I remember reading (correct me if I'm wrong) it was originally projected that the rovers life expectancy would be measured in months....that the dust would eventually cover their solar panels and they would die. But, the collected dust had a habit of being blown off giving them new life....a true energizer bunny story. 
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General discussion
How's the weather on Mars?
A major dust storm has developed on the red planet, blocking sunlight and prompting Mars mission managers to keep a close eye on it, SPACE.com has learned.
It is not known how large the storm might grow, but already it is thousands of miles across. If it balloons, as dust storms have done in the past, it could hamper operations of NASA's Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
For now, officials don't think the storm will threaten rover operations, however. In fact, the windy conditions on the planet have blown off large amounts of dust from the rovers' solar arrays, giving them more power. The power boost may lend a helping hand to the Opportunity rover, should officials decide to send it into Victoria Crater.
"We've been watching this storm for about six days now," said Steven Squyres of Cornell University, who is the lead scientist of the Mars Exploration Rover Project. "It's not unheard of for Martian dust storms to cover half the planet, and this one is now a regional storm."
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there are "man's responsible for global warming" advocates out there that would have us believe that the rovers are evidence of man made global warming on Mars
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As I recall, they lifted off in June 2003 and landed in Jan. 2004. And were completely operational by Feb. They were intended, and expected to endure for 90 days. But with very few glitches, three years now and still going strong.
Why can't we build cars that well?
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That we should send those engineers to Detroit. Cars should, at least, outlast the payment books.
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is the dust storms there which contribute to the absorption of solar radiation. See http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070404-mars-warming.html
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...it might have been caused by little green SUV's.... 
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when you need one? Probably in the donut shop.
Funny you should ask. We've had more rain than typical, which is good for a dry place like New Mexico. However, in the south they've had too much, with attendant flooding; also high winds. One of the SE regulars, Mac aka Del, lives down there. There were some very bad times down there some months ago. Part weather and part human mismanagement of the flood plain.
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plays a big part in any disaster. Im just glad i don't have the job.
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hoo ha about the moderator's? Have you had your hand slapped or something?
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was my mock-outraged threat to sic them on you, in re this:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6130_102-0.html?forumID=50&threadID=253888&messageID=2526028#2526028
Should have added a smiley somewhere.
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may have missed in their excitement and disappointment is the learning opportunity in the storm itself. They're no doubt getting much climate data, especially as it relates to experiment viability. Too bad about the possible crater abort, though. After a lifetime of conditioning by Ray Bradbury et al. I always half expect LGMs or BEMs over the next rise or down the next crater.
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... I wonder how much is analyzed in real time versus how much is set aside for later examination with a fine tooth comb? Of course they have to know enough to decide where to steer the rovers next but I am left wondering how hard it is for the rover teams to not just rush from sight to sight like a kid let loose in a candy store.
Of course the term "rush" is relative. What is the farthest either of them has moved in a day? A few yards? At that rate I suspect the Martians have had little trouble in getting out of sight and staying there! 
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