Looking to replace my '93 Grand Cherokee Laredo in the next 6-8 months. Really find the Edmunds site and this forum informative.
My wife wants an Explorer with the third seat, I'd prefer a Yukon or '03 Expedition. Decisions, decisions!! Will be testing a lot of cars in the future.
Just bought a 2002 Escape XLT Premium 3 weeks ago, and I read this forum to learn about the experiences of other small SUV owners. I'm admittedly a "Ford guy", and I really wanted a Mustang GT, but my wife talked me into the tall 4WD station wagon instead. Don't get me wrong, I am loving the Escape more and more each day, but my biggest problem is lack of restraint as I am used to driving little sports cars. I welcome any advice. Anyway, keep the great posts coming. I'm having a really good time reading them. And to think I've been reading edmunds.com for like 5 years now, and I never really noticed this town hall thing.
Hi icefan1 and baggs32. Welcome to Town Hall - glad you found us (even if it takes some of you a bit longer to see the Town Hall link!). Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Hi there! I just joined last week and am into the research phase of my options for trading in my '98 Subaru Outback Sport for a new LR Discover II SE. We currently lease and will probably just break even with the guaranteed value @ the end of the lease and the TMV. We had our search narrowed down to 3 vehicles: the Disco II, Sub Outback LLBean VDC, and Volvo Cross Country. After driving all 3 this past weekend we're sold on the Disco. Of the 3 vehicles, it's definitely the biggest bang for the buck - even if we never take it on a dirt road. I've just started going through the LR postings on pros/cons to hopefully get more info. While there were some good lease money factors being offered in conjunction with a small rebate on SD's, was wondering if anyone in this corner of the town hall had any opinions, including of course, the hosts. Our Subaru has been fabulous - a true utilitarian vehicle -we've renovated a 1902 Victorian home carrying lumber/ladders, etc. on the top,(within specs of course) as well as bikes, etc, but its getting too cramped for the two dogs we've now acquired. We normally wouldn't consider any SUV given how easily they tip (a friend of ours easily rolled their new XTerra and totaled it), but after driving the LR over rough terrain, we were impressed at how far it would go without tipping over. I'm rambling, so just wanted to get some opinions, comments, etc on both the vehicle as well as ways to get it financed. Thanks in advance for the info! -KE
Welcome aboard! I am sure you've browsed through some of the boards in Town Hall by now. The people here are fabulous and an incomparable source of useful information.
Jump right into the discussions - we hope to hear a lot more from you!
Hi. I've just bought a second Cherokee; a '99 Classic to replace the '86 I bought new. It's nice but (sigh) I kinda miss ol' "Mystery Jeep". We managed to put over 360,000 Km on it before selling it off, and 16 years of driving it kinda made it a member of the family. Anyway my wife is the principal driver now as she pilots mostly gravel roads in the middle of the Canadian prairies to get to her job.
Now the '99 is a nice unit...lots of bells and whistles. But at 6'5" / 255 lbs, I sure liked the "rocker/recliner" seats Renault made for AMC better than the new style. And that old four-banger was rock solid dependable. And I'll miss the 5-speed stick. A standard shift makes you the driver...not the driven. The new jeep is not comfy either. But my wife thinks its just the nicest valentine gift she ever got and jeep is the only vehical that she trusts. So what can you do?
Hi! I just found this wonderful Town Hall which is chock full of great info! But not being a newsgroup reader or a chat junkie (no offense anyone!) I have some questions on how this thing works. 1) If I want to go back to a particular thread in a list of a gazillion posts (for instance, the Honda CR-V section, starting with the last posting I've read) do I have to start all over each time I log on by going to Town Hall Home, choosing the SUV section, then the Honda CR-V section and then wading through all the postings until I get to the one I've already read? Isn't there some way to bookmark the site or something? 2) Is this "real-time" posting, given time for refresh rates through cyberspace and everything? 3) How do you folks know so much??? :-)
Thanks. I look forward to surprising my service department manager next time I go in for service on my 2002 Honda CR-V EX 4A with all the knowledge I gain here. Just let him try to pull something over on me now!!
(1) If you go to the top of the thread, you can bookmark it or create a "favorite" if you're using Internet Explorer.
(2) Yes - this is real time posting and is about as close as you can get to chat on a message board!
