I think that it's more like a Honda CRV or Suzuki Grand Vitara. Unit-body, car-based. The Xterra and Cherokee are the truck-based mini 'utes.
For caution's sake, I wait until at least the second or third year of production. Ford does seem to have quite a few cases of growing pains lately...
It seems like Ford is trying to get the next best thing to market before they get all of the bugs worked out. Then, they solve the problems as they arise. It's great for sales but unfortunate for the purchaser.
well actually Cthompson, I was refering to the concept, not the design, I do agree it looks alot like the RAV4. The concept of a tougher SUV, with a V6 for close to the price of the RAV4's and CRV's. Just me, but I think that ford missed the boat with the unibody construction, they need to use that on the upper end models like the explorer that don't see heavy duty use. Kind of like the pathfinder and the consumers it markets to. The typical buyers of the Xterras are more likely to do more offroading and heavier duty stuff than the pathfinder group. The unibody gets you a better ride, lower step in etc. which is more desirable in luxury oriented SUV's. But I don't know I could be wrong, what do you guys think?
hey guys, take a look at the rest of that site, it's pretty interesting, ford actually sued the site and had them shut down because they were reporting problems with the cobra! Ford lost the case and 2 days after, recalled the cobras. This is interesting, mainly because it shows us we have to still watch out for these big corporations. Good reading though, kinda scary. Oh the article is at the bottom of the home page inder the "lawsuits" section
I think the car-based, unit-body is the better choice for the escape. As with most SUV's, less than around 10% will see anything harsher than gravel.
What I find appealing is:
(1) AWD system - It's always on. And, you can lock it to 50/50 distribution. It's great for snow around my parts. My wife seems to have trouble deciding when and how to use my truck's 4x4 system.
(2) Excellent V6 - I've got the 2.5 Duratec (Escape has the 3.0 Duratec) in my SVTour. It's a very smooth, powerful engine. The Escape is rated at 28mpg highway too with the V6. That's damn near incredible for a V6 SUV.
(3) Size - I don't like the 4dr Explorer's overall size, and the 2dr Explorer has a good overall size but only 2 doors. The Escape seems good for DINK's (dual income no kids) like my wife and I. And, it should handle any rugrats for at least a few years when the time should come.
(4) It has a decent towing capacity of 3500lbs. That should easily take care of my 2 snowmobiles and trailer.
(5) Ride - It should ride like a mid-sized sedan with the visibility of a truck-based SUV. And, it's not a minivan!
(6) It's not a minivan!!!
(7) It's not a minivan!!!
(8) My wife won't go for the Saab 9-5 wagon or BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon.
I guess it's wait until Ford irons out the wrinkles then see what happens.
It's interesting how minivans are so abhorent to some car buyers. I for one would buy a minivan before I ever sink my money into an YesYouVee. As a family hauler, the minivan does much much better a job than any SUV. I guess it did such a good job that everybody bought one in the late 80s and early 90s. Unfortunately, once the "soccer mom-mobile" stigma stuck, some folks now avoids it like the plague.
I kinda think eventually the SUV craze will die of its own success the same way the minivan popularity waned in the 90's. When the last "soccer mom" trades in her Caravan for a Explorer, the stigma will fly over and stick on the SUV instead.
Interesting observations. Pretty likely too. I'm trying to convince my wife to look past the station wagon aspect of the 9-5 wagon and 3-series sport wagon. They handle like sports cars with extra storage. I guess the word, station wagon, is engrained her mind as something terribly negative. Actually, the minivan is too. Go fig. My thoughts are as long as you like the vehicle, who cares what it's classified as.
Cncman what is it with the prices of the Xterras?? In the paper they advertise them for 23,999 up to 25K on ad! Right next to it in the paper an Explorer XLT can be had for 24K even as low as 23K! The Ford Escape will be more for the average user. The person who goes skiing, hiking, ect... Just gravel roads and already established dirt roads. The V6 in the Escape is going to blow all the others away when it comes to performance acceleration, the ride is also going to be more car like. I am sure we will see a shoot out betwee the RAV4/Xterra/CRV/Escape in the very near future.
LOL, the word(s) station wagon gets the exact same reaction from my wife also. She does not object to minivans though, mostly because a lot of her friends have kids and minivans and she has seen how handy they can be.
As much as I rag on SUVs, I would and have defended their existence in other forums. To me, nothing is more sacred than having a choice, whether that choice is generally perceived as good or bad.
