Honda CRV vs Ford Escape

[sjetexas]

Okay everyone, what would you choose?

Someone rear-ended and totaled my Ranger, so I need to buy a new vehicle next week. We're looking into a small SUV, as its all we need (just me, the wife, our dogs, and maybe one future kid). Will be for mostly city driving in Houston, TX (no snow, mountains, off roading, etc). Feel free to recommend something else, but we need to stay under 24k out-the-door.

RAV4 is out, so don't mention that.

I like the Honda name, reliability, and the 2006 models look better than the older models. The Ford looks better IMO and has V6 power. I hate Ford dealerships (Honda buying experience just seems more relaxed and easy to deal with).

Having a tough time deciding. Any experiences or thougts?

 

[meltdown75]

No experience with the Honda.

Rented an Escape when I was in Calgary in 2002 to drive around for the week. I liked it, and still would consider buying one.

 

[vi edit]

You could probably get out the door with a 2005 FWD V6 Highlander for your price range.

Much nicer than the Escape, better fuel economy, better power, and very comfortable. One of the safest cars on the road is a plus as well.

My wife loves her '05 Highlander.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Agreed on the buying experience and reliability points. I've been to a couple Ford dealerships and don't like the salesmen at all, at least the one at the Honda dealership has some idea what he's talking about.

 

[sjetexas]

Hmm...looked up the Highlander and think I will go test drive one. Thanks.

 

[BMdoobieW]

I would choose the CRV over the Escape.

 

[Pakman]

Go with the Honda. Not only will it be more reliable as you've stated, it'll probably have better resale value later on and hold it's value better than any Ford.

 

[dugweb]

MY escape if for sale... for the right price

I really like it a lot
2001

 

[thehstrybean]

I've got a '98 Honda CRV. Good car, mines a little screwed up, but I did that...That thing is tough....

 

[thedarkwolf]

Do they offer any tax breaks or anything for buying a Hybrid down there?

 

[desy]

If the price is the same the Honda, but if not then you have to start to have to look at how long your going to keep it and so on, that's where you opinion on styling etc come into play.
Both should be reliable enough, the Honda will have a better resale but if you pay much less for the Ford and keep it for more than say 5 yrs it really won't matter too much.

 

[ElFenix]

escape hybrid - 30 odd mpg in the city, and we all know how houston traffic is

 

[tennisflip]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
escape hybrid - 30 odd mpg in the city, and we all know how houston traffic is

I agree, but isn't there a long @ss waiting list for them? If you can't get the hybrid I'd prefer a CRV.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

CRV hands down.

Other vehicles worth considering: Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 (new model out soon, could be time for a good deal on '05s), Mazda Mazda5.

 

[George P Burdell]

CRV. Also, as AnonymouseUser said, the oh-six RAV4 is a new model, so you might get a good price on the oh-fives

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
escape hybrid - 30 odd mpg in the city, and we all know how houston traffic is

Good luck getting that OTD for 24k.