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SUVs Crossover SUV Comparison
7127 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 8:31 PM
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Replying to: baggs32 (Jul 22, 2008 6:23 pm)
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Replying to: coldcranker (Jul 22, 2008 7:45 pm) Not in all cases. The Ford Escape didn't have a rear anti-roll bar until the current 2009 model. It was always said to have minimal body roll in the past (you'll have to search for the reviews yourself) and is even better now. I had an '05 and now have an '08 and have to agree with past assessments. It has a good bit less body roll than our Explorer. Edmunds take on it, with comments on the new anti-roll bar, can be read here.
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Replying to: coldcranker (Jul 21, 2008 3:07 pm) I do know about all of the lambda clones, and that the Traverse and Outlook are cheaper. But for 1000 more, I like the look of the Acadia better. I'd geuss you get more standard equipment than the Traverse, and Saturn has that wierd no haggle pricing (though I'm sure soon Saturn will have some big discounts, but there are NONE for the Acadia). THough I completely consider the Enclave a true competitor for the likes of the RX and R-class (and others) I think you can just choose which lambda you like based on looks. I reconsidered the Enclave because in a few years they won't make the Acadia- or the Outlook, but they will continue to make the Traverse and Enclave, so they will probably still have the parts the Acadia needs. I do agree will you about the "frivolous" options. I do want some luxury toys I've become accustomed to in the Mercedes (wow, that's contradicting!) like the heated memory seats and I love the captains from the van, so I will probably get an SLT-1. But I'm not for the pricey not necessary options, like sunroofs, and navigation systems or power liftgate. I like the look of the 19 inch rims, I'll definitely be skipping that frill. The only option I might consider is the DVD system if the dealer installed price is right. We take 2-3 big driving trips a year and several other little ones, and it's hugely convient not to have to fumble with so many wires everytime the kids want to watch a movie, and it's nice to have the waranty cover a problem with a built in, something Best Buy doesn't do. Also, I don't believe in aftermarket, as it takes away from the overall value.
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Replying to: kellz (Jul 23, 2008 8:09 pm) It has been awhile since I looked at these, but it seems the Outlook base was less than the Acadia because they left off some equipment. Those were available to add back in. The Enclave had more standard equipment than either of the others, but if you added options to Acadia or Outlook to make it equivalent to the base Enclave, the pricing was about the same. Saturn would be at a disadvantage if they don't offer discounts given the soft vehicle market these days. I have access to GM supplier discount through the wife working at Fedex and can get on-line pricing for GM or Buick, but Saturn tells you to see dealer for details. I've never been a fan of Saturn no haggle pricing since it seems that pricing is higher than competing vehicles. Great for the seller since the buyer would pay more and thus margin would be higher. |
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Replying to: baggs32 (Jul 23, 2008 9:07 am) But it did have a front anti-roll bar, which can do a lot on its own. Very funny comment in the Escape Edmunds article you cited: "Along with the new tires and a retuned suspension, all Escapes get a rear antiroll bar for 2009, making us inadvertently comment, "It didn't have a rear antiroll bar before?" Nope. "....... My reaction exactly. I can't believe it didn't have something back there to lower roll in turns like most cars. However, it has long been known that you do need more roll stiffness on the front suspension, and that the rear suspension must have a less-stiff, lower-diameter anti-roll bar, so maybe thats how they got away with just zeroing out the rear roll bar. The front suspension was tasked with the entire job of anti-roll control, and if you make that stiff enough, it will reduce roll tilt while cornering without rear support.
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Replying to: wlbrown9 (Jul 24, 2008 7:51 am) The Acadia/Outlook/Traverse/Enclaves are good choices for those needing the size. I once tried to convince Audi Q7 V6-version owners to switch to GM's offerings because I noticed the exterior dimensions are about the same between the Q7 and GM lambdas. Most of the arguments for the Q7 centered around "it must be better because its German". I think GM has a comparable product for less $$$$. |
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Replying to: coldcranker (Jul 24, 2008 10:08 am) Yes it does. However you said "anti-roll bars" which refers to both the front AND the back. That is what I was responding to and why I pointed out the Escape example. 
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Replying to: coldcranker (Jul 24, 2008 10:23 am) MT feels differently. It's not directly compared to an Acadia in this article, but I don't see how the two could compare in any way after reading their take. Your opinion may hold more water than theirs, but it certainly doesn't agree!  MT Q7 Long Term Verdict.
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Replying to: baggs32 (Jul 24, 2008 1:07 pm) Note they tested a 350 HP V8 model, plenty of power; not the V6 model. A lot of what they liked about it had to do with the good acceleration. The GM Lambdas do very well in the handling department but can't out-accelerate the Audi V8. Audi did a good job with that vehicle, but the GM Lambdas can be had for $10,000 less than an Audi V6 model (comparable model) and still provide 95% of the aplomb. And the Audio V8 version of the Q7is a $60,000 vehicle and can't be compared with the GM lambdas. The car magazines should test a $40,000 Buick Enclave against a $43,000 Audi Q7 V6 version, and the Enclave might win or get very close. And, in the Motor Trend article you cited, they like the Q7's aluminum suspension components. I have to point out that GM put aluminum suspension components in my parents 2000 Buick Park Avenue and Ford put aluminum lower control arms (big parts there) in my '05 F150 2wd pickup I got for $18,000 new, so aluminum components are in much less expensive vehicles, too. The current GM lambdas probably have aluminum as well, although I don't know if they do, as high-strength steel does very well there too. |
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Replying to: coldcranker (Jul 24, 2008 10:23 am) Hmmmm....you could use this same argument to trying and convince a BMW 3 series owner to drive a Malibu, but I don't think it would work.
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