Mini SUV

[**DONOTDELETE**]

My dad is looking for a mini suv. He's currently looking at Ford Escape which i found to have a bunch of tranmission problems. Can anyone recommend a mini suv for around $20k?
Only requirements for this car it must last a long time and must be able handle some offroading(logging roads etc). Thanks in advance.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think the Escape is probably your best bet. We have an Escape, we like it. Of course the CEL came on at 16K miles and is still on to this day. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Or you could look into the new Honda Pilot. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Kookz]

CR-V, without a doubt. 29 mpg mixed driving, the only reason I haven't blown my mom's up. Bigger than all the other mini-SUVs inside, bigger than my g/f's 02 Pathfinder.

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

The CRV is probably the most risk-free choice right now, however it's pretty ugly. The Hyundia Santa Fe's nothing to sneeze at, neither is the Jeep Liberty but for $20K you're looking at the four cylinders and they're both pretty heavy as cute-utes go. My personal choice is the Honda Element. True, the styling is controversial but you can't beat it's versatility, plus it's a Honda so you don't have to worry about it lasting. Automobile Magazine backs me up on this, they picked the Element as the best small sport-ute in this year's SUV special.

[M_TYPE_X]

Honda CR-V or Mazda Tribute (Tribute is a nicer Escape, and you can get deals on them compared to Escapes).

Anyone want to compare the new RAV4 versus the new CR-V?

[jaje]

if you want manual get the 5spd cr-v...faster than the v6 escape auto...as for auto then its a tie between the cr-v and the escape v6...the crv will be much cheaper and more trouble free (resale value will also be higher when you sell it)...the escape will tow more...the cr-v is usually rated #1 small suv, the escape already has several recalls and ford is comin off its explorer scandal showing it has little concern for its customers safety

[FanaticZ]

i myself want the toyota fj landcruiser, but thats only a concept for now http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/frown.gif the hyundai santa fe might not be a bad deal or the 2004 jeep liberty turbodiesel.

[Slack00]

If you liked the Ford Escape, but you are concerned about the recalls, check out the Mazda Tribute. Oddly enough, only the Fords were recalled; evidently the Mazdas were just fine. You still get a lot for your money with the Mazda and I personally favor the looks over the others mentioned here.

But if you are considering going off road as a semi-common occurance, then I'd recommend the Jeep Liberty. Its really the most serious off roader of the bunch, and it has the largest and most hardcore six-cylinder engine....in fact, the only reason the Liberty is in the tame "cute-ute" category is price and physical dimensions; the rest of it is all Jeep. However, being "all Jeep" in the past also meant notoriously low reliability...but we can hope that changed for the better with a brand new design...

But as another poster said, $20k only gets you into 4 cylinder range with the Liberty...and to me that would be a little disappointing....

Don't you just love shopping?

[M_TYPE_X]

Don't you love window shopping? "In a reverse parallel omniverse universe, maybe this would be my choice... okay, next option please"! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

My parents, at the end of their current Explorer lease, are considering a Escape, Tribute, or Forester. (They currently have a Ford, Mazda, and Subaru, for reasons of A/S plan discounts and confidence in Subaru All-Time AWD system). Personally, I think they're all too dang small for their needs, but I'm pushing them to go with the Tribute... which is fine, I think my mother is leaning towards it anyway. The Mazda version of whatever Ford (whether it be the MX-6, or the B-Series) has always been a nicer vehicle comparatively. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif