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Compare the CX-9, Veracruz, Pilot, Acadia, Outlook, Enclave and Freestyle

7326 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2013 at 1:14 PM

You are in the Honda Pilot Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Taurus X, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Honda Accord Crosstour, Dodge Journey, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 724 of 733

#7227 of 7326 Re: I have to replace my Freestyle, suggestions? [stevedebi] by ateixeira

May 25, 2010 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: stevedebi (May 20, 2010 1:56 pm)
It's that white roof, that's what reminds me of a Cooper.

#7228 of 7326 Re: I have to replace my Freestyle, suggestions? [ateixeira] by volkov

May 25, 2010 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 25, 2010 12:11 pm)
I don't know how others don't see it. I thought it looked like a Mini's big brother when I saw it, but more original Mini with it's lines.

#7229 of 7326 Maxi Mini by ateixeira

Jun 09, 2010 (8:51 am)

For people that never noticed any resemblance (check the out greenhouse especially):
 
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

#7230 of 7326 Re: Flex [kipk] by godeacs

Jun 09, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: kipk (May 19, 2010 6:09 am)
possibly w/o a helmet???......

#7231 of 7326 Re: Maxi Mini [ateixeira] by kipk

Jun 10, 2010 (5:41 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 09, 2010 8:51 am)
Can you post a 2004-2006 Scion Xb Picture to compare to the Flex?
 
Thanks,
Kip

#7232 of 7326 Re: Maxi Mini [kipk] by ateixeira

Jun 10, 2010 (11:04 am)

Replying to: kipk (Jun 10, 2010 5:41 am)
Sure...
 
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com
 
Definitely a strong resemblance. I could not find a pic of a Flex without the white roof, so that's different, plus the xB's bumper sticks out about, oh, seven feet.

#7233 of 7326 OUTBACK AND HIGHLANDER VS. VERCRUZ by lloydg2

Jul 05, 2010 (7:42 am)

As a five-time Subaru Outback owner, I was most reluctant to part with a car that has served me well over the years in the hilliest part of Connecticut where AWD is essential during the winter. But when I took on a second dog – a lab – there wasn’t room for two dogs plus all the gear I needed to pack for the drive to a house on an island in Maine in the summer. I didn’t want a van, and I narrowed my search to two options: a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz with 20,000 miles without a blemish and all-new tires, and a slightly less immaculate 2008 Toyota Highlander with 36,000 miles. Both had AWD, which I considered a must.
           It all came down to which vehicle had the most room in the back with the third row seat folded down. The Veracruz won. I concluded what I felt was a good deal with the low-key Hyundai dealer, who didn’t mind my initiating the final bargaining session by email (thus avoiding the usual showroom dance of haggling back and forth with a sales person and the manager). The sale included a 60,000-mile warranty that Toyota couldn’t match.
          Still, it wasn’t an easy decision. While I had been favorably impressed with several Hyundai rental cars, I was nervous about Hundai’s lack of a long track record. I was somewhat reassured when an Internet check showed that while the 2007 Veracruz (the year it was introduced) had some problems they were largely absent in the 2008.
           Now, after driving 3,000 miles, with one trek up to Maine and back, I can only report that so far I am more than happy with my choice. The Veracruz has more horsepower than the Outback and hence gets over a mile less per gallon, but it has a powerful kick when you need to pass quickly. The first time I pressed down on the accelerator to pass I could have sworn the engine was turbocharged. I average 17.5 miles in and around my town, with lots of hills and sharp turns, and just over19 miles on the highway. Not bad for what is essentially a SUV.
          I found the manufacturer’s manual was exceedingly well organized, clearly written and helpfully illustrated. The biggest surprise was discovering that in shifting down I had no less than four gears going from overdrive to first, giving me two more options than the Outback. This is great for saving on brake pads and a big asset for slowing down gradually on snow or ice. Moreover, the suspension is a little softer than my 2007 Outback, giving a much smoother and quieter ride on rough roads.
          My Veracruz is a standard, not a deluxe model, yet it has a lot of small amenities that were absent in my Outback. Among them: a digital tire pressure gauge; two storage bins in the fold-down armrest; two fold-down compartments above the dash for glasses, another cubby for your EZ-Pass, and yet another for small change. The top of the dash has a slightly indented area for placing incidentals that won’t shift every time you brake. Unlike my Outback, the steering wheel has fingertip controls for both the radio and cruise control. The button that opens the gas cap is conveniently located in the door just at the driver’s left elbow. The map stowage in the door swings out 45 degrees for quick and easy access. The backs of the seats all have slip-in storage compartments and placement for car cups.
          With the third seat folded flush to the floor of the cargo area, you have impressive space for a big Golden Lab plus three suitcases and a lot of assorted soft luggage. Hand holds and foldout tie-rings are strategically placed for securing fragile or moveable cargo. A big plus for me was opening the compartment under the cargo mat and finding not only the tire jack but plenty of additional space for tools, flares, first aid kit and the like.
          What’s not to like? I am not crazy about the blue dashboard lights, but have gotten used to them. The standard sound system is only marginally better than the Subaru, although the heat comes up a bit faster. My Veracruz came with a light blueish-grey exterior finish. The interior upholstery is the same light color that shows stains at the drop of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I would recommend future models come with much darker seat covers. When my right rear tire picked up a screw bolt on that island up in Maine, there appeared to be no way to avoid breaking the tire gauge attachment in order to pry the tire off the rim. I have kept the broken part and will be interested in whether with the service dept. can tell me how to avoid busting it with the next tire change.
          In all, the Veracruz has exceeded my expectations. Drive one. If you share my initial hesitation about Hyundai, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

#7234 of 7326 Re: OUTBACK AND HIGHLANDER VS. VERCRUZ [lloydg2] by ateixeira

Jul 06, 2010 (10:44 am)

Replying to: lloydg2 (Jul 05, 2010 7:42 am)
Congrats. I think the VC is one of the more overlooked entries in this class. A while ago I noted how nice I thought the interior was, and after discounts they are a strong value as well.
 
I hear the replacement will be a long wheelbase Santa Fe, when it comes. If it gets Direct Injection technology that would be sweet. Hopefully they do not leave out the plush leather it offers now.
 
Subaru should have made the Tribeca bigger, note how a happy buyer did not even shop for one. Give it 3 real rows or cancel it.

#7235 of 7326 Re: OUTBACK AND HIGHLANDER VS. VERCRUZ [ateixeira] by robr2

Jul 07, 2010 (7:52 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 06, 2010 10:44 am)
We're looking at 3 row SUV's right now as well. Wifey likes the CX-9 and the Pilot. She was ambivalent on the VC - perhaps because it was 98 degrees out and the interior was black. I really like the value of the VC.
 
We are going to also look at the Tribeca and Acadia/Enclave. We only wish the new Explorer would be out sooner as my wife is from a "Ford" family who still gives me a hard time for driving "furrin" cars.

#7236 of 7326 Re: OUTBACK AND HIGHLANDER VS. VERCRUZ [robr2] by thegraduate

Jul 07, 2010 (8:00 am)

Replying to: robr2 (Jul 07, 2010 7:52 am)
You can buy an American-made Honda pickup or a Mexican-made Ford pickup. Maybe you should remind them of that.

Messages Page 724 of 733

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