Too Leftist? Never! OK, I must be an anomalie. I wish I could drive a vehicle that gets 40+ mpg. But they don't seem to make them that can do everything I need.
I could buy 2 - 3 vehicles. Well, I couldn't cuz I don't have that kind of $.
I too, live in a snow capital. We get on average about 120-150 inches of snow a year. I like to go skiing in VT. Jay Peak, can get 500+ inches a year.
I need a vehicle that I can fit in. (Head room) I am in the market for a new vehicle cuz my QX4 (with sun roof) is too small (head room dept). 4 runner: too small. Most are too small. Honda Pilot (w/o sunroof) and Honda Element are great in the headroom dept. Minimum of 40.5 inches works for me. 41 is better.
Ok, once I find one I fit in, I would like one that has minimal Front wheel drive, cuz I feel it's better in the snow, but 2wd, awd, locking 4wd would be more preferable.
I also need on that can hold a 63" case with the seats folded down (and not a pickup, 'cuz the case needs to stay warm & dry. With all these desires, there aren't many options.
Perhaps I should get an H3 and a prius. But I start to think, the H3 is an off road vehicle as well and a daily driver. Folks buy it to go off roading. Should we not allow that? Should we assign evilness to snowmobiles or motorcross bikes? (just heard a story about putting catalitic (sp?) converters on lawn mowers).
And then...
what about all the other vehicles out there that are worse?
http://www.epa.gov/emissweb/suv-06.htm
It is a tough question. I would love to treat the world better and drive a truck that ran on hydrogen. But they're not out there yet. Not sure how bio diesel works in 10F weather. So, keep up the fight. I'm there with ya, but I am going to buy a truck that meets my needs and my wallet.