Sports utility vehicles have been the darlings of the auto industry in recent years. SUVs have become so popular that, while automakers like Ford and Chevy are de facto leaders in the production of light and heavy-duty trucks, even Porsche, Saab, and Cadillac have rolled out luxury versions of these virtual land yachts.

SUVs have become the newest family car by providing size and safety features that soccer-moms want, as well as a rugged designs that adventuresome dads can get excited about. While minivans were once the preferred vehicle for families, they have are heavy on utility and light on style. That gap between style and functionality that has given SUVs an edge in today's market. While minivans provide utility and other features that family-vehicle shoppers desire, some Americans have expressed in a recent survey that they would rather drive something else-an SUV.