Pulaski

This is incorrect, and MrKen hasn't even bothered to read my post above. The ONLY Ford SUV that is truck-based is the Expedition, which is based on an F-150. The Explorer is based on a Taurus floorpan, so is derived from a car, and FWIW the Edge is based on a Fusion/Mondeo floorpan, and the Escape on a Focus floorpan.

I wouldn't bet much on MrKen's other comments on Fords being correct either!

petitefrancaise

We used our Ford Galaxy almost every single winter weekend for family ski trips in the Pyrenees. Loads of space in the boot, skis fitted under the back seats and didn't even protrude into the foot space area. We used chains if needed on the tires but locals would just put snow tires on their cars for the winter. Hardly any suvs there and usually just UK or Paris license plates anyway.

just my tuppence worth.

mrken30

If it's car based, doesn't that technically make it a crossover?

I am only going by what the Ford salesman told me. So don't believe everything the salesman tells you. The Ford dealership directed me towards Lincoln.

I found this website useful with regards to car seats and SUV/Minivans.
http://thecarseatlady.com/category/v...-buying-guide/

Pulaski

I suppose so, but these days there is no design or engineering difference between a "minivan" and most SUV's, SUVs have larger wheels are are more likely to be 4×4's, but that's about it. For all intents and purposes a Explorer might as well be sold as a minvan. That's true, and I would add, "don't believe everything MrKen tells you either"!

Pulaski

Yeah, well you now drive a Prius!

FWIW I have no dog in this fight, having never owned either a minivan or an SUV.

petitefrancaise

440 miles on 10 gallons around town.... Prius V estate loads of boot space.. Super comfortable on long drives - it glides along very happily at 75 mph givng me about 58mpg then. It's perfect for where I live.

Perky74

OK this has been brilliant. Thanks so much everyone. I'm definitely not keen on a mini van so I think that the Ford Explorer or the Expedition will be top of our list. Definitely need an SUV for all the kids and gear and dog and playdates and also when our friends come to visit MY SIL in London has a Prius and she loves it. Not one for me though as know it won;t be big enough for all the gear. Will let you know how we get on with IAS tomorrow!

Pulaski

You're welcome, and good luck. You won't regret going with a Ford, I have two and they're great.

mrken30

I would have probably gone with a Ford if the local salespeople weren't so pushy and gave me wrong information. They have lost out on 2 sales from me to date through mis-information and bad sales technique.

mrken30

I get almost as good mileage per person. 28 mpg for 8 people with luggage. Not sure whether a prius is much different to a minivan for street cred.

You wouldn't get 5 people , a washer and a dryer in a prius.

Jerseygirl

Although I am a lover of the Ford Expedition...last year my daughter bought a new Chevrolet Equinox. Have to say I'm impressed with the comfort and spec. It is probably too small for the OP but the next model up is certainly worth considering IMO.

mrken30

But the Tahoe would probably work. I think it may be the same chassis as the Escalade and Yukon.

I know a fair number of people with Suburbans, these seem to deal with the snow quite well and are huge in my opinion.I certainly don't want to be hit by one. Very popular large family vehicle/SUV, mainly because it can pull a family size trailer over 8000 lbs.

Jerseygirl

That's the one...Tahoe.

chawkins99

+1 for the Expedition.

Will comfortably seat 7 adults. 3 adults in the 3rd row would not be advisable but 3 kids should be OK. The EL model will seat 7 or 8 and still leave room for luggage behind the 3rd row.

We went from an Expedition pulling a camper to a motorhome pulling a Chevy Equinox.

I still miss the Expedition.

mrken30

When we were looking at SUVs we found the head room limited in the 3rd row on several. Is this the case with the Expedition?

We did like that most had sliding 2nd row which was good for rear facing kid seats.