Remember that there are two types of people who drive trucks: those who think trucks are cool, and those who drive a truck because a car just doesn’t do what they need it to.
In general, I find the people who drive trucks because they need trucks to be at least as courteous as those driving cars–often more. They (make that “we”-I drive an extended cab long bed 4WD F250) typically don’t drive aggressively.
On the other hand, the people who drive the big shiny tricked-out trucks that have never been off the pavement seem more likely to be aggressive drivers. Just like the guy in the Porsche Boxster is probably a faster, more aggressive driver than the guy in the Honda Civic.
I have a small vehicle and my big truck. I don’t find trucks to be intimidating, and I don’t feel any more “empowered” in the truck. I like being able to see around me better up high in the truck. In adverse weather, I feel more comfy in the truck because it has great traction, 4-wheel-drive, and as Fuji said, I’m going to be in better shape if it goes off the road because of the higher ground clearance.
I was one who had a truck because a car wouldn’t work for where I used to live (on 75 acres in CO with a 10 mile gravel drive). I only still have it now because 1) the trade in value has depreciated, 2) I don’t have enough money to buy a car or I would for the gas mileage, 3) it’s paid off, and 4) it makes me feel safer when it’s really stormy outside.
I drive a pickup. A Chevy 1-ton 3500 long-bed crew cab model.
That being said; I ended up driving the wife’s little car for a few weeks last month. By the end of the first week I was ready to outlaw the damned trucks from the road. Fer chrissake, every third one of the idiots spent miles breathing down my neck on the freeway. I know how you feel now. sheesh.
My son has been running an unscientific survey of road assholery for the past few years. He says (and I find myself agreeing) that over 80% of the truly moronic behavior will be perpetrated from the cab of a Dodge. Ford and Chevy seem to equally split the remaining 20%. Anyone else noticed this?
PS. I don’t intimidate. Not ever. Thar’s big folk in them little-bitty cars sometimes.
You like it? The CXT, I mean. Your response doesn’t sound like utility, so please, tell us what the appeal is. I’m not being critical (at this point ;)). I’d really like to know what draws non-worktruck people to these things.
I bought my truck pretty much because it was affordable and I had gotten great reviews about the model not only from on-line sources, but the SDMB (I opened a thread about it) community had favorable opinions, my brother had one and loved it, plus I heard that the maintenance record was very easy on the wallet. Like I said, I have a Ranger XLT. Thing rides like a car, and my only regrets are the 14" rims (I want 16"), no rear seats, and it’s 2WD. 100# of water softener pellets eases the second regret though. Other than that, even considering that, it was definately worth the purchase price.
It’s been very useful lugging around materials for yardwork and such (we’re currently fencing in our yard, so making 2 trips to Home Depot instead of paying a delivery charge is nice), helping family and friends move stuff, and tailgaiting at the races. Plus, the chicks dig it.
The CXT is pretty sharp, but it’s WAAAAYYYYY too much truck for me. Perhaps I had beer goggles on when I professed my love. Wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened. I suppose once I had it, after the first fill-up, I’d HATE it.
Throw me a bone, though. It is sort of easy on the eyes, isn’t it?
Back to the OP, I know that my truck is not remotely intimidating, and I don’t pretend that it is. I can get larger grocery orders home than someone driving a Focus, though, so I have that going for me.
I am not intimidated by pick-ups, but I definitely get the vibe that they are trying to intimidate me. Go ahead, intimidate away - my car is worth about $500. If I have right-of-way, chances are very good that I’m going to TAKE it.
I’m not intimidated by pick-ups while I’m driving*, but standing in front of my parents’ new F250 (they’re among those that have it strictly for utilitarian purposes) when it’s parked gives me the willies. That thing’s hood comes up to my ear at the highest point.
*unless they’re carrying dangerous unsecured loads, which happens way too frequently.
