# Video: These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [November 26, 2023, 4:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/video-these-stupid-trucks-are-literally-killing-us/193918 "2023-11-26T04:10:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 58
**Author:** ![TheWonderful90s](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thewonderful90s/32/29584_2.png) [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2023, 11:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/video-these-stupid-trucks-are-literally-killing-us/193918/58 "2023-12-23T23:44:32Z")
So in the US there is a gas guzzler tax which only applies to cars, and not vans or SUVs or trucks. So there is no wonder why people have chosen to buy big trucks, minivans, and SUVs over the last 3 decades! To sell a large car with a V8 engine that can pull a big trailer, several thousand dollars of taxes would be owed! > [@The US gas guzzler tax! While I was distracted learning about CAFE](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-us-gas-guzzler-tax-while-i-was-distracted-learning-about-cafe/194065): > > While I was distracted learning about CAFE and track width and wheel base and the minimum fuel economy required to not be fined based on those things this gas guzzler tax was going on for decades.! Currently vehicle makers have to pay $1000 to $7700 per vehicle sold if it qualifies as a gas guzzler, and this tax has been going on since 1977. As you might have guessed, it only applies to cars and larger or taller vehicles are exempt. No wonder they push the sales of trucks and vans and they got… If you’re shopping for a vehicle that can pull a trailer you might look in to cars. The small ones are hybrids or have small engines and light brakes and weak transmissions to get 30+ MPG to meet CAFE requirements. So they can’t pull a trailer. Most regular cars are limited to 1000 to 2000 pounds towing capacity. If you buy a muscle car, they’re light weight and made for racing. Not meant for a heavy trailer even though the engine power is there. Making it heavier would bring in CAFE fines and possibly classify it is a gas guzzler. Extending wheel base to avoid CAFE fines dosn’t work well on a car since it will bottom out more easily. You could import a car like a Volvo, but that is expensive, it only tows up to 3300 pounds, and European auto makers do have to pay CAFE fines, which is partially why it’s more expensive. So the next choice for someone wanting to pull a heavy trailer is a truck or SUV. They are gas guzzler exempt, and the wide track width and long wheel base allows them to avoid CAFE fines. From 2005 to 2008 the Ford Taurus went from 2000 to 1000 pounds rated towing capacity! A Mercury Grand Marquis used to be able to tow 5000 pounds until the late 90s! [Mercury Grand Marquis Towing Capacity by Year](https://towratings.net/model/grand+marquis) They days of the heavy rear wheel drive American car that can pull a big trailer are over! If you want to tow a 4000 pound trailer, you’re basically stuck with a truck or SUV. Going over 2000 pounds makes your options quite limited in modern the car world. --- _[View the full topic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/video-these-stupid-trucks-are-literally-killing-us/193918)._