Ford Escape - Hyundai Santa Fe/Tuscson - Honda CR/V

[elizabethann]

Does anybody own one of the SUV's mentioned in the title? I think the Honda is called a CR/V (not 100% sure). Anyhow, I'm thinking of getting one of the mentioned SUV's and would like your opinion if you own one (or anyother for that matter). I'd like a 4-wheel drive. It snowed on Thanksgiving and my Focus just stinks in the snow. I was stuck & skidding all over the road. I really love my Focus but not in the snow. I need a 4 wheel drive.

If anybody has any opinions, please post them. Thank you in advance.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I am on my second Santa Fe and I absolutely LOVE it!! (Sold the first one at 120000Kms - not because anythign was wrong with it - I just had an opportunity to get a new one.

The handling is great, as is the speed (especially the 3.5 liter, although the 2.7 is no slouch either). The interior is solidly put-together - I have no rattles or problems at all, and the leg room in the back seats and the loading room is awesome!

[dukedogsmom]

I bought an Escape back in July and love it! It's just the right size. I average 17.7 miles per gallon. That's combined city/highway driving. They are also a reasonable price(unless you want the hybrid). That brings up the price almost $10,000. Good luck with your decision. I was also thinking of a Highlander but Ford gave me a deal I couldn't refuse.

[elizabethann]

Thanks for your thoughts everbody. Does your Escape take regular gas or premium?

What about the Santa Fe, Ally Cat's Mom? Do you know how many mpg it gets?

Thanks again.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Thanks for your thoughts everbody. Does your Escape take regular gas or premium?

What about the Santa Fe, Ally Cat's Mom? Do you know how many mpg it gets?

Thanks again.

I wouldn't use MY mileage as a benchmark - I drive like a maniac - very hard on the gas and brake, usually doing around 50% over the speed limit, and always with the aircon running full blast. (Everyone here drives like that on the freeways). I get around 13 MPG - but there are other owners who easily average well over 20 / 22 - they obviously have a much more sensible driving style, and are driving with fuel economy in mind.

I belong to the Santa Fe Forum - you can post questions too - they are generally a friennly bunch (although definately Santy fanatics LOL)

ALso, in your first post you mentioned the Tuscon - I like them too, but I didn't feel the slight cost saving was worth losing so much interior space - also the driving position feels more " car-like" whilst in the Santy you are up nice and high, with excellent visibility.

[Karen]

We got our Honda CRV for specifically the reason you mentioned - 4-wheel drive and handling in the snow. Bought it in January of 2003, and it has performed fabulously well uphil and downhill on on corners in the snow. It drives like a car, not a truck, has a very smooth ride, and is basically great! They also have an excellent reputation for longevity, which is good, as I do not like to shop for a new vehicle every few years.

[dukedogsmom]

It takes regular. All I've been putting in it is the 87. One thing you might want to consider is how easy it would be to flip one. Apparently, mine has a high risk and even has a warning on the visor. I don't know about the others.