By extension, that is the same way I look at the compact trucks. I don't like the fact that Mazda and Isuzu trucks have turned into Ranger and S-10 clones. Not that I think Rangers and S-10s are bad truck, it's just that there are now that many fewer real choices. I actually quite liked the old Isuzu 4x4 - it had the versatility of 4WD without the hi-rise stance of most 4x4s nowadays.
I think that rebadging a vehicle and selling it under a different name is somewhat stupid. Take all of that extra cash put into slightly different body panels, grills, etc... and put it into something worthwhile. If there's a problem area in the truck, fix it. If there's not enough power, design a new engine or redesign the current one. Work on ergonomics and new features. In short, fix all of the common grips with the current owners.
I think BMW and a few others have found the right track here. It's called improve, improve, improve, and improve. Improve the current model and work towards a better vehicle. Don't just wait for a complete redesign to fix inherent flaws.
I think that SUVs are good vehicles. I think people that run out and buy the biggest SUV they can get their hands on as a status symbol are complete idiots.
As my primary vehicle must remain a truck for towing/hauling duties, I just need to convince my wife now that a 3-series sport wagon is a great sports car with a bigger trunk...
Per UPS, the Gibby cat-back is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I'll post my opinions and install experiences tomorrow nite or sat. If it's half as good as I've heard, I'm sure I'll be pleased. It seems like quite the find discounted to $180. I think the stainless steel Borla was discounted to around $200. The Gibson stainless was around $225.
Vince, I personnaly wouldn't lump the Xterra in with the Rav4/CRV/Escape. Vey different classes. Xterra, which was named Motor Tend's SUV of the year, is an SUV meant for 4 wheeling, off-roading, etc. The rest are grocery-getters and I wouldn't dare be caught dead in one off road. The CRV by Honda is built on a Civic platform. It's basically an all wheel drive Civic. I don't know about the others, but I'd guess the Toyo is a Corolla or Camry type platform, and the Ford is Escape probably something similar.
The Xterra is basically an SUV version of the Frontier. The others are car platforms with AWD systems and slightly bigger tires. The most offroading they'll see is when they back over the flowerbed on their way to the supermarket.
Unfortunatly the majority of buyers of this class will bunch all of these mini SUV's together in one class. And statistics show that 0ver 90% of all SUV's, 4x4's never even see a gravel road! So the most the Xterra will probably see is a logging road or gravel road. These mini SUV's are fine for going on logging roads/gravel roads to your camp site or up skiing. I have been pricing Xterra's in the Saturday/Sunday paper and these things aren't as inexpensive as they are supposed to be!
You're right. When I bought my Frontier I had some time to kill so I browsed the Xterra lot. It's impossible to find a "base" model without all the option packages (power, utility, sport, etc). Most of the ones I saw were priced at 25K or so, but the dealers weren't dealing on them at all. Basically, you pay sticker for them right now.
The guy I talked to said they are selling like hotcakes (mostly to Gen-Xers, with a downpayment made by mom and dad) and the only other car he can recall that moved so quickly was the Mazda Miata a few years ago (remember when *everyone* just had to have a convertible Miata?). Of course, there's always a segment of buyers out there who buy only the "latest and greatest" just to be hip. I guess those folks are contributing to Xterra's success.
What I didn't like about the X is that in order to make room in the back, there's no way for the back seat to fold down. You literally have to take the back seat out of the vehicle and leave it at home. Also, for an SUV it was bit cramped. I basically like trucks because I do a lot of fishing and it's easier to just throw my rods and gear in the bed rather than have to deal with putting them inside like in an SUV.
A vehicle similar to the Xterra would be a Jeep Cherokee. I believe they're both body on frame vehicles.
The Escape, Tribute, Rav4, CR-V, Grand Vitara, and a few upcoming others fall into the unit-body car-based SUVs. I think that the Escape/Tribute is based on the Contour platform or something similar.
The "average" buyer would probably be better off buying one of the car-based mini-utes. They're more efficient, ride more like a car, and most have all-time AWD available.
I wouldn't choose a car-based mini-ute for any sort of off-roading or serious towing duties (tho the Escape does have a decent tow rating with the V6). And, I don't like the styling on any of those little car-based buggers. Both the Cherokee and Xterra are appealling. But, I'll stick with my truck for now.
I'm telling you, I can't understand anyone who would pay 25K for an Xterra when they can get a Cherokee for about 22K??? I took a stroll down to the Nissan dealer just to have a quick pricing peek at the ones they adverstised. Cncman, they are gouging like crazy here in the NW. Anyone who sits down and does their homework will see the Xterra is a huge ripoff. I thought these were supposed to be affordable? in the 18K-22K range?
