We (husband and I) are currently looking at small SUVs to replace our small car. We're not buying one this second, but are doing research, since there seems to be so many out there. Does anyone own a small SUV (for example Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty) and how do they like/dislike it. Does anyone have any information on any of them? Thanks for any help.

The market for these has taken a big dive .. so there are plenty of bargains about ...

I dont have one, but from Consumer Reports, etc., Subaru Forester and Outback, Honda CRV rate well. Also Toyota RAV.

I don't the market for small, fuel efficient SUV's has been nearly as badly hit as the surburban/expedition/et al. market. My wife has a Mazda Tribute, good size, quite quick, good handling, 4 wheel drive. Ford Escape is the same thing.

- Tim

I've had a GMC Jimmy since May and I love it, I have the SLT which is top of the range it has a sun roof, all the usual electrics, push button switchable 4WD which even has a 4 low setting. Fuel economy is @ 18 mpg on freeways, not sure what it is around town but the jimmy doesnt seem go through as much gas as hubbys jeep cherokee. Insurance is ok (I still have issues with the cost of insurance over here, its a rip off).

Hubby has a jeep cherokee ... wouldnt recommend one to anyone who would need to use the back seat as they very uncomfortable. He's done the boyz toyz thing with it and lifted it given it larger tires etc so no idea what his fuel economy is. I guess its good for a utility vechicle but if you like a bit of comfort look elsewhere.
By the way the jeep liberty also has the same rear bench seat .... crappy and uncomfortable for travelling.

Jan

The Liberty is ok, but I wouldn't buy one or any small SUV. After all, something like an Escape is just a regular car with a taller roof!.

I rented a liberty 4x4 earlier this year and thought the engine was pretty good but the inside styling was bland and the seats were like sitting on a cardboard box. They also have the smallest dashboard that reminded me of the old mini dashboards, pushed right up against the window. Plus it felt like you had to over stretch a little to reach the shifter on the center console. My wife loved the Liberty until she actually drove one and thats why we ended up with an Xterra. Bigger, more power for the same kinda price and gas mileage.

Toyoda Rav 4?

He he.....we've just arrived back from the car dealer with our son's birthday present....a Subaru Outback (the Legacy Outback, which is slightly larger than the Impeza Outback).

We did tons of research...small SUVs have a tendency to topple over due to their higher gravity. The Outback is a very safe car; it has ABS and permanent All Wheel Drive, side curtain airbags etc. I read so many reviews on various makes of cars and the Outback is a very reliable and practical car...wonderful for the slippery roads we get here in the North East.

Even Jeremy Clarkson highly recommends the Subaru Legacy Outback LOL! (You can read his review in the cars section of http://www.thetimes.co.uk )

Ooops..getting dragged out to go out in the car right now..

stay away from jeeps if you have to worry about snow, but your probably all set...but they do tend to turn over pretty easily.....rav4's are quite popular in town, but they are a bit of a hairdressers car aren't they...

suburu's are good solid motors, pretty nippy, comfy and half decent milage...a mate has one, and it rags on the off road pretty well too...advantage of his sister havin' a monster horse farm I guess *lol*

We have just bought a 2004 Toyota Highlander and we love it. The mileage is pretty decent and it is so smooth to drive. I did lots of checking and in the end it was a choice between the highlander and the Saturn Vue. Overall i think the highlander is a better choice.

J unk
E ach &
E very
P art

My wife has a cherokee 6 cylinder with 245,000 miles on the clock

we actually spend relatively little on maintenance

but you have nice sunny climes...on a hint of heavy rain, ice, snow, and the slightest bend, and those puppies roll over like crazy around here...down to poor balance, have to pack the rear seats down with sand, like pick-ups around here.

Mate had one, gear box went, rear brakes went, front axle went, weren't cheap to repair...weren't all at once mind...and it had 160K on the clock.

Because it's been parked up for 4 years due to knackered running gear?

My partner has a Jeep Wrangler and she loves it. It's a fun car but I find the handling heavy and it's a bit impractical for putting stuff in as there's not much room in the back. It runs great though.