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Comments
Vans:
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Nissan Quest
Kia Sedona
Hyundai Entourage
Dodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler Town and Country
Chevy Uplander
I know this isn't a minivan thread. Sue me. Vans are practical and offer the utility we need. My wife just has never liked vans. I wanted one four years ago when we last purchased. We bought a wagon.
BOF SUV:
Ford Explorer
Ford Expedition
Lincoln Navigator
Dodge Durango
Chrysler Aspen
Chevy Tahoe
Chevy Suburban
Gmc Yukon
Cadillac Escalade
Benz GL class
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota 4 Runner
Toyota Sequoyia
Nissan Armada
Hummer H2
Infinity QX56
Jeep Commander
Land Rover LR3
Lexus GX 470
Lexus LX 570
I grew up in trucks and Suburbans. I thought my brothers Bronco was the coolest thing ever. So, I was alright with a BOF. My wife does not like the driving dynamics. Says they all just feel big and clumsy, even the small ones. Besides, off roading and towing are of no importance to us. So, we move on.
Unibody / CUV:
Acura MDX
Honda Pilot
Audi Q7
BMW X5
Ford Taurus X
Mazda CX9
Mitzubishi Outlander
Subaru Tribeca
Suzuki XL7
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Rav4
Volvo XC90
Buick Enclave
GMC Acadia
Hyundai Veracruz
Saturn Outlook
Land Rover Range Rover
Cadillac SRX
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz
Now, we have some contenders. I really like the lambdas, the Acadia especially. Purely a styling preference. Wife says it still feels too big for her comfort. We both like the Veracruz. Sized right and the handling acceptable. The Taurus X also stands out. Very comfortable drive and ride. Wagon-like styling appeals to my wife. She likes wagons, can ya tell? The Highlander is nice, but the solid third row seems an oversight. The Pilot is a dark horse. We used to have a CR-V and liked it a lot. Some of these are just too small or expensive.
We also checked out.
Oddballs:
Mazda 5
Kia Rondo
Benz R Class
Didn't like the seating arrangement of the 5 or the Banz. The Rondo was surprising. Really impressive utility for such a small vehicle. No pretense at being anything other than practical, but loaded up offers reasonable comfort and convenience.
We have driven most of these, not all. We can afford most of these, not all. Cut off at about $35k. Went to our local car show and sat in the high line stuff and played with the buttons. Had fun.
Anyway, current ones we are still considering.
Veracruz
Taurus X
Rondo
Pilot
I know, strange line up. We still have a couple to try out. CX9 and the others being released over the next few months. We're in no hurry. We're taking advantage of a house opportunity first.
Power/memory operated steering column
Low and high beam HIDs
Turn signals in the mirror
An mP3 connection (to get the stereo with this would make the GMC more expensive than the base MD-X)
Moonroof (same as the stereo about the price)
25 horses and 24 lb-ft of torque (combine that with a less weight and the Acura zooms away from the GMC)
SH-AWD System
The GMC has more room, a power liftgate and 1 MPG better at this price, but comes up looking a little overpriced when comparing a product with some entry-lux cachet (and high resale value) to something from the General.
That's what I got from my comparison. I'd never spend $40k on a vehicle, GMC or Acura alike.
They sort of fall at opposite ends of the spectrum, IMHO.
Very true, I agree.
But, I think the Lambdas get away with their high price because of the sticker's their V8 truck brethren carry on the same car lot (Yukons and Tahoes at $40k-$50k? Sheesh!), which make their CUVs look like a much better value at $35k-$40k.
Sorry folks, but I have to say this (skip if you don't like the M word :shades: )
When you look at the features minivans offer (yes I said the M word) for thousands less, these big CUVs become a tougher sell. Luckily for GM dealers, they killed their own minivans by not keeping up with competition, so nothing is on the lot that can make them think of the M word.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/16-03/ff_seacowboys?currentPag- e=all
enjoy, I'm not kidding, very interesting ....
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
I think is what you are referencing...
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Affordable-Midsize-SUV- - s/
"How We Rank Cars:
Our car rankings are based on hard data and analysis.
We combine two types of information: published reviews from respected automotive critics and hard data from a variety of independent sources. We do not rely on a single source of data or on our own tests or preferences.
We essentially "review the reviewers" to come up with a consensus score representing what professional critics think of a car. We then add information of particular interest to consumers, such as safety and reliability data, that isn't part of the critics' reviews.
