The results:

Q: Which is the best description of Sport Utility Vehicles?

• Great family cars - 1,422 (29%)
• Gas-guzzling nuisances - 1,400 (29%)
• Expensive toys - 1,272 (26%)
• Their drivers are maniacs - 487 (10%)
• Their time is past - 252 (5%)

Your comments:

"SUV drivers as a whole are the worst drivers on the road. They think they own the road. Just because their vechicle is big they think they can intimidate other drivers. I take pleasure when they tail-gate me during wintery icy weather and try to follow me. I have driven in FIA sanctioned races in Europe and can out drive just about any one on the road and take pleasure when they try to NASCAR draft and end up in the ditch. After awhile you get sick and tired of pulling off the road to let these jerks drive by. Tailgating is the worst driving habit. It could be your Grandmother in front of you. The police don't seem to care either." K.C., Colchester

"They are not as sweet as a Mazda Miata, but they are cool, unlike mini vans!" Jules, Storrs

"Why not ask the same question the same way about the drivers of Audis and Saabs?" E.B., Deep River

"SUV's are the greatest cars to use in the Southwest...mainly Jeeps, that is. You cannot four wheel drive the beautiful back road mountain passes without a Jeep! It has become an art out there. Last week, however, two Texans drove their Jeep near Silverton, CO at a 70 degree angle and were completely stuck looking for help from possibly a helicopter lift (which costs $2000/hour). Like anything, respect for the backroads and common sense should guide anyone who intends to 4 wheel the backroads. We were able to 4 wheel out to dinosaur bones! You couldn't do that with a standard car! However, not all SUV's are the same. Only the Jeep is revered in the West as the vehicle in which to 4 wheel and I, being a Jeep owner, heartily agree! The age of the 4 wheeler is not past....It's just beginning!" L.A.O., Higganum

"Mom's 1971 station wagon revisited! Who's cool now?" Brian, Oxford

"People who drive SUVs drive like maniacs! A PERFECT example of the SUV mentality is that commercial where one lady nearly runs over people to get in a parking spot FIRST! Another group of people to drive like maniacs are the winners who drive with their lights on." Diane, East Killingly

"With 5 kids we have outgrown the minivan, we don't really have a choice in what kind of vehicle to get. The Suburban we drive is a necessity, not a status thing I think alot of people are driving SUVs for." A., Old Saybrook

"SUVs are Jeeps on anabolic steroids. They're Hummer wannabes while Hummers are sheer pretention." S.C.U., Hamden

"Your list of what SUVs are should include what they originally were meant to be, a Sport Utility Vehicle. I bought mine for that reason, to pull my trailers, boat and utility, and off the road hunting and fishing. I did not buy it for protection from crazy drivers or as a family car. Some woman thought of that. Now they are buying Kayaks." M.C., Darien

"How about asking the question: Since changing to 10 digit dialing, how many people have to needlessly redial the number after being told by the recording that it wasn't dialed correctly in the first place?" Scott, Oakville

"Due to my disability I am unable to get out of anything lower than a SUV or a mini-van. So I do wish the mileage would improve on both of them...I would love to finally drive a motor car that gets more than 19 miles to the gallon." Deb, Litchfield

"SUVs are parking lot hazards, and hazards in general, due to the fact that the view around them by other drivers is impossible!" L.C., Bolton

"As a new driver of an SUV, I don't know what I did without it all these years! As a new mom, a lot of clutter comes along with us everyday and it's great to have all this extra room! I literally live out of my truck and never have to haul the baby necessities from house to car and back again. I leave the truck packed with everything and when the back door is up, it's a great changing table too! Also, having 4wd is a plus. Once with my 8 month old in the pouring rain (a lot of that lately) we got stuck in the mud. I couldn't leave him to ask for help and the 4wd saved us. Drive them safely and you will enjoy them. Just knowing that gas is so expensive, I make sure I don't make a lot of unnecessary trips - I map out my day, it saves time, gas and aggravation. I love my truck. Lastly on I-95 (the deathzone of CT), I feel much safer. When I drive our second "car" I feel very vulnerable and so low to the road that the trucks are going to run me over! In the truck, there is a definite sense of security which is probably why a lot of owners feel so empowered!" S.T., Oxford

"Your survey on SUVs is missing one choice. Oversized Station WAGONs." John, Stratford

"What is it about these SUVs that as soon as someone gets behind the wheel of one they automatically think they are invincible? It's fine with me if they have total disregard for their own safety but please don't put me or my famliy in danger because you know how safe you are in your big invincible SUV." B.L., East Haven

"Stupid Useless Vehicles." C.J.S., Glastonbury

"The sport utility is fantastic for the home owner to go to Home Depot in. You can hall what you need for the kids at college. Bags of mulch, etc. can easily be transported. My wife has more confidence driving in inclement weather. Fantastic vehicle." Tom, Meriden

"SUVs are nothing more than minivans on steroids!" E.C., Deep River