(3) There are a few people on the boards who DO know everything! The rest of us don't but collectively you'll find Edmund's members to be a wealth of knowledge!
Enjoy the boards - we're looking forward to seeing you often!
You can also "Subscribe" to your favorite discussions, and read new messages "automatically" that way - check out the Message Center too, both via the big blue buttons toward the bottom of the page. And welcome. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I now have a 97 Volvo 850 wagon and it and my 91 Miata are the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Now trying to decide whether to go to a Volvo XC or to a small SUV. I would like to be able to go off road and onto to rough roads (fire trails for example). Anyone have experience with XC in such conditions. I don't want a big SUV with their rollover tendencies but wonder whether small SUV's are any better. I am looking at the new Land Rover Freelander. Literature says it can handle off road. Any opinions? Thanks
Howdy everybody. I am a newly-registered member & this is my 1st posting, so bear with me. I'm looking at new s.u.v.s to replace my old F150 4x4 & have narrowed the field to the C.R.V., Highlander, & Escape. With its reasonable price, lockable 4wd, & V6 availability; I'm leaning toward the Escape right now. However, the Escape's 1st year recall history leaves me hesitant because I like to get about 10 yrs. out of a vehicle. Any feedback from Escape owners (good & bad) to help me make a more informed decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
This is my first time in the Town Hall and I think it's great! I'm glad I stumbled across this, I am hoping it will help me out in my dilemma. I have posted a message in the Ford Escape discussion board regarding safety ratings and what people think about the Escape. This will be my first SUV purchase.
I bought a silver AWD V6 Highlander on Dec. 31st and am absolutely loving it!! Thank you to everyone who posted all the valuable info on this board. Edmunds was a big part of my research and helped me make this important buying decision. We previously drove a Honda Odyssey but didn't want another van. The Highlander is a great ride, safe and handles exceptionally well. Only wish it had a back bench and cup holders that didn't take up the walkway space. Our springer spaniel rides there and she takes precedent over taking a coffee along for the ride!! The kids have a lot of room in the back and an adult can fit comfortably in between the two car seats. I can't say enough about how wonderful this car is! I was just as excited picking it up as I was my very first vehicle, a Toyota Tercel Hatchback!! Thanks again for all the help. Cheers
I put my first postings on the Honda Pilot board today...shortly after ordering my Pilot for May delivery. Hopefully, I can provide the board with some insight on the vehicle (when it arrives)as the Pilot postings have been big on speculation ...but not a lot of facts. Understandable since Honda has not shared a lot of info...even to the dealers!
I'm a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4X4 owner. It's Island Blue Matalic. Is is a SUV or a Truck? Different sources have different answers. I love my ST.
I have a pop-up trailer with a GVRW of 2930. I do not have a way to trailer it for the time being. The transmission on my '99 Pontiac Montanna was compromised with a trip last year.New tranny{warranty}and trade- in time for a more reliable Honda Oddessy that I have no plans to tow with. I can pick up a '91 Ford Bronco with 83,000 miles on it for cheap. It has the 5 liter engine and is a 4x4 as well.It does not appear to have a towing package however.My questions: with a class 3 hitch installed will it pull my pop-up with no problem?Is the wheel base of 104" to short for towing. Does it need a tranny cooler? Thanks!!!
Well my first SUV was a CRV that had so little pick-up I couldn't be in the passing lane at a red light. Now I have an 8 cylinder Jeep Grand Cherokee and I have to be careful because it pulls out so fast I'm a mile away (or so it seems)before the other drivers are still realizing the light changed. One problem though...it is work to keep it on course in the wind!
Hello World, My name is Timothy Payne from Chicago. A little about me. I just moved from NYC and I need help in getting info on the many tire sizes I can have on my 98 pathy. Likes are my pathy, The Yankees and Teaching Computer classes. I hope this is the place to answer all of my questions. I used to own a 95 pathy(Great Truck). The only problem was the lack of H.P.!!!! I mostly drive city and highway but since we live in the midwest, it seems that we will do some off roading. I love my truck and I may buy another for the misses. HELP!!!! Thanks, Tim
Hi, I'm new here. I Live in Utah (GO 2002 OLYMPICS!!) I worked for SLOC during the Olys and Para-Olys. I have always had a travel trailer and now would like to tow it with an SUV. I wonder if anyone has done this. My trailer has a gross weight of about 4000 lbs and a tongue weight of about 400 lbs. I use an equalizer hitch. has anyone successfully pulled this much load with a midsize SUV? Which one/s?
