>>Bigger SUV's, well, I won't buy one.  However,
a Ford Excursion with a Powerstroke Diesel
probably gets better economy and has lower
pollution than
my Vanagon.  Of course, it is an absurd vehicle
that most people that buy won't really need.<<

Stuart,
I read that even the gas Excursion meets the new
"Low Emissions Vehicle Standard."  Both gas and
diesel probably get better gas mileage than most
of the vanagons on the road.  It seats up to
nine, the same as the vanagon.  And it is
available with four wheel drive, just like our
synchro's.  Most of us don't really need a bus,
but we sure do love 'em.

I despise leather this and upholstered that
"utility" vehicles, but my point is that we
should not necessarily jump on the bandwagon.  To
the
tree-freak/car-nazi/end-of-the-world-because-of-
(enter the unproven environmetal theory of the
week)-type that thinks anything bigger than an
electric Civic or Metro is too much car, we are
just as guilty as the Excursion owner.

Flame away.  I'm gone all weekend!!!!

_____________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com