
As stated above, I own a CR-V and only have myself and maybe 2 other family members to (occasionally) haul around. I too love my CR-V. I also own a minivan (Odyssey; surprise) and use that when me and my friends go to conventions or we need to haul around big stuff. Best of both worlds.
Honestly for what we use it for, our Vibe is perfect, no issues getting our 3 kids and their stuff in the back, decent amount of room, and decent mileage. Not that I don't like vans, just worked out in our favor is all, like you never really understood the hate towards vans and crossovers, practical vehicles that can be fun to drive too.
If it's not truck based, it's not a real SUV.
@@sparkplug1018 A Vibe is more of a hatchback isn't it?
@@Tracert-mc1hu Sort of a hatchback, crossover type of deal, hard to really put it in any particular group imo, but damn versatile.
The joy Eric shows when he tells the world he bought a Honda SUV. Never gets old
Exactly my thoughts as well! I feel largely the same way about pickup trucks. Great for their intended purpose, but quite wasteful and way overrated as daily drivers for people who never actually haul anything.
I used to do valet at a casino. I saw soooo many special edition heavy duty trucks that were daily drivers. T be fair, I saw a lot of work trucks too, but interestingly, more often than not the work truck was smaller and more basic while the big heavy duty ones were DDs.
I fall into the category of using pickups for their “intended purpose” on a daily basis. However, if I lived an urban commuter lifestyle I’d probably still own something like a ranger or Tacoma or whatever. But then again, I’d probably still have my boat and other toys to warrant it. I guess if you only needed a truck once or twice a year for the occasional Home Depot trip or move or whatever it wouldn’t be worth it but it doesn’t take much more than that for a 4 cyl. Midsized truck to be viable.
@@1001Guitarplayer That makes sense, I just don't get why so many people who would never even think about getting their hands dirty drive full size pickup trucks just to go to their office job or grocery store 2 miles down the nicely paved road. Another option for people who may need to haul something a couple times a year is to get a small trailer. Where I live, decent small trailers are available for a couple hundred dollars used and nearly any decent car could occasionally pull 1000-1500 pounds no problem. That is a much cheaper, easier, and more fuel efficient alternative to buying a full size truck just for the couple times you may need to haul something.
@@averyalexander2303 Agreed, full sized pickups aren’t for everyone. Neither are jacked up Jeeps on 34s yet every office building I see has at least two lol
My mid-sized pickup is smaller than some cars, uses regular fuel, carries a passenger (which is all I want), drives easily, can be used for groceries or lumber, is great on snow (with sandbags), & is paid for.
The most true thing you said in this whole video. SUVs were marketed hard because CAFE classifies them as trucks (also takes into consideration footprint size) and the fuel economy is much easier to reach.
I love real truck based SUVs. But when my wife and I started having kids the Pilot got traded on for a minivan. So much better for trips, cargo, etc.
Agree with Eric 100%. They've become the norm though now and are nearly 50% of new car sales. They are $1000's more expensive to buy, maintain and in gas. Usually the first vehicle off the road in a snow storm due to overconfidence in ability.
I see more 2wd sedans and pickups upside down in the ditch more than anything.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q statistics disagree with you
The cost to maintain my CRV was no more than any car I've owned.
Suvs are 80% of all new vehicle sales.
I’ve always considered the element a suv.
I suppose, but it's a 4 cylinder that doesn't use a lot of fuel. To me that seems more practical.
@@ETCG1 but most Japanese SUVs come as 4 cylinders which is great for the pocket.
So does Wikipedia
The element isn't built on a truck chassis but I'd consider it a small/sport SUV along with the CR-V. They are built closer to a minivan but I am not a fan.
@@ETCG1 the Element is considered a compact SUV; and I pretty much agree with your point on large SUVs; if you are a single person or have a small family of 1-2 children, you don’t need a massive Suburban/YukonXL/EscaladeEXT or Expedition MAX or Navigator L or the soon to be launched Grand Wagoneer. I myself prefer either a mid sized sedan with a V6, or a compact sedan with a Turbo 4. The problem is that manufacturers and consumers have been brainwashed into thinking bigger and more expensive is better; which is why you’re seeing more and more vehicles bumping into the Six Figure Barrier (although with some creative option selection, they can break through the Six Figure Barrier!) and it’s also why you’re seeing absolutely insane loan terms with some people being so deeply underwater it’s like they are at the bottom of the Marianas Trench!
I thought the Element was an SUV, with AWD optional as well. I agree on the minivan for sure. Also, the vast majority of SUVs in my area are 2WD only - eastern Texas.