Vince, they are, the 4cylinder 5 spd starts at $18,000 the XE V6 auto, 4x2 with power sport and utility package is around $23,000 MSRP, I don't see how anyone can call it gouging, the customers set the prices, not the dealers, if people weren't lined up to buy them, the dealers would have to discount them, this just says alot about how Nissan hit the nail on the head with the X, a year after introduction, they are still commanding right around MSRP. And I guess the ford dealers aren't "gouging" on the sport tracs either?
A buddy of mine paid around 28K for a Sport-Trac that has an MSRP of around 25K according to Edmunds and Carpoint. Remember when the first Explorer came out back in 1991 or so?
Vince, me personally, I'd pay 25 for an X before I'd pay 22 for a Jeep Cherokee. The X will at least outlast the payments. Jeeps are great 4 wheelers - for a year or two. Once they start to have problems they're never right again. That 22K Jeep will quickly cost you 32K within a few years with repairs. And the V-8 Grand Cherokee is a huge dissapointment as far as reliability goes. The X at least comes from good lineage.
VInce, do you even read what you post, nowhere in any of those articles does it say "renault buys nissan" or "renault controls nissan" in fact it says, renault buys a "major interest" and later, "this is not a merger" "each company will maintain its own corporate strategies" The only thing renault has is veto power and even the article says they can't change things with veto power. Well even though your own words have proven you wrong again, I still ask, what does this have to do with Crew Cab vs. Explorer? Answer nothing. Now maybe you can go back to boring us with repetitious torque whining.
The Jeep Cherokee Sports, which I believe to be a really good head to head competitor with the Xterra, are one of Chrysler's few reliable vehicles. They should be as they've remained relatively unchanged other than improvements over minor problems over the last 15yrs or so.
I don't like the Grand Cherokee at all. It looks like a big tylenol driving down the road.
If forced to choose between the two, it would be real close, almost a toss-up. They're both good off-roaders, have extremely close engine choices (V6 for me), are about the same size, and cost around the same buck comparably equipped. To my eye, they both look real good too.
No Vince I picked out the quotes that contradict what you said,just a little hint, if you post something in support of what you are saying, make sure it does not contradict what you are saying. again if I am wrong, I am sorry, but where does it say Renault buys Nissan or Renault Controlls Nissan like you keep saying? Please educate us like you said you would.
True. Me personally, I'd question the reliability of a Cherokee though. Recalls are frequent. But it is an out and out great 4x4 suv.
Anybody remember the old jeep pickups? Years ago I had a neighbor who had an old one that could tow just about anything. That truck was amazing for it's size. We used it a few times to remove some large stumps from a field and it just hunkered down and ripped them right out. Why's they stop making the pickup anyway?
Are you guys talking about the old Comanche pickups? In these days of PC BS, I'm surprised Jeep is still using "Cherokee". I kinda wonder why Jeep doesn't have a p/u. They've got everything right there. I guess it all comes down to margins and that Chrysler Corp. has got its p/u's in the Dodge division.
You are right, Jeep has all the makings for a great pickup. cncman, I will find more articles about the Renault take-over of Nissan. Heck, if anyone just goes to Yahoo and types in Renault Nissan aquisition or somthing else of that nature all kinds of articles pop up. Xterra's are expensive as all get out in my area. They are asking 23-25K!! In the ad next to it you can get an Explorer XLT for about 23,999!! I think with the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, new RAV4 coming soon too, Xterra hype will level off in the next 6-9 months.
Well, Vince, I think enough has been said on this, either show us an artice that says Renault buys Nissan or Controls Nissan and I will admit I was wrong, or just admit that you were wrong, those are the only two options I see, so far as the Xterra prices and explorer prices, all this shows is that people are willing to pay more for an Xterra than an Explorer, so, what's your point?
Now that I think about it, it wasn't the Comanche, but rather that old full size "J" series Jeep pickup. Was a Flareside too. Anyway, that thing had one heck of a powerplant.
I saw some Motor Trend type show the other night where they ranked the top most "influential" vehicles and the first Jeep Wagoneer (complete with wood paneling) was near the top. Don't see many of those around anymore. It was almost like a huge station wagon. Also near the top of the list was the Chrysler Minivan (shudder).
Hey, what kind of tires do you all have? I have 16 inch rims, but the stock tires that came on my Frontier are these cheesy General Grabber AW's. A few folks had recommended BF Goodrich Long Trails (for a good mix of highway/off road use) or BF Goodrich TA's.
