Future Of Sport Utility Vehicles Essay Research

Future Of Sport Utility Vehicles Essay, Research Paper

The Future of Sport Utility Vehicles

Many sources say you see more trucks and SUVs on the road than any other vehicle. According to these sources, Sport-Utility Vehicles are hotter than ever, climbing from seven percent of new car sales in 1990 to 16 percent in 1997. Automakers both here and in other countries are rushing to compete in this lucrative market; just about every brand has or soon will have at least one SUV to offer. Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, and even Volkswagen are planning to introduce an SUV by 2002 (”The Future of SUV’s” 13). In fact, evidence gathered through road tests, surveys, and research done by Automotive Magazines clearly shows there are many varied Sport Utility Vehicles, representing a wave for the Future. This is the wave of the future.

The Mercedes-Benz ML320 has been described as the most agile SUV that has ever been tested (”The Driving Experience” 16). It rides comfortably and quietly except on poor roads. It is stable in fast turns and performs fairly well in avoidance maneuvering. The 3.2-liter V6 provides ample power and the 5-speed automatic transmission is well matched to the engine. The unique 4-wheel drive system uses electronic traction control to divert power from a slipping wheel to a gripping wheel. Low range is available for off-road use. Stops were a bit long, especially in wet tests. The ML320 lists for $39,065.

The Lexus RX-300 is a neat crossbreed of SUV and station wagon (”The Driving Experience” 17). The Lexus rides firmly, with just a little jiggling. But even with a full load, the ride is better than most SUV’s. The steering feels a bit imprecise and numb, and a wide turning circle hampers maneuverability. The body leans sharply during hard cornering, and in avoidance maneuvering it plows ahead and then fishtails. The 3.0-liter V6 performs smoothly and responsively, averaging about 19 mpg. There is no low range for serious off-road driving. The overall braking performance was very good. The RX-300 lists for $39,401.

The Mercury Mountaineer is roomy and relatively inexpensive but the ride is uncomfortable (”Maneuverability” Internet). Bumps produce stiff, choppy pitching and occasional body shake. Even the highway ride is uncomfortable, and a full load makes matters worse. The engine sounds coarse and wind noise is quite pronounced. The 4.0-liter V6 accelerates briskly, averaging about 16 mpg. The vehicle shudders when the power shifts from the rear wheels to the front ones. The brakes are sufficient but stops were rather long, especially on wet pavement.

The Infiniti QX4 has been described as a .wimpy re-badged Pathfinder’ (”Driving” Internet). The Infiniti is a poor cargo carrier, the ride is rough, and it is very hard to control at times. The steering feels slow, rubbery, and heavy in normal driving. Acceleration is poor; it averages about 16 mpg. There is a lot of wind rush and engine noise. The Infiniti’s brakes were adequate, but like the rest, stops were long on wet pavements. The QX4 lists for $37,955.

The Mercedes-Benz ML 320 is the new leader of the pack (”Recommendations” Internet). Having lots of cargo room is only the beginning. It is very comfortable and has a very smooth ride. It also performs very well off-road, carving its way through all types of terrain. The only downfall for this Benz came with its paint job. There is also an annoying rattle in the tailgate.

The Lexus RX 300 is described as very reliable (”Recommendations” Internet). It rides comfortably and quietly. It also is smooth and the efficient power train provides quick acceleration and reasonable fuel economy. It is really not designed for off-road use but does well in various types of terrain. Emergency handling is sloppy, the rear seat is very uncomfortable, and cargo space is modest.

The Mercury Mountaineer is a Ford Explorer in disguise (”Suggestions” Internet). It’s the least inexpensive SUV that is available. It offers the most cargo room of its kind. It also accelerates quickly and handles quite well. However, the design is becoming outdated. The ride is rough and the engine is noisy. It doesn’t brake or handle as well as the 1997 Explorer did. However, this may be due in part to the performance of the tires.

The inside of the Mercedes-Benz ML 320 also gave quite a performance (”Inside the vehicle” 16). Heated front seats with full power adjustment and leather trim are nice features. Passenger access is very easy. Storage includes a lockable drawer under the front passenger seat, a deep bin in the center console, 2 bins in the dash, and a roomy map pocket in each door. Most of the controls are well designed but the driver has to take his/her eyes of the road to operate the window switches on center console. In addition, the cruise control lever is too close to the turn-signal lever. The climate system works very well. The outside mirrors heat automatically at low temps. Falling asleep in this SUV would be no problem.

Dual front air bags, side air bags, and a pretensioner for both front seatbelts are standard on the ML 320. All five head restraints are high enough even when lowered. The ML 320 did well in the Government’s 35-mph crash test (”Safety and Reliability” 16). The driver dummy suffered moderate injury and the passenger dummy suffered no injury. The Mercedes can easily secure a child seat in