Where the Suburban (used to be) King
@@andrewcz8871 if you lived in Texas in the early 2000’s all you had to do was look in a primary school parking lot and count the Suburbans as I did.
I consider the Element a crossover, not an SUV. I see SUV's as being built on truck frames.
@@ETCG1 Understood and that makes sense. I tend to use the "SUV" term too loosely. I have a big family of 8 total and own both a 2004 Sienna and 2003 Suburban. Both 2WD. There are benefits to each but the Suburban holds us and our things a little better than the Sienna, especially since the Sienna is only a 7 seater. Even if the Sienna had 8 seats, the Suburban is still better for our needs. If our family was 6 people or smaller then the Sienna would be just fine.
@@ETCG1 Also, are you calling the Pilot an SUV or crossover? I thought it was a crossover because it is based on the Odyssey platform?
I have always been a "snow tire" warrior and can remember the days of my 55 mile commute from Mass to New Hampshire in a Honda CRX-Si running some Hakkapellittas, driving around Explorers skidding off the road with their "no season" tires.
Indeed, most people don't need them. I have one vehicle considered an SUV. A Wrangler. But it snowplows in the winter and I offroad (legally with a club) a dozen times a year. It mostly sits in the garage.
I don't quite understand why you bought one. I'd think you'd find maybe a cool rust free southern DA Integra that you could "poor man's type R" swap. Some Blizzaks in the winter and ... weeee.
On my front-drive Olds and Buicks with Nokians/Blizzaks, I routinely scoot around all manner of AWD vehicles that I'm 100% certain are sporting all seasons.
I hate the mindset of "I have an SUV so it's safer when I get in an accident." It is no different from saying "I'd rather kill the other person in an accident." Even if everyone drove SUVs, the fact they're way heavier than cars means there is more kinetic energy in a crash, aka more likelihood of injury. It's such a backwards mindset
SUV's have their place for sure, i consider my Element an SUV... but new ones are straying farther and farther from their roots and from the reach of normal people, just like pickup trucks. Every manufacturer feels the need to make everything into an SUV....just look at the Urus, the Cayenne, the RS Q8, the Mustang Mach-E.. every time i see one I laugh at it. Granted those are extreme examples, but seeing them makes people feel their Sport UTILITY Vehicle feel inadequate, driving the market into ever more stupid directions. Look at what pickup trucks have become! You can't get a truck with a decent bed and work amenities without spending $80,000.
An Element is very utilitarian, but it's not an SUV. Actually an Element would be classified as a compact MPV, which usually have more utility than a heavier SUV that takes up more road space
I've waited a long time to have a birthday on Monday so Eric will wish me a happy birthday and today is the day. Whoo!
I use the AWD almost every winter when it snows and it is invaluable for that, being able to get out of your suburban road that was never plowed to go to work or the store when all your neighbors are stuck unable to go anywhere. The AWD system also engages sometimes when it is raining, especially when you start moving from a complete stop. In those situations my front wheel drive car just spins its tires potentially creating a dangerous situation where the car sometimes starts to drift sideways, while the AWD engages the rear wheels almost immediately and I safely and smoothly accelerate. Anyone that wants to be self reliant understands the importance of having one AWD vehicle in the family.
Exactly. I live in northern Utah at a mile up in elevation. AWD is a godsend much of the year.
AWD is great for those situations, but it doesn’t need to be an SUV necessarily
Tbf you can use less throttle and you won't have that problem of the front wheels spinning, but I do get how annoying it is drive a FWD in a rainy place and spin your tires every morning when you start the daily driving
@@frafraplanner9277 I've used less throttle and they can still spin. Using less throttle can leave you vulnerable if you need to accelerate to avoid an accident. AWD eliminates this issue and allows you drive like normal.
Agree I moving from wart a civic I notice I feel like it will lose control more easily
Living in the Northwest I see lots of suvs and four wheel drive trucks in the ditches when it snows. I used to drive a 96 Camaro with studded tires and three four bags of concrete mix in the trunk and you should have seen the dirty looks I got when I wove my way through the spun out SUVs in town that couldn’t get up all the hills. 🤣🤣
I think they also killed the station wagons.
Could not agree more with pretty much everything you said. Minivan is the better choice for most people who claim they "need more room" - in no small part because there IS more room! I've had to deal with subaru AWD maintenance, matching tires, etc. Just bought my student daughter a '19 Honda fit. She wanted a CRV but once she got the seat raised up and saw the cargo versatility of the Fit, she loved it! With only 16k miles on it, I truly feel like we found the perfect car for her.
