Thread
want a small SUV: honda pilot? saturn vue? ford escape?
i am wanting to buy a new small SUV and the following are in my price range. which would you choose and why?
i believe the 2004 vues are sporting a honda engine, which is a big bonus considering their price tag. they are also about to release a new "red line" vue that looks pretty sporty in early '04 i think.
i like the ford escape, but can't get all the fun options i want without paying more then i want.
the pilot is solid, it's a honda and will probably last forever. but it's pricier then the vue and escape.
what do you think?
i believe the 2004 vues are sporting a honda engine, which is a big bonus considering their price tag. they are also about to release a new "red line" vue that looks pretty sporty in early '04 i think.
i like the ford escape, but can't get all the fun options i want without paying more then i want.
the pilot is solid, it's a honda and will probably last forever. but it's pricier then the vue and escape.
what do you think?
Alright, it's my favorite time of day again...
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Originally posted by ankle_brains: i am wanting to buy a new small SUV and the following are in my price range. which would you choose and why? i believe the 2004 vues are sporting a honda engine, which is a big bonus considering their price tag. they are also about to release a new "red line" vue that looks pretty sporty in early '04 i think. i like the ford escape, but can't get all the fun options i want without paying more then i want. the pilot is solid, it's a honda and will probably last forever. but it's pricier then the vue and escape. what do you think? |
I have a Vue, and it's not a bad vehicle. If price were no object, and you could handle the smaller interior I would probably go with the Honda... but for the money you probably won't beat the vue.
Does the Saturn Vue really have a Honda engine? If so, that really surprises me since I figured it would have a GM...
First, the only Saturn Vues to get the Honda motor are precisely the Red Line models.
Second, are you sure the Pilot can be considered a "small" SUV compared to the Vue? The Pilot can seat eight. Perhaps you are instead thinking of the CRV?
Second, are you sure the Pilot can be considered a "small" SUV compared to the Vue? The Pilot can seat eight. Perhaps you are instead thinking of the CRV?
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Originally posted by ankle_brains: i am wanting to buy a new small SUV and the following are in my price range. which would you choose and why? i believe the 2004 vues are sporting a honda engine, which is a big bonus considering their price tag. they are also about to release a new "red line" vue that looks pretty sporty in early '04 i think. i like the ford escape, but can't get all the fun options i want without paying more then i want. the pilot is solid, it's a honda and will probably last forever. but it's pricier then the vue and escape. what do you think? |
Even this is a question...
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Originally posted by ASIMO: First, the only Saturn Vues to get the Honda motor are precisely the Red Line models. |
Wow, that's interesting to say the least...I bet that'll jack up the price on those for sure! Saturn's page on the "Red Line" is rather vague...
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Originally posted by ASIMO: First, the only Saturn Vues to get the Honda motor are precisely the Red Line models. |
Wrong. All 2004 V-6 Vues have the 3.5l Honda engine. The 4 cylinders have the 2.2l ecotec found throughout GM. The 2002 and 2003 Vues all have a GM V-6, found in the Saturn L series and Cadillac Catera and CTS.
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Originally posted by m_young: Wrong. All 2004 V-6 Vues have the 3.5l Honda engine. |
In that case...screw the Pilot and get the Vue with the Honda engine that will last ages while saving $8-10k while at it....
I'd buy a station wagon. Less tippy.
Go for the Vue! When I went to buy my current vehichle ('97 Saturn SL2) I test drove the Vue, I was very impressed. If I could have afforded a new vehichle I would have bought the vue in a heartbeat.
How about you completely avoid a SUV and get a small luxery vehicle.
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Originally posted by olePigeon: How about you completely avoid a SUV and get a small luxery vehicle. |
Probably because he couldn't afford the luxury vehicle and it wouldn't fit his needs.
A new Vue retails under $20k.
Vues are greatish.
GM, or Saturn, or whomever did a nice job of replicating the interior of a 2000 Ford/ New Holland backhoe. Man, those plasticy captains chairs made me think wistfully of work...
Actually, Vue was a toss up with the Escape in the small suv category. Thought the escape was nicer, but with suck seats, and suck price. Jeep liberty blows. Should come with a f***ing fez so you can drive it in the f***ing shriners parade. Major suck.
Get a 1970ish Ford Bronco. Removable hard top. Rust. Crap windshield wipers. Heater? Heaters are for cherry boys! And they don't have those girlie airbags and 3 point seat belts! Safety crap is for weenies! What they are is f***ing indestructable, and you can do a complete motor swap in an afternoon. Wish I had one again...
GM, or Saturn, or whomever did a nice job of replicating the interior of a 2000 Ford/ New Holland backhoe. Man, those plasticy captains chairs made me think wistfully of work...
Actually, Vue was a toss up with the Escape in the small suv category. Thought the escape was nicer, but with suck seats, and suck price. Jeep liberty blows. Should come with a f***ing fez so you can drive it in the f***ing shriners parade. Major suck.
