[Simo Häyhä]

I believe its an expression of their manhood. And our roads are long and open (usually open)
you must also consider a very important point

A lot of Americans still live around areas with unpaved roads, so ground clearance and 4x4 capabilities are usefull. Plus in the snowy areas of the US its good to have 4x4 gas guzzlers. Its not all for show dude dance:
I drive a 4cyl single cam saturn that gets 40mpg and when its winter time im praying that one day i can get a 4x4 car or truck for the winter.