Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
Comments
Actually, not by much- the Acadia is 200.7 inches long and 78 inches in width. The TX is 200.3 by 75 inches.
But, there are some folks (like me and some others here) who value more car characteristics in a vehicle that can carry 7 adults comfortable in all 3 rows and don't need the extra bulk of a lamba to do that
Lambdas still drive like a car, and are priced around the TX.
so the TX/FS is a good choice, as is the CX-9. The CX-9 is really just a sporty version of the TX/FS.
I want to hear you justify that.
I think the lambda folks are just jealous because the FS was out 2 years before the lambda, which is pretty much a copy of the FS design, just a few inches wider. The FS was the first in this category
I really want to hear you justify that. Copy of the FS's design? Well that's why the Acadia alone sold over 73,000 copies.
And I'm still waiting for those calling the FS/TX just another wagon to provide an example of any other wagon that can hold 7 adults plus luggage...just one example
Everyone seems to have gotten rid of their large wagons. /there aren't anymore. I'll get back to you on that when the Flex comes out this summer.
True- I'm just saying some CUVs in this forum have more SUV characteristics than others.THerefore, those are a bit more SUV like, and others are a bit more station wagon-like.
And for those that question the CUV status of the FS/TX because it uses the same platform as the 500/New Generation Taurus, you also may wish to note that this same platform is used for the Volvo XC90 SUV!
I don't. The Mazda 6 platform underpins the Edge and MKX. I question it because the onlydifference in the two vehicles is one has slightly higher seatng positions, and the "passenger compartment which extends to the back of the vehicle". That sounds like many non SUV wanna-be true wagons to me.
I'm not really trying to say there is something wrong with this, just an observation.
That's what I *wanted* :P
I used to drive a Taurus (not a rebadged Five Hundred) and a Taurus wagon, too.
I prefer to have a sedan and a "station wagon" that are similar enough to each other that it's very convenient to switch from driving one to driving the other.
Perfect description. I had a Taurus wagon and now a Freestyle, so I understand exactly what you're saying.
That's one thing I love about the Taurus and Freestyle: you don't climb up into them, and you don't climb up out of them, either.
Why would that hurt my feelings?
Boring can be GOOD! :P
Yeah- but Hyundai didn't stop (or start) at the VC. They've been doing this for years. I used to get so annoyed by the Azera commercial where they compare it to the LS450 and say "you can park it yourself".
I'm not trying to buy a Lexus, so why tell me it's better than one? And I've noticed in commercials of the top companies that they don't compare their vehicle to the competition, because they think it's superior. Toyota doesn't say "This Highlander is quicker than an Acadia". Hyundai needs to think about it.
I did cross shop the Highlander. No brainer. Veracruz was the better vehicle hands down.
I agree with the earlier post that mentioned body roll as an area for improvement. It could be better with the VC. Mileage could be a bit better as well.
The $5500 rebate I mentioned in my previous post was primarily a response by Hyundai to the number of Canadians crossing the border to purchase. And it brought the VC in line with American pricing. Other manufacturers have done similar. Though with the Outlook/Acadia, these type of rebates didn't happen. They are popular here too! I saw seven of them on my commute today. There were aggressive financing options on those vehicles. 0.9% for 60 mos for instance. In Canada, that meant you could get an Outlook for about $685/month...zero down. Owned outright after 5 yrs. Not enough to bring it on par with American pricing.
Please take it to Lets talk media if anyone wants to pursue this thread offshoot. Thanks.
Don't think too many americans would pay $60k for an Acadia.
Park a lambda by a TX and it's pretty obvious how much bigger it is. It's more of a climb to get into as well. The floor of the Lambdas is higher, so that's why the 2nd row legroom isn't as good as in the TX. In a highway rest area there was a car to my left an Outlook to my right. I was sitting up higher than the car on my left, but the person in the Outlook was sitting higher than me. I'd rather have
But that's just my personal opinion of course.
And yes concept of the as a CUV capable of holding 7 adults plus luggage started with the FS and a few years later the lambdas came around, bulked them up and there you have it.
I agree with the poster who said that you can put 1/3 of the 3rd down for more luggage and have 2 kids in the 3rd row...sounds convenient, but unsafe to me having a pile of luggage leaning over a couple of kids. If you have that requirement, then I suggest getting a minivan, so you can keep the cargo (40CuFt) safely behind the 3rd row.
