That's easy. Because SUVs are more expensive. And the Democrat target audience is the poor and oppressed, and of course, mini-vans are more affordable.

SUV's burn a bit more fuel for the carrying capacity, but when I see people who complain about SUV's riding around in limos, know there's got to be another reason.

I have to suspect it is mainly for the same reason that people who live in snow-free climates and never go off-roading still buy SUV's instead of minivans - SUV's are more macho. Being macho is politically incorrect. Even being obviously a straight male is politically incorrect in some circles.

I blame the "fun police" mentality. Think back, if you read any number of automotive journals or even newspapers with opinion columns, how often have the writers written pieces bemoaning the fact they had to buy minivans for their growning families?

There's a stigma applied to minivans (and plenty of newspaper comics making jokes about this) where the adult male of the family has to begrudgingly buy a minivan for his family. It's the kind of thing people in the media love to snicker over, a sign of middle age, writing about guys having to give up on the cars of their younger years, trading in the dreams of owning an exotic car (or the actual car itself) for some pedestrian bland box on wheels to accommodate a growning family.

I think the elite get a kick out of us being unhappy. When we find an alternative vehicle like an SUV that does all the work of a minivan and is actually something we look forward to buying, there's no joke to tell. A family-mover vehicle that's a status symbol? Something we actually enjoy the thought of buying? Something akin to getting that expensive sports car but having the ability to haul the family with it? Can't have that. Cute Arianna Huffington and the fun police.

Both markm and B.G. are right. SUVs are less fuel efficient than minivans and also are disparaged because they are considered status symbols.

Dan is wrong: some minivans (like my Honda Odyssey) cost more than some SUVs. I think the hatred of SUVs has little to do with their cost.

By the way, this adult male greatly prefers minivans to SUVs. Minivans are more practical and comfortable. My Odyssey can carry more cargo than any SUV, including the giant Ford Expedition. To me, SUVs are sensible vehicles only if you need to tow heavy boats or campers. But, who says we should always buy the most sensible vehicle?

Because liberal soccer-moms drive minivans.