New Vehicle...Rav 4, CRV, Others ???

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

We went through this last fall. We have always liked honda / acura so fully expected to drive a crv.

It felt too gutless and sort of blah in the end.

Loved the escape to drive but the back seat was really tight once I had the seat positioned for me (longish legs).

Everything else felt really pricey for basically an econo car with a different body. New RAV4s were not out though.

In the end we bought a subaru. It has faults too but you might want to check them out.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

CX-5

CX-7 (can be had cheap)

Forester

[Ruttiger]

Just picked up a 2013 Rav4 at the end of March. Went through comparison shopping of most of the small suv's on the market, with keys for us being cargo space, fuel efficiency, reliability, and value retention. And bang for the buck, it really wasn't even close between the Rav and anything else (Escape, CRV, Sportage, Tucson, Forester). Don't love or hate the new look - it's fine. But on overall value it'll be tough to beat.

[MoneyGuy]

I don't believe that a domestic vehicle is as well made as a Japanese version. Since they lost WWII they've been doing it right. We have a Rav4 and a Honda Civic, plus a Honda motorcycle.

[Madman]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I don't believe that a domestic vehicle is as well made as a Japanese version. Since they lost WWII they've been doing it right. We have a Rav4 and a Honda Civic, plus a Honda motorcycle.

You mean the RAV4 and Civic that are both built in Canada?

[Hevishot]

Check out the new Hyundai Santa Fe. Its not bad for the price point.

[theg69]

Toyota and Honda have much better reliability scores regardless of whether or not they are built in North America or in Japan, so if that is what you are after, I would stick with those brands.

I am not sold on Hyundai just yet. They are improving but lately the general consensus is they are expanding a little too fast and as a result their build quality is suffering.

Rav4 or CRV are both good choices. It is just a matter of preference. Have you test driven a Venza? It is a comfortable ride and I found the build quality is a little nicer inside compared to a Rav4 (my mother-in-law loves her Venza, but she hated the Rav4 when she test drove it).

[worth]

Subaru?

[blazingZepplin]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

Well that's not true at all.

2013 Rav 4...179.9in long, 72.6in wide, 67.1in high
2012 Rav 4...181.9in long, 73.0in wide, 68.7in high

Yeah... But from just looking at the new rav4 it looks wider. Maybe just the new exterior looks made it look wider for me.

[theg69]

Subaru is improving as well - so definitely take a look at the Tribute or Forester. My advice is to test drive everything and see what you guys like the best.

[blazingZepplin]

One thing i notice abouy mazda vehicles is that tey rust pretty quick too. Car is not even fice years old and you will aee rust by the door panels and side panels. And like one of you guys mentioned, hyundai and kia is really selling lots of cars but we wont know quality and durability not until after a few more years. They might looks nice and futuristic exterior but one thing we know about honda and toyota is how long they past in the road.

[blazingZepplin]

Sorry about my spelling mistakes, stupid iphone***

[blankall]

Originally Posted by theg69

Toyota and Honda have much better reliability scores regardless of whether or not they are built in North America or in Japan, so if that is what you are after, I would stick with those brands.

This isn't true anymore. The Fords score around the same in reliability as their Nissan and Toyota counterparts. Overall, the Fords are a lot more fun to drive and you tend to get better value.

OP, I'd look into a Subaru Outback. It's more wagony than SUV but there are some great deals in terms of financing on these right now. Also, the driving experience on the Outback is miles ahea of the SUVs you're talking about. The CRV, Rav 4, etc.. are going to feel like weighed down cars (which is what they are). The Outback has substantial punch.

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Madman

You mean the RAV4 and Civic that are both built in Canada?

I could have worded that better, but yes that's what I mean.

[Jackpot_Smooth]

The new subaru forester looks good. Consumer reports rates it pretty well. I think it's cvt only though, unless you get the manual. the previous models seemed a little dated with a 4pd auto. Lots of greenhouse though plus the panoramic sunroof lets in lots of natural light compared to other compact sportier cuv's like the sportage/tucson with the higher beltlines.

[blazingZepplin]

Are all subura vehicles comes standard with all wheel drive?

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Madman

You mean the RAV4 and Civic that are both built in Canada?

I'm not sure about the Civic, but some RAV4's were built in Japan up until at least 2010. We have a 2010 RAV4 and it was one of the ones built in Japan.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by blazingZepplin

Are all subura vehicles comes standard with all wheel drive?

Apart from the BRZ which is RWD, yes.

[bizaro86]

I have had a Sante Fe for the last few years and have been happy with its reliability/performance, and it was a good price. The Rav4 has the tailgate that opens "sideways" like a regular door, which I don't like at all. If I was buying new again I'd likely focus on the new Sante Fe and the Escape.

[Byrns]

I really like my V6 RAV4 2011 Sport Appearance. Because of the missing spare tire they were imported from Japan. (confirmed by the VIN)

Sadly they got rid of the V6 in the 2013. With it, it's quite a sporty little vehicle.