And you saved her a lot on the rest (tires, fuel, insurances, repairs and maintenace, etc.). All the small costs, added together, at the end of the years = a fair amount of money...
Totally agree with you Eric. Especially about tires being the most important regardless of the vehicle you're driving. I would add traction control, or VSA in honda/acura speak. Makes all the difference and if you have it and it works, 4wd is unneccessary in 99% of driving situations.
The funniest thing is when car manufacturers hype up their next SUV like it's the best thing since toilet paper considering that the majority of the SUV's consumer base doesn't know what trims or packages are
It’s harder to get a new sedan today.
Cause everyone wants a suv.
There are tons of sedans you can buy. What are you talking about?
I love cars and I just can't understand why people want these hideous humongous useless heaps of junk that are as big as their insecurities and look absolutely horrible. Why is it a trend now? They don't do anything more than what a Wagon or a well equipped hatchback can do, they just exist to be noticed. I really wish people would figure it out and let SUVs and crossovers just die. Nobody really needs a car THAT large.
My wife liked ours because you could see out of them better, 4x4 & more protection from being in an accident
Great visibility, not just over cars but further down the road in general. And being higher means you're less susceptible to being hurt in a deer collision. The general shape of my wife's SUV is such that a deer would get punched forward or to the side, much less likely to skate over the hood and get lodged in (or penetrate) the windshield.
Yea, couldn't agree anymore. I'm currently driving one now on loan from me parents. They love it, pops keeps trying to convince me it's the best thing since sliced bread lol. I can't wait to get back to driving my little Ford focus se hatchback go-kart. Just enough space in the boot for emergency tools/gear. Gas mileage is great and it handles like socks on oiled hardwood, when snow time comes. Sliding for days, it's great.
THANK YOU!!
Yes, I get there are practical uses, but it’s still not worth the hassle of extra maintenance costs. It’s a contentious issue right now, because at this point, they’re more like status symbols than practical vehicles. Minivans can haul a lot more people, has more storage and cargo space, and simply more versatile.
And yes, AWD/4WD is the biggest false sense of security among the majority of SUV drivers. They think they’re dominating and kings/queens of the road. Meanwhile, they’re in the ditch, because they invested in an AWD system when they should have invested in snow tires instead.
Snow tires is another case of "false sense"
All Seasons sucks. All Weather are really amazing at snow. Many people think all seasons means it will work on all seasons but not certain weather lol
I guess the positive is they can haul stuff when I got my tv it fit in the suv no problem. When I bought new tires for my car all 4 tires fit in the SUV no problem other then that I don’t like them
They’ve got just about every 16-25 year old college girl fooled
Most mini van owners use it for hauling or driving extra people a handful of times a year. My mini van cost more in insurance and gas(about $1000 a year) just so I can give people rides to the cottage etc that don't drive. I thought, why should I pay that extra all year for a handful of times I need the extra space. I can just rent a UHAUL trailer if I need extra space.
This SUV car thing is out of control
Even new small entry level city/grocery getter cars are designed to be like SUVs
You are 100 percent right!! I have a VW Golf wagon which is a wonderful car. Unfortunately because of the SUV, VW is no longer selling wagons in the US
I don't hate SUVs, Ford Broncos are considered SUVs and i like those. Dont mind CRVs or Older K5 Blazers/RamChargers or the first gen Durango. I absolutely despise Crossovers tho
So true! The best for me was how my little two wheel driveToyota Tercel with winter tires past a Ford Bronco four wheel drive going up a lightly snow covered hill. I could not believe how tires made the difference, not to mention all the con issues you did Eric. The world claims to be energy concerned in talking EV vehicles look at the size of vehicles, there tires and complexities/
I 100% agree with u. Ex SUV owner and a current VAN owner. I hated myself why I did not buy the van before. A VAN is like a truck for me when i remove all the seats. Can haul a lot of stuff.
SUVs are the smartphones of cars. They try to replace several different things but do all of them mediocre at best.
I also agree with you about suvs, don't worry about the other name I'm sure it's not worth it. I like the way you keep pointing out the costs and the shortcomings of having to maintain them. People only buy these to feel safe, but they are more likely to tip over in a collision. They imagine' hey look at me I'm large and in charge.' No. Your not dear. I can go anywhere in this thing. No you can't most of them are not designed to go off road. But, what I'm only getting 15 mph? My camry got 30.
