Bill sez:

> They are popular because of their versatility.

I recognize that SUV's insurgence is a mere function of supply and demand,
but I must disagree.

They are popular because a lot of people hate to be seen in a minivan.  They
are popular because the public has been smitten by clever commercials of
adventures in remote and beautiful places.  They are popular because their
heft and high seating bestows a false sense of security upon their drivers
and passengers.  They are popular with our government because they keep the
American auto makers in business and our economy from sinking even further.

As a contrast, the Vanagon owners, and more specifically the Vanagon
Westfalia owners, use their vehicles for purposes which reflect their
intended design.  That, my friend, is the biggest difference between an
average SUV and an average Vanagon;  Form follows function and function
follows form.

I must confess that I am a previous SUV owner and I hope this will lend some
credibility to my comments.

Respectfully,

Chris S.
www.knology.net/~vw/