I cogitate on this subject frequently, particularly after driving the (very small) Beck Coupe in suburban traffic. I have come to believe that one reason fewer people are really into driving (and the cars that encourage it) is that traffic has made most ground travel into a chore to be gotten through with the least hassle rather than an experience to be enjoyed. People feel safer and more insulated from the scary world around them in SUVs. Why they prefer SUVs to minivans is often an image thing, but that's not a surprise to anyone here.