SUV opinions (sedan, best, truck, cabriolet)

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by RamCharger1985

Buy a 90s Jeep Grand Cherokee, I have one and its never given me any problems. Other than that, I would have to say Honda CRV or a Toyota RAV4 is your second best bet; if he hates those, than try looking at a Kia Sportage, Suzuki XL-7 or Hyundai Tiburon/Tucson as your third choice. Stay away from the GM SUVs, they are not really reliable.

Huh? Everyone I know with a Jeep (and Dodge) has always had transmission problems.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by mrs1885

Yep, the Olds. The one I'm looking at - if I remember correctly - is a 2000 model. ,,, It's going to be a fight to get him into something that's reliable, economical, and safe even though he may not find it the most visually appealing of the group.

The Olds is all wheel drive. Avoid it.
Let your husband be a man, ask his advice.

[RamCharger1985]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Huh? Everyone I know with a Jeep (and Dodge) has always had transmission problems.

Those are the new models, I was talking about models from the 90s, a Cherokee or a Grand Cherokee is the way to go.

[riveree]

Here are my suggestions:

Honda Pilot: Can't say enough good things about them. Mine is an '04 and I adore it....a near perfect vehicle and I've had no problems with it.

Honda CRV: If you want something a little smaller than the Pilot, the CRV is a great choice. Consumer Reports has been giving the CRV top ratings for years - virtually nothing goes wrong with the CRV mechanically, it's pretty foolproof.

Honda Element: Inexpensive, reliable (it's on the CRV platform) and very flexible interior space.

Acura MDX: Same as the Pilot, only more luxury, takes premium fuel though, which is something I don't like about them.

Acura RDX: Same as the CRV, more luxury, premium fuel here too I believe.

Toyota FJ Cruiser: This is one of the few Toyotas I like. It may not be the most practical choice, but it sure looks fun and it's much more reliable than any Jeep (and just as rugged). Premium fuel again, I think.

Honda/Acura are just top-notch. They have superior safety (safer than Toyotas) and amazing reliability. I've driven the Highlander (for a week) and it's a very different feel than the competing Pilot. Anyone considering either should take a good look at both. The Highlander feels more like a car and it is tiny inside compared to the Pilot. It also has far skimpier amenities in the cabin...I think you get way more for your $ in a Pilot, but it can be too big for some people.

By the way, I come from a Jeep family. 2 of our 3 Jeeps are gone. We will never buy Jeeps again. All 3 of ours are/were Jeep Grand Cherokees from the 90's. They become absolute money pits - I've never seen anything like it (well, okay, we did have a Pontiac once ). If you're dying for a Jeep, go for the Toyota FJ Cruiser - it competes, maybe even outperforms.

[Radek]

Riveree, have you SAT in the FJ Cruiser and looked for your blindspot?

Yeah, they look nice... but, the C pillar is the widest I have ever seen and is totally unnecessary. Its just ridiculous.

[pennquaker09]

The Pilot and Highlander are the epitome of soccer mom vehicles.

[Paige65]

I'd check out the Hyundai Veracruz or Hyundai Santa Fe, or the Toyota RAV4.

Two vehicles I would never buy (again) are the Acura MDX and the Mercedes ML320. I have a Lexus now and it's great, but since you aren't looking in the Lexus price range, I'd seriously consider the Toyota RAV4. My MIL has one as does a neighbor, and so far, they haven't had any issues (both have only had for one year though).

[Radek]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

The Pilot and Highlander are the epitome of soccer mom vehicles.

Step-mom owns a pilot.

BIG sucka.


My mom envys my Kia (she drives a Dodge Caravan)

[southernnaturelover]

I'd like to drive the new Buick Enclave. From what I have read, it's supposed to have a quieter ride than the top imports.

[riveree]

Originally Posted by Radek

Riveree, have you SAT in the FJ Cruiser and looked for your blindspot?

Yeah, they look nice... but, the C pillar is the widest I have ever seen and is totally unnecessary. Its just ridiculous.

I've sat in one, but have not driven one yet. It was on our short list when my husband was planning on getting a new SUV, but we've since gone in a completely different direction (convertible).

My husband has driven professionally and he feels he would not have an issue with it, but I know it can be an issue for many people......still, I think it's worth consideration as a Jeep substitute and people are buying them and driving them around just fine.