What great timing, I just traded in a Subaru Crosstrek to downgrade to a small hatchback. Got the Crosstrek because it seemed like the least SUV like of the SUVs and could still go off road sorta if I wanted to. I had it for 3 years, went off pavement maybe 3 times, and sure enough it still felt top heavy like any other SUV, numb steering, and holy crap was it slow. Barely noticed the AWD, the only time it ever came in handy was getting out of my parking spot in a snowstorm, besides that it was useless and just wasted fuel. Thank god everyone wants a damn Subaru so the trade in value was almost the same as the sticker price when I bought the stupid thing LOL.
I inherited the wife's Rogue when we upgraded to an Odyssey. While I do appreciate most things about it compared to my old hatch, even living in Minnesota I don't think my next vehicle will be AWD. Only noticeable difference over my hatchback is like you saw getting out of a parking spot or trying to climb a fresh snow-filled driveway (which you shouldn't pack down with your wheels anyway!!). ...And I hate changing the transfer case oil.
But I will stick with a vehicle that has better ground clearance. I really enjoy not caring about steep aprons and such.
I still get a laugh at the guy in his 95 crown victoria driving around Moab, just him and his dog looking for a good place to ride his bike.
Agree, minivans are absolute dork central but the most sensible vehicles on the road.
There unnecessary in most cases
Cars in general are. You can walk most places, or ride a bike.
@@Azathoth43 ok u go a head and do that ill pass u in my car thank you very much
They suck. They arent even that good for storage or cargo, suvs fucking suck.
I hate SUVs too Eric.
Cars got too damn small. I believe that's the main reason SUV's became so popular. Little cars are for city folks. That's why we hung onto our '86 Mercury Grand Marquis. Even a Toyota Camry is minuscule these days. Useless to me - I'm always hauling, or towing something. I don't really have a use for an SUV either, since the hauling part is limited by the roof back there - that's why I drive a pickup. Little cars have traditionally been unreliable as well, at least on the domestic side of things. These days they're ALL unreliable, so I guess that point is moot, lol.
Excellent point.
Estate Cars (or called Wagons in the US) are better for the average consumer.
I love wagons I have an Audi allroad Quattro bi turbo
Manufactures do not want to make wagons, sedans or coupes. The profit margins for SUVs are so ridiculously high, they do not care about manufacturing cars and wagons. With Biden doubling fuel prices, soccer moms will have cut back on their Starbucks or trade the SUV for a car.
@@customcoffins Is it the mother part you guys hate or the woman? You guys have a serious misogyny thing going.
@@Azathoth43 Nothing against anyone . You might want to seek help with your sensitivities and insecurities. It must be awful living life with such fragile perceptions.
Everything you said was right 🤷♂️
As an owner if a 17 Cherokee, I love it. I have had it off road many times including off road in the snow. The awd system works great when driving on the hwy and there is snow or ice on the road and it diverts power automatically to the wheel that has grip when trying to take off from a stop light on a hill. That coupled with some good snow tires and not trying to drive like I'm on dry roads makes for a much safer drive.
Since you're actually using the Cherokee for what it was designed for... Change those fluids in the transfer case, front and rear diffs and transmission frequently. Not only will it last longer, you'll get to see any major wear inside. Good luck !
Why not an AWD estate? It would handle even better, have practically the same interior space, be cheaper to own/maintain, be easier to live with ie parking/driving on narrow roads and more 360 visibility, easier to load luggage/pets/kids, easier to wash, less likely to roll over...
Hire a proper 4WD for the serious off-roading so you don't have to live with the wear and tear.
Years back I had an '02 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 Inline six. I put Goodyear Wrangler tires on all four wheels, thing was an absolute beast in the snow. One year I was forced to go out working in a blizzard, and when I came back to my neighborhood it hadn't been plowed in hours and the snow was up over my knees. I plowed my way home with the front axle and even made it into my parking space without getting stuck once. I'm not a fan of Chrysler stuff, but sometimes I wish I still had it when the weather gets bad. It started rusting out really bad, a body shop made me a decent offer and I took it.
I agree with you 100%. Finally someone else out there who isn't afraid to tell the truth about SUVs. I feel the same way towards diesel pick-up trucks. Specially the ones that are jacked up with skinny tires.
Especially the ones with the annoying turbos and they seem slow the trucks making all this noise to get up to speed and I just pass them in my gas powered car
I always switch my air to recirculate in my Element in case it is a stinky diesel pickup going by. In the 70's one could be fooled by a diesel Oldsmobile or diesel rabbit though.
I'm guessing it's crossovers we're talking about here.
