When people don't believe they are affected by advertising, the popularity SUV prove otherwise. Most SUV drivers know they are not going off-roading. Yet they like the message of the ads: You could go offroading if you wanted to.

Much cheaper to buy a sedan.

Back in my near poverty days, I had a 1983 rustbucket with the name Toyota Celica. Sports car, low to the ground. Cheap and reliable. And really nice to drive.

When I bought it, I thought my winter driving would be limited. But this was the best car for icy highways and plowing through snow drifts I ever had. I became a little too fearless in winter. Even more than with my 4x4 F150. I wonder if modern SUVs compare with winter driving.

But definitely no off-roading with that Celica.