...According to (former?) New York Times Detroit bureau chief Keith Bradsher. Most of us, I suspect, had already sussed this out. Interesting to have it researched as thoroughly as this implies, though.
Bradsher's work first appeared as a trio of articles in The Atlantic. I've been unable to find them on the Net, though--just this reference in a column (which, you'll note, doesn't mention the connection; tsk tsk). Good quote, though:
An intelligent reader will conclude from this meticulous and sober investigation that the makers of these behemoths have exploited a lucrative market of self-regarding urban and suburban consumers who care not a whit that by driving such menacing and wasteful machines they are committing a horrendously antisocial act.
Of course, Bradsher also mentions: "Above all, they are apt to be self-centered and self-absorbed, with little interest in their neighbors and communities. They are more restless, more sybaritic, and less social than most Americans are. They tend to like fine restaurants a lot more than off-road driving, seldom go to church and have limited interest in doing volunteer work to help others."
Embarrasingly large amounts of that quote apply to your correspondent. Perhaps I should trade in the Altima...