I checked them out on their website and who knew....BF Goodrich hasn't actually made a tire in 10 years. Michelin makes them, but sells them under BF Goodrich name. Thought that was interesting. Anyway, I need a tire that's decent in the rain/snow, will still provide decent mileage and quietness on the highway, and will work for off-roading (obviously I don't mean off-roading that would require huge mudders or anythig).
cyg; I got the 15" firestone wilderness on my 98 king cab, 4 cylinder 4x2, I really had no tire opinions before, but I have been very happy with these. I have 21,000 miles on them and they look good as new, I have never had an unusual loss of traction, only time I spin the wheels is when I gun it around a corner! I always rotate the tires every other oil service, I have been minor-offroading, washed out trails on the beach, muddy roads, etc and never have gotten stuck, I do recommend them.
Cncman, proofs in the pudding read all these links at Yahoo. http://link.yahoo.com/bin/query?p=Renault+Nissan+Merger&hc=0&hs=0 Keep trying to convince yourself that a company would give millions of dollars to another company for nothing. Renualt does have a controlling share in Nissan my friend. Tons of links that say so. And a couple that say the marriage isn't going too well either. Hmm......
Dang it!! the link doesn't work. Anyone can go to Yahoo and type in Nissan Renault merger or somthing in the same text. Renault does have a controlling share in Nissan its all over the net! Nissan was hurting terribly cncman, looking for capital/cash, trying Ford, GM, and even Diamler/Chrysler. Renault was the last resort. Renault is also not totally private company, the French government give them tax breaks and sometimes even funding!!
VInce, you really make me laugh son!, I never denied that Renault bought 1/3 of Nissan stock. Everyone knows that,and I even mentioned it before when you posted those last links that DID work, but you said Renault bought Nissan and Controls them, and Nissan is just going to get swallowed up by the French, and we should all run to the hills if we own a nissan because we won't be able to get parts or service anymore, that's ridiculous! Renault gave Nissan a cash infusion, and Renault gets some technology sharing, and access to mainly the asian market where they had none before, there are still no official plans to bring any renault to the US under a Nissan or any other name. Renault never bought Nissan like you said and does not control Nissan, Renault has veto power over certain aspects and has one of the best COO's cutting Nissan's expenses, Nissan is still it's own entity and so is Renault. And again, why are you even boring us with this? Even if someone believes your lies, it still has absolutely nothing to do with this comparison, maybe we can get back to the topic right after you admit you are wrong.
BTW, Ford of Europe's offerings have been selling very well to much critical acclaim. There's the Ford Mondeo, Puma, and Focus. All have enjoyed much success. The next gen Mondeo will most likely be a huge hit too (it looks very similar to a Passat).
Nix on the Focus. My bad. Got a little mixed up. The Mondeo and Puma were the big Ford of Europe "successes". I just hope they bring the new Mondeo to the US with agressive styling, an SVT-messaged 3.0L Duratec, and AWD. Oh, to dream... I'd sign up for delivery in the 2 minutes it would take to drive to the nearest Ford dealership.
I think Ford may have blundered a bit with the Focus. It's a great competitor (and huge step up from the Escort) in the US market. But, it just can't go against the VW's and Bimmmer's running around with near the same pricetag. Maybe some of the big strides forward Ford has made with the LS will trickle down to the "lesser" models. I absolutely love a European driving feel. That's why I bought my poor man's M3 (an SVTour).
I'm interested in a 4x2 4-cyl. Auto. Frontier XE KC with all factory options. I'm wondering if I will be able to locate this truck and if I can't, will I be still be able to order one? Do you know of any rebates or incentives coming as the launch of the 2001 model approaches? When will the 2001 models hit the showrooms? Has anyone seen a picture of the 2001 4x2? As for the Ranger vs. the Frontier debate I'll add my two cents. I currently own a 95 4x2 4-cyl. 5 speed Ranger XLT SC. It has been a great truck. It has 67k miles and other than a few minor electrical glitches it has been very good to me. A power house it's not, but it handles and rides well and I do enjoy driving it. My wife drives a 99 Pathfinder which as you all know has the 3.3 engine that is offered in the Frontier. It's no speed demon either but, it's adequate for us. I haven't actually decided what make or configuration truck I'm going to buy. If I go with a 4x2(most likely and practical scenario)I will more than likely end up with the Nissan. I like the Ranger but Ford doesn't offer a 4-cyl auto. in the SC. I like the Tacoma also but, It's expensive and sits a little too low for my tastes. If, however, I decide to say "to hell with gas mileage" and go for a 4x4 V6, I will be looking hard at the Ranger, Frontier and Tacoma. They're all pretty nice Trucks IMO.