Lots of knowledgeable folks around the various SUVs boards - I think the Towing tips for SUVs discussion may be the best place to start. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Hello all! I have been reading various boards for some time in order to learn more about owner's take on SUV's. I'm currently finishing up on a lease for a '00 Windstar and feel that it is time to change track (not that there's anything wrong with minivans). In my perfect world, choice would be Sequoia, Yukon, or Volvo XC. Reality has me tossing between CR-V and Liberty. I realize that this to some is apples vs oranges but for me it is what could be (Lib 4w sport) or what is the responsible choice given that I don't currently offroad. Any help would be warmly welcomed.
Welcome aboard! You should check out the CR-V and Liberty boards under SUVs in Edmund's Town Hall. You can find out what current owners think of these vehicles!
I have been looking at small SUVs and am thinking of the Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Subaru Forester.
Mazda: Like almost everthing about the Tribute except stall issue now being investigated by NHTSA, probably the long shifter it seems everyone doesn't like, and my conscience makes me think twice about the mileage. Also, some reviews indicate that the Tribute has less range than other vehicles with poor mileage because of a smaller gas tank.
Honda: Was on the verge of getting a Honda, and liked the improvements and features over the 2001 (hp, torque, CD changer, moon roof). Love the reliability record, mileage is better than most. Despite stats that indicate most front legroom, found that usable legroom seemed much less than Tribute. The drivers left foot position was uncomfortable. It feels like they pushed the cab forward to the point that foot areas are intruded on by the front end. On passenger side, I couldn't even fit my feet in. There is no toe space. Felt like better leg room in back. WOuld rather have more front legroom than the rear sliding seats to choose between crago and rear legroom. Don't really care for the color choices for interior. Brown is not pleasant and the black was so dark. What happened to the dark gray? Plus, not much choice in fabric design and no leather. I think I prefered the old rear seat design to the tumble seats. Seems the headrests lean forward uncomfortably, is this for anti-whiplash purpose?
Subaru: Not enamored with lower driver height, but sounds like it handles wonderfully. Very tight rear seat, also some limited toe space on front passenger side. SOunds like 03 fixed funky cupholders.
Hi all, Using Edmunds,(thank you)I have narrowed my choices to either an Envoy XL, SLE 4WD, loaded (don't like leather seats) or an Explorer XLT with V8, also loaded. At this point I don't really know how to choose. I need help. I have a 98 Blazer and love it. Hardly any problems with it, but it only has 26,200 as of today. My husband has retired and says it is too small for him, otherwise I would keep it since I have the extended 7yr or 70,000 mile warranty. Anyway here I am, and happy about it. Pam
This is my first time ever to post message on board, pretty excited. I live in Vancouver. My wife has a Grand Vitara while I have nothing. I have not yet decided what car I want to buy. Hope I would get some ideas from Edmunds.
hi, I'm from Atlanta and I'm buying my wife a new Tahoe LT. It's her first "brand new car". She's very excited. It' ordered from the factory. Anyway does anyone know the May rebates for Tahoes?
Welcome to Town Hall - how about those Braves? (sorry - couldn't resist, I'm a Mets fan. But it's early yet....).
Hopefully someone will see your post in the Tahoe discussion and will answer shortly.
You can also watch our Incentives and Rebates page, which gets updated as soon as the manufacturers release information. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Hello. I'm kw_carman from the Piedmont area in North Carolina, and I'm helping my dad shop around for a new SUV. His preferences are Honda's, because his mechanic here specializes only in Honda's, and this has been keeping him from selling his 1987 Accord (it just won't die). He's looked around at CR-V's (which my mom and I think are too prissy), the Highlander (we have a 2000 Sienna, so he likes Toyota's), and is looking forward to the Pilot's introduction. From what Car and Driver said, the Pilot looks to be our best shot, but it is a little pricey.