Apples to apples I believe the price difference between Canada and the U.S. on the Acadia/Outlook after negotiating, import fees and taxes was about $5K. I could be mistaken, it's been a couple months since I ran the numbers. For that amount, I think it's worth it for a Canadian to purchase across the border. I always felt $3K was the magic number. If I could save $3K I'd buy from the States. So had I decided the Acadia/Outlook was the right vehicle for us, chances are I would have bought south of the 49th.
Because we decided the VC was best for us, in that case, the price difference wasn't nearly enough to not buy it in Canada. In fact it almost seemed to come out at scratch after the rebate kicked in.
This Real numbers for TX:
Second row Pitch (how seat high from the floor)- 14.3"
W - 19.3" (seat)
L - 18" (seat)
Third row Pitch - 12"
W - 46" (width for all third row including arm rest on the side both seats)
L - 18" (seat)
Cargo W - 45" (on the frame)
L - 17" (from back of the third row seat to plastic trim around the lock)
H - 40" ( from floor to the door frame. TX has offset cargo to the floor, and has some small space under the third row seat, but you can store there only small items, like a snow brush, coat and ect).
Acadia :
Second row Pitch (how seat high form the floor)- 13.5"
W - 19.5" (seat)
L - 18" (seat)
Third row Pitch - 12.5"
W - 50" (width for all third row (excluding cup holders))
L - 17" (seat)
Cargo W - 48" (on the frame)
L - 20" (from back of the third row seat to plastic trim around the lock)
H - 35" ( from floor to the door frame. I have not included a store space under floor.The design for small item snow brush, coat and ect. ).
And for compare I measured a my VW wagon ( no third seat of course):
Second row Pitch (how seat high form the floor)- 14.6"
W - 21" (seat - spot)
L - 18" (seat)
Cargo W - 42" (on the frame)
H - 32" ( from floor to the door frame).
So you can see number almost identical. I think there no reason to argue what vehicle better. Some people prefer truck like, some sedan. One thing I can share with you about driving experience on Acadia. It's not like truck(I had Explorer), it's more like minivan with a sporty suspension.
One question though. When you talk about seat pitch, I know that the TX/FS 2nd row seat bottom is pretty horizontal, while some seats are angled up in the front, giving the impression of high seats because the front of the seat is high, while the back of the seat is really low. This is not a very comfortable seating position, like you're sitting in a bowl, and can make it difficult to secure car seats properly.
Did you notice any difference in the seat bottom angle between the Acadia and TX?
Actually if I lived in an area where I need AWD and/or towed a boat or something, and I needed to carry 8 passengers (or 6 big ones!) then I'd probably buy something like the Acadia or Outlook, but since my family size is only 4 and I only use the 3rd row on occasion (but when I do I want adults to be able to fit back there), the TX/FS works out great for me and my wife. It's easy to drive around for day to day use without feeling like it's too big, on road trips there's plenty of stretch out room, when I use it for 7 passengers there are no complaints for space, the MPG averages in the low 20s for around town use and upper 20s for easy highway cruising, and after 60,000 miles I've found it to be really reliable. Am I biased to this vehicle...sure, for me it's been great. And if I ever need something bigger on the inside than I"ll probably just buy an Odyssey or Sienna, since I don't need AWD nor do I every tow.
I have tried minivan (rent for couple weeks, year ago), it has a lot space, but it's like a boat, good for long distance, but terrible for around the town. I was waiting for Ford Flex, but it took them over year and still has not on sale. So, I moved on with Acadia. I tested drive near dozen CUV/SUV, and Acadia was best for the price and options.
take note of how long the rear door is, it really looks like its shaping up to spank the rest on entry/egress and space behind the 1st row...
unfortunately its going to be at the cost of weight/economy(speculation at this point)
stay tuned
Most important, no wires need to be involved. That's best of all. If two wireless headphones aren't enough, more wireless headphones can likely be purchased.
The wires are really only needed for input from a game or camera or other such device.
I'm aware as I have the same FES in my '06 Explorer. The argument was about which input port location was safer and more convenient for an aux device. I have never actually used them because my kids are too young to be playing games in a vehicle yet but IIRC there is a headphone jack with the inputs too in case you want to use a third separate set with the unit.
Also worthy of note is that the wireless headphones are infrared and cannot be worn by the front passengers for sound. They can put them on but they won't hear anything as the sensor only works for the back two rows. I believe most mfrs use this type of wireless connection as well.
