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Car-based Midsize SUVs

42 messages,  Last post on Mar 06, 2007 at 12:47 PM

You are in the SUVs Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, SUV

Messages Page 4 of 5

#23 of 42 Re: Want to buy a Murano but... [kbear2] by tom95

Apr 22, 2006 (10:15 am)

Replying to: kbear2 (Mar 15, 2006 11:29 pm)
I have an '05 Murano, and I love it. The acceleration is
as good as my last car, an '02 Audi A-4 (3.2 engine). I just drove from upstate NY to Washington DC, and I averaged 25.3 mpg on the trip! For acceleration and fuel economy, you can't go wrong with the Murano's CVT............

#24 of 42 Impression from the auto show. by driverdm

Apr 23, 2006 (9:23 am)

The Mazda CX-7 is the winner in this segment on looks. It is beautiful. It does not look cute and girly in person which had been my worst fear. It looks like it is ready to move and move hard. Sitting in it reminds me of siting in an Infiniti G35.
 
The Hyundai Santa Fe's pricing is not out but it is very nice. The styling of the front is nicely done but the rest of the exterior isn't as nice. On the inside it doesn't look as upscale as the pics we've seen. But like I said it is very very nice.
 
The MKX is one nice looking SUV as well as the Ford Edge. THey should sell well if priced effectively.
 
For me the Mazda CX-7 is the only one. That and the Altima are the only two on the list after seeing everything in person.

#25 of 42 An additional observation. by driverdm

Apr 23, 2006 (9:35 am)

For my money, the Hyundai Sante Fe balances everything the best. I'll take a Mazda CX-7 over it but that is a personal preference. The Mazda is more sporting and looks absolutely gorgeous. The interior is on par with any VW and looks like they stole an Audi guy. I'd put the CX-7 above the Acura RDX (horrible execution, horrible). The Mazda slides on the sporting side but that is okay with me.

#26 of 42 Re: An additional observation. [driverdm] by master1

Apr 23, 2006 (10:58 am)

Replying to: driverdm (Apr 23, 2006 9:35 am)
I actually thought the Acura RDX wasn't bad - but I wouldn't buy it, I prefer cars like Highlanders/Pilot's. The only thing I feel Acura and Honda need to do is stop using so much black leather and black fabric. It makes the interior dark, and it feels smaller. I like the ivory colors - makes the interior feel bigger and brighter.

#27 of 42 Real Beauty Boys by driverdm

Apr 24, 2006 (8:55 pm)

#28 of 42 Re: Real Beauty Boys [driverdm] by tidester

Apr 24, 2006 (10:18 pm)

Replying to: driverdm (Apr 24, 2006 8:55 pm)
Fortunately, we're not able to read picture files directly off your hard drive. Click the help link over to the left on this page to find out how to post a picture.
 
You should also consider signing up on our new site: www.carspace.com There you'll be able to post all kinds of pictures and create albums - and it's a lot easier!
 
tidester, host

#29 of 42 Which is Best MidSize SUV by suvhunter1

Apr 25, 2006 (1:25 pm)

Hello, I am looking for a midsize SUV to replace the Mercury Villager Sport we currently have. We love the Villager's large cargo capacity and it has a great deal of power. Never any trouble in the mountains. The down side is it has a lot of road noise making conversations on the freeway difficult. So, I am looking for I believe a midsize SUV for the following reasons:
 
1. We go camping a lot so we need good cargo space. Our Villager Sport had three rows of very configurable seats, plus an area to put our bags, groceries, etc. So I don't think a small SUV will give us the space and configurability that we need and have become use to.
 
2. We like how it rode like a car, especially on long trips across different states and to Mexico. So I'm looking for something that will ride comfortably for long hours on the road.
 
3. Not only do we do a lot of driving vacations, but our son is on a ski team so in the winter we are driving to the mountains every weekend. We need something with good power, and that is either 4WD or AWD for better traction control. Our Villager had the power, but was not AWD or 4WD.
 
4. Needs to be able to tow a Waverunner and still have good power.
 
5. Looking for good gas mileage. Have been considering a Hybrid, but the only one that will tow is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I'm not sure if it has enough power for mountain driving though. Plus, I just don't know if the amount we'd save in fuel we would lose in additional maintenance costs on a hybrid.
 
Bottom Line:
1. Economical or good gas mileage
2. Comfortable riding with little to no road noise
3. Can easily configure to hold a good amount of gear or cargo for trips
4. Good power in mountains and towing capacity
5. 4WD or AWD at least
6. Really don't want to spend more than $26,000
 
Had been considering the Mercury Mountaineer, but seems like a gas hog. Also thought about a Mercury Mariner, but I don't think it is big enough.
 
Any advice would be so appreciated.

#30 of 42 Re: Which is Best MidSize SUV [suvhunter1] by gasman1

Apr 25, 2006 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: suvhunter1 (Apr 25, 2006 1:25 pm)
Given the $26K limit you've placed on yourself, you may want to wait until this Fall when the Ford Edge comes out and then wait 3 or 4 months for it to cool off as prices are high when new models are introduced. However, if you look at the TOTAL picture (initial costs, ownership costs, and trade value) you need to investigate the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota is quieter, but the Honda is larger and has more power. Edmunds has great information on these vehicles as does Intellichoice, Yahoo Autos, and MSN Autos. Read the professional and the Owner REVIEWS. And last, but certainly not least go on LONG test drives with all passengers.

#31 of 42 Re: Which is Best MidSize SUV [gasman1] by suvhunter1

Apr 25, 2006 (4:03 pm)

Replying to: gasman1 (Apr 25, 2006 3:50 pm)
Thank you! It is really hard to know where to begin when you read one thing that gives something rave reviews and then something else that doesn't quite sing it's praises. We'll definitely be doing the test drives, but we were trying to narrow things down a bit.

#32 of 42 Re: Which is Best MidSize SUV [suvhunter1] by lmn908

Apr 25, 2006 (5:19 pm)

Replying to: suvhunter1 (Apr 25, 2006 1:25 pm)
Not an SUV, but since you are used to the flexibility of your Villager, you might want to consider an AWD Sienna. The LE version can be had for about $26,500. Don't know about its towing capacity. The Highlander and Pilot are both good choices - but if you need the third seat, the Highlander's isn't really very useful. The Pilot is a little larger if you need the space, but IMO didn't handle as well and was not as quiet as the Highlander.

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