I grew up in minivans that my parents drove and SUVs that my grandparents drove. Even growing up, I very much loved those SUVs, ( Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Expedition, etc...) Where I live, we have some rough snow storms and rough-ish terrain, and my grandfather was always a sucker for getting his cars dirty. Always loved taking dirt roads and trails in the boonies. These are things minivans just can't do. I'm alright with truck-based SUVs, but I HATE crossovers
SUVs are popular because cars became too sporty, too low, too tense with small turbo engines.
Cars used to be tall, roomy, airy. Not anymore.
SUVs are like cars used to be.
That Saturn Vue with the J series. Like blah 🤣
Those make fun little sleepers if you can manual swap a Vue
As a Ridgeline owner, comparing the maintenance/operational cost between a Pilot and an Odyssey, seems fairly minor. Other than fuel the only extra cost is the transfer case, and vtm-4 fluids. My 06 Ridgleine with 140K has been very reliable and has had only 2 non consumable repairs (Rear upper ball joint, left inner tie rod) but it does need front sway bar end links.
Right again as usual; you hit the nail on the head. Love it.
I've had a 99 isuzu rodeo i loved those suvs but sadly I lost mine a long time back being stupid an needed the money an took a loan out on it an couldnt pay it off in time so they took it .
Been trying to find another isuzu rodeo but most ones I find are tore up an high milage or the transmission or engine is bad .
Ones I find in good shape they want alot for an I'm like no way for a old suv like that
you'd be surprised how much offroading you can do in a standard 98 accord with mud & snow tires on the front wheels, ice, snow up to the doors, muddy hills, forest fireroads, ruts, gravel rally stage like roads, and so on, there is a fair bit of wheelspin you have to deal with and you may need some momentum and send it attitude too
I'd sooner drive a SUV than become a Jeep person.
Wife and I were almost T boned by an FJ Cruiser....after the light was red for 5 seconds. SUV drivers are careless and inattentive.
I love Erics
I love Eric too
Hey Eric, I agree with all of your points! We own two SUVs, a 2006 Honda CR-V SE and a new to us 2011 Nissan Armada. We’ve owned the crv for 6 years or so and has been the most reliable vehicle we have owned. other than small maintenance items. We love the space and visibility it provides. Having awd is just an extra safety feature during inclement weather and we run winter tires too.
Now the Armada is used to tow our camper. Gets less mileage vs the Honda. A lot of space inside and is really comfortable during road trips. And the v8 is awesome, love the motor and the noises it makes. It’s also 4wd and we have only owned it through one winter season but it drives well too during that season. I got winter tires for the upcoming winter season too.
So to sum up. CRV great suv that you should like lol.
The armada definitely fits your mold of why you don’t like SUVs. A van would definitely be better here if we didn’t need a tow vehicle and didn’t have terrible winters here. So 50/50.
Thanks for the video. Can’t wait to see your Pilot in detail.
TL;DR I agree with ETCG1
Like you said, I think most purchases for SUVs are not really ... necessary. I will say though, someone who lives in an urban city where you actually get decent snowfall, and you cannot have/store a second set of snow tires (tires are the most important thing) get good use out of SUV's AWD with GOOD AS tires, keyword being good tires, not the cheapest set for sale.
TL;DR I agree with ETCG1
I think the argument changes when you don’t buy the propaganda that there’s a fuel shortage. The electric push is bs and it’s just an easy way to get big brother in your car, monitor you, and can basically control you more at the end of the day. People like bigger cars. They feel better, they’re safer, they do more, and at the end of the day that’s what people want. Same goes for pick up trucks. Most don’t need them, they want them.
You realize it's even easier to do that with the cell phone in your pocket right?
@@ETCG1 100% but you cannot turn my gas car off remotely like you can an electric. Like Tesla, they control who can work on them and access parts.
Sedan driver here. My mother uses a FWD SUV, a beautiful but harsh '07 Mazda CX7. It's a gas hog and needs premium gas. Turbocharged engine. Luckily tho, my mom is a gentle driver but drives in the city, which explains the poor mpg's even more.
We got it because it was cheap, like around 2K. There was a small problem with it, and it was in the auction. No one wanted it, and we got lucky!
God, who remembers Ford Explorers of the 90s? Aged like unpasteurized milk
Theyre all rotted out and scrapped. I havent seen one in months.
Absolutely hate them. All the same reasons you listed plus they just have a whiff of "look how special I am" to them. Especially the huge ones. They're a status symbol but at everyone else's expense so they're just never going to sit right with me