Opinion needed

[flyin_blue_egg]

My wife wants to get a new car soon, and wants a small SUV. Something that gets good MPG but at the same time has 4WD or AWD. She saw the '09 Mercury Rainier/'09 Ford Escape and liked the size of them. Anybody ever driven one of these or any of the vehicles similar to them in size? Thanks for your help.

[folkswagen]

if you get one dont get the 4cyl. i drove an 05 with a 4cyl and it was slow as fuck! no joke. i dont know much about the new ones but the v6 ones have a little power but they like to blow head gaskets and or timming chain/belts but idk if the new ones have the same motors.

[4eyedstang]

my wife wants a new ford escape too. :popcorn

[Rocket Power]

They make a Hybrid Escape, the you could get 4wd and decent mileage. The only escape I've driven has been a short time like 1-2 miles or less.

[84hurst]

consider a subaru forester. my mom had an 01 and loved it. awsome in the snow and enough power too. plus you can get the turbo version.

[Windsors 03 Cobra]

I like the fuel pincher aspect of the Ford/Merc but the Rainier and Enclave are both really nice trucks.
Rainier=Trailblazer=Truck based gas pig, 4.2 straight six V8 like power and V8 like MPG. Optional 5.3 V8

Escape=see also badge engineered Merc Mariner (nicer)=Car based, a 4 cylinder high 20's mpg, a 4 cyl hybrid low to mid 30's mpg and a small V6 Mid 20 mpg's.

The Buick Enclave is a car based SUV that has a 3.6 V6 and gets 16/24 mpg and is very very nicely appointed and is not a badge engineered Chevy Trailblazer. FYI Saab has a badge engineered Trailblazer with a 400 hp 6.0, they call it a Saab 9-7 AERO:rolf along with 5.3i? and 4.2i? models. LoL @ the i.:rolf
Mayhaps the i stands for isuzu ? Because even Isuzu has a badge engineered Trailblazer/Rainier/Bravada/Envoy/9-7. Isuzu calls it an Ascender. :thumbsup
I have Trailblazers and there nice little truck's. Have not heard of any major problems with the whole lot.

From wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_TrailBlazer
GM decided to keep the current TrailBlazer until the 2009 model year. Buick instead got the Enclave, a GM Lambda platform-based crossover SUV to replace the Rainier (along with the Rendezvous and the Terraza minivan), while GMC will get the Theta-based Terrain to replace the Envoy. Also, Saab will replace the 9-7X with the 9-4X. The Trailblazer, along with the Chevrolet Uplander, will be replaced by the Chevrolet Traverse. GM has decided to close the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products.

[Windsors 03 Cobra]

my wife wants a new ford escape too. :popcorn

How about an 1988 Race Heep ? :rolf:thumbsup

[4eyedstang]

How about an 1988 Race Heep ? :rolf:thumbsup

call me . first "heavy" snowfall your on :thumbsup
would make for a nice photo op too

[johnny--2k]

New 2009 Escapes and Mariners both 4 cyl and 6 cyl both have increased power and increased MPG. There are some great deals on them now. Shoot me a PM and I can find you what you are looking for.

I also have a used 2008 Escape Hybrid but it is a FWD. The 2009 Hybrids also increased MPH and Power. The electric motor now takes you to 40MPH vs 25MPH on the 08's, and HWY MPH went up 1 on FWD models, same on 4WD models

2008 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl HP/TQ
153 HP 200 HP
152 TQ 193 TQ

2009 Mariner Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl HP/TQ
171 HP 240 HP
171 TQ 223 TQ


2008 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl Gas Mileage (4WD Models)
19/24
17/22

2009 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl Gas Mileage
19/25
17/24

[shoooo32]

The VW Teguan is a nice little suv. Interior is awesome and it handles like a gti. Just sell it before the warranty expires and your all good!

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2009/Volkswagen/2009.volkswagen.tiguan.20229953-300x189.jpg

[That_Guy]

my grandparents have a 4cyl excape.. fully loaded.. pretty nice suv's

[07ROUSHSTG3]

4wd escape or awd edge IMO.

[Al]

Honda Pilot or CRV
Toyota Highlander or Rav 4

[Flicktitty]

Subaru Forester 2.5 XT /Thread

Dimensions




Exterior
Length: 176.6 in. Width: 68.3 in.
Height: 65 in. Wheel Base: 99.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. Curb Weight: 3360 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.1 in. Front Hip Room: 51.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.5 in. Rear Head Room: 37 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 53.6 in. Rear Hip Room: 51.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.6 in. Rear Leg Room: 33.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 28.9 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 65 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data




Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Horizontally Opposed Horsepower: 224 hp
Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm Torque: 226 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3600 rpm Maximum Towing Capacity: 2400 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD Turning Circle: 35.4 ft.

