Submitted by Larry, May 31, 2007 15:17

CAFE standards are counterproductive. The reason light trucks and SUVs became popular is because CAFE legislated the full-size family station wagon out of existence ie: the Impala, Crown Vic wagon,Colony park wagon etc.

Look at the size of cars today vs. what it use to be - the biggest Chevrolet passenger car is pretty much the same size as their compact-sized Chevy II Nova sold from 1962 to 1979. Add to that they don't even make an Impala wagon - meaning that i can carry more passengers and cargo in my "compact" 1963 Chevy II wagon - with 8 seating positions (still own today) than what can fit in Chevy's largest passenger car.

Since CAFE limits vehicle choice, people will hang onto their older cars longer because they can no longer buy a vehicle that suits them. If CAFE standards lighten and weaken pickup trucks in the future, the older trucks made in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s will lumber on for even more years beyond their expected lifespan - in many cases being refurbished instead of being replaced.

A 1971 Malibu wagon was a great cargo and passenger hauler. To replace that same functionality, it will need to be replaced with a Chevy Suburban - a larger and heavier vehicle because CAFE legislated away car-based workhorses from existence.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.