The Greatest Canadian Vehicle?

[PepsiFree]

I know we have lots of car-people on this forum, so I figured I’d see what you all think about something I’ve been pondering for a while.

What’s the greatest vehicle for the average Canadian? Not necessarily the most expensive or the most bang for your buck (but either would be fine to mention), but the one vehicle you’d trust to handle Canadian weather from summer to our harsh winters. What does it all?

I’ve heard Subaru lauded for their durability and AWD, the F-150 seems to be king in Alberta, but if it was up to you to recommend a vehicle for the average Canadian, what do you pick?

[iggy_oi]

Subaru Outback, good on gas and great traction in all conditions

Edit: wanted to add that it being low to the ground makes it great for families with young children.

[flylock shox]

I just bought an Outback, in part because, when it comes down to it, the thing just does everything. I'd put it forward as a good candidate for an all rounder. The Crosstrek was a close call too, as its size works a bit better for clogged urban streets.

At the end of the day though, there's a few considerations that could swing things pretty massively. Are we talking about a car for one person, or for a whole family? Majority of driving done in dense cities like Toronto or Vancouver, or rural areas or prairie towns with more space? Is it going to deal with snow and ice, or not so much? Budget a factor or no?

[CroFlames]

I'd say any of those light, small or mid-sized SUVs. Especially if you get 4x4. If you pony up for the higher trims, you get decent options like bum warmers and sometimes heated steering wheel.

Being a truck guy myself, I'd be inclined to say a nice half ton with all the trimmings is the way to go.

[CalgaryFan1988]

I had a couple Subarus and they were great. Not the best AWD system, but a good one for the price. If you happen to get one, get it rust proofed though. Both of mine were prone to rusting.

Personally, the Honda Ridgeline is my "do it all" favorite Canadian vehicle. I prefer AWD to 4WD.

[troutman]

Zamboni

[Red Slinger]

I happen to be in the market for a new vehicle right now so I've been asking myself the same questions.

I was looking for a AWD that was decent on fuel mileage. I think I'm currently debating either the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Crosstrek or Toyota RAV4 (possible hybrid). There are some other decent vehicles out there like Nissan Qashqai, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tuscon. There are other similar vehicles like Volvo and VW but they're a little pricier and you don't necessarily get what you pay for from what I can tell. Some people like Jeep's but I have a real issue with the poor quality of domestics.

[Regulator75]

[Locke]

After having gone through many vehicles, I like the Jeep Patriot.

Small, AWD, low to the ground, but still 4-door and economical on fuel.

[Northendzone]

personally I'd go with a ford explorer - but I would go with something north American at the least, given that most medium sized twons across the country have a ford, GM or Dodge/Chrysler dealer in town or somewhat nearby in case you need unexpected service.

[Puppet Guy]

The Bricklin!

[SportsJunky]

I have my 2nd Honda Crosstour in 8 years and I really loved it. You could get it loaded to the tits with 4WD for less than many mid-range SUVs. It was a sedan with SUV attributes. Alas, the lease is up in February and Honda has discontinued the model. This time, I'm going to buy instead of lease so I really am looking for something that can hold its value. I've been told that Subarus hold their value better than most. I might look at the Legacy.

We bought my wife an Explorer this year and she loves it. Horrible on gas but she feels very safe in that thing, especially in the winter.

[Canehdianman]

I've always thought the best Canadian vehicle was this - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Habakkuk

Never really got built though.

[GGG]

Dodge Caravan with summer and winter Tires

Best value given cost and functionality.

[Fuzz]

Subaru's are the best bang for buck AWD out there. We have an Impreza, my dad has had a few Outbacks and a Forester. He's taken those on many back country ski trips up logging roads without issue. I'm not sure if they still do, but CMH employees used to use them to get to their lodges in winter. Before that it was the AWD Tercel that was king. The Kootenays are like a Subaru kingdom.

[nik-]

I prefer something simple yet utilitarian like a Mercedes G63.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Subaru's are the best bang for buck AWD out there. We have an Impreza, my dad has had a few Outbacks and a Forester. He's taken those on many back country ski trips up logging roads without issue. I'm not sure if they still do, but CMH employees used to use them to get to their lodges in winter. Before that it was the AWD Tercel that was king. The Kootenays are like a Subaru kingdom.

Sounds like a miserable Kingdom.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

I have my 2nd Honda Crosstour in 8 years and I really loved it. You could get it loaded to the tits with 4WD for less than many mid-range SUVs. It was a sedan with SUV attributes. Alas, the lease is up in February and Honda has discontinued the model. This time, I'm going to buy instead of lease so I really am looking for something that can hold its value. I've been told that Subarus hold their value better than most. I might look at the Legacy.

We bought my wife an Explorer this year and she loves it. Horrible on gas but she feels very safe in that thing, especially in the winter.

The newer ones sure do. When we were looknig a couple years ago, anything in the 2 year old range was around $2000 from the price of the new model. It made no sense to buy used.

[Matty81]

Can only speak from experience, I loved my older Jeep Wrangler, despite the consumer reports I've read I had almost zero maintenance and drove it into the ground and it handles all weather and was fun to drive. I know it's a love/hate vehicle.... The drawback for me was the highway noise.

Have a Ford Explorer now and that's been a workhorse and very dependable in bad weather but as mentioned above, hard on gas and it has involved a little more maintenance.

I am thinking of trying one of the new model Honda Pilots for my next troop carrier.

[Jbo]

A vote for the Ford F-150. Truck has been amazing.

Good value and bang for your buck. Interior on my model rivals most luxury cars, 4x4 is great, supercab gives me tons of room, and I don’t rely on friends to move stuff.

Top it off with great engine ratings at V6 level also makes it a decent choice for gas milage.

Highly recommend