We combine those scores in a formula that is based on what consumers say matters to them most in a car (what's important to you, not what's important to us). The result is an overall score for each car, which allows us to make head-to-head comparisons of cars, ranking them against each other.
In some instances, the overall score is higher or lower than the component scores we display. This is because in our calculation of the overall score, we also take into account each author's level of recommendation or overall impression about the car. Occasionally, a car really is more (or less) than the sum of its parts.
Review of Reviews. First, our researchers use proprietary software to locate the most credible car reviews available--often several dozen or more. Our analysts then carefully read the reviews and, using consistent guidelines, translate each author's written opinions into numerical scores for different aspects of the car, such as performance, handling, and styling.
Consumer Data. To complement the reviews, we pull in data such as crash-test ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and other freely available but hard-to-digest data.
Weighted Scores. Both sets of scores are then combined and weighted based on several factors, including the results of a national consumer survey asking which qualities buyers most value in a car. The result is an overall 0-to-10 score for the car.
Head-to-Head Rankings. Once the car has an overall score, we rank it against other cars in its class.
Category Scores. We also score each car on specific attributes: performance, exterior, interior, safety, and reliability.
Regular Updates. Because products are continually updated and reviews keep coming in, we periodically update our scores and rankings to make them the most current measures available."
The 4Runner review from About is for a 2006 V8 and makes it sound like people are unhappy with their 23 gallon fuel tank. I had to giggle.
doesn't matter in reality, go to the web site I posted and watch the video of the revenue generators, I mean law enforcement and tell me it really matters whether you have the boulevard cruiser or the "performance" model. either one will navigate the road safely and if caught 1mph above posted limit would be summarily cited it seems after watching that.
you really want me to pick, $48k for a gussied up pilot, its a no brainer the enclave with the money saved for track days with the alfa...
I don't kid myself with the idea of my passengers holding on or squirming in their seats "enjoying" the "performance" of the roll angles of a 4k+lb vehicle with a high center of gravity trying to fight physics going around a corner on vacation. i.e not my idea of "performance" driving.
A couple of questions. What are the ages of your 3 kids and what are you driving now that holds 3 across in the 2nd row? Any carseats involved? And when you carry more than 5 people, do you need much cargo space?
The Rondo has a pretty good 2nd row and good cargo space behind the 2nd row with the 3rd row folded, as does the Veracruz, so I'd put the three kids back in the 2nd row of each to see how they like it, and then imagine how they'll like it as they grow bigger! Only problem with the Rondo is that when you do use the 3rd row, you're going to have to move up the 2nd row to get everyone comfortable, so it will depend on the size of the people you're carrying. The Veracruz will give you some more space.
The TX has a good sized 2nd row with lots of legroom, and the 3rd row can handle adults easily without the need to slide up the 2nd row. Our FS has the same dimensions as the current TX. We have a 2nd row bench that can hold three adults and two more adults in the 3rd row. Our bench seat doesn't slide forward, but doesn't really need to because there's plenty of space in the 3rd row for two. Cargo space behind the 2nd row of the TX isn't bad, but the way the 3rd rwo flips and folds cuts into some height of the cargo area behind the 2nd row.
I wouldn't consider the Pilot because to me it's more SUV that what it sounds like you're looking for.
Another plus for the Rondo is that a fully loaded one should't cost more than $20,000 with the discounts/rebates, plus you get the 100,000 mile warranty. The TX and Veracruz will add another $5-$10,000 or more depending on options you get, but you'll find some pretty good discounts on the TX since it's not a new model nor a hot seller.
Personally for me if I had a 3rd kid I'd go for a Sienna. It has a nice wide 2nd row "bench" with 3 individual seats, so you could easily fit three carseats across if necessary. And a huge amount of cargo space with the 3rd row folded so you'd never need to put anything on the roof. And even when you need to use the 3rd row it has twice the cargo space behind the 3rd row then any CUV.
But since we're probably stopping with 2 kids I'll probably keep the FS a long time.
I'd trust the multitude of opinions here in these forums before I'd take the U.S. News rankings seriously.
Look at the Highlander. The 2008 Hybrid (#7) scores a 4.7 for the exterior. The non-hybrid model (#9) scores a 7.7. Given that the exteriors are virtually identical, I guess certain reviewers really hate the Hybrid's unique wheels or tail lights?
Would you pick an MDX or an Enclave to drive on this twisty road?
No need to answer because the answer is quite obvious.
I love how US News gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee such a high score for "Performance".
For me the price puts it out of contention, so no matter.
[the Edit feature is back]
I'm not doubting they did, I would hope so for $48k, but they all do to varying degrees for what they are, big people/stuff carriers.
So you might say it handles well, and not just "for a crossover".
I'm not sure how well it rides with those big rims, something's gotta give, and you already mentioned the price, but I thought it was worth noting.
I chose instead to get one big, practical family car, and a little roadster/sports car for fun commuting and errand running. The former fits more inside and the latter is more fun, especially with the top down. One was used but I spent a total of about $33k, so I think I still came out well ahead.
I guess if a driver wants a cake-and-eat-it-too single vehicle, MDX is not a bad choice. Just be prepared to pay up.
Current selling prices in the Mid-Atlantic area are generally as follows:
MDX base - 38K
MDX Tech - 41K
MDX Tech/Entertainment - 44.5K
These are pretty close and while certainly not inexpensive are considerably less than one might think. Pricing is, of course, before taxes, tags, etc.
CR makes Santa Fe a Top Pick
Two cars I own are on that list. I guess they got that fruit basket I sent them.
Hey, if the wife trades in for a Santa Fe, all 3 of our cars would be on there.
I wouldn't pick either and would avoid it like the plague on a family trip. That's the type of road that would have half my passengers complaining about nausea and telling me to slow down etc etc. In my WRX....well that's a different story.
can't wait for that spin....lol
Or take you son if he's old enough to drive, and take turns at the wheel.
It's not just the Tail of the Dragon, it's whatever favorite road you may have. We all have one like that. At least car nuts like me tend to.
Mine is Rock Creek, not the main trail but the alternate trails only a local would know.
I'd tell you where, but then I'd have to kill you.
Yes, if you will drive like Michael Schumacher. I have drove Acadia thru the mountains on east coast, and no one had complain. Of course WRX or even better 911 Porsche will be better on twisty road.
mine was/is PCH south of carmel on a clear moonlit night. Now I'm in Chicago and still searching... any insight out there???
About the only thing she cares about is having rooms for her to bring along as many friends as she likes. We often carpool and take 2-3 of her friends home from Hoops practice.
My son, OTOH, is still very young, but I can see it in him. He'll be a car guy, like his dad. He's the one yelling "faster, daddy, faster".
I did at least get my daughter to help me bleed the brakes (pumping the brake pedal). So perhaps it's not a lost cause.
edit
OH and AHEM.... we were test driving the R series that day for appropriate CUV content.
You have 30 minutes to edit from the time you post a message.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
actually she does instead of an SLK it could have easily been an SL...LOL
How did you like the R???
And yet I still pass up those driving "performance cars" with great frequency.
Perhaps it's more the driver than the car? :P
I estimate that 90%+ of "performance vehicles" aren't used for performance. Kinda like 90%+ of SUVs aren't used off-road.
No. :P
Owner of performace cars is more showing their wealth, than any thing else. It's like my good friend from Germany asked me why do americans buying muscle cars? Here is no autobahn, speed limit 55-75 mph, so it's pretty much useless to have one of those cars.
I will say, you can choose a CUV by interior space you need, fuel economy (that will not be great, although it's some kind hybrid), price and equipment for this price.
The sportier suspensions in these rigs will suffice for semi-spirited driving but don't get fooled by the weight/phsics formula at speed.
Regards,
OW
Both my DW and I really liked the R. It is probably the only CUV we considered that didn't involve any compromises as a vehicle. 3rd row fit for adults, still useful cargo area behind, very good economy with the diesel, nice luxury feel, decent driving dynamics, uber smooth transmission. Plus, as I've said before we both like the look of a wagon so we liked the look of it too. It was probably DW's favourite in that regard. The engine was nice with gobs of torque off the line and good acceleration but you can't tell it's a diesel from inside the vehicle and you don't even hear it at idle.
The two fatal strikes against it were the ridiculous premium we have to pay in Canada - about $68k without any indulgences (aka no nav or DVD), and the fact we have no dealer for 300 miles. The former just left a very bad taste in my mouth, that the same vehicle built in Alabama puts $15-$20000 more in the pocket of MB when sold up here versus down South.
And though I could be wrong, I think that if the vehicle is not built in North America and hence not qualfiable under NAFTA there may be a further 6% (?) fee to be paid.
That's really not totally true, as people who look at CUVs don't really want minivans (yes, yes atiexera, I know).If you want totally space and comfort, get a minivan. But if you want style and power, and to look good in front of your soccer mom friends (for you ladies out there), and are willing to make a little sacrifice, then get a CUV.