America's Infatuation with SUVs Waning

While gasoline prices -- and sales for Toyota's Prius hybrid -- continue to climb, SUVs are becoming "white elephants"

1 minute read

May 9, 2005, 10:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"The figures compiled by the auto industry research organizations are pointing this year at what is quickly becoming the white elephant of the industry -- that erstwhile favorite of the California shopping mall, the gas- sucking SUV, a highly profitable vehicle that was the darling of the 1990s but has now become the prime victim of $3-a-gallon gasoline. Sales of SUVs for the first three months of this year fell by nearly 15 percent from last year at this time, according to Ward's Automotive, a Michigan firm that studies the industry. Sales of Ford's Excursion and Expedition SUVs fell about 28 percent. At GM, sales of the big Chevrolet Suburban were down nearly 30 percent; the Tahoe, a slightly shorter Suburban, had a 22 percent drop."

Thanks to Michael Dudley

Monday, May 9, 2005 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog