SUV's, what do you have and how do you like it?

[Jim Clark]

2008 Lexus RX400h hybrid. Been a good car, no problems, good MPG for a SUV. It's just a mid-size SUV and has no 3rd seat. Drives great, it's our road trip car when we're going any distance. The Highlander is similar but has the 3rd row seat. A "loaded" Highlander hybrid is almost as expensive as the Lexus.

[jdubbs]

I just purchased a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and I have to say, I love it......

470hp, fast and powerful, but also a reliable SUV.

[padget]

How about smaller SUV's? Size comparable to a Honda CRV and Ford Escape. My mom is in the market, thinking 2012 to new. Safety, reliability, easy of use, and storage are the main factors. This car will go to my sister when she graduates college in a year, so while we are looking to purchase something affordable, we want it to be long term affordable as well. I was in sales for Ford from 05-08, and thought the Escape was a decent SUV, nothing crazy but a B rating overall. We also have had success with a Honda CRV (still kicking with minor issues, give it a solid A). A lot has changed since I was in the industry and I am just starting to research again. What would you recommend in today's small SUV market for a vehicle that will need to last 7-10 years?

[Yanki01]

just helped my parents get a 2013 Explorer. Mom's coming from an 02' Sebring and needed something bigger and more reliable for my nieces. solid SUV and a great price. looks clean also.

[Thrillhouse]

Just got rid of my X5 4.8i. Man I loved that thing, an absolute joy to drive. I'd get another one in a heartbeat!

[OrangeCrush]

Anyone have experience with the Hyundia Santa Fe? My GF has a base model and the clothe seats are very comfortable, rides real nice. As my kids are getting bigger I "might" need to consider getting one. I do NOT want a large size one.

Also looking at the Murano as well.

[itchyfinger]

We have a 2010 Ford Flex Limited with Ecoboost. It's stupid fast. AWD and love the captain chairs in the second row. Lots of room for the family....oh and it's stupid fast.

[Cuja444]

I have a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee that i love. However, 2 of my golf buddies both have Chevy Traverses and its amazing how big the bag is. They can fit 4 cart bags flat. Thats when the third row seating isnt in....

[Yanki01]

[quote name='itchyfinger' timestamp='1386171785' post='8247137']
We have a 2010 Ford Flex Limited with Ecoboost. It's stupid fast. AWD and love the captain chairs in the second row. Lots of room for the family....oh and it's stupid fast.
[/quote]

how fast again?

[Imp]

[quote name='padget' timestamp='1386021962' post='8238644']
How about smaller SUV's? Size comparable to a Honda CRV and Ford Escape. My mom is in the market, thinking 2012 to new. Safety, reliability, easy of use, and storage are the main factors. This car will go to my sister when she graduates college in a year, so while we are looking to purchase something affordable, we want it to be long term affordable as well. I was in sales for Ford from 05-08, and thought the Escape was a decent SUV, nothing crazy but a B rating overall. We also have had success with a Honda CRV (still kicking with minor issues, give it a solid A). A lot has changed since I was in the industry and I am just starting to research again. What would you recommend in today's small SUV market for a vehicle that will need to last 7-10 years?
[/quote]It comes down to what you're looking for OUT of your SUV/CUV. Subaru is a tough company to beat right now for quality, safetly and longevety. Subaru Crosstrek or Forester. You haven't met a stupid fast SUV until you've been in that Cherokee SRT8. (Or a Forester XT... which is a turbo 4).

--kC

[jdubbs]

Yeah, Ford Flex What??

I wanted Really Stupid Fast , thats why i got the new Jeep SRT

[cliffhanger]

Volvo XC60... very reliable... very safe with great all wheel drive system that is full time all wheel drive and distributes power as required electronically... under normal conditions it is 95% front, 5% back. No extra parts like a clutch plate, etc. Also the T6 has 300 horse and over 300 ft pounds of torque. Power without over revving the thing. I have a 2012 model and i have zero complaints and for a lot of years i was a GM guy.

[assassin]

I have a Nissan Pathfinder and my wife has a Honda Element. Both run solid and have no issues at all.

[itchyfinger]

[quote name='jdubbs' timestamp='1386211272' post='8250403']
Yeah, Ford Flex What??

I wanted Really Stupid Fast , thats why i got the new Jeep SRT
[/quote]

I thought crazy fast was the next step up. Thanks for Clarifying!

I loved the 3.5L ecoboost in the flex. My F-150 has it also. It hauls the flex with authority. With the AWD it just keeps pulling and pulling. It has embarrassed more than a few from a stop light.

