Bob

Dodge by name, Dodge by reason...

If you want a pick up, Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 are actually pretty nice rides. Tacoma ain't bad either.

another bloody yank

I've got a '98 Dodge half ton 2wd with about 215K on the clock and it hasn't given us much trouble at all. (KoW)

Dodge pickups, at least the 3/4 and 1-tons, have the Cummins diesel available and use a straight front axle/leaf spring arrangement for 4x4 models. The Ford 3/4 and 1-ton uses a straight front axle but has the Navistar diesel which isn't rated as highly as the Cummins. The Chevy 3/4 and 1-tons use an independent front driving axle setup which I think is too complicated and prone to trouble. My next truck will be a Dodge 3/4 ton crew cab with 4x4, the Cummins and a standard trans.

Poppy girl

Tacoma Hell noooooooooo!!

Funnily enough Dodge is huge out here in Northern CA I think "Mummy in the foothills" would vouch for Dodge being one of the main players out here, I personally would like the F150 but they are not cheap.

Mummy in the foothills

Yes I'm surrounded by men wearing Wranglers and driving Dodge pick ups towing horse trailers. Not cheap at all here.

Poppy girl

So I am not going nuts then lol thanks girl!

Dodge is th name here in the Valley thats for sure

sir_eccles

Oh dear, Clarkson needs a haircut I think.

I actually have an inherited '99 towncar. It isn't as bad as that example. It has curves for one thing and the suspension isn't that soft but it wouldn't have been my first choice. Finally starting to get used to parallel parking it.

Bob

You've been in one?

They're a nice ride...and lets be honest, most people aren't going to be doing anything more heavy than clipping the curb at the school drop off

benblaney

I rent one or two cars a week, so I drive a lot of different vehicles. There's a lot of dross out there, but my pick would be the Buick Enclave. I'd also consider the VW Toureg (but not the V6, which is gutless). BMW X5 is okay. The Porsche Cayenne (but not the base model) is fantastic but expensive when new and repairs to an older one might be eye-watering. The Ford Flex really impressed me, but might not quite fit the category of "mid-size".

Brit3964

I used to have an '87 Chrysler New Yorker which was just like that one he reviewed. Everything was square and it sure bounced over the bumps a lot.

Madelina

um.... huh? i er... like blue cars. and cup holders.

Michelmas

That's 2 horribly wrong generalizations here. Lots of "european vehicles" are easily affordable here if you know where to look, and VW (and I speak from experience with a 2002 VW Jetta) have an excellent track record for quality and reliability. They share a whole load of components with Audi, which also has a good reputation.

I'm surprised no one mentioned a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The newer ones come as loaded as a modern Range Rover, loaded with sat nav, DVD, 4 wheel drive, and the 2011 model even has adjustable air suspension. Couple that with a range of powerful engines and they're definitely worth a look.

Bob

To be fair, VW does have a bad rep over here, Mexican made Jetta especially. Imports are good. And maintaining a European car can often be a lot more expensive on parts compared to American or Japanese cars.

No one mentioned Jeep, probably because it's crap for reliability and staying on four wheels. Lot of fun in warmer climes though.

chartreuse

I don't know about the Tacoma, but my '02 Tundra has been perfectly reliable and a pleasure to drive. I've got the cab-and-a-half version, but the newer ones have a full double cab, which is very roomy.

Speaking of Toyota, even Jezza sings the praises of the Land Cruiser, if the OP is wedded to the idea of an SUV.

Bob

That thing is massive though, or have I got that and the Tacoma mixed up? Either way, nice ride.

Nissan Pathfinder is pretty awesome too, bit ugly, but a load of fun to bomb around in for a SUV.

Poppy girl

Agreed it kinda nice in a weird way.