Welcome to Town Hall. Let us know if you need help navigating around the boards (and we'll go easy on the big red "read only" signs for you, ). Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I am Dennis, AKA Tallcarguy. Long time lurker, now with nothing better to do than throw in my $.02. Actually, I am pretty darn busy but figured what the heck. If I'm not fishing I might as well do something else just as useful. Opinions vary as to which does what better, faster, and looks good doing it. I've been reading yours for awhile, now you can read mine too. BTW; Steve, thanks for excepting me from Dawgcar's comments on the Pilot vrs. Highlander discussion
Hi everyone! I'm Spudgal, aka Anne. Ex-pat Brit living in Vegas. Hmm Dislikes: bad drivers, being treated like an idiot and GM (see our websitee GMClemon.com). Likes: Cars, friends and tea (the hot kind, mind you)
Had a '97 Qx4, currently own Humungous Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup, 93 Wrangler and 2000 Acura TL.
Love the forum! Been a sysop myself, so I appreciate sanity online
I'm in Boise, so I know a little something about spuds :-). But, as an ex-pat Southerner, I go through a gallon of ice tea a day, so guess that's where we'll have to part ways. Welcome to Town Hall!
Don't forget to visit the Jeep Wrangler owners - they're a fun group (mostly sane too, lol). Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Comments
I bought a 2002 Saturn Vue one week ago yesterday! I love it... it's a great vehicle!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
My wife wants an Explorer with the third seat, I'd prefer a Yukon or '03 Expedition. Decisions, decisions!! Will be testing a lot of cars in the future.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Any Suggestions? Thanks.
Steve
Host
SUVs
Jump right into the discussions - we hope to hear a lot more from you!
tidester
Host
SUVs, Aftermarket & Accessories
Now the '99 is a nice unit...lots of bells and whistles. But at 6'5" / 255 lbs, I sure liked the "rocker/recliner" seats Renault made for AMC better than the new style. And that old four-banger was rock solid dependable. And I'll miss the 5-speed stick. A standard shift makes you the driver...not the driven. The new jeep is not comfy either. But my wife thinks its just the nicest valentine gift she ever got and jeep is the only vehical that she trusts. So what can you do?
1) If I want to go back to a particular thread in a list of a gazillion posts (for instance, the Honda CR-V section, starting with the last posting I've read) do I have to start all over each time I log on by going to Town Hall Home, choosing the SUV section, then the Honda CR-V section and then wading through all the postings until I get to the one I've already read? Isn't there some way to bookmark the site or something?
2) Is this "real-time" posting, given time for refresh rates through cyberspace and everything?
3) How do you folks know so much??? :-)
Thanks. I look forward to surprising my service department manager next time I go in for service on my 2002 Honda CR-V EX 4A with all the knowledge I gain here. Just let him try to pull something over on me now!!
Susan
(1) If you go to the top of the thread, you can bookmark it or create a "favorite" if you're using Internet Explorer.
(2) Yes - this is real time posting and is about as close as you can get to chat on a message board!
(3) There are a few people on the boards who DO know everything! The rest of us don't but collectively you'll find Edmund's members to be a wealth of knowledge!
Enjoy the boards - we're looking forward to seeing you often!
tidester
Host
SUVs
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I don't want a big SUV with their rollover tendencies but wonder whether small SUV's are any better.
I am looking at the new Land Rover Freelander. Literature says it can handle off road.
Any opinions?
Thanks
Off Road Fun (more about where to go, but the members may have some more pointers for you about what discussions to check out).
Land Rover Freelander
Volvo V70 XC
Volvo XC 90
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The Escape owners can be found in the Ford Escape discussion. They'll fill you in, I'm sure.
Welcome!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
This is my first time in the Town Hall and I think it's great! I'm glad I stumbled across this, I am hoping it will help me out in my dilemma. I have posted a message in the Ford Escape discussion board regarding safety ratings and what people think about the Escape. This will be my first SUV purchase.
Thanks for your help!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I bought a silver AWD V6 Highlander on Dec. 31st and am absolutely loving it!! Thank you to everyone who posted all the valuable info on this board. Edmunds was a big part of my research and helped me make this important buying decision. We previously drove a Honda Odyssey but didn't want another van. The Highlander is a great ride, safe and handles exceptionally well. Only wish it had a back bench and cup holders that didn't take up the walkway space. Our springer spaniel rides there and she takes precedent over taking a coffee along for the ride!! The kids have a lot of room in the back and an adult can fit comfortably in between the two car seats. I can't say enough about how wonderful this car is! I was just as excited picking it up as I was my very first vehicle, a Toyota Tercel Hatchback!! Thanks again for all the help. Cheers
Congratulations on your HL - we LOVE to hear success stories!
