New CUV for the wife.

[FoMoJo]

FoMoJo, how about the Kia Rondo? It's not pretty, but it's roomier and less expensive than the SUV alternatives.

It's $19,995 up here...a pretty good price.  I will, likely, check it out.  The Sportage/Tuscon is also an option but I'm less enthused about them.

[Cookie Monster]

Any particular reason?  I'd really like to know.

I've sat in an Outlander and I really liked it. I haven't driven it though, so if Hemi says it really is that bad, I wouldn't know.


My uncle has a new CRV (FWD only though) but I really like it for what it is. I drove it, and it's not bad at all.

[FoMoJo]

I also like the Escape and the Outlander, but have you considered a Saturn Vue? My brother wants to get one for my sister-in-law because they seem to be decent cars for the price. Also, what do you think of the RAV4 and the Nissan Rouge?

I've thought about the Vue but entry level is $27,325 and they only have a 4spd automatic compared to 6spd for the Escape/Tribute and CVT on the Outlander.

The Rogue sounds good.  Entry level is $23,798 with a 2.5 4I and a CVT.  It's even a bit lighter than the rest of them.  I'll take a trip to the Nissan dealer.

I considered the RAV4 but I thought it would be more costly due to the name.  However, the base (they only have 4WD) is $26,500 and the specs sound pretty good.  Even the EPA is better than most.  It might be worth having a look at as my wife mentioned Toyota...probably someone at her work said it was the best one .

[TBR]

The Rav4 does get pretty good fuel economy, but it has a very chintzy, overstyled interior. You should definitely look at it though.

The Rogue would probably be my pick of the bunch.

[FoMoJo]

I've sat in an Outlander and I really liked it. I haven't driven it though, so if Hemi says it really is that bad, I wouldn't know.


My uncle has a new CRV (FWD only though) but I really like it for what it is. I drove it, and it's not bad at all.

The Outlander, imo, definately is the best looking of the lot...I don't know if my wife will agree.  I will give it a good test to check out the handling.  As it has smaller (width) tires than some of the others, that may effect the feel.

As for the CR-V, my step-daughter has one (2008) and I've driven it a bit.  I, generally, like Hondas and the driving dynamics are pretty good.  The only real concern I have, other than the shape of the side windows, is the extra price.

[2o6]

He's in Canada.

Oops. Ne'er mind then.

[FoMoJo]

The Rav4 does get pretty good fuel economy, but it has a very chintzy, overstyled interior. You should definitely look at it though.

The Rogue would probably be my pick of the bunch.

I've put it on my testdrive  list.

[Danish]

I've never sat in any of these, much less driven in them but I have magazine raced them but I can tell you that the CR-V and its VTAK are tha best!!!!1111!!

In all seriousness, test drive the crap out of them (I'm sure you already know this) and good luck to you!

[CJ]

Santa Fe.  It's rather large and I love the interior.

[Madman]

No, you want this!




Cheers,
Madman of the People

[2o6]

No, you want this!




Cheers,
Madman of the People

Quality Wise = Win

Value Wise = Fail.

[nickdrinkwater]

I would look at the Tiguan too.

[the Teuton]

Uh, C&D tested a $37k Tiguan.  That's US currency. 

I wouldn't.  I still think a Forester might be in your range, FoMoJo, but the Honda isn't a bad vehicle, either.  Actually, none of them are.  I just wouldn't touch a Mitsubishi with a 10-foot pole.

[FoMoJo]

I would look at the Tiguan too.

Uh, C&D tested a $37k Tiguan.  That's US currency. 

I wouldn't.  I still think a Forester might be in your range, FoMoJo, but the Honda isn't a bad vehicle, either.  Actually, none of them are.  I just wouldn't touch a Mitsubishi with a 10-foot pole.

According to this comparison, the Forester, with an automatic is $32,395 which is a bit high for my budget.  It seems that the entry level, with 5spd manual is only a bit over $25,000 and I don't understand why there isn't an automatic available at that trim level.

