The SUV is Dead !

Well, not quite. But large gas-hungry SUVs certainly have one foot in the grave. Many people who are trying to sell these beasts are finding that buyers are few and far between. And prices are plummeting. Average resale prices for large SUVs have dropped 7.1% since last year, and the rate is increasing.

Current gas prices are making large SUVs expensive to drive and consumers are questioning their real need for such vehicles. Although gas prices are exploding in the wake of the New Orleans disaster, some settling will take place later. However, it's unlikely we will ever see sub-$2 prices again. High fuel prices are here to stay.

SUV owners who want to trade or sell will suffer from the rapid depreciation. Those who want to buy will find bargains. For those whose lifestyles require larger vehicle may find more affordable solutions in 6-cylinder 2WD models, especially the newer models based on car frames. Gas-electric hybrids also offer possible solutions, but high initial costs offset much of the savings in gas cost.

Manufacturers are also seeing the writing on the wall. Expect large cutbacks in manufacturing of current models, and fewer models being offered in the coming years. There will also be attempts to improve gas mileage but there is only so much that can be done.

Large SUVs will likely be the dinosaurs of our time, just as huge finned Cadillacs are relics of a previous gasoline crisis. Future generations will be able to see and muse over them in museums.