U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #272: June 16, 2003
Why Buyers Are Not Considering SUV Purchases

A March 2003 survey indicated that 37% of new car buyers would not consider buying a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Thirty-six percent of those who would not consider buying an SUV said that the price of gasoline is the most important reason; 43% said that it was just not the kind of vehicle they wanted.

Graph: Reasons Buyers Do Not Consider Buying SUVs

Supporting Information

Most Important Reason in Not Considering an SUV
Not the kind of vehicle wanted 43%
Gasoline prices 36%
Rollovers/safety concerns   9%
Too big for the road   5%
Impact on environment   5%
Impact on foreign oil dependence   2%

Source: Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, "SUV Attitude Study — Wave 1 and Wave 2 Summary," March 2003. Based on survey conducted March 7–12, 2003.

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