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Article Comments: Small AWD SUVs Comparison

154 messages,  Last post on Mar 29, 2010 at 10:32 PM

You are in the Mazda CX-7 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-7, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, SUV

Messages Page 12 of 16

#111 of 154 Re: I am shopping for one... [jennafl] by steve_ HOST

Dec 19, 2006 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: jennafl (Dec 19, 2006 2:29 pm)
Check out Edmunds' True Cost to Own tool for the models you are interested in.

#112 of 154 Re: I am shopping for one... [jennafl] by davesuv

Dec 19, 2006 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: jennafl (Dec 19, 2006 2:29 pm)
While everyone's priorities are different, for me the most important criteria when evaluating a new vehicle is safety. If a vehicle can keep me and my family alive and unhurt during an accident, other qualities like looks, comfort, and performance seem relatively unimportant.
 
To that end, I would nix the Saturn Vue from my list. You cannot get vehicle stability control on it. Side airbags are also not available. I would never even consider a vehicle without these basic necessities. Not when most others offer them, often standard.
 
That leaves you with the CRV and the Santa Fe. Both are great vehicles. The Santa Fe weighs about 500 pounds more and is therefore at a slight advantage in safety (but now we're splitting hairs). You need to spend quality time with each vehicle, both on the road and going over them at the dealerships. Read as many reviews on each as you can find. I'm sure one will eventually capture your heart. Which one would you most like to show off to your family and friends?
 
The Santa Fe won me over. I have a red Limited with the sunroof and third row seat. But then, I was looking for a vehicle with third row seating. I absolutely love driving it. I'm sure you can find any number of CRV owners who feel the same way about their vehicles. Either way you go, you're a winner.

#113 of 154 Re: I am shopping for one... [davesuv] by

Dec 19, 2006 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: davesuv (Dec 19, 2006 4:37 pm)
Insert Twighlight Zone theme.
 
That is the EXACT Santa FE that I want (but I want black interior rather than tan which seems to be hard to find).
 
I want the third row because "every once and awhile" I need to seat six.
 
  Unreal. Thanks for the input. I will still drive them both... my brother has a Vue.. I was just not that impressed.. and the Santa Fe warranty.. good heavens...
 
What kind of mileage are you getting? Why did you not look at the Mazda ? Just curious. J

#114 of 154 Re: I am shopping for one... [] by davesuv

Dec 19, 2006 (9:14 pm)

Replying to: unknown (Dec 19, 2006 4:51 pm)
I've commented a couple of times on my mileage. You can check them out at message 15 and message 44 in the MPG thread.
 
Also, I did not look at the Mazda because I specifically wanted the third row seating, not offered in the Mazda. I'm also not really a fan of turbocharged engines. Maybe a younger crowd might appreciate them, but I'd prefer a lower rpm quieter engine. The Santa Fe Limited has more than enough power for my driving style. I still think the RX7 is a nice vehicle and would likely be a great match for many. I've not looked into its safety.
 
The RAV4 is another great vehicle, but did not meet my requirements for both 3rd row seating and heated seats (nope you can't get leather interior with heated seats if you get the third row - a pity). I also like the interior better in the Santa Fe. I am a big Toyota fan and own a Highlander, which my son drives. Now that's a nice SUV, but the Highlander is due for a makeover soon and I didn't want two of the same kind of car.
 
For my specific requirements and desires, all the stars aligned and pointed to the Santa Fe. Never thought I'd be owning a Hyundai, but if things keep up the way they've been going, it will definitely be a brand I closely look at when it next becomes time for a replacement vehicle (hopefully in about 10 yrs).

#115 of 154 Re: I am shopping for one... [jennafl] by piast

Dec 20, 2006 (8:06 am)

Replying to: jennafl (Dec 19, 2006 2:29 pm)
Honda and Toyota holds value better, but cost more to begin with. In the end is all the same. IMO the best value out there is Santa Fe and 07 Mitsubishi Outlander. Both with available third row, about same size, 10 years power train warranty, regular fuel. Mitsu has 6 speed trany standard, better handling and fuel economy, bit more cargo room, available Navigation and Xenon headlights (not offered on Hyundai yet). Santa Fe has more soft ride and nicer interior. Try them for yourself.

#116 of 154 Re: Cute Utes [tinycadon] by defreitasm

Dec 28, 2006 (9:51 pm)

Replying to: tinycadon (Aug 30, 2006 7:32 am)
Just hope all the guys in here arguing about looks and sizes of the CX-7 vs. * enter ute here * know that the CX-7 is a chick car, it's like getting all worked up about the VW Cabriolet vs. Miata!!! When Mazda 1st started advertising this vehicle they had a commercial where 2 guys are checking it out and one of them says: This guy is THE MAN!!! And then this tall skinny woman smiles at them and drives off. What a marketing blunder that was, totally turned me off to that car, and seeing how I haven't seen it since, it looks like the Mazda marketing folks got that one off the air VERY quickly. But the visual damage was done, this vehicle is the SUV equivalent to the VW Jetta. So when more of these vehicles start hitting the road, pay close attention to who's behind the wheel, doubt they'll be a lot of "testosterone" zipping around .
 
Funny... your post is from August and you claim they pulled the ad off the air, yet I have seen it recently in December. That doesn't say much for you or your theory. Are you sure you aren't one of those forum trolls that just loves to stir the pot?
 
BTW... I see plenty of men driving Jettas.

#117 of 154 Re: Cute Utes [defreitasm] by tidester

Dec 28, 2006 (10:00 pm)

Replying to: defreitasm (Dec 28, 2006 9:51 pm)
you claim they pulled the ad off the air
 
The statement was "I haven't seen it since" which is distinctly different from "they pulled it off the air."
 
tidester, host

#118 of 154 Re: Cute Utes [tidester] by defreitasm

Dec 28, 2006 (10:39 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Dec 28, 2006 10:00 pm)
The statement was "I haven't seen it since" which is distinctly different from "they pulled it off the air."
  
tidester, host
 
I guess you missed the part where the original poster stated:

it looks like the Mazda marketing folks got that one off the air VERY quickly.

#119 of 154 Re: Cute Utes [defreitasm] by tidester

Dec 29, 2006 (1:24 am)

Replying to: defreitasm (Dec 28, 2006 10:39 pm)
I guess I did miss that - thanks for pointing it out.
 
tidester, host

#120 of 154 Re: Cute Utes [defreitasm] by vbbuilt

Dec 29, 2006 (5:41 am)

Replying to: defreitasm (Dec 28, 2006 9:51 pm)
What I can't understand: why is anyone going way back to August to rehash old material? Let's get on with current topics.
 
Vince.

Messages Page 12 of 16

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