Do you like your small SUV?

[mrsklamc]

If so what is it--besides the Escape? We are saving cash to replace our Escape and are not exactly sure when we will hit our goal. We had planned to purchase another Escape and hopefully will still be able to do so while the 2011-2012 model years are still newish. But if not, well, I abhor the 2013 remodel. I don't think they should even be able to call it an Escape. So what other small SUVs do budget minded DISer's like?

 

[canadianmom2three]

We have the Hyundai Veracruz - It looks small, but seats 7 with the back row up, or seats 5 and has lots of cargo space with it down. Ours was the first model year, and has been a bit of a lemon but I love it anyway. It drives like a dream, looks really nice and works well for our family of 5.

 

[mrsklamc]

Thanks for your answer; I should have been more specific; I do NOT want a crossover, am looking specifically for an SUV. Actually, that's part of what I don't like about the new Escape, it's a crossover rather than an SUV.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

My kids have an old CRV that is 11 years old and has 250k miles on it and it is still alive and kicking. They love it. Personally I think it is too small. I drove an Expedition for years and now the new Pilot, so I prefer a little bigger SUV. I also agree that I prefer a true SUV to a crossover.

 

[NYEmomma]

I have an '07 Toyota Rav4. It's OK... I have no complaints with it, we haven't had any problems with it (knock on wood), I just don't love it. Gas mileage is good. I haven't had it for the winter yet though so its handling remains to be seen.

I preferred my 07 Hyundai Santa Fe. It's cushier & the ride is nicer, but it's bigger than the Rav4. I liked it though. I would have gotten it again if insurance had given us enough money after our car was totaled, but the Rav4 was the only thing available that we could afford.

 

[pixiedustaholic]

I love my 2011 Dodge Nitro! I had a difficult time adjusting to less space because I traded in a Dodge Caravan. (I had been a minivan driver for 10 years but I was suddenly uncool once my DD got to high school.) The gas mileage isn't great but I think the new models are supposed to be better. Good luck!

 

[moonpie85]

We love our Toyota 4Runner!

 

[dreams91]

Love my Honda pilot.

 

[Macprincess]

I also drive a Honda Pilot (2005) with almost 200k on it. Runs great! I love this SUV. Hubby is ready to replace it but I'm dragging my feet as long as possible. I see no need for another payment as long as it's running great and I'm happy with it. I never thought I wouldn't want a new car but I don't. When I do buy a new car odds are it will be another Pilot.

 

[Mom2m&k]

Haha I saw the 2013 model for the Escape and hated it too! I have a Explorer and although it doen't really count as small I do love it! Luckily I love the look of the new ones and am planning on one of those!

 

[kwelch10377]

I just bought a 2011 Nissan Rogue and love it! It is cheaper than an CR-V and RAV4, but just as nice. I talked to a few other people who have one before I bought mine and they love theirs as well. I went from driving a Jetta to the Rogue and I was a little worried that the it would feel huge, but it doesn't.

 

[lulu2]

my Subaru Tribeca!

 

[roxysmum123]

I have a 2011 CR-V and LOVE it. It's my 3rd CR-V, and I really don't know if I'd get a different vehicle anytime in the near future unless they come out with more affordable hybrids. It's amazing on gas, I fill up about once a week but I drive all over hecks half acre for work. Size is good for me and my needs, and sometimes when I take my friend and her kids (11yearold, small 8 yearold in a booster and 5monthold in a car seat) and all their gear (stroller, diaper bag, and all other paraphernalia) it never feels to crowded. It's easy to drive, saved my life a few weeks ago with it's brakes (was driving on a highway when someone pulled out infront of me and stopped, I missed their bumper by literally 2-3 inches), and a dream to park which is my worst enemy lol. Take one for a test drive, it's definitely worth a look!

 

[mrodgers]

Thanks for your answer; I should have been more specific; I do NOT want a crossover, am looking specifically for an SUV. Actually, that's part of what I don't like about the new Escape, it's a crossover rather than an SUV.

The Escape is based on the Fusion platform. It is a crossover. A true SUV is a body on ladder frame, like a pickup truck.

Sorry, you said "not the Escape..." I wouldn't get an Escape either. I have one and made my mistake of buying new Ford over used Japanese back in 2007. I won't make that mistake again. I'll be going back to buying used Toyota, Honda, and VW.

 

[THEJOEL]

We bought a Chevy Equinox 6 months ago and so far so good. I looked at a lot of cars in the same class mainly the GMC Terrain and the Nissan Rogue.
The Equinox beat out the Terrain because even though they are the exact same car the GMC had a higher price point. The Rogue, and I kid you not, was the EXACT same car but the Chevy had a 100,000 power train warranty and the Nissan didn't.

 

[matt and beth]

Love my jeep wrangler 4 door. Tons of character and a convertible to boot. Plus you get to wave at all the other jeep owners.

 

[mrsklamc]

The Escape is based on the Fusion platform. It is a crossover. A true SUV is a body on ladder frame, like a pickup truck.
\.

My current Escape predates the Fusion; but what I am trying to avoid is 1)being low to the ground and 2)looking like a station wagon/minivan.

Our Escape has been excellent but aside from being ugly this new model is not actually a remodel at all but a completely different car brought over from Europe and renamed.

 

[tinker&belle]

I have a Mazda Tribute which is basically an Escape with a different badge. Mercury makes a similar one as well, not sure the name of that model.

 

[Swimalie]

I had a 2000 CR-V which I loved and ran great the entire time we had it. Only 1 real repair done on it (differential fluid and my husband did it himself). But in June, we bought a Subaru Forester and love it! You get a lot more for your money with a Subaru. The car has been wonderful so far and, although I miss my CR-V, I love this Forester.

 

[tavettava]

I hate the new Escape too. I told dh we need to get the 2012 or think about getting something else because I am not going to buy the 2013.