Your Thoughts on Crossover SUVs

[Stuey]

It looks as if my Taurus is nearing its end, and I'm trying to determine what to replace it with.

$$ is an issue, so I'm looking at compact SUVs/crossovers, such as the Rav4, CR-V, Forester, etc and was hoping you could share your opinions on these types of vehicles.

Two things concern me - these vehicles are all based off of compact cars - the Civic, Corolla, etc. How will the power systems in these engines compare to the V6 I'm used to in the Taurus?

(redacted*)They also have AWD as an added option for $1k-$2k. I'm aware of the differences between FWD and RWD, but not sure how AWD comes into play. Would it make sense to go with AWD, or will the FWD perform decently enough?

Lastly, (since this is the tool forum) which should be the first tool store to drive to in the future new car?

(*Redacted comment)The second thing that concerns me is that these 4 cylinder vehicles are front wheel drive and I'm very accustomed to rear wheel drive. [I have been informed that the Taurus is in fact FWD. Whoopsie]

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

1.Two things concern me - these vehicles are all based off of compact cars - the Civic, Corolla, etc. How will the power systems in these engines compare to the V6 I'm used to in the Taurus?

2.The second thing that concerns me is that these 4 cylinder vehicles are front wheel drive and I'm very accustomed to rear wheel drive. They also have AWD as an added option for $1k-$2k. I'm aware of the differences between FWD and RWD, but not sure how AWD comes into play. Would it make sense to go with AWD, or will the FWD perform decently enough?

3.Lastly, (since this is the tool forum) which should be the first tool store to drive to in the future new car?

1. Test drive. Personally, I think a 4 cylinder, around town is fine. But I have had mixed luck with them, getting on and driving with the highway crowd. That is where I would like more oomph.

2. How much snow do you get? How often do you go offroad, NOW (with the Taurus)? Are you planning on changing that? In my own experience, a rwd rides better overall, a fwd drives better in winter, and a awd, is a four wheel drive, without the clearance (better traction on flat dirt/muddy roads/trails out at the farm). AWD/4wd is something that I know a lot of people say, once you have, you will never go back. For me, it costs me more in fuel, then I get out of it.

3. Either the closest to the dealer, the first garage/estate sale you come across, or someplace to buy whatever specialty tool you know you will need for that vehicle.

 

[BigRed390]

Having driven a Taurus, a Cr-V, and a Rav4, I can recommend getting either of the latter. The Taurus V-6 was no monster. You probably won't notice much of a difference power-wise. You'll just find it slightly (and i do mean slightly) higher in the rpm range, which is not a big deal given the engines in the two cars listed. As for AWD, I wouldn't bother unless you couldn't handle the taurus in snow, etc. FWD will go a lot of places if you know how to drive for the given conditions.

 

[r6_cannibal]

I agree with the test drive. Some people don't mind FWD, others abhor it. I'm one of the ones that can't stand it, but I too have a taurus and mine happens to be FWD. I'm a big fan of AWD, especially on the subaru platform. If you're going to spend time on the dirt I recommend it. I also like the handling characteristics over FWD on the road, but when it comes to AWD and RWD it's a toss up on the road between pros and cons. It really depends on you're driving preference, ask the dealership to let you drive both versions if available.

I agree on the garage/estate sale too

 

[Packard V8]

It looks as if my Taurus is nearing its end . . . and I'm very accustomed to rear wheel drive.

1. This doesn't compute, as all Tauri are front drive.
2. That a "crossover" is flavor of the day is the worst reason to buy one. FWIW, I don't consider any of those three mentioned anything I'd want. If the sedan served you well, why go to a noisier, less-space/fuel efficient design?
a. Noisier than a sedan.
b. Less space than a van
c. Doesn't handle as well as either.
d. Less fuel-efficient
3. No direct experience with the CR-V, but Honda only builds good cars.

As always, your money, your car, your decision, but you'd get more direct info and advice on the fora specifically for these vehicles.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Sebastian]

I had the first generation CR-V, a 1998 model with all wheel drive. Great car. The interior was well thought out, good use of space - big on the inside for its size. Extremely dependable and nice to drive. Great build quality, nothing ever broke on this thing! The car held its value and sold within a day!

I was not impressed with the fuel econony of though, I got about 17 mpg with car and I expected way more from a 4 cyl. Also, the 98 model was a little weak on power. Honda did add more HP later so you should test drive.

The CRV actually had pretty good ground clearance. The AWD worked well in snow - but I never really pushed or tested it. I would think the FWD would be suffucient it you do not have snow to deal with.

Front wheel vs rear wheel, I do not push my cars too hard so I don't notice any huge differences.

Like you said, the CRV is a car first and not a truck. I enjoyed the car while I had it.

 

[r6_cannibal]

1. This doesn't compute, as all Tauri are front drive.

Weren't the SHO's rear wheel drive?
This is just going off what I remember, and my memory is bad. Plus I'm not a ford person (don't ask how I came to own a Taurus)

 

[Stuey]

Well I'll be! For some reason I was always under the impression that the Taurus was RWD. Since it's FWD, that issue is moot. I moved that comment to the end of the 1st post.

I'm trying to sort things out before I start going for test drives.

My wife has a compact 4 cylinder which I absolutely hate (Ford Focus), but I recently drove a Kia Optima that handled and permformed pretty decently.

I don't (or rarely) drive off-road, and need to handle moderate suburban snow and ice, but not too much. I don't forsee living in any rural areas where I will need heavy-duty winter condition performance.

Money-wise, mid-sized sedans and compact cross-overs are about similar in cost. There were many times in the past few years where I would have loved the storage capability of an SUV, even a small one built on a car platform.

I just figured that a small SUV would be slightly more cramped than what I'm used to, but a bit more functional.

(Thanks all for comments and perspectives. Keep them coming)

I should also mention that this would be my first new car.

 

[Skyline]

Weren't the SHO's rear wheel drive?
This is just going off what I remember, and my memory is bad. Plus I'm not a ford person (don't ask how I came to own a Taurus)

No. FWD.

But the brand new SHO, coming out this summer is AWD....and appears to be pretty badass w/ twin turbo six. Something like 350hp.

 

[boiler7904]

My wife has a 2004 Ford Escape V6 FWD and loves it - no desire to go back to a car. She traded a 4 cylinder 2002 Focus it for it in April 2004.

The Escape has been a great vehicle. Only routine maintenance in 87,000+ miles plus tires and brakes. I want to say that the 3.0 V6 gets about 24-25 mpg on the highway and has decent power to merge into highway traffic. I wouldn't want something that heavy with a 4 cylinder. As far as traction goes, FWD with decent tires is fine for city snow and ice. Last winter was pretty bad with record snowfalls and cold here - no problems at all. The higher ground clearance makes driving across grassy fields and road construction areas a breeze but I wouldn't want to do mud or sand with it. Again it comes down to tire selection.

There is plenty of interior room. There were 4 adults (and luggage) in it for a 4 hour drive on weekend trip a couple of weeks ago. We've also had 5 adults in it for shorter trips. Plenty of cargo area for shopping trips since it has a flat folding back seat. 8' lumber will fit for the odd occassion I go to Home Depot and don't take my truck.

One thing to consider is the height of the vehicle since you are in the city. If you park in garages on a regular basis start paying attention to the clearances at the garages you frequently use. Our Escape is just under 6' tall including the standard roof rack - they also had a taller rack that was adjustable available. I was in a parking garage in Cleveland a couple of years ago that only had 6' of clearance and I think that was being generous. Luckily I was able to get a spot right next to the entrance and exit. I would have been screwed if I was in my truck.

Go to whichever tool store is closest that will allow you to buy something big enough to require folding the back seat.

 

[pirate]

I will second the Ford Escape if that is an option for you. We have a 2001 Escape V6 automatic transmission that now has 160,000 miles on it. It has proven to be trouble free other then a ignition coil that went bad at about 140,000 miles. My wife drives it daily on a 50 mile round trip to work. Usually gas mileage exceeds 22 MPG. Has plenty of room for a small SUV and can haul a great deal when the rear seats are folded down. I would buy another Escape in a heartbeat other then my next vehicle needs some towing capacity. Good news is the new Escapes are evn quieter and get better fuel milage.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I recently rode in my brother's 08 Toyota RAV4 and that is one fine vehicle. His is a 4 cylinder. On a recent trip of 450 miles, he averaged 29mpg.

 

[Rickster]

You should also take a look at the Ford Edge. I had one for a while and I liked it a lot. Very highly rated on the crash tests and has a lot of interior room while not being that large of a vehicle on the road. I found the engine performance to be very good also.

 

[Stuey]

The Escape is also on my short list. I did consider the Ford Edge, until I saw the starting MSRP - it's a bit over budget at the moment.

What I don't quite understand is why the Edge is considered a crossover but the Escape is considered an SUV.

 

[jdcompman]

+1 on the Honda CRV. I have no direct experience with the CRV but have owned 5 Hondas as well as every one of my friends. We all have put well over 100,000 miles on our cars and most of got them with over 100,000 miles to begin with, so we are all over 200,000 miles. I'm not 100% sure but the later 90's have 2.0L 4 cylinders in them so they were decently powered.

If it matters, the Honda's have the best resale value of any vehicle you have listed. They hold their value extremely well.

 

[Cubby]

I say look at the Forester or CRV. I have an older Forester that has been great to me. My wife has a 99 CRV and never had a problem with hit. Unless you live in the snowbelt, AWD is not a requirement but it helps in the rain or anytime traction is required. You do not even notice it. Subaru's have been AWD forever and a day and just plain work.

 

[NSXSOON]

We had a 2000 CR-V and as mentioned above it was extremly well engineered and built. At 138K miles a lame woman rear ended it at 45 mph or more with the CR-V at a dead stop. Pushed the CR-V into the car in front of it and then that car into the one in front of it! The CR-V crumpled the way it was designed too and I walked away without a scratch. Tires and brakes are all it ever needed, near bullet proof. We replaced it with a Lexus RX300 which both my wife and I don't like near as much as the CR-V but must say it is reliable and well built.
My brother in law bought a new CR-V a year and a half ago when the new body (3rd generation) was released and now has 50K+ miles on it and loves it. He is really hard on cars and hasn't been able to break it yet!

 

[Costner]

I have a Honda Civic and a Honda Pilot, and no complaints about either. In fact I simply cannot say enough good things about Hondas, and I have driven a CR-V and thought it was great as well. In fact if I could justify owning two SUVs I'd trade the Civic for the CR-V.

My sister owned a Ford Escape, and I have driven several. In my view the Escape is a great little SUV, although I only have experience with the 6-cyl and have never driven the 4.

I have a friend who just bought a RAV4, but since they have owned it for less than a week and I have never driven it, I can't really offer any insight. I will say that Toyota's reputation for quality long-lasting vehicles is impressive, and I'd put them right up there with Honda at the top of the pack.

As to FWD or AWD, it depends upon your usage and the price you put on safety vs. fuel economy. Where I live we get a LOT of snow, so I am willing to pay a little more up front and sacrifice a small amount of fuel economy to get something which is AWD or 4WD. However for someone who lives in California or Arizona who never sees snow and the only time they go off of pavement is when they drive onto their lawn to wash the car... then it probably doesn't make any sense.

Since someone mentioned the Edge I figure I should comment on that as well. I have driven the Edge as well as the Lincoln equivalent (MKX I think it was called) - and I can honestly say I preferred the Escape. Considering it is considerably less expensive, I'd call that a no brainer, however opinions vary and if you want something that rides and feels more like a car the Edge might be a better fit.

As to most crossovers, I think they are trying to blur the line between SUV and stationwagon. I think somewhere along the line the term "stationwagon" fell out of style so crossover is the new terminology. Personally I find most crossovers to be ugly as if they can't decide if they want to be a SUV or a car... but that is 100% personal preference. I'd much rather have a compact SUV than a crossover, and I don't think you can go wrong with either the Escape, CR-V, or RAV4.

 

[Merkava_4]

I read in the news paper auto section that you just can't go out and replace 1 or 2 tires on an AWD car - that you have to replace all the tires at the same time whether they're worn out or not - or you'll ruin the AWD differentials. If that's the case, I wouldn't want one.

 

[walrus]

My wife wants a honda element, 4 wheel drive, anyone have one? We have a 96 odessey and its been great but its coming on 150,000 miles and the srs light keeps coming on. Autoace thinks its a computer issue and a new one is a 1000 bucks

 

[txz28]

I am actually also looking at a small SUV. I am looking at the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, and Toyota Rav4.

CRV - Drives okay. Needs more power. I cannot see easily passing on the highway with this, but in town it would be okay. Also the interior seemed cheap and poorly designed. For example the latch for the storage compartment in the center console required the driver to insert his hand between the seat and console to open. It is off my list

Rav4 - Favorite so far. I test drove the V6 version. It had plenty of power and still claims to have good mileage. My only complaint is that I did not like the relative position of the arm rest on the center console.

Rogue - Not bad. I liked the performance of the CVT, continously variable transmission. It had about the same power as the CRV, but did not feel like it. I am nut 100% sold on the long term reliability of the CVT though. My biggest complaint is that there was cloth on a lot of surfaces I would have rather had vinyl, doors, center console. These areas take a lot of abuse and cloth will not hold up there. If I get this I would get leather.

Take a look at Car and Driver's Small SUV comparison

 

[Skyline]

I read in the news paper auto section that you just can't go out and replace 1 or 2 tires on an AWD car - that you have to replace all the tires at the same time whether they're worn out or not - or you'll ruin the AWD differentials. If that's the case, I wouldn't want one.

There is some truth to that, but it also has some leeway. AWD is great if you live in an area that gets snow, and it's not too bad to have in the rain either.

The solution is easy....if you need to replace a tire when your others are worn more than the allowable tolerance, have the new tire shaved to match. It might be hard to find a local tire shop that can do this properly, but major distributors like Tire Rack certainly can do this easily.

 

[Packard V8]

I read in the news paper auto section that you just can't go out and replace 1 or 2 tires on an AWD car

An affordable option for replacing a damaged tire is a used tire. With a few calls around to tire shops, I've always been able to find a matching tire with close to the same tread depth.

Rotating tires is important. These little guys are really front wheel drive 99% of the time. The rear wheels just hold up the a$$end and the AWD only kicks in when spin is detected by the wheel sensors. To get even tread wear, rotate the tires at least ever six months, 6,000 miles.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Stuey]

I also saw that Car & Driver review. Now taking a closer look at the Rogue. I do like its styling a bit more, but it looks like the cargo area is a bit more cramped than with the other vehicles. Guess I'll need to see all in person and then test-drive a few.

One of the main complaints I've read online is that some of the crossovers are underpowered. I know that some have a 6 cylinder option, but that cannot be good for the fuel economy.

 

[boiler7904]

An affordable option for replacing a damaged tire is a used tire. With a few calls around to tire shops, I've always been able to find a matching tire with close to the same tread depth.

Rotating tires is important. These little guys are really front wheel drive 99% of the time. The rear wheels just hold up the a$$end and the AWD only kicks in when spin is detected by the wheel sensors. To get even tread wear, rotate the tires at least ever six months, 6,000 miles.

thnx, jack vines

The State of Indiana has passed laws making it harder for tire dealers to sell used tires in the last couple of years as a result of our litigious society. People can't sue for getting bad used tires if they can't buy used tires to start with.

I could only hope to drive for 6 months and only hit 6,000 miles. Since starting a new job in April, I'm at 6,000 miles about every 8-8 1/2 weeks.

Your post reminded me that I need to rotate the tires on my truck - it's probably been about 15k since they were done last.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I read in the news paper auto section that you just can't go out and replace 1 or 2 tires on an AWD car - that you have to replace all the tires at the same time whether they're worn out or not - or you'll ruin the AWD differentials. If that's the case, I wouldn't want one.

That's a load of ****. Think about how a diff works.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I think the TAURUS is better off road than any of these crossovers

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

CVT is dreadful

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

if you can stand the oil leaks and overpricing , I would lease the subaru turbo , and get out of it in 2 years

 

[FNFS2000]

Just stay away from Government Motors and Chrysler new production and warranty slogan "good enough for government work"

I'm waiting for some used F650 4 row Excursion conversions to hit the market. Good for 500,000+ miles and similar MPG as my Suburban.

 

[txz28]

CVT is dreadful

why or how???

 

[isr2kba]

I read in the news paper auto section that you just can't go out and replace 1 or 2 tires on an AWD car - that you have to replace all the tires at the same time whether they're worn out or not - or you'll ruin the AWD differentials. If that's the case, I wouldn't want one.

You sure you didn't read that in an tire shop ad? It's true that you should maintain same size tires front to rear in an AWD vehicle, but it's not as bad as with 4WD where you have no center diff and MUST have same size tires all around.

As far as swapping out all tires at once as opposed to one axle at a time, I don't see why subtle circumference differences would make much difference.

 

[35mastr]

+1 on the toyota suv's. rav 4 or Highlander. Both really graet cars and will give you a long life without any real issues.

 

[35mastr]

That's a load of ****. Think about how a diff works.

There is a difference. Different tire manufactures have different tolerences in heights. So the tires will spin at different revolutions putting excessive strain on the AWD diffs and will fry it.

I have replace a few on the Toyota's due to this also. This is also not a warrentied item if it does not have all the same tires on it.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

There is a difference. Different tire manufactures have different tolerences in heights. So the tires will spin at different revolutions putting excessive strain on the AWD diffs and will fry it.

I have replace a few on the Toyota's due to this also. This is also not a warrentied item if it does not have all the same tires on it.

The diff in the late 90's AWD Olds Bravo was particular about tires; that one would **** out in a heartbeat.

A general caution with AWDs: IIf you change the diff fluid, use only the factory specified diff fluid, nothing else.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

why or how???

I guess I just have not developed any confidence in a belt driven ****** system giving me long, troublefree service.

 

[Need4racin]

I'd buy a fullsize truck or just keep the Taurus.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

my favorite crossover is the avalanche
better gas mileage than the honda -335 hp and can tow big cars

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

why or how???

feels like it is on permanent slip
worked on a lot of the czech ones that saturn used - lasted 100k miles , but they did away with them
belts and pulleys yuck

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

The diff in the late 90's AWD Olds Bravo was particular about tires; that one would **** out in a heartbeat.

A general caution with AWDs: IIf you change the diff fluid, use only the factory specified diff fluid, nothing else.

jeep and fords were tire sensitive
bravada ? a flush with the blue auto trac 2 fluid fixed them up
if they got really bad - the clutch had the be shimmed