(1) "wacky wipers" - wipers coming on for no particular reason sometimes spraying washer fluid too.
(2) door chime - the door chime will not turn off after the doors have been closed for a continuous bonging and an illuminated interior light.
I previously had a '95, and I had those glitches too. The wipers were cured by a new turn signal stalk of slightly different design (mine was covered under warranty). The door chime is caused by a sticking switch in the door latch mechanism. This can be cured with liberal application of WD-40 on the door latch. These are the 2 common electrical problems myself and others have experienced with this year of truck. Just some info for you if you haven't gotten them fixed. A new turn signal stalk, installed, will probably cost about $125 or so if I remember correctly.
Good luck on whatever you choose. Go out and have some fun test driving all those trucks. If you decide Ranger, I'd suggest 3L manual tranny for the best combination of power and mpg. You might also want to wait until the 2001 Rangers come out. They're due for an improved, more powerful 4-banger this summer and the SOHC 4L replacing the push-rod 4L (if you're really after some power). The Nissan is getting a supercharger for the 3.3L V6, and its numbers are similar to the SOHC 4L in the 2001 Ranger.
You hit it right on the head. I do indeed have the "wacky wiper" and door chime problem just as you described. Unfortunately, neither problem showed up until the warranty had long expired. I've sort of just learned to live with both problems. The wipers don't bother me as much as the door chime. Now that you've enlightened me, I may take the door apart to see if I can locate that sticking switch. As for the new truck purchase, I'm stuck with having to get auto. for reasons of back problems and a spouse who can't drive stick. If I do decide on a 4x4, I would be very interested in the Ford SOHC 4.0.(Do you know when it will hit the showrooms?) I always wondered why they didn't put that engine in the Ranger. I also would look at Fords new 4 cyl. if offered in auto. but I plan on purchasing very soon. Thanks for the info CT.
When I was looking for my frontier in the following configuration, I almost had to special order. There were only four like in the entire state of Florida and most dealers weren't willing to make a switch.
2000 Frontier KC XE 4.2 4cyl(Manual Transmission) - Power Package - Value Truck Package - Value Plus Package and with the floor mats and liner
If you go with ford again you will have a lot larger selection to choose from in the configuration you want. The frontier's options come in clumps.
salt; IT just depends on what's out there by you, but I don't see a problem finding a loaded out one, if you do order, expect about 90 days, I doubt we will see much else when the 01's come out, they are due in august, the supercharger due in November. The only 4x2 01 I have seen was a desert runner, not the 4 cylider, but you can check out freshalloy.com, they have some pics there. Good luck!
The sticking switch is actually a part of the door latch mechanism. You shouldn't need to take the door apart. Just spray the latch judiously with some WD-40.
Ford hasn't been able to get the SOHC 4.0 in the Ranger yet due to capacity problems. They couldn't fill the demand for that engine in the Explorer for the first couple of years it was offered. In Ranger guise, the SOHC 4.0 is slated to put out 205hp and 235ft/lbs of torque. It should be available in the 2001 Rangers which should start hitting the showrooms sometime this summer, I believe. I haven't heard much on the 4-banger yet. Displacement drops from 2.5 to 2.3 liters. And, power is supposed to increase. I'd expect it to be slightly less than the I4's offered by Toyota and Nissan.
Here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area there are a few Nissan dealerships offering some pretty good rebates. Today in the paper I saw a rebate of 3000 off MSRP on all King Cabs, and 2500 off on all Crew Cabs.
cncman, I called a couple of dealers here and they said they're expecting the 01's in Sept. or Oct. Are they really scheduled for Aug. and the dealers just playing it safe by telling me fall? Just curious, I'm really looking forward to driving one.
Danny, my info shows that I will be able to start ordering them in May, it should be the same for all dealers, they were probably just guessing. It takes about 90 days from order to when it shows up, so I would say august is good.
Newsflash! It really makes me wonder with all the Ford bashing and with the terrible cars and trucks that Ford is supposed to build they can report profits of 2.1 billion dollars!! in the first quarter. UP 5% over last year and better than Wall Street expected. This shot Ford stock up almost $5 a share!! Pretty good for a company thats is supposed to build garbage cars and trucks, people just keep buying them, Hmm.... wonder why? I guess all those thousands and thousands of people are wrong?
Comments
For caution's sake, I wait until at least the second or third year of production. Ford does seem to have quite a few cases of growing pains lately...
