Ford, GM and Chrysler cash in on posh pickups

MPond wrote:
BenK - no disrespect intended, but I've got a question I have to ask:

The term "fashion statement crowd" is regularly tossed around on this forum, and it as if people either have to be on one side or the other. Isn't there some middle-ground here that is being ignored?

I would argue that there is a 3rd group - those that do like the fashion and styles that others here object to, but fully use their trucks for towing, off-reading, etc... In my case, I have 20" rims & tires, custom paint, upgraded headlights & tail lights, and all the trimmings. But my rims and tires are fully rated to tow more than my 3/4-ton Suburban's or my 1-ton Silverado's capabilities, my all terrain tires work well off road, etc... All my upgrades are fully functional - my towing capacity isn't limited, my HID headlights are DOT approved (not the Chinese knock-offs that blind oncoming traffic), and my trucks work quite well for towing, hauling, and playing in the dirt. And many of the changes have improved performance, such as the upgraded headlights on dark mountain roads.

And the things I've modified are for me - because I like them and because I enjoy my trucks. They are not, and never have been, a fashion statement.

But every time the subject of 20" wheels or "the fashion statement crowd" comes up, it seems like everyone who likes these looks is lumped in with the mall-crawlers who never tow, never go off-road, and really don't need a truck at all.

Isn't there room for some middle ground here?

I'd say yes, when form follows function, versus appearance, or being a poseur or all hat and no cattle.

There is no way I would argue against HID's, unless they are poorly aimed or problematic and blinding to on coming traffic. For these old eyes, on the Touareg, with self aiming feature, they are a Godsend for night visibility.