What's with the new Nissan Pathfinder?

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

You guys do realize that they are marketing these vehicles to families who need space, don't want a minivan, want something a little higher off the ground and still handles, to the extent possible, like a car.

The 4Runner is big and clunky and drives like a truck, the Rav4 handles more like a car. We already own a truck (which we are looking to sell) because it's a pain in the ass to take downtown and park every day and something like a crossover works more for our lifestyle right.

I don't think most people were saying otherwise.

Originally Posted by Peanut

I wish family vehicles weren't all so hideous looking.

This is what people were saying.

[jayswin]

Actually that's not what people were saying at all. Sorry I'm drunk. The point is, some SUV's that used to look awesome, now look goofy.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Actually that's not what people were saying at all. Sorry I'm drunk. The point is, some SUV's that used to look awesome, now look goofy.

The Ford Escape redesign broke my heart.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

So if I want an SUV with a manual I'm looking at:

Xterra
FJ
CX-5 base model
Jeep YJ
Cayenne
X3/X5
Forester base model

Did I miss any?

This little beast:

Subaru Crosstrek



As soon as this thing comes with a forced induction engine + stick, I am buying one. It has more ground clearance than some half tons I believe. Reminds me of this, which is another in a long list of AMC products I would have no shame in driving:



I really wish Chrysler died out, not AMC. They made really neat cars.

[Deegee]

Maybe we've learned to have different expectations, but we consistently over-pack our Dodge Avenger with no issues whatsoever, including child seats in the back. Before we had two vehicles, our Chev Aveo was working for us just fine, and we were on the road more often then not.

The best part is we are still getting decent fuel mileage (and even better mileage with the Aveo) and the vehicle was much cheaper then an SUV or crossover.

When I look at the type of vehicle being listed in this thread in regards to an SUV or Crossover, I feel that the keeping up with the Jones aspect plays a role in vehicle selection for many people, because it seems important to have a luxury or more expensive SUV instead of a van that would do people just as well. Frankly I'd rather divert more of my money to my mortgage or retirement plan then a depreciating asset.

On the flip side people are free to do with their money what they want, it just doesn't make much sense to me. Still, I appreciate that we spend a lot of time in our vehicles so people want comfort, but people need to recognize it is a want and not a need.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Deegee

Maybe we've learned to have different expectations, but we consistently over-pack our Dodge Avenger with no issues whatsoever, including child seats in the back. Before we had two vehicles, our Chev Aveo was working for us just fine, and we were on the road more often then not.

The best part is we are still getting decent fuel mileage (and even better mileage with the Aveo) and the vehicle was much cheaper then an SUV or crossover.

When I look at the type of vehicle being listed in this thread in regards to an SUV or Crossover, I feel that the keeping up with the Jones aspect plays a role in vehicle selection for many people, because it seems important to have a luxury or more expensive SUV instead of a van that would people just as well. Frankly I'd rather divert more of my money to my mortgage or retirement plan then a depreciating asset.

On the flip side people are free to do with their money what they want, it just doesn't make much sense to me. Still, I appreciate that we spend a lot of time in our vehicles so people want comfort, but people need to recognize it is a want and not a need.

I think you're right on a lot of points, although if you buy used you typically can have a really nice car for the price of a new economy car. But by my same logic I guess a used economy car would be cheaper than a used luxury car, which still makes you right.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

So if I want an SUV with a manual I'm looking at:

Xterra
FJ
CX-5 base model
Jeep YJ
Cayenne
X3/X5
Forester base model

Did I miss any?

It's not just crossovers/SUVs, manuals in general are being fased out. The simple truth is that you can now switch gears faster and more efficiently with an automatic. And no, I do not include those automatic cars with optional "paddle" or "racing" or whatever you want to call them shifters. Those are automatic cars that allow you to shift up or down, which is not the same thing as a standard.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

So if I want an SUV with a manual I'm looking at:

Xterra
FJ
CX-5 base model
Jeep YJ
Cayenne
X3/X5
Forester base model

Did I miss any?

It's only FWD with the manual.

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by pylon

This little beast:

Subaru Crosstrek



As soon as this thing comes with a forced induction engine + stick, I am buying one. It has more ground clearance than some half tons I believe. .

And new wheels I hope! Those current ones take the trophy for ugliest on the road