Get a 1970ish Ford Bronco. Removable hard top. Rust. Crap windshield wipers. Heater? Heaters are for cherry boys! And they don't have those girlie airbags and 3 point seat belts! Safety crap is for weenies! What they are is f***ing indestructable, and you can do a complete motor swap in an afternoon. Wish I had one again...
FWD V6 VUE-$22,885
AWD V6 VUE-$24,535
On either model, there's a $1500 rebate OR 0% financing.
Even though the website says the Redlines won't be available until early this year, they've been in showrooms for a little while. But all that really is is the spiffed up exterior. I'm not sure if its any quicker.
AWD V6 VUE-$24,535
On either model, there's a $1500 rebate OR 0% financing.
Even though the website says the Redlines won't be available until early this year, they've been in showrooms for a little while. But all that really is is the spiffed up exterior. I'm not sure if its any quicker.
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Originally posted by Kilbey: Probably because he couldn't afford the luxury vehicle and it wouldn't fit his needs. |
He didn't even say what is needs are. How would we know that a car is not well suited for him?
What exactly is a small SUV well suited for, anyway?
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Originally posted by hayesk: What exactly is a small SUV well suited for, anyway? |
- Mom straps in the kids and takes 'em to soccer practice
- Suburban shopping trip to the local mall
- Feeling "safe" in a really big POS
- Dying anyway when the damn thing flips over
- Successfully burning the largest amount of fossil fuel while trying to get from A to B
Well, if you drive around New York and anywhere up to Maine, the roads can ruin the suspension on any vehicle. Potholes and craters, speedbumps, uneven highways. Not to mention the traffic is thick almost everywhere. SUV's tend to make drivers feel a bit more in control - less bumpy, feel sturdy, etc.
As much as I despise the yuppies barrelling down 486 and the Hutch at 85mph in their Muranos, I envy them. My minivan takes a beating!
As much as I despise the yuppies barrelling down 486 and the Hutch at 85mph in their Muranos, I envy them. My minivan takes a beating!
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Originally posted by AB^2=BCxAC: SUV's tend to make drivers feel a bit more in control - less bumpy, feel sturdy, etc. |
I bought a new Subaru Forester this year (err ... I mean last year) and I've really liked it. Solid boxer 4-cylinder engine that has pretty good power, great AWD system. I know Subarus don't get points for their looks, but I think the Forester looks pretty sharp since it was redesigned for '03.
If it's value for your money for you want, you can get a base X model for under $20k. If you want performance, get the XT turbo for $25k.
Actually, my first choice would have been a wagon, but most European wagons are out of my price range, and after that the selection gets thin real fast. I came close to buying a VW Passat V6 but decided it was too much car for too much money ($5k more than my Forester). Tried a Legacy wagon but didn't like it. Focus wagon might be an option now that reliability is improving; those things have decent space inside for a small car.
If you can wait till summer, take a look at both the Mazda 6 wagon, due out this year, and the new '05 Legacy wagon from Subaru. They both look promising.
I think the Escape is pretty good, I looked at those too, but the mileage with the V6 isn't great. My Forester gets better mileage, and its four-cyl. is almost as peppy as the Escape's V6.
As someone else said, the Pilot is really a midsize SUV, not much smaller than an Explorer. And prepare to pay over MSRP for a Pilot. They don't sit on the lot for very long, if at all.
For me, the big strike against the Vue is looks, especially the front end. Saturn needs to ditch those narrow, 1992-style headlights.
Anyway, good luck, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of your three choices, really.
If it's value for your money for you want, you can get a base X model for under $20k. If you want performance, get the XT turbo for $25k.
Actually, my first choice would have been a wagon, but most European wagons are out of my price range, and after that the selection gets thin real fast. I came close to buying a VW Passat V6 but decided it was too much car for too much money ($5k more than my Forester). Tried a Legacy wagon but didn't like it. Focus wagon might be an option now that reliability is improving; those things have decent space inside for a small car.
If you can wait till summer, take a look at both the Mazda 6 wagon, due out this year, and the new '05 Legacy wagon from Subaru. They both look promising.
I think the Escape is pretty good, I looked at those too, but the mileage with the V6 isn't great. My Forester gets better mileage, and its four-cyl. is almost as peppy as the Escape's V6.
As someone else said, the Pilot is really a midsize SUV, not much smaller than an Explorer. And prepare to pay over MSRP for a Pilot. They don't sit on the lot for very long, if at all.
For me, the big strike against the Vue is looks, especially the front end. Saturn needs to ditch those narrow, 1992-style headlights.
Anyway, good luck, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of your three choices, really.
My wife drives a 2004 Honda Pilot, and we both like it very much. Much, much nicer than the 1998 Explorer I used to drive.