"Mini" SUV's?

[monalsw]

The 4 of us no longer fit in the truck and camaro, so we're thinking a small, and less expensive, SUV. we've looked at the ford escape and like it, but my brother says it has some pretty regular transmission issues. i like the kia sportage, but haven't looked closely at one. could i have some info on best buys, prices, experiences? thanks for any help!!!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I love the Ford Escapes.My DBIL has a sportage and he says it is the worst vehicle ever.He wants out of it so bad but he is buried in it.He owes 8000.00 and it is probably worth maybe 2500.00.

Misty

 

[tkd lisa]

We had a subaru forestor (2000). It was a relatively good car, but it was really a car, not an SUV. It was also pretty small, interior wise. If you're concerned about room, I don't think it's the vehicle for you. My DH and I are both under 5' 5", and our kids are pretty little, and it was cramped for any length trip. We also used a topper for storage if we were going for more than a weekend.

It got about 22 mpg on a regular basis, and never had any major problems. It seemed to hold it's value pretty well on the re-sale market. I think we sold it for about what we owed on it, and we had taken a 60 month loan and sold it after 2 years.

 

[JoNo]

I've heard the Jeep Liberty is nice too. I test-drove one that Tanya's Grandma got and I liked it. Handled well off-road as well as on.

 

[kaseyC]

Try the Honda CRV, its small, not too expensive and has a great reputation.

 

[CamColt]

My sister has an Escape and really likes it. We have 2 Honda CRVs, a 98 and 03. Weve been very happy with them.

 

[nowellsl]

My daughter just bought a Honda CRV and loves it - of course she doesn't have kids so I don't know about the room issue. It feels pretty roomy inside to me.

 

[TerriP]

We got a Jeep Liberty almost a month ago. I was not excited to get a SUV, I liked my car. But DH wanted me (and hopefully someday a little one) in something with four wheel drive (since it snows a lot in Michigan). Anyway, we agreed on a smaller SUV...kind of a compromise. I really like it. It handles well in snow and rain (which is a BIG deal for me) and drives a lot like my car did. I'm also very happy with the turning radius it has. I can't stand it when I'm in his truck and I have to go back and forth between forward & reverse three or four times to get out of a parking space. The Jeep turns *just* like my car...easy in and out.

Anyway, I'm a new Jeep Liberty owner...but I'd give it a thumps up! Happy car shopping!!!

 

[elgerber]

My boss has an Escape and she loves it, so much so, her husband traded in his sports car and got himself one. About the Sportage, all I can say is this. I got rear ended by one last Spring, in my mini van. It was at a red light, pretty low speed. My van had a cracked bumper and a dent/crease in the tail gate. Her sportgage was totalled, she couldn't even pull it off the road to get out of the way. I don't think they are constructed very solidly.

Erika

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Kias breakdown ALOT everybody I know who has one hates it and have had prlems with allof them.

 

[Mishetta]

Have you thought about a Buick Rendezvous? It's a cross between a van/SUV. It is available in AWD too. I don't know what they cost new but used are about $15,000 to $18,000.

They look very roomy & I hear they have tons of compartments to store all sorts of things. Large rear cargo area, as well as 3rd row seating available on most models.

 

[caitycaity]

how about a toyota highlander? i know a few people that have them and they all love them. i've driven one and it handled really nicely.

 

[Nette]

What about a Saturn VUE. We bought one about 16 months ago and I LOVE it. It was a really great price too at less than <20K. I guess technically it is a "sport utility wagon" but I don't understand why. Handles great and we haven't had any problems with it. It also gets close to 30mpg.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

My '99 CR-V is a jewel. Has over 104,000 miles and not one problem! My cousin has a service center and does my service work - he is amazed that it hasn't even needed brakes.

My sister-in-law has a new Jeep Liberty and she loves it, says it really has get up and go.

I have a friend who has a Kia, she can't keep it out of the shop.

 

[Dan Murphy]

How about a car??

 

[clh2]

I've had my Escape 3 weeks now! I'm loving it! We traded in an 8-yr old Merc Villager with 140K miles on it.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I have had a Mazda Tribute for about 1 1/2 years. I love it. It's the sister car to the Ford Escape. Ford owns/builds Mazda now. But it is a little more loaded. I bought the fully loaded leather version and it was 1000's cheaper than Honda or Toyota.
I really like it. It does have some wind noise but I am still happy with my decision, mostly because it was affordable.

 

[SalandJeff]

I have a 2002 Honda CRV and I love it. It's my third honda. They are great vehicles, don't require maintenance and run forever. I looked at everything and the pricing was comparable with the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. The CRV just sounds and feels more solid.

Actually, Consumer Reports annual car issue just came out...you should pick one up. It rates reliability, safety, etc. and is a really good resource. Good luck!

 

[dandave]

I have a Saturn Vue AWD V6, 2003. I love it! It's small for an SUV, and I think it was a little less than $25,000 with extras. They ordered it from the factory for me in 2002, and I've been more than pleased with it ever since. It gets our family of 4 and luggage to WDW and back in comfort, safely!

 

[Pugdog007]

Another vote for Honda CRV. Mine has about 75k miles and I've never done anything to it except change the oil every 8k miles or so.