I am sure other HLers would love to hear about your experiences and I urge you to join in the HL discussions!
tidester
Host
SUVs
I put my first postings on the Honda Pilot board today...shortly after ordering my Pilot for May delivery. Hopefully, I can provide the board with some insight on the vehicle (when it arrives)as the Pilot postings have been big on speculation ...but not a lot of facts. Understandable since Honda has not shared a lot of info...even to the dealers!
tidester
Host
SUVs
It's Island Blue Matalic.
Is is a SUV or a Truck? Different sources have different answers.
I love my ST.
Jps6, you may want to ask in the Towing tips for SUVs too. Not sure how many Town Hall members are driving Broncos.
A hearty welcome to both of you!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I mostly drive city and highway but since we live in the midwest, it seems that we will do some off roading. I love my truck and I may buy another for the misses. HELP!!!! Thanks, Tim
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Lots of knowledgeable folks around the various SUVs boards - I think the Towing tips for SUVs discussion may be the best place to start.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have been reading various boards for some time in order to learn more about owner's take on SUV's.
I'm currently finishing up on a lease for a '00 Windstar and feel that it is time to change track (not that there's anything wrong with minivans).
In my perfect world, choice would be Sequoia, Yukon, or Volvo XC.
Reality has me tossing between CR-V and Liberty. I realize that this to some is apples vs oranges but for me it is what could be (Lib 4w sport) or what is the responsible choice given that I don't currently offroad.
Any help would be warmly welcomed.
tidester
Host
SUVs
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Mazda: Like almost everthing about the Tribute except stall issue now being investigated by NHTSA, probably the long shifter it seems everyone doesn't like, and my conscience makes me think twice about the mileage. Also, some reviews indicate that the Tribute has less range than other vehicles with poor mileage because of a smaller gas tank.
Honda: Was on the verge of getting a Honda, and liked the improvements and features over the 2001 (hp, torque, CD changer, moon roof). Love the reliability record, mileage is better than most.
Despite stats that indicate most front legroom, found that usable legroom seemed much less than Tribute. The drivers left foot position was uncomfortable. It feels like they pushed the cab forward to the point that foot areas are intruded on by the front end. On passenger side, I couldn't even fit my feet in. There is no toe space. Felt like better leg room in back. WOuld rather have more front legroom than the rear sliding seats to choose between crago and rear legroom. Don't really care for the color choices for interior. Brown is not pleasant and the black was so dark. What happened to the dark gray? Plus, not much choice in fabric design and no leather. I think I prefered the old rear seat design to the tumble seats. Seems the headrests lean forward uncomfortably, is this for anti-whiplash purpose?
Subaru: Not enamored with lower driver height, but sounds like it handles wonderfully. Very tight rear seat, also some limited toe space on front passenger side. SOunds like 03 fixed funky cupholders.
Sorry so long.
Here's two discussions you may want to check out first:
Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute
Honda CR-V vs Mazda Tribute
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Using Edmunds,(thank you)I have narrowed my choices to either an Envoy XL, SLE 4WD, loaded (don't like leather seats) or an Explorer XLT with V8, also loaded. At this point I don't really know how to choose. I need help. I have a 98 Blazer and love it. Hardly any problems with it, but it only has 26,200 as of today. My husband has retired and says it is too small for him, otherwise I would keep it since I have the extended 7yr or 70,000 mile warranty. Anyway here I am, and happy about it.
Pam
In addition to the discussions here, you may want to check out the various SUV Comparison Road Tests.
Have fun shopping!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I am confident you'll enjoy the boards as we have some of the nicest and most knowledgeable owners posting here everyday. Enjoy!
tidester
Host
SUVs
Hopefully someone will see your post in the Tahoe discussion and will answer shortly.
You can also watch our Incentives and Rebates page, which gets updated as soon as the manufacturers release information.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
BTW; Steve, thanks for excepting me from Dawgcar's comments on the Pilot vrs. Highlander discussion
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Had a '97 Qx4, currently own Humungous Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup, 93 Wrangler and 2000 Acura TL.
Love the forum! Been a sysop myself, so I appreciate sanity online
Don't forget to visit the Jeep Wrangler owners - they're a fun group (mostly sane too, lol).
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards