Explanation of the Questions
1. Name and place of residence.
2. Year, make, and model.
3. What were the deciding reasons to buy this vehicle?
4. Miles per gallon.
5. Do you use your four-wheel drive? Do you go off-road?
6. Do you use your vehicle for sports?
7. What kind of utilitarian purposes do you use your vehicle for?
8. Do you think fuel should cost more or less?
9. Were you for or against I-695?
10. Do you belong to or donate to any environmental organizations?
1. Name: April, Federal Way
2. SUV: '97 Chevy Tahoe
3. Reason: To pull a trailer with racing bikes
4. MPG: 14
5. 4WD/Off-road: No/No
6. Sports: Racing bikes (hauls them)
7. Utilities: Daily commute
8. Fuel Price: "I think the cost of fuel is fair. Obviously, if I chose to use a smaller vehicle, then I'd use less gas and it would cost me less."
9. I-695: For. "The prices of tabs are getting outrageous. I do think people who drive expensive cars should pay more, though." [regarding the cuts in public transportation due to I-695]: "That was unfortunate. I think there has to be a better middle ground."
10. Environmental Org: No.
Could you get by w/ a smaller car? "I try to commute with my motorcycle as much as possible."
How do you feel about SUVs being dangerous? "If you eliminate SUVs, you'd have to eliminate light trucks which would be unfeasible."
1. Name: Joy and Allison, Medina
2. SUV: '99 Lexus RX300
3. Reason: "It's nice looking, rides high, has a good reputation..." --Joy (mother)
"Oh, c'mon, Mom! It's swanky!" -- Allison (daughter)
4. MPG: 18
5. 4WD/Off-road: No/No
6. Sports: Kayaks, biking, skiing
7. Utilities: "It's considered 'the truck' for hauling yard waste and furniture."
8. Fuel Price: Less. "Obviously less, but there's too many cars on the road. There should be some way to get us more into car pooling or public transportation."
9. I-695: Didn't vote, but would have voted for it. --Joy
"The average person didn't understand what it was about. If people would have known, they might not have voted for it." --Allison
10. Environmental Org: WASHPIRG
1. Name: Jack, Enumclaw
2. SUV: '93 Toyota 4-Runner
3. Reason: "Multiple uses. I can haul things; I can go on camping trips; I can go anywhere. I can take several people; I can take dogs with me. It fits my lifestyle."
4. MPG: 20/17
5. 4WD/Off-road: Yes/No
6. Sports: Skiing
7. Utilities: "I can go to the landfill and haul furniture."
8. Fuel Price: Less. "I think it's a cartel monopoly. And, the US is holding back on development of our supplies." HoweverŠ "I think technology will lead to better fuel economyŠ
Who's going to encourage that if manufacturers get a tax break for making giant vehicles? "I would like to think the market and the people would encourage it." "Americans are kind of spoiled. We like our independence and our horsepower."
9. I-695: For. "I think the government takes way too much. I think it's a solid statement from the taxpayers. Dipping into the [automotive] fund for social purposes is ridiculous. It's our money."
10. Environmental Org: [not asked -- started raining too hard]
1. Name: Christine, Maple Valley
2. SUV: '96 Ford Explorer
3. Reason: "It's bigger. I have three kids."
4. MPG: Dunno
5. 4WD/Off-road: No/No
6. Sports: No
7. Utilities: Haul kids.
8. Fuel Price: Less. "It's a lot to fill this thing! Thirty-six dollars."
9. I-695: Undecided.
10. Environmental Org: No
So, if you could get by w/ a smaller car, why did you get it? "I just like it."
1. Name: Lawrence, Renton
2. SUV: '98 Olds Bravada
3. Reason: Pulls boat out of water well.
4. MPG: 15.6
5. 4WD/Off-road: Yes/Yes
6. Sports:Boating, fishing
7. Utilities: Haul lumber
8. Fuel Price: "I let the market dictate that."
9. I-695: Against. "It's artificial. Nothing's free. If you don't like the job your congresspeople are doing, then vote them out."
10. Environmental Org: Puget Sound Anglers, Wildlife Federation
Could you get by with a smaller car? "Yes." Then why don't you? "I'll let somebody else get by with a smaller car."
1. Name: Barb, Renton
2. SUV: '91 Chevy Suburban
3. Reason: Has 4WD, big for kids and their toys. "Definitely not for the gas mileage!"
4. MPG: Dunno. Below 15
5. 4WD/Off-road: No/No
6. Sports: No
7. Utilities: Hauling kids
8. Fuel Price: Less. "In a car this big, of course less. However, once electric cars become more commonplace, I'd like to look into that."
9. I-695: Against. "I felt there were other issues at stake than just $30 tabs."
10. Environmental Org: No.
Do you think you could get by w/ a less huge vehicle? "Oh yes! But it was the type of vehicle my husband wanted. I'd be happy with just a Honda."
1. Name: Dean, Seattle
2. SUV: '89 Jeep Cherokee
3. Reason: Winter driving. "SUV's are more widely used now because they're like trucks with more seats and doors."
4. MPG: 21/16
5. 4WD/Off-road: Yes/No
6. Sports: No
7. Utilities: Going to Home Depot
8. Fuel Price: More
9. I-695: Didn't vote, but was for it.
10. Environmental Org: Sierra Club