As for the Tiguan, it comes in at $28,975 for the automatic which is, almost, within my cost range.  It may be worth checking out to see how flexible that price is.  The features sound very competitive with the benchmark I'm using...which is the Escape as I've had one for 8 years and it's been excellent.

[ifcar]

Subaru's web site let me price the base Forester with the automatic. It came out to $27,000 or so.

[Byteme]

I will have to compare the new models.  I know that they are, practically, the same and, originally, the Mazda was (supposed) to have a sporty feel and Escape a bit more trucklike.  I do have an '01 Escape and it's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.  I plan on keeping it a few more years and this influences me towards the Escape/Mazda duo.  In comparison, the Tribute looks a more compelling choice because the retail is cheaper and the warranty is better.  As well, I lean towards the Tribute regarding appearance.  I just don't know much about Mazda dealerships though.

I put 117,000 miles on my I4 5 speed XLS.  Only trouble was the alternator went out at 112,000 miles.  Other than that nothing, nary a problem.

Are you familiar with EscapeCentral.com?  It's a pretty good single model website.  Friendly people, good information. 

If I wanted another SUV/CUV/Truck/tall station wagon the Escape would be my first choice.

We've recently bought two Mazdas.  One from a Chevy/Mazda dealer and we were treated like we were buying a chevy.  Mazda dealerships I've seen are a bit upscale compared to what you get with the Big three.  Service after the sale has been outstanding, I don't know if that's normal or I'm just lucky. 

[FoMoJo]

Subaru's web site let me price the base Forester with the automatic. It came out to $27,000 or so.

Subaru Canada?  Perhaps the sympatico.msn.ca site is a bit misleading.

[FoMoJo]

I put 117,000 miles on my I4 5 speed XLS.  Only trouble was the alternator went out at 112,000 miles.  Other than that nothing, nary a problem.

Are you familiar with EscapeCentral.com?  It's a pretty good single model website.  Friendly people, good information. 

If I wanted another SUV/CUV/Truck/tall station wagon the Escape would be my first choice.

We've recently bought two Mazdas.  One from a Chevy/Mazda dealer and we were treated like we were buying a chevy.  Mazda dealerships I've seen are a bit upscale compared to what you get with the Big three.  Service after the sale has been outstanding, I don't know if that's normal or I'm just lucky. 

I'll check out EscapeCentral.com seeing as I'm keeping my '01 Escape for a while.  Other than a few stone chips, it's in great condition and I, almost, considered doing something to give it a custom look.  Perhaps there might be some info at the site regarding that.

As for Mazda dealers, a friend of mine had a Mazda3 and the only complaint was that his dealer experience was pretty crappy.  However, it may only be that particular dealer.  If, after all my evaluation, the Tribute was the best deal, I wouldn't let my dealer concern effect my choice as I could always have it serviced at my local Ford dealer.

[FoMoJo]

Uh, C&D tested a $37k Tiguan.  That's US currency. 

I wouldn't.  I still think a Forester might be in your range, FoMoJo, but the Honda isn't a bad vehicle, either.  Actually, none of them are.  I just wouldn't touch a Mitsubishi with a 10-foot pole.

Is that because of the past reputation of the company regarding (not) doing recalls?

[the Teuton]

Is that because of the past reputation of the company regarding (not) doing recalls?

That, the past quality issues, the fact that the company's car division might go under in North America in the next 10 years, and that I'm a Subaru fanboy and I just don't like them too well.

[565]

Well I personally don't have a preferance on CUV,s but here is what C&D thinks.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/crossovers_and_suvs/2008_toyota_rav4_vs_honda_cr_v_nissan_rogue_ford_escape_and_five_more_compact_suvs_comparison_test

Basically Toyota, Honda, Nissan on top, interesting info on all.

If you are planning on driving it from time to time as well, the Nissan rogue seems to be the driver's pick of the litter  (though considering the litter, that's not saying much).

"Truth is, there?s no econo-ute that reliably twists your lips into a smile whenever you happen upon a stretch of N?rburgring-like tarmac. But the Sentra-based Nissan Rogue at least comes closest.

