looking for a real 4x4 suv discussions

[Diamondpilot]

A week ago we sold our 2007 BMW 335i and picked up a 2013 Ford Edge SEL Sport AWD. It has great ground clearance and while not a true 4x4 it's easily handled the last two storms of 8" and 5.5" last night.

We have put 600 miles on it already and it's turning in 23 mpg.

Chris

 

[Cat_Driver]

I had a HUMMER H1 the big Daddy of the H2 and 3, and then I git a Jeep Rubicon, that could out 4x4 the Hummer in a lot of ways. I was one of the few guys that actually use 4x4's for their intended use. I've had a 4x4 in my life for 50 years, from Toyota Land cruiser, Jeep, Suzuki Samurai, Dodge power wagon, Chevy 3500 SRW, Chevrolet Dually, Ford (Excursion, Explorer, F250), Land Rover, Hummer h1, Hummer H2, and the one I put through the toughest test was the Rubicon, and it passed with flying colors. I will shortly be getting another one.

 

[dave1949]

We've had good results with our 2007 Explorer Sport Trac. It has about 80K miles on it and aside from regular servicing, it has needed two front sway bars. I guess that is a weak point with that model; a plastic part breaks off.

We drive on a lot of messy roads here. The wheelbase length and weight help, it's very stable. The 4x4 works well plus it has traction control. I don't know about plowing through deep snow. I've driven it down to the mailbox and back in 8" without problems.

We used to have a 2000 GMC Safari van with AWD. It would get stuck first, then the AWD would engage. Not real helpful.

 

[Topkicker]

If ground clearance is what your looking for, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (4door) has the most of all SUV's. Has up to 9.7in of factory ground clearance. A Rubicon package has factory front and rear diff lockers. The only disappointment will be the gas mileage. I work for GM but keep a Wrangler in the garage because we don't offer (or any other manufacturer) a SUV with the same off-road capability. I've NEVER been late for work due to snow. I'm out before the plow trucks every morning. My day starts at 4:30am. Aftermarket upgrades are endless for Wrangler's and are probably the cheapest and easiest to modify.

 

[s219]

I have to agree with previous posts about Subaru -- while not a big honking SUV, they can't be beat in the snow. It's one of the reasons they are so popular in ski country.

 

[TomSeller]

If ground clearance is what your looking for, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (4door) has the most of all SUV's.

Very nice Jeep. I am jealous.

 

[Topkicker]

Very nice Jeep. I am jealous.

Thanks. I've really enjoyed it. Got it new 5 years ago. Mods can get addictive for em. Wish Ford would bring back a retro Bronco from the 60's. Two of my buddies had these in high school. One was a 67 half cab w a 289 V8. The other was a 72 full cab with a straight six. These short, live axle 4x4's gave me the love I still have for off-roading. The Jeep Wrangler is the only newer SUV that still has solid axles and the short wheel base that makes the perfect combo for going places other 4x4's can't think of going. Had a 03 Wrangler before this one. Really like the 4 door option that came out in 07. It looked funny at first but quickly grew on me.

 

[bcp]

Check out Subaru.
They have a great 4wd system that is optimized for snow with limited slip difs front, rear and also in the transfer case. With a good set of snow tires they will amaze you.

We now have four 4WD's: a Toyota Tacoma, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee, and Jeep Wrangler. Probably had 15-20 4WD's in my history, and the Forester beats them all in snow up to 8-10 inches or so.

Bruce

 

[Egon]

Don't get confused between AWD and full time 4x4. There will be a difference. You could check out some YouTube videos.

We have a Subaru Forester and a Lexus RX 330, both being full time four wheel drive. The Lexus also has adjustable height control. Gives you an inch or two more clearance.

Both work well on our steep icy streets as well as the highway.

Course if you are real serious go with a 3/4 ton 4x4 with limited slip and a little weight in the back.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Our Excursion is a tank... with good A/T-snow tires it goes great, with diesel power it tows anything we hook up, and comfortably hauls our 5-soon-to-be 6 kids.

sure its old... lotsa miles (272k!)... but thats barely middleaged for these trucks. Not the right vehicle for every body but great for us.