Full Size SUV's

[hazmat]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

<font color=blue>I was thinking the Expedition was Ford’s big one</font color=blue>

Well its Ford's fault, not yours. If you think about the definition / connotation of the words one would think that the size (from smallest to biggest) goes Escape, Excursion Explorer, Expedition, not the actual Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion.

Glad your van has treated you right. I've always been a Ford man myself.

 

[rozett]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

Me too! I have had nothing but Fords for nearly 30 years. I love my 2000 Excursion Limited. Almost 50K and not a lick of trouble.

On the other hand, Fords hate my wife. Must be because she talks disparagingly about them. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[beenthere]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

I have been driving the new Chevy TrailBlazer, with the 270 HP in-line 6 for the past year, and rate it very high. Riding comfort, power, bells and whistles, etc. are great. I especially like the power plant, and the ride. I wanted it to pull my tractor and trailer, and it does well.

 

[hazmat]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

<font color=blue> I have been driving the new Chevy TrailBlazer, with the 270 HP in-line 6 for the past year, and rate it very high </font color=blue>

Nice ride Beenthere. A buddy has the GMC Envoy. Lots of bells and whistles. Great sound system (I think it's bose). Pretty much a rocket ship too with all the HP. I have 260 in my truck which is a tad bit heavier.

So as not to appear too biased towards Ford. My mom has a '95? Chevy Tahoe, 100K miles. No major problems. Takes a lick'n keeps on tick'n. My dad, myself & my sister have all removed the right hand mirror the "hard way". Either we have a genetic problem, or the mirror could have been designed better, yeah yeah, that's the story & I'm sticking to it. It is setup to fold front & back if you hit something, but it was no match for the big oak tree I hit while parallel parking.

 

[wasabi]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

MarkV,

Between my wife and I, we have previously had two Ford Explorers, one Expedition and one Lincoln Navigator. Wife now drives a '00 Toyota 4X Land Cruiser and I'm driving (our third) Explorer, a '97 XLT 4X with over 100,000 on it.

The Toyota is a gas hog, but an incredible machine, quite road worthy, very tight and predictably cushy....but, IMHO, not necessarily proportionately "better" for the substantial price difference. That said, altho we bought both vehicles (I hate leases), it is the Toyota that will absolutely remain a keeper....they will run forever under demanding conditions.

On road, of all the vehicles we have had, as regards comfort, there is no contest whatsoever...Toyota is more comfortable, stable, powerful, etc, and in general, by me, the top pick as compared to the others we have owned, even the highly touted Navigator as a well rounded choice. It is my wife's favorite and couldn't be pried away from her.

That endorsement aside, I personally, for a fraction of the cost, chose to purchase and now drive another Ford Explorer, in part because I find it to actually be a bit more nimble, not so stiff, and more responsive, especially off road, and in part because I expect to see it beat up a bit about the farm. I have also gotten to the point where it frankly doesn't make that much difference to me (except for road trips) what I tool about in day to day 'cause I have short comute to work and don't otherwise spend that much time in my vehicle. Another factor may be that I'm getting ever more conservative with my funds over time (cheap). /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

I think of significance in such a decision are your personal driving habits, mileage expectations, climate, road conditions, comfort preferences, (Toyota's heated seats are the cat's meow) and whether or not you will haul and how much time you might actually spend off-road. And, if you are not overly wowed by whiz-bang features, there are a lot of bargains in the used market out there...and will probably be even more!

Good luck!

 

[RobertN]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

I looked at the replies as of right now, and none, although all are good, get to the point...

What do you want to use it for? Do you need a real 4wd machine, or something to haul the kids in? Will you tow with it? Do you need extra room for the inlaws or dogs or cats?

Your specific use might help trim down the field of rigs.

 

[budman72]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

We have a '96 Suburban, bought new and now have 106,000 miles with little trouble - mostly "check engine light" stuff - it has never left us stranded. It has the 5.7L that is no longer made, so some of this is probably not applicable. My wife is the primary driver and she loves it. She would buy a new one in a minute.

I've had a couple of Chevy trucks for commercial use, the last one was a 6 cyl extended cab - 125,000 miles with absolutely no problems, the latest is a 2002 4X4 extended cab with the 4.8 (? small block V8), 35,000 miles and hasn't missed a beat. With this history I'd have no problem recommending the GM full sized SUVs.

With that said, if I had my choice I'd probably drive a F-350 crew cab 4X4 with the Power Stroke. (Maybe the F-650 in an earlier thread!) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[MReeter]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

Mark,We have a new style 2000 Chevy Tahoe for sale.22,500 one owner miles.LT Model that is fully loaded.If you think you might be interested,drop me an e-mail.Or send me a private message....Mike

 

[DUMBDOG]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

We have a 91 Ford Explorer that I have passed on to the son, it has 130,000 on it.

I have a 99 Suburban with 56,000 on it.

Both were purchased used, no major problems with either one, the explorer, some air conditioning recharging, the little motor that puts it in four wheel drive, batteries, and an alternator.

The explorer was nice, but after seven years and going to the suburban, there was no comparison. The suburban is larger, rides a lot better, road mileage for the ford was 20, chevy 17, I averaged close to 17 with both around town. I do watch how I drive and watch how I step on the pedal though.

I would recommend the tahoe if the suburban is to big.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Re: Full Size SUV\'s

Not that this makes me an expert, but I've been in the truck business for over twenty-five years now. The first question I would ask you is, "What do you intend to do with it?"

Will you tow? How much and how often? What road and weather conditions do you expect? Will it be a constant load or a declining load (like delivery on a route)? How many miles a year will you drive? What percentage of those will be towing? Etc., etc., etc...

Seriously, these are things that would help me guide you to a vehicle best suited to your needs and wants.