YACT - Domestic midsize SUV - which one?

TourGuide

Golden Member
Aug 19, 2000
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The lease on our van is expiring in a little over a year and I am considering the move to a midsize SUV. I don't want to lease again as I want to get out of the rental game, so I'm going to probably have to buy recently used. Don't really want to go full size, mid should be fine. Seeking opinions.
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81
If you would like to stick with domestics, the GMC Envoy is a good choice.

It won numerous "SUV of the Year" awards when it was debuted a couple of years back. When I actually sat in one, I was surprised at how nice the interior was. I was expecting the usual "GM Parts Bin" look, but it was really nice with high-quality materials and it appeared to be very well put together.

Link to review.
 

RU482

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
12,689
3
81
I'd have to second the Envoy. Nice ride, plenty of power, decent mileage....and it's been around a few years, so they've at least got some of the bugs worked out
 

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
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In the past the explorers had horrible transmission problems, don't know if thats on the newer models, but its worth checking into. Personally I'd get a Grand Cherokee :)
 
Feb 24, 2001
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I have an 03 Trailblazer LTZ and love it.

I didn't like the outside looks of the Envoy as much as the TB, though the Envoy is a lot nicer inside.
 

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
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Originally posted by: TourGuide
How do you do for gas mileage?

Asking how much gas mileage an 8-cyl SUV/truck gets is like going to McDonald's and asking how much fat a Big Mac has.
 

TourGuide

Golden Member
Aug 19, 2000
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Asking how much gas mileage an 8-cyl SUV/truck gets is like going to McDonald's and asking how much fat a Big Mac has.
LOL. You got me there.

I have an 03 Trailblazer LTZ and love it.
How is the interior for fit and finish? I have heard that things begin to rattle and squeak on the Trailblazer over time. Have you noticed this? That would irritate me a great deal.

In the past the explorers had horrible transmission problems, don't know if thats on the newer models, but its worth checking into. Personally I'd get a Grand Cherokee
I appreciate your input, though I am never putting another Chrysler product in my garage again as long as I can help it. I could tell you a sad story about all the Caravans we've owned and how many big ticket repairs we've had, but you don't want to hear that from me. Suffice it to say that Chrysler has known they have a problem for years and has done nothing substantive to fix it. This most recent Chrysler we are leasing is no exception. The transmission is going out now and there is nothing I can do about it, in spite of the fact that it's had all the recommended maintainance.

I WILL check into the transmission problem for the Explorers though. Transmission replacements are about $1800 today and I like to avoid those kind of surprises.
 

TourGuide

Golden Member
Aug 19, 2000
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Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why do you have to get a domestic?

The whole made in the USA thing (I know - I know), and because I know friends who've had $700 brake jobs (pads and spin the rotors) on their SAAB 9000s. I'll take a pass on that thank you very much.
 

Linux23

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
11,371
741
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my votes for the Envoy, Trailblazer, and Bravado.

for some reason, I just don't like Ford products.
 

pinoy

Golden Member
Nov 19, 2000
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What about Honda Passport, Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi "something". I cannot comment on those because i don't have any of those, just giving you more options/choices!:D:D
 

Linux23

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
11,371
741
126
Originally posted by: pinoy
What about Honda Passport, Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi "something". I cannot comment on those because i don't have any of those, just giving you more options/choices!:D:D

blah, blah, and oh blah.
 

xEDIT409

Banned
May 17, 2003
2,326
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I have to also agree with the Envoy considering that I own one.

Very goood SUV....

Its been a year and a half so far and we've had NO problems what-so-ever.
 
Feb 24, 2001
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On my 03 Trailblazer the fit and finish is suprisingly good considering it's a Chevy. No rattles or squeaks, but only 700 miles :p

The seats aren't as comfy as the Envoy, and have a plasticly look to them (LTZ has leather standard). The dash is much improved over my pop's Tahoe. Much better material, some sorta pushy stuff and not that rock hard plastic.

Over time I dunno. I've read in several different places that squeaks and rattles are minimum over time, suprising considering the make. The triplets (Envoy, Trailblazer, Bravada) are all basically the same mechanically. The nod goes to the Envoy for more refinement. Wood stuff on the dash, air suspension, etc. I grabbed one because of all the discounts I got ($36,500 MSRP, paid $25,300) and love the way it rides.

The engine isn't broken in yet, but I'm getting about 22 highway and 17 city right now. Most folks at Edmund's score about 19-20mpg average.
 

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,420
1,600
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Originally posted by: TourGuide
Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why do you have to get a domestic?

The whole made in the USA thing (I know - I know), and because I know friends who've had $700 brake jobs (pads and spin the rotors) on their SAAB 9000s. I'll take a pass on that thank you very much.

honda is made in kansas or oklahoma or something

get a land cruiser, those are niiiiiice


or a denali hehe
 
Feb 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
Explorer. There's a reason why it's been the number 1 selling SUV since it's introduction.

Because it's the only one with it's original name?
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,393
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Originally posted by: BrunoPuntzJones
Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
Explorer. There's a reason why it's been the number 1 selling SUV since it's introduction.

Because it's the only one with it's original name?
:confused:
wtf does that have to do with anything?