Car to eventually replace the Accord (Miata RIP)

[Mustangfan2003]

Yep the AMC Eagle has to be the very first crossover created. 

[WookieOnRitalin]

This sounds like a couple of vehicles.

The Outback for one though I have no experience driving the most recent version though it reviews relatively well. Pretty fuel efficient with the V6 (18/25).

Kia Sorento comes to mind. Comfortable. Fuel efficient albeit bland. But looks nice.

My Picks:
Saab 9-4x (available this spring)
Used 2010-11 Caddy SRX
Used Mercedes GLK
Used 2010 Volvo XC60
Outback
Sorento
Equinox

[the Teuton]

Yep the AMC Eagle has to be the very first crossover created. 

Here's the circa-WWII VW Type 87



There might be earlier cars, too. Ferdinand Porsche made some early 4x4s for Daimler.

[thewizard16]

Kia Sorento comes to mind. Comfortable. Fuel efficient albeit bland. But looks nice.

The new(ish) Sorento is surprisingly nice and doesn't drive too badly, in my opinion. I'll also add a +1 for a look at the Venza. I don't consider it a real SUV, but a friend had one and they're in the price range, relatively nice/upmarket looking, and it was very comfortable. I'd say the Highlander might be worth a look for comfort and relatively decent mileage, but I doubt it handles well and they look a bit strange these days. I'd definitely take a look at the new Edge too.

[Colin]

The new Sportage has had good reviews, and must be worth a look.

I'd be tempted by that used Forester, as long as it has a wild engine. I drove a bog standard rental spec 2.5X version of the last gen car and was deeply disappointed.

I guess a previous gen Legacy/Outback is not quite SUV-ish enough for you? That was a really nice car, unlike the hideous thing that Subaru are now trying to sell (and Americas are buying, but Europeans are treating with the proverbial barge pole!).

Volvo XC60 too costly? Otherwise nice, esp in R-Design format.

[2o6]

I don't know about the Sportage....I was at the KIA dealer a few weeks ago, and sat in both the SOUL and Sportage (no dice on a test drive) and the Sportage felt like it had less room inside.

[the Teuton]

The elephant in the room that no one wants to mention to replace an Accord sedan and get a crossover simultaneously...

[ifcar]

I'd go with the Tucson/Sportage. They're among the smallest small SUVs, which helps their handling and fuel efficiency. No huge cargo space, but still decent, and plenty of passenger room.

The Sorento and RAV4 are other strong picks in the segment, though more money.

[Northlands]

Rav4 . Get a V6 if you want some punch to it. Mileage is still ok to, considering it's almost 270hp. It has some serious kick to it. Fairly roomy.

A friend of mine bought a new Hyundai Tuscon. Only had a bit of a drive in it. So far I like it. Nicely appointed inside ( reminds me of the Santa Fe's interior, but a little nicer ).

I prefer the RAV though.

[giant_mtb]

The elephant in the room that no one wants to mention to replace an Accord sedan and get a crossover simultaneously...

You should be banned for suggesting that.

[Laconian]

My boyfriend is biased against Korean cars for some reason, but we have a Hyundai dealer closeby so I think we will check the Tucson out regardless. Any clue as to when the Tucson will get the DI Theta engine, if ever?

Cars to test drive today:
* Current Subie Forester
* Current Subie Outback
* Hyundai Tucson

If we have time:
* Ford Edge
* Previous-generation Infiniti FX35

[Northlands]

The elephant in the room that no one wants to mention to replace an Accord sedan and get a crossover simultaneously...

IF this is the case, then I suggest a Venza. At least it looks nice and does the same thing this does. ( except blind people with its styling! )

[Northlands]

My boyfriend is biased against Korean cars for some reason, but we have a Hyundai dealer closeby so I think we will check the Tucson out regardless. Any clue as to when the Tucson will get the DI Theta engine, if ever?

Cars to test drive today:
* Current Subie Forester
* Current Subie Outback
* Hyundai Tucson

If we have time:
* Ford Edge
* Previous-generation Infiniti FX35

I wanna know how the Edge test drive goes. It's on my list of vehicles of interest.

[68_427]

[CALL_911]

Good call on the XC60, I overlooked it.

[Laconian]

Previous generation XC60 wasn't any great shakes, was it? Because buying that or the Saab 9-4X new will DEFINITELY break the budget.

If we are going to splurge on a car, it's going to be on the fun car, not the family truckster. My hopes and dreams for owning an awesome car are not invested in this purchase.

OK, gotta call the parents, then it's time to go for some test drivin'.

[68_427]

The XC60 is new for this gen.

I say go for an Outback XT.  Fun to drive compared to the others and has as much utility.

[Submariner]

The elephant in the room that no one wants to mention to replace an Accord sedan and get a crossover simultaneously...

That vehicle is the automobile equivalent of those ugly Croc's 

[Laconian]

Gotta agree there. Not much more useful than an Accord, either, since that rear roofline just kills the utility.

[68_427]

Dumb aftermarket rims but this is what I'm talking about.

http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/subaru-outback-cars371659808;_ylt=AgfqQUnzHfb.OPc1pApepnPaXY54;_ylv=3?keywords=XT&sortcol=price&sortdir=up&modelyearlb=2008&askpriceub=any&askpricelb=any&deliverymileageub=25000&deliverymileagelb=any&location=Atherton,+CA+94027&listingtype=used&model=outback&make=subaru&distance=200

[WookieOnRitalin]

Previous generation XC60 wasn't any great shakes, was it? Because buying that or the Saab 9-4X new will DEFINITELY break the budget.

If we are going to splurge on a car, it's going to be on the fun car, not the family truckster. My hopes and dreams for owning an awesome car are not invested in this purchase.

OK, gotta call the parents, then it's time to go for some test drivin'.

A used XC60 is in your budget. http://tinyurl.com/27la35f

So is a used Caddy SRX: http://tinyurl.com/2446lxq

The 9-4x should start right around 35k. You could buy a new base 9-4x V6. You'll get a ton of standard features to go along with it.

I'm not sold on the Sportage. Visibility is bad. Stupid Huge rear doors and I think the Tuscon is ugly.

I'll throw out another Darkhose candidate and the most recent incarnation of the Saturn Vue. Low miles, top of the line Red Line or V6 should be a good buy.

[93JC]

CX7: Already test drove it, didn't like the dash or windshield rake, too much like driving a tank.

You're not really going to find a small SUV that drives less like a tank than that.

[ifcar]

You're not really going to find a small SUV that drives less like a tank than that.

The CX-7 drives the most like a midsize SUV of perhaps any of the compacts. Its very strength is the feeling of a class above.


Laconian: any reason you're not looking at the RAV4?

[WookieOnRitalin]

The CX-7 drives the most like a midsize SUV of perhaps any of the compacts. Its very strength is the feeling of a class above.


Laconian: any reason you're not looking at the RAV4?

Lack of desire to drive a Toyota nameplate.

[Atomic]

Fit isn't even best in class, or really that fun to drive.

depends on the source. the fit is awesome if you are interested in a car that small. it's pretty roomy actually.

[Secret Chimp]

I think a CPO RDX would fit the bill pretty nicely, even if it looks kind of weird. Too bad BMW 5-series wagons are so expensive.

[Raza]

Do you want an auto or a stick?  What about a 9-3 wagon?

[Laconian]

Holding out hope for an auto is a lost cause with these cars.

Taking a pit stop,  but so far we have driven the Edge and a FX35. Will try the CX7 soon.

[Laconian]

And holy shit the FX is THIRSTY!

[CJ]

And holy shit the FX is THIRSTY!

Yes.  And they're not particularly big inside.