Acura MDX, RDX, TSX; Audi A3, Q7; BMW X3, X5; Honda CRV; Hyundai Sante Fe, Veracruz; Infiniti FX35; Lexus RX350; Mazda CX-7, CX-9; Mini Cooper S; Mitsubishi Outlander; Nissan Murano, Rogue; Saturn Outlook; Subaru Tribeca, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Highlander, RAV4, VW Rabbit, Toureg, GTI, and Volvo XC90.
We were looking for a SUV for her, and being the car enthusiast that I am, I dragged my poor wife to try different SUVs (and sporty sedans, since I don't like SUVs and tried to sway her against them).
My wife is in her late 20s and favors a sporty ride with tight handling/steering over quiet refinement. She also requires NAV and bluetooth for her vehicle. Her highlights and lowlights with a few contradictions, but oh well:
Top 4 Overall Vehicles to Own:
1. BMW X5 (her dream car; great ride, great steering/handling, solid feel, quiet interior).
2. Lexus RX350 (she was very anti-Lexus; her aunt has a prior generation and she loathed the loose and sloppy handling. With very low expectations, she was really surprised at how much she liked the RX350. Very quiet, luxurious, good handling/steering feel).
3. Acura MDX (great handling/steering, nice interior, awesome navigation and bluetooth).
4. Toyota RAV4 V6 (she wanted to add this one because she really enjoyed the smooth driving, nice steering/handling, and great pickup).
Top "Sucks" Cars for Her:
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser (she hated this one the most. Cheap feeling interior, terrible vision and blind spots. Says it's a total guy car, not for ladies).
2. Mazda CX-7 (couldn't find a good seating position; engine was noisy; interior not warm and inviting).
3. Mini Cooper S (noisy, uncomfortable, and cramped).
I mentioned that I'm a car buff, right. I also worked at sales for a high-line dealership for 4 months. A few observations of my own (all from the back seat of the 27 cars):
1. Acura RDX was somewhat noisy. Back seats were very firm, and felt all the bumps.
2. VW GTI. Wife really liked this one. Felt great from the back seat. Surprisingly comfortable, great exhaust note. Safety concerns with the DSG transmission, so would never buy it for the wife.
3. BMW X5 - very, very nice. very, very expensive with wanted options. Maybe in 5-10 years.
4. Hyundai Sante Fe/Veracruz. Nice surprises. Very quiet, refined. Good handling/steering. Nice looking and comfortable interiors. Wife not sold on the Korean nameplate yet.
5. Infiniti FX35. Nice for short spurts, Constant growl and unrefined transmission could get annoying.
6. Lexus RX350. I would never buy this SUV for myself. Just too much of a chick SUV. But, that backseat was so so comfortable. And very quiet interior. Both my wife and I were impressed and thought this would be a great SUV for long family road trips.
7. VW Toureg. Disappointed in this one. Very noisy engine. Can feel the road bumps, suspension feels unrefined. $45k and what do you get for that? No Nav, no bluetooth, no rear view camera, no power liftgate. Are these even options?
So, we bought the Acura RDX. Not on my fave 5. Not my wife's either. For us, it really came down to what we could afford right now, and the RDX had more of the features and options that my wife wanted (great NAV, bluetooth, rearview camera, sporty handling/steering, Acura name recognition and reliability) compared with some of its demerits (harsh and stiff ride, noisy interior). The one other option she really wanted was a keyless entry (e.g., Intelligent Key (Infiniti); SmartKey (Mazda); FastKey (Mitsubishi); Comfort Access (BMW)). She loved this feature and loved the idea of always keeping the key in her purse and not having to take it out. We even considered stretching our budget and getting an MDX, but she was afraid that Acura was going to introduce a keyless entry system in a year or so and didn't want to commit to spending so much money for this year's model.
"Safety concerns with the DSG transmission"
about the gti...
Yes, this is true. I have seen a FS parked right next to an Acadia and have climbed around inside both. The Acadia from the outside appears to be much larger than the FS/TX, but that brings us to the crux of the issue. The same can not be said of the inside which is the important part. The Acadia no where near offers as much additional space on the inside as it appears it should based on its exterior bulk.
In my opinion from a packaging and design standpoint the Freestyle/TX is a better designed vehicle. It is small on the outside while being big on the inside. The Lambdas are large on the outside but they don't back it up with substantial additional interior space.
- Chad
Otherwise I'll write "could not duplicate problem" on your work order and shine you on, lol.
Don't make me give you a bad review in the Smart Shopper board, steve!
Hyundai should have done a Pepsi style taste test, or test drive in this case, with all the badges covered up. Have people guess what brand it was from. I bet more people would guess it was a Lexus over Hyundai.
