Article Comments - 2007- '08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test

47 messages, Last post on Oct 09, 2007 at 6:06 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

2007-'08 Compact Crossovers Comparison Test - These small crossovers are evolving into niches just as distinct as you'll find in the car market. There are practical ones, sporting ones, tough ones and comfortable ones. We've brought together the 2007 Honda CR-V, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue and 2007 Toyota RAV4. All share a gestalt of efficiency and social responsibility, yet each has a unique set of qualities and options. (more)

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#38 of 47 Re: Another Overwrought Segment [ericying] by rcpax Sep 17, 2007 (12:02 am)
Replying to: ericying (Sep 15, 2007 4:22 am) Really, do we need high-performance engines with paddle shifters in a vehicle that's meant for economical utility, not g's at the slalom It is one of the biggest considerations I had when I was deciding which vehicle to buy. I drive a manual before my 07 Outlander, and I couldn't stand the rev and lag when I overtake on the freeway, so the paddle shifters are a blessing. It keeps my eyes on the road, and gives me power and acceleration when I want it, not exactly like a manual but very very close. And unlike a manual, I don't have to reach down on the stickshift to change gears. Of course it's silly to drive manual fully on a 07 Outlander because the 6 speed A/T is very smooth, and the computer adapts to your driving habits. It's so smooth that a hefty number of dealers and owners thought its a CVT rather than 6-speed A/T because above 2nd gear it's hard to tell the vehicle's shifting. The paddle shifters might not be "necessary", in the strictest terms, but hey, Mitsubishi is a company driven by motorsports, and they're giving us a cool toy that RAV-4 and CR-V doesn't offer, so why not take it. Turns out that "toy" is actually fun to play with.
#39 of 47 paddle shifters by chelentano Sep 17, 2007 (11:00 am)
Paddle shifters are there for convenience and safety first of all. It's like you have stereo volume control on your dash, but you also have on your steering wheel. You can adjust volume, while your both hands on steering wheel and you eyes on the road. Safety! Same thing with the paddle shifters: they simplify use of stick shift: your both hands are always on steering wheel. In Europe, way before paddle shifters was added to rally cars, and way before auto transmission become available, paddle shifters where installed on specially equipped cars for handicapped to provide them with more convinient way of driving - I have seen this cars myself. While these days very few people use manual transmission in US, in other countries of Europe and Asia vast majority of people still got used to stick shift. These people surely would appreciate paddle shifters. We American jus got a freebee toy to play. BTW I’ve recently read that Mitsu is number 2 selling brand in Australia, and number 1 selling brand in Russia.
#40 of 47 What? by klas Sep 17, 2007 (11:59 am)
#2 selling brand in Australia when they just announced that they are closing their plants (that produced only one type of car - Gallant equivalent) #1 selling brand in Russia? What's the source for that? I am from Moscow and Mitsu never been a popular brand Replies to this message: chelentano (Sep 17, 2007 2:21 pm)
#41 of 47 Re: What? [klas] by chelentano Sep 17, 2007 (2:21 pm)
Replying to: klas (Sep 17, 2007 11:59 am) Well, I have to make a correction. It's #1 selling brand, among those build outside of Russia. This would exclude cars assembled in Russia: Ford, Hyundai and Lada. According to this link, in 2006 Mitsu Lancer was the second best selling foreign car in Russia, after the Ford Focus, which is build in Russia: link title Also this article says, that Russia hold the first place in Misubishi sales in Europe: link title
#42 of 47 Let Mitsu be whatever it is right now by klas Sep 17, 2007 (3:07 pm)
Personally, I like where Mitsubishi stands right now. They are trying hard to compete with other car makers by offering lower price, better options and great warranty. If it happens that they get ahead of Toyota or Honda then we can all forget about all those things. So, if they want to rate it #4 fine by me Replies to this message: blufz1 (Sep 18, 2007 9:53 am) dodo2 (Sep 18, 2007 1:51 pm)
#43 of 47 Re: Let Mitsu be whatever it is right now [klas] by blufz1 Sep 18, 2007 (9:53 am)
Replying to: klas (Sep 17, 2007 3:07 pm) Coulda got a better result be just choosing the relative sales of each CUV tested.
#44 of 47 Re: Let Mitsu be whatever it is right now [klas] by dodo2 Sep 18, 2007 (1:51 pm)
Replying to: klas (Sep 17, 2007 3:07 pm) I agree and luckily, I don't see Mitsu challenging Honda or Toyota for the top of the sales charts in the near future, but they are challenging them on the product front. We, the consumers, are the ones to benefit from that. I think Mazda is the model Mitsu should follow. They emerged from near bankruptcy by putting out great products at the right prices. Few years later, they have a full line-up of appealing vehicles and they are only getting better (e.g. the new Mazda6). The new Outlander and the new Lancer are steps in the right direction, although they are not perfect. The car magazines’ recognition is not critical (although important as it impacts the public perception), but the consumer’s recognition is and Mitsu seems to have two winners in its hands, reflected by increased sales and mainly positive owner’s reviews.
#45 of 47 Test apples to apples! by orbit9090 Sep 19, 2007 (9:30 am)
Need to test all 4-cyl FWD models $22K ! CRV LX RAV 4 Base Saturn VUE XE etc. Don't care about NAV or a 3rd seat. That's Highlander\Pilot territory and doesn't belong in a compact SUV comparison. No way.
#46 of 47 Only one thing by joe157 Sep 22, 2007 (6:21 am)
There was one thing that made me fall in love with the Rav4. Regardless of all other considerations, it's the same thing that wins the comparisons. It's the wonderful V6 motor. It's because reviewers are still teenagers at heart. Why else would they, as adults, be in the business of driving cars. Adult considerations like "economy," "comfort," etc. will be mentioned, but in the end it's the wonderful V6. The Rav4 is surprisingly, thrillingly quick. That's it and that's all. Replies to this message: ronn (Oct 09, 2007 6:06 am)
#47 of 47 Re: Only one thing [joe157] by ronn Oct 09, 2007 (6:06 am)
Replying to: joe157 (Sep 22, 2007 6:21 am) Joe...I would like to add to your comment. I tried many SUV's before deciding on the RAV4 Limited 08 that I just ordered. I will agree with other post, that the RAV4 interior is not as fancy as others. No wood grain, no Nav., it is plain, and I am moving from an AVALON with everything because my needs are for a AWD. I wanted a great ride with economic value, and the RAV4 fit that. The fit and finish on the RAV4 is excellent! Also, one thing that is often overlooked is I have one mechanic at Toyota that does my repairs if need be ( which is rare) and I have one salesman whom I have bought from. I find it important to not only be happy with the product, but also the dealership. My last comparison before making a decision was to drive an Outlander. While it had more features, I did not find the V6 to be nearly as nice as the RAV4, but the main turn off was the salesperson didn't know the product. To me there is more important things to consider when buying a car other than the loaded features they have, and in this day and time, I need economical reasons too! I am not as fond of the tire in the back, but that can be overlooked when I can save on gas and enjoy the great ride. I found the Outlander to have much more noise on the highway than the Rav4, and that also helped in my decision. I have had 4 toyotas, they have all been different, but very little problems, and I have a dealership that cares. I feel comfortable with them, and will continue to make that a priority.