It seems like Ford is trying to get the next best thing to market before they get all of the bugs worked out. Then, they solve the problems as they arise. It's great for sales but unfortunate for the purchaser.
that don't see heavy duty use. Kind of like the pathfinder and the consumers it markets to. The typical buyers of the Xterras are more likely to do more offroading and heavier duty stuff than the pathfinder group. The unibody gets you a better ride, lower step in etc. which is more desirable in luxury oriented SUV's. But I don't know I could be wrong, what do you guys think?
What I find appealing is:
(1) AWD system - It's always on. And, you can lock it to 50/50 distribution. It's great for snow around my parts. My wife seems to have trouble deciding when and how to use my truck's 4x4 system.
(2) Excellent V6 - I've got the 2.5 Duratec (Escape has the 3.0 Duratec) in my SVTour. It's a very smooth, powerful engine. The Escape is rated at 28mpg highway too with the V6. That's damn near incredible for a V6 SUV.
(3) Size - I don't like the 4dr Explorer's overall size, and the 2dr Explorer has a good overall size but only 2 doors. The Escape seems good for DINK's (dual income no kids) like my wife and I. And, it should handle any rugrats for at least a few years when the time should come.
(4) It has a decent towing capacity of 3500lbs. That should easily take care of my 2 snowmobiles and trailer.
(5) Ride - It should ride like a mid-sized sedan with the visibility of a truck-based SUV. And, it's not a minivan!
(6) It's not a minivan!!!
(7) It's not a minivan!!!
(8) My wife won't go for the Saab 9-5 wagon or BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon.
I guess it's wait until Ford irons out the wrinkles then see what happens.
I kinda think eventually the SUV craze will die of its own success the same way the minivan popularity waned in the 90's. When the last "soccer mom" trades in her Caravan for a Explorer, the stigma will fly over and stick on the SUV instead.
My $0.02.
The Ford Escape will be more for the average user. The person who goes skiing, hiking, ect... Just gravel roads and already established dirt roads. The V6 in the Escape is going to blow all the others away when it comes to performance acceleration, the ride is also going to be more car like. I am sure we will see a shoot out betwee the RAV4/Xterra/CRV/Escape in the very near future.
As much as I rag on SUVs, I would and have defended their existence in other forums. To me, nothing is more sacred than having a choice, whether that choice is generally perceived as good or bad.
By extension, that is the same way I look at the compact trucks. I don't like the fact that Mazda and Isuzu trucks have turned into Ranger and S-10 clones. Not that I think Rangers and S-10s are bad truck, it's just that there are now that many fewer real choices. I actually quite liked the old Isuzu 4x4 - it had the versatility of 4WD without the hi-rise stance of most 4x4s nowadays.
I think BMW and a few others have found the right track here. It's called improve, improve, improve, and improve. Improve the current model and work towards a better vehicle. Don't just wait for a complete redesign to fix inherent flaws.
I think that SUVs are good vehicles. I think people that run out and buy the biggest SUV they can get their hands on as a status symbol are complete idiots.
As my primary vehicle must remain a truck for towing/hauling duties, I just need to convince my wife now that a 3-series sport wagon is a great sports car with a bigger trunk...
Xterra, which was named Motor Tend's SUV of the year, is an SUV meant for 4 wheeling, off-roading, etc. The rest are grocery-getters and I wouldn't dare be caught dead in one off road. The CRV by Honda is built on a Civic platform. It's basically an all wheel drive Civic. I don't know about the others, but I'd guess the Toyo is a Corolla or Camry type platform, and the Ford is Escape probably something similar.
The Xterra is basically an SUV version of the Frontier. The others are car platforms with AWD systems and slightly bigger tires. The most offroading they'll see is when they back over the flowerbed on their way to the supermarket.
The guy I talked to said they are selling like hotcakes (mostly to Gen-Xers, with a downpayment made by mom and dad) and the only other car he can recall that moved so quickly was the Mazda Miata a few years ago (remember when *everyone* just had to have a convertible Miata?). Of course,
there's always a segment of buyers out there who buy only the "latest and greatest" just to be hip. I guess those folks are contributing to Xterra's success.
What I didn't like about the X is that in order to make room in the back, there's no way for
the back seat to fold down. You literally have to take the back seat out of the vehicle and leave it at home. Also, for an SUV it was bit cramped.
I basically like trucks because I do a lot of fishing and it's easier to just throw my rods and gear in the bed rather than have to deal with putting them inside like in an SUV.
you must have gotten some bad info, the seats on the X do fold down, the seat bottom cushions come up and are stowed behind the 2 front seats
The Escape, Tribute, Rav4, CR-V, Grand Vitara, and a few upcoming others fall into the unit-body car-based SUVs. I think that the Escape/Tribute is based on the Contour platform or something similar.