Of all the vehicles I considered I think the Veracruz had the most comfortable driver's seat. The leather is nice and soft, too.
They just need to get people to sit inside and sample them more.
Congrats on the RD-X.
Also, the RD-X is only slightly bigger (mostly more cargo room).
Not to worry! We'll give you a full refund for what you paid. :P
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Full size by popularity:
1. Acadia/Outlook
2. Pilot
3. Highlander
4. CX-9
6. Veracruz
7. MDX
8. Tribeca
9. Outlander
10. Ford TX (I'm not sure if it real CUV, I think it's more oversize wagon).
*Ford-Microsoft SYNC system to be available in nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles later this year
*New “911 Assist” feature will help quickly connect vehicle occupants directly to a local 911 emergency operator following an air bag deployment in a SYNC-equipped vehicle – with no monthly fees
*Since SYNC is updatable, customers with 2008-model-year SYNC-equipped vehicles will be able to have their systems improved with the new applications
there might be a little fight left in the old girl yet...
the only way to make that better would be to make sync standard on all products. then you could really say you were doing something worthwhile about the idea of bringing current safety technology to the masses regardless of price point.
If you have one please post it. In the end it's my list. I test drove them and I think price, ride, volume inside that how I choose my car.
OnStar doesn't appeal to me at all. And the fact that it trumps a bluetooth connection in the Acadia is aggravating to say the least. The Sync integrates music and phone very well, something OnStar should have thought about two years ago, instead of pushing expensive monthly subcriptions.
maybe, but it holds more than numbers 3, 6, 7, 8, & 9 in your post
I didn't want to bring this up, my real impression on TX, but you made me. Just let it go, it's over even sales number tell you same. I'm glad you like your car. I don't a fan any automaker, it's doesn't matter for me GM, Ford, Honda or anything else. The bad car is a bad car. By the way Explorer interior looks much better and ride quieter and less feels bumps.
About the only thing right about your commentary is that Ford is an old girl!
I knew they were in trouble when Dodge started advertising that their trucks were longer lasting then Ford or Chevy.
Ford's exclusive rights to use Sync expires next November so it should be available on other makes after that. (The Car Connection)
It's nothing exiting about this, accept can hold 7 people. Yes, 7 adults plus luggage...give me practical over exciting any day
pricey, bad MPG both are in the range of all of the other CUVs here, but I like the old FS over the TX because the MPG was even better (after 60,000 miles, my FS averages in the high 20s MPG highway and low 20s around town...and cost me $24K back in '05, but of course there was nothing back then to compare it too)
useless and uncomfortable storage space under the 3rd row seat better than NO storage under the 3rd row like every other CUV
old design hmmm...3 year old design, wow that's really old
By the way Explorer interior looks much better and ride quieter and less feels bumps. the Explorer is a good SUV and the TX/FS is a good CUV
I agree that the sales numbers are poor, but my judgement of a vehicle doesn't depend on how well a vehicle sells (since that's the advertisers job) but on safety, driving characteristics, interior space, getting in/out of all row easily, comfort, reliability, etc, all of which the FS excel in my 3 years of experience. BTW, our other car is a Honda. Plus less popularity equals better deals for the buyer.
Funny how some folks really like to bash the TX/FS. It seems like it generally comes from a lambda lover. Maybe it's because you can get a TX/FS for less money, get better MPG, and have pretty much the same interior space except for some added width of the lambdas.
Just read post 4884. You wrote it and said, "So you can see number almost identical. I think there no reason to argue what vehicle better. Some people prefer truck like, some sedan." Sort of like a politician flip flopping on an opinion of a vehicle :P
Can anyone confirm/deny any problems they've had with the DSG transmission? Would like to consider it for the future, but afraid of new technology and high maintenance bills.
However, she thought the steering was one of its weaknesses - light and no feedback. Go figure?? She loved the steering on the RX350 but disliked that of the CX-9.
From the back seat, it was nice and quiet. Interior was comfortable and luxurious. Really liked all that you could get a smartkey (that Acura MDX/RDX and Lexus RX don't have it when the Nissan Rogue does is disappointing), NAV, backup camera, and bluetooth for such a great price (relatively speaking - $40k ain't cheap).
But, I love the idea of sedan wagons. It's a matter of aesthetics for her, and wagons just don't do it for her. As for BMW, have one currently myself. Not buying another until they get rid of the run-flats. It's killing me because I was drooling over the new 1-series coupe coming out. Guess, I'll have to look at the A5 when it comes out.