any non-hybrid SUV's good on gas? Need car suggestions

[lazydazy8]

We have a 2002 Saturn Vue Stick shift that gets around 26 city/32 highway and we love it! I swear I will keep that car until the tires fall off! It's so comfortable to drive and has plenty of room for our needs.

Do you know if they still make the Vue in a stick shift? I having a standard vehicle.

I PM'ed you, b/c I wanted to know about your DOG!! S/he is absolutely gorgeous. Is s/he a Boston Terrier or a larger breed terrier? My DH said the paws are too big to be a Boston... Anyway, we LOVE him/her!!

 

[_queenie_]

I have a '05 Acura MDX and the thing is great on gas. Too bad I won't be getting another one next year (we try to trade our cars in every four years), that new one is so ugly!

 

[DisneyBill]

Most dealerships around here get very nervous if you're not back in under an hour with a new car, though they don't usually insist on a saleman ride-along like you find in some areas. I seriously doubt you could get overnight unless you were very well-known at the dealership. Since I only buy a car about once every 7-8 years, no dealership knows me that well. I've got excellent credit, but I still don't think they would go for it.

Anytime you're not very familiar with the type of vehicle being considered, especially if you are switching from a car {grand am] to a SUV, I might suggest you rent one for a weekend. Enterprise often has weekends for 1/2 price.

 

[tinker&belle]

I just bought an Escape, they have some good rebates and deals going on now. It's supposed to get in the 20's, but I only drive little short distances and I took one big road trip and it averages 20. I've been very happy. The dealership gave me a gas discount card so I can save off every gallon at certain chains.

I have a 2006 Mazda tribute which is basically the same car w/a different badge and it gets about the same. (I have the 4 cylinder variety. I know someone with the same SUV that's a V6/4WD and it is a completely different story)

 

[dreams91]

we bought the chevy equinox. it is a crossover, but roomy not huge. we like it so far!

 

[Michelle67]

Anytime you're not very familiar with the type of vehicle being considered, especially if you are switching from a car {grand am] to a SUV, I might suggest you rent one for a weekend.

That's a great idea! That's how we ended up with a minivan; rented one for a roadtrip vacation and fell in love with the room and the convenience with kids.

 

[baloo's girl]

After much research, we bought an '06 Ford Freestyle in November. We love it. It's one of the station wagons on steroids. LOL I used to have a mini-van but wanted something a little sleeker. It's better on gas mileage than my mini-van. I get about 22mpg in the city. It has 6 seats (some versions seat 7 if you get the 2nd row as a bench). You can easily flop down all the seats in the car for hauling. I bought a swing set at ToysRUs and fit it in there. Even the front passenger seat flops. My family has really loved the car so far. The 08 models have been renamed the "Taurus X".

 

[eggbeater]

I own a honda ody van but I would look at one of these if I was in the market. cheap, good gas mileage and carries 6 passengers. Plus I think it looks kinda cool.

 

[DisneyKT]

I know you don't want a mini van but my Honda odyssey gets 24 miles. The engine cuts from 6 to 3 cylinders. Holds up to eight people and one of the safest vans on the road. Good Luck

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I have a 2005 Chevy Equinox AWD. I bought it in 2006 with 22,000 miles on it. Sticker was $28.900, I paid 17,000. I live in New York so needed the AWD or 4WD. Roomy, higher than a car, but doesn't feel like climbing in a truck and the mileage is 19/25.

 

[Lisa_M]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think once we narrow some things down, we will definitely rent one for the weekend first. It would be nice to see how comfortable or not it is and what features we like or dislike. Thanks a bunch!

 

[KigerKat]

Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Jeep Compass/Patriot may be what you're looking for. Unless you absolutely need the 4 wheel drive option, go for the 2 wheel drive models (they'll all be front wheel drive). All get pretty good gas mileage, and all have the room to meet your needs.

Pricewise, the Jeep is the cheapest.

I second this suggestion! I work for a car dealer, and Jeeps are priced very well and the Compass and Patriot both get around 22-25 mpg. If you were to purchase a new Jeep, they now come with a lifetime warranty and then there's the gas promotion that Jeep has right now that locks in the price at 2.99/gallon for the first 12000 miles each year for 3 years.

I've been eyeing a Jeep Compass myself and drove one recently. Smooth ride, roommier than a Vibe, sits higher than a Grand Am (I have a Grand Prix right now)...sounds like a winner for you!

 

[APB513]

The VUE seems like it may be a promising vehicle for us. In our range, roomy, and nice looking. Is the backseat comfortable to ride in? I rode in the far backseat of my dad's Ford Edge the other day and it was so bumpy I thought I was going to be sick.

I have a 2008 Saturn Vue and have ridden in the backseat a couple times. Very comfortable.