The "average" buyer would probably be better off buying one of the car-based mini-utes. They're more efficient, ride more like a car, and most have all-time AWD available.
I wouldn't choose a car-based mini-ute for any sort of off-roading or serious towing duties (tho the Escape does have a decent tow rating with the V6). And, I don't like the styling on any of those little car-based buggers. Both the Cherokee and Xterra are appealling. But, I'll stick with my truck for now.
set the prices, not the dealers, if people weren't lined up to buy them, the dealers would have to discount them, this just says alot about how Nissan hit the nail on the head with the X, a year after introduction, they are still commanding right around MSRP. And I guess the ford dealers aren't "gouging" on the sport tracs either?
do you even read what you post, nowhere in any of those articles does it say "renault buys nissan" or "renault controls nissan" in fact it says,
renault buys a "major interest" and later, "this is not a merger" "each company will maintain its own corporate strategies" The only thing renault has is veto power and even the article says they can't change things with veto power. Well even though your own words have proven you wrong again,
I still ask, what does this have to do with Crew Cab vs. Explorer? Answer nothing. Now maybe you can go back to boring us with repetitious torque
whining.
I don't like the Grand Cherokee at all. It looks like a big tylenol driving down the road.
If forced to choose between the two, it would be real close, almost a toss-up. They're both good off-roaders, have extremely close engine choices (V6 for me), are about the same size, and cost around the same buck comparably equipped. To my eye, they both look real good too.
Please educate us like you said you would.
offroader.
Anybody remember the old jeep pickups? Years ago I had a neighbor who had an old one that could
tow just about anything. That truck was amazing for it's size. We used it a few times to remove some large stumps from a field and it just hunkered down and ripped them right out. Why's they stop making the pickup anyway?
cncman, I will find more articles about the Renault take-over of Nissan. Heck, if anyone just goes to Yahoo and types in Renault Nissan aquisition or somthing else of that nature all kinds of articles pop up.
Xterra's are expensive as all get out in my area. They are asking 23-25K!! In the ad next to it you can get an Explorer XLT for about 23,999!! I think with the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, new RAV4 coming soon too, Xterra hype will level off in the next 6-9 months.
I think enough has been said on this, either show us an artice that says Renault buys Nissan or Controls Nissan and I will admit I was wrong, or just admit that you were wrong, those are the only two options I see, so far as the Xterra prices and explorer prices, all this shows is that people are willing to pay more for an Xterra than an Explorer, so, what's your point?
I saw some Motor Trend type show the other night where they ranked the top most "influential" vehicles and the first Jeep Wagoneer (complete with wood paneling) was near the top. Don't see many of those around anymore. It was almost like a huge station wagon. Also near the top of the list was the Chrysler Minivan (shudder).
I checked them out on their website and who knew....BF Goodrich hasn't actually made a tire in 10 years. Michelin makes them, but sells them under BF Goodrich name. Thought that was interesting. Anyway, I need a tire that's decent in the rain/snow, will still provide decent mileage and quietness on the highway, and will work for off-roading (obviously I don't mean off-roading that would require huge mudders or anythig).
I got the 15" firestone wilderness on my 98 king cab, 4 cylinder 4x2, I really had no tire opinions before, but I have been very happy with these. I have 21,000 miles on them and they look good as new, I have never had an unusual loss of traction,
only time I spin the wheels is when I gun it around a corner! I always rotate the tires every other oil service, I have been minor-offroading, washed out trails on the beach, muddy roads, etc and never have gotten stuck, I do recommend them.
http://link.yahoo.com/bin/query?p=Renault+Nissan+Merger&hc=0&hs=0
Keep trying to convince yourself that a company would give millions of dollars to another company for nothing. Renualt does have a controlling share in Nissan my friend. Tons of links that say so. And a couple that say the marriage isn't going too well either. Hmm......
Nissan was hurting terribly cncman, looking for capital/cash, trying Ford, GM, and even Diamler/Chrysler. Renault was the last resort. Renault is also not totally private company, the French government give them tax breaks and sometimes even funding!!
you really make me laugh son!, I never denied that Renault bought 1/3 of Nissan stock. Everyone knows that,and I even mentioned it before when you posted those last links that DID work, but you said Renault bought Nissan and Controls them, and Nissan is just going to get swallowed up by the French, and we should all run to the hills if we own a nissan because we won't be able to get parts or service anymore, that's ridiculous! Renault gave Nissan a cash infusion, and Renault gets some technology sharing, and access to mainly the asian market where they had none before, there are still no official plans to bring any renault to the US under a Nissan or any other name. Renault never bought Nissan like you said and does not control Nissan, Renault has veto power over certain aspects and has one of the best COO's cutting Nissan's expenses, Nissan is still it's own entity and so is Renault. And again, why are you even boring us with this? Even if someone believes your lies, it still has absolutely nothing to do with this comparison, maybe we can get back to the topic right after you admit you are wrong.