Fuel Data


Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 18 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 286.2 mi. / 365.7 mi.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/NJmax2nr99/Forester.jpg

[Car Guy]

My vote would be a Subaru hands down, my father has a `02 Outback ATX w/150k miles and he still gets just shy of 30mpg constantly going 80+mph with the A/C on.....

[Prince Valiant]

Personally I like the RAV4 w/ v6...1/4 mile in under 15 seconds, rated for 27 or 28 mpg (29 via the old way). The 4 banger is of course, slower...but under the old way, rated for 30mpg.

The newer CRV's aren't too shabby either. A little heavier than I'd like though.

I've driven the Jeep Patriot...with the new redesigned interior for 09, they have better quality and design. It's tough for some to accept the CVT transmission, but I actually preferred using it in a city environment. They aren't quick, but with 4WD and CVT rated for 26mpg. Perhaps worth a look as you could probably score a very nice 4wd for the high teen's as far as price goes...can't recall if lifetime powertrain warranty is still available.

With the subies, personally I'd stay away from the NA 4's...v6 or turbo is the way to go. Taking an 2.5 manual trans outback wagon to CO, we had difficulty holding speeds on hills through Iowa, difficulty with long steep climbs in altitude in CO, and fuel mileage ranged from a low of 17.6 to a high of 22 mpg. My aunt has a 2.5 turbo...and hates it; but she's not a car girl anyways...I love it.

[Waver]

New 2009 Escapes and Mariners both 4 cyl and 6 cyl both have increased power and increased MPG. There are some great deals on them now. Shoot me a PM and I can find you what you are looking for.

I also have a used 2008 Escape Hybrid but it is a FWD. The 2009 Hybrids also increased MPH and Power. The electric motor now takes you to 40MPH vs 25MPH on the 08's, and HWY MPH went up 1 on FWD models, same on 4WD models

2008 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl HP/TQ
153 HP 200 HP
152 TQ 193 TQ

2009 Mariner Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl HP/TQ
171 HP 240 HP
171 TQ 223 TQ


2008 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl Gas Mileage (4WD Models)
19/24
17/22

2009 Mariner/Escape 4 Cyl & 6 Cyl Gas Mileage
19/25
17/24


Damn it you beat me to it.....

Johnny is right, and honestly, what was said earlier about them is not true...I dont think i have yet to see any escape or mariner in our shop for anything other than an oil change.

There are two down sides to the hybrid versions....one you are going to be waiting 6 months to get one, and two, the gas savings arnt worth the 5 k price hike over the v6.

I work at Northpoint with smokdu (76th and good hope)
thebest thing that I can say is drive them....you get more options standard with the mid level mariner than you do with the xlt escape (they can be added on) but the seats in the escape seem more comfortable than the mariner.

The differences between the v6 and the 4 is a quieter ride with the v6 and it accells a little better, but the 4 can still hold its own...the biggest area that the v6 has over the 4 is in towing...3800lbs vs 1500lbs.

They can be had with 2 or 4wd (60front 40 rear).......


ohand for those who are wondering, the quality on them is just as good as the imports......there is a reason why they are one of the best selling small suvs in the country

[flyin_blue_egg]

Honda Pilot or CRV
Toyota Highlander or Rav 4

she's seen the Rav and doesn't like them

and for who ever posted to get the 4WD...she doesn't want anything w/o it

[flyin_blue_egg]

Subaru Forester 2.5 XT /Thread

Dimensions




Exterior
Length: 176.6 in. Width: 68.3 in.
Height: 65 in. Wheel Base: 99.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. Curb Weight: 3360 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.1 in. Front Hip Room: 51.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.5 in. Rear Head Room: 37 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 53.6 in. Rear Hip Room: 51.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.6 in. Rear Leg Room: 33.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 28.9 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 65 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data




Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Horizontally Opposed Horsepower: 224 hp
Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm Torque: 226 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3600 rpm Maximum Towing Capacity: 2400 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD Turning Circle: 35.4 ft.

Fuel Data


Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 18 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 286.2 mi. / 365.7 mi.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm90/NJmax2nr99/Forester.jpg

i forgot about those

[flyin_blue_egg]

with all the imput...i should have a fun spring next year test driving cars