Honda CRV or Ford Escape

[exar333]

Fucking automatic transmission man. I've said it before and I'll say it again - they break because they suck. My corolla's transmission lasted about as long as your friend's escape. Mine died at something like 45000km, which is about 28k miles. The tranny in my friend's jeep grand cherokee (v8, not v6) sounds like it's about to explode under full throttle.

A few years ago it was possible to get a CRV with a manual. I don't think they make those anymore.

You are right. I think 2008 was the last year they had a manual...

 

[exar333]

Have you checked out the Hyundai Tucson? They're pretty decent. I've driven the Escape once and I wasn't impressed with it, and I usually like Fords.

The Tuscon looks great on paper and in-person, but drives like crap. The body-roll was so bad my fiance (who isnt too particular about cars) refused to keep driving it. One of the worst vehicles I have ever test-driven.

The CRV and Escape are much better, although they look more spartan.

 

[ballmode]

Don't forget the nissan murano

 

[RedRooster]

If the Ford had a better motor, I probably would've bought one when we were looking.
So, so gutless though. It just feels heavy and overburdened driving around normally.

 

[SpongeBob]

FWIW I purchased an Escape XLT brand new in 2002. It has been my daily driver since and I also drove it from MI to CA and back. Has about 123K miles on it now and I have had zero problems other than routine maintenance (spark flugs, filters, tires, etc). I just replaced one of the coils last month since it was starting to misfire occasionally but for 123K miles I don't think that's a big deal at all.