I tested the SRT, that thing was scary.....No way I was putting my wife behind the wheel of that thing.

[deadsolid...shank]

I'm curious. I see fast mentioned quite a bit in these threads. Admittedly I'm old (and cranky, but that's beside the pint), but what is the infatuation with fast. If it runs 80 down the interstate is that not enough. I hope this isn't coming off sounding condescending or anything like that because I am seriously curious, ifyou do have a fast car, when and where do you take advantage of that? Do you accrue numerous speeding tickets?

[itchyfinger]

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1386259586' post='8252567']
I'm curious. I see fast mentioned quite a bit in these threads. Admittedly I'm old (and cranky, but that's beside the pint), but what is the infatuation with fast. If it runs 80 down the interstate is that not enough. I hope this isn't coming off sounding condescending or anything like that because I am seriously curious, ifyou do have a fast car, when and where do you take advantage of that? Do you accrue numerous speeding tickets?
[/quote]

Haven't you seen the commercials?
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY[/url]

[peanutandjelly]

[quote name='jreed' timestamp='1382359147' post='8033539']
Looking at possibly trading in my 09 GMC Acadia that Ive had a lot of trouble with. What do you have and how do you like it. In particular I am looking at the Chvy Traverse (they say the issues have been worked out), Toyota Highlander, and Dodge Durango. Requirements are 3 row seats and AWD.
[/quote]i JUST TURNED OVER 200,000 IN MY 2002 DURAGNO

[Lefty94]

We have a 2012 Dodge Journey and my wife loves it. I have a 2011 Honda Pilot and I absolutely love that thing. Biggest issue with the Dodge is we bought it brand new and it only has 34,000 miles and the tires are as bald as racing slicks. Getting them replaced this weekend.

[Imp]

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1386259586' post='8252567']
I'm curious. I see fast mentioned quite a bit in these threads. Admittedly I'm old (and cranky, but that's beside the pint), but what is the infatuation with fast. If it runs 80 down the interstate is that not enough. I hope this isn't coming off sounding condescending or anything like that because I am seriously curious, ifyou do have a fast car, when and where do you take advantage of that? Do you accrue numerous speeding tickets?
[/quote]

Power allows you to get away from the idiots... faster. Need to pass someone (usually a prius or insight) parked in the passing lane? Much easier to do when you have 200+ more hp/tq on tap. You're already beside them in the middle lane by the time they realize it when try speeding up to block you out... and you're around them in a safe window instead of a closing one.

--kC

[deadsolid...shank]

[quote name='itchyfinger' timestamp='1386266764' post='8253203']
[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1386259586' post='8252567']
I'm curious. I see fast mentioned quite a bit in these threads. Admittedly I'm old (and cranky, but that's beside the pint), but what is the infatuation with fast. If it runs 80 down the interstate is that not enough. I hope this isn't coming off sounding condescending or anything like that because I am seriously curious, ifyou do have a fast car, when and where do you take advantage of that? Do you accrue numerous speeding tickets?
[/quote]

Haven't you seen the commercials?
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY[/url]
[/quote][quote name='itchyfinger' timestamp='1386266764' post='8253203']
[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1386259586' post='8252567']
I'm curious. I see fast mentioned quite a bit in these threads. Admittedly I'm old (and cranky, but that's beside the pint), but what is the infatuation with fast. If it runs 80 down the interstate is that not enough. I hope this isn't coming off sounding condescending or anything like that because I am seriously curious, ifyou do have a fast car, when and where do you take advantage of that? Do you accrue numerous speeding tickets?
[/quote]

Haven't you seen the commercials?
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R-rtWPyJY[/url]
[/quote]

Haha. Well done.

[jdubbs]

I just enjoy the power that my srt has, Its just a fun vehicle to drive. Necessary, Hell no, but every once in a while you need to treat yourself

[jurr80]

I have a Nissan Xterra ('06) that I am determined to drive until it dies. I have kept it maintained, and she's at 184k miles. The suspension is SO crappy on these SUVs!

To the Cherokee bunch (which is where I plan on going next) - I hear that the hatch space is very limited. Is this true at all? The Xterra, when the back seats are dropped, has a surprising amount of cargo space. Is the Cherokee spacious when the seats are dropped?

[bp29]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1386179121' post='8247785']
[quote name='padget' timestamp='1386021962' post='8238644']
How about smaller SUV's? Size comparable to a Honda CRV and Ford Escape. My mom is in the market, thinking 2012 to new. Safety, reliability, easy of use, and storage are the main factors. This car will go to my sister when she graduates college in a year, so while we are looking to purchase something affordable, we want it to be long term affordable as well. I was in sales for Ford from 05-08, and thought the Escape was a decent SUV, nothing crazy but a B rating overall. We also have had success with a Honda CRV (still kicking with minor issues, give it a solid A). A lot has changed since I was in the industry and I am just starting to research again. What would you recommend in today's small SUV market for a vehicle that will need to last 7-10 years?
[/quote]It comes down to what you're looking for OUT of your SUV/CUV. Subaru is a tough company to beat right now for quality, safetly and longevety. Subaru Crosstrek or Forester. You haven't met a stupid fast SUV until you've been in that Cherokee SRT8. (Or a Forester XT... which is a turbo 4).

--kC
[/quote]

My wife just bought a Crosstrek and she loves it. It's our first Subaru and I am very impressed with the car and company well built.

I have an 09 Lexus rx350 for long trips it's great but for popping around town, I prefer the Subaru.

[dcmidnight]

Loaded up 2013 Infiniti FX37. Man it is a blast to drive in the snow, plenty of room for golf trips and handles like a champ. I had a GX35 sedan for almost 7 years and have definitely been very pleased with Infinitis

[attachment=1975333:2013-02-04 17.10.41-1 (2)-2.jpg]

Love the 360* camera too, awesome feature

[attachment=1975335:2013-02-04 17.07.13 (2)-2.jpg]

[Swoosh-Thud]

I just bought my wife a Porsche Cayenne GTS- an absolutely awesome car. Roomy, fast as s***, handles like a dream and is as comfortable as my S 500. I almost wish I bought myself one as well.

It replaced a GL450 which was loud, underpowered and drove like a truck. It needed the air struts replaced at 80,000 mi in the front and 120,000 the rears. The rack on the power steering was also going off at 120,000. Not very Mercedes like, but what do you expect, it ain't 100% German- assembled in the USA by union schmucks.

[jdubbs]

[quote name='jurr80' timestamp='1386371489' post='8260363']
I have a Nissan Xterra ('06) that I am determined to drive until it dies. I have kept it maintained, and she's at 184k miles. The suspension is SO crappy on these SUVs!

To the Cherokee bunch (which is where I plan on going next) - I hear that the hatch space is very limited. Is this true at all? The Xterra, when the back seats are dropped, has a surprising amount of cargo space. Is the Cherokee spacious when the seats are dropped?
[/quote]

Jeep has plenty of cargo space when the seats are dropped, at least enough for me

[Puppetmaster]

If you need a 3rd row option and/or better than average cargo space, and good value in terms of price, resale, and maintenance, the most recent generation Honda Pilot is a great choice IMO. IIRC it takes 87 octane too. The Honda/Acura navigation takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it it's a decent solid system. I don't actually have one but it was a close 2nd choice. We ended up with an MDX only because it was for my wife and she preferred the way the MDX drove, more refined and car-like vs the more truck-feeling Pilot. I like the MDX but really wish it had the 3rd row space and fuel efficiency of the Pilot.

[J_Tizzle]

I had a 2008 Trailblazer and love it. But when its time to trade the old Silver Bullet in, the only other thing I'm really considering is a Honda Pilot or Ridgeline. I've always been a fan of these two for whatever reason.

I prefer the mid-sized SUV. My younger brother had (just got hit by a semi on icy roads up by STL this past weekend) an Equinox and the one thing that bugged me about it is that my golf clubs couldn't lay straight across the back and you had to lay the back seat down to put more than one set in there.

[dcmidnight]

[quote name='J-Tizzle' timestamp='1386795074' post='8284771']
I had a 2008 Trailblazer and love it. But when its time to trade the old Silver Bullet in, the only other thing I'm really considering is a Honda Pilot or Ridgeline. I've always been a fan of these two for whatever reason.

I prefer the mid-sized SUV. My younger brother had (just got hit by a semi on icy roads up by STL this past weekend) an Equinox and the one thing that bugged me about it is that my golf clubs couldn't lay straight across the back and you had to lay the back seat down to put more than one set in there.
[/quote]
LOL am I the only one that brought their clubs to the dealership to test out the trunk capacity and how easy it is to get clubs in and out?

[Falang_Golfer]

Nope, I did the same thing when ordering my company car. No clubs = no deal.