BTW, Ford of Europe's offerings have been selling very well to much critical acclaim. There's the Ford Mondeo, Puma, and Focus. All have enjoyed much success. The next gen Mondeo will most likely be a huge hit too (it looks very similar to a Passat).
http://www.detnews.com/AUTOS/howes/howes991019.htm
I think Ford may have blundered a bit with the Focus. It's a great competitor (and huge step up from the Escort) in the US market. But, it just can't go against the VW's and Bimmmer's running around with near the same pricetag. Maybe some of the big strides forward Ford has made with the LS will trickle down to the "lesser" models. I absolutely love a European driving feel. That's why I bought my poor man's M3 (an SVTour).
As for the Ranger vs. the Frontier debate I'll add my two cents. I currently own a 95 4x2 4-cyl. 5 speed Ranger XLT SC. It has been a great truck. It has 67k miles and other than a few minor electrical glitches it has been very good to me. A power house it's not, but it handles and rides well and I do enjoy driving it. My wife drives a 99 Pathfinder which as you all know has the 3.3 engine that is offered in the Frontier. It's no speed demon either but, it's adequate for us. I haven't actually decided what make or configuration truck I'm going to buy. If I go with a 4x2(most likely and practical scenario)I will more than likely end up with the Nissan. I like the Ranger but Ford doesn't offer a 4-cyl auto. in the SC. I like the Tacoma also but, It's expensive and sits a little too low for my tastes. If, however, I decide to say "to hell with gas mileage" and go for a 4x4 V6, I will be looking hard at the Ranger, Frontier and Tacoma. They're all pretty nice Trucks IMO.
(1) "wacky wipers" - wipers coming on for no particular reason sometimes spraying washer fluid too.
(2) door chime - the door chime will not turn off after the doors have been closed for a continuous bonging and an illuminated interior light.
I previously had a '95, and I had those glitches too. The wipers were cured by a new turn signal stalk of slightly different design (mine was covered under warranty). The door chime is caused by a sticking switch in the door latch mechanism. This can be cured with liberal application of WD-40 on the door latch. These are the 2 common electrical problems myself and others have experienced with this year of truck. Just some info for you if you haven't gotten them fixed. A new turn signal stalk, installed, will probably cost about $125 or so if I remember correctly.
Good luck on whatever you choose. Go out and have some fun test driving all those trucks. If you decide Ranger, I'd suggest 3L manual tranny for the best combination of power and mpg. You might also want to wait until the 2001 Rangers come out. They're due for an improved, more powerful 4-banger this summer and the SOHC 4L replacing the push-rod 4L (if you're really after some power). The Nissan is getting a supercharger for the 3.3L V6, and its numbers are similar to the SOHC 4L in the 2001 Ranger.
2000 Frontier KC XE 4.2 4cyl(Manual Transmission)
- Power Package
- Value Truck Package
- Value Plus Package
and with the floor mats and liner
If you go with ford again you will have a lot larger selection to choose from in the configuration you want. The frontier's options come in clumps.
IT just depends on what's out there by you, but I don't see a problem finding a loaded out one, if you do order, expect about 90 days, I doubt we will see much else when the 01's come out, they are due in august, the supercharger due in November. The only 4x2 01 I have seen was a desert runner, not the 4 cylider, but you can check out
freshalloy.com, they have some pics there. Good luck!
Ford hasn't been able to get the SOHC 4.0 in the Ranger yet due to capacity problems. They couldn't fill the demand for that engine in the Explorer for the first couple of years it was offered. In Ranger guise, the SOHC 4.0 is slated to put out 205hp and 235ft/lbs of torque. It should be available in the 2001 Rangers which should start hitting the showrooms sometime this summer, I believe. I haven't heard much on the 4-banger yet. Displacement drops from 2.5 to 2.3 liters. And, power is supposed to increase. I'd expect it to be slightly less than the I4's offered by Toyota and Nissan.
cncman,
I called a couple of dealers here and they said they're expecting the 01's in Sept. or Oct. Are they really scheduled for Aug. and the dealers just playing it safe by telling me fall? Just curious, I'm really looking forward to driving one.
Ordering takes 3 months, according to the salespeople I talked to, who didn't seem too enthusiastic about ordering a car/truck for some reason.