The Rogue emerged as the sports car of the group, posting the quickest sprints to 60 and 100 mph and logging the briefest quarter-mile, backed by the highest trap speed. It was tied with the Toyota for best 50-to-70-mph passing potential. It was tied with the Mitsubishi for greatest top speed. It delivered the best brake feel. And no other test ute surpassed its skidpad grip.

Everywhere we nosed it, the Rogue felt light, nimble, and better planted than anything in the group, and its steering was the most carlike, with terrific on-center feel, perfect heft, and a sense of straight-ahead matched only by the Toyota?s. That the Nissan topped our fun-to-drive category surprised no one?and all for the lowest base price.

So, uh, shouldn?t the performance-
biased player win a C/D comparo? Well, not this time. The Rogue?s mandatory CVT powertrain is loud at WOT, where it drones for seconds at a time if your right foot is heavy. Strangely, it makes up for that failing by being the quietest at 70 mph, and its 170-horse four-banger was judged as vibrationless as the Honda?s and Toyota?s.

But the Rogue?s funereal gray and black interior was a Brian De Palma dream come true, and its thick D-pillar and tiny backlight darkened the cabin and restricted visibility. Off-road, moreover, the Nissan felt as out of place as the Mitsubishi, wanting to sprint ahead rather than crawl. Still, its front and rear axles can be locked in a 50/50 power split at launch, and the Rogue concluded our nature bash muddied but not bloodied.

The Nissan is as narrow as any of its colleagues here and lower than any of them. It weighs within 54 pounds of the lightest. And it eschews a big-horsepower V-6 in favor of an inline-four. Yet it gets the job done with speed and panache. Saturn, Jeep, Ford?are you listening?"

[Catman]

I like the Santa Fe.  It's fairly roomy, has a great interior, looks nice on the outside, nice quality and good warranty.

[sparkplug]

Get her a golf cart. Then use it on the weekends for golf.

[ifcar]

Subaru Canada?  Perhaps the sympatico.msn.ca site is a bit misleading.

Right, Canada. No American would pay $27,000 for a base Forester.

It might be that your link is only listing the first trim to have the automatic standard. The manual is standard on the base versions, but the automatic is a no doubt an extremely common option.

[FoMoJo]

Well I personally don't have a preferance on CUV,s but here is what C&D thinks.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/crossovers_and_suvs/2008_toyota_rav4_vs_honda_cr_v_nissan_rogue_ford_escape_and_five_more_compact_suvs_comparison_test
...>

Good info on the Rogue.  It's starting to look like one of my top contenders.  I haven't driven any of them yet, still a couple of months before we need to buy, but I think that changes to some of '09s, especially Escape/Tribute with the new Mazda 2.5 and 6 speed automatic may bring them, competitively, closer than what is reflected in the article regarding the '08s.

[FoMoJo]

I like the Santa Fe.  It's fairly roomy, has a great interior, looks nice on the outside, nice quality and good warranty.

I like the Sante Fe as well only it doesn't compete well in fuel efficiency in that the smallest engine is the 2.7 V6.  As my wife drives about 40,000 kilometres a year, fuel cost is a big factor.

[TBR]

I like the Sante Fe as well only it doesn't compete well in fuel efficiency in that the smallest engine is the 2.7 V6.  As my wife drives about 40,000 kilometres a year, fuel cost is a big factor.

Do you all get the same powertrain warranty we do? (10 years/100,000 miles). If so, that could definitely offset the gas mileage disadvantage.

[FoMoJo]

Right, Canada. No American would pay $27,000 for a base Forester.

It might be that your link is only listing the first trim to have the automatic standard. The manual is standard on the base versions, but the automatic is a no doubt an extremely common option.

I'll put a Forester on my list.

[FoMoJo]

Do you all get the same powertrain warranty we do? (10 years/100,000 miles). If so, that could definitely offset the gas mileage disadvantage.

We get 5 years and 62,100 miles. 09 Sante Fe

[CJ]

If you went Santa Fe, you should go with the GL 3.3.  It's only a little more, but it's much better.