Crossover Questions

We have a 2004 Forester and love it. We've had no problems. It handles well in the snow and rain, and still gets decent gas mileage.

I have a Honda CR-V from 1998 and am still driving it! Most reliable car I've ever had. It's a little beat up now and I've had typical maintenance done here and there but it runs like a dream and gets through anything in the winter. I would get one again in a heartbeat but not until this one simply won't drive anymore! Good luck!

I am sorry that I don't have any opinions regarding the cars listed, but I read the responses because I too am looking to change my car. I would like to simply tell all the moms that responded about buying American - M. G simply asked your opinion about the cars listed, not if she should buy American or European! Stick to answering the question!

Good luck with your decision making - I am gearing towards the Murano myself!

Hello-

I own a 2007 Mazda CX7, this was the first year it was made so I'm not sure if the 2009's are different in any way. I absolutely love mine! The only issue I had, wasn't really with the car itself it was with the tires, they almost need to be replaced and I barely have 30,000 miles. Other than that, my husband is 6'4" and says that when he drives he has a difficult time seeing out the windshield on the driver's side when changing lanes, there's a blindspot for him. I'm only 5'5" and don't have that problem. Other than that I love it! Hope this helps!!

Wow I just want to comment on how today every thread I have went to and read has someone throwing their beliefs at someone asking a question. Give your thoughts but don't question them. She don't want American. Is it your choice? She is spending the money not you so just give your two cents and move on. Don't judge or critisize that their choice isn't the same as yours. I chose to drive a Dodge, a Jeep and a Chevy due to pricing, availability and circumstance. I worked for Toyota and think they are too expensive for my family but know they are dependable and hold their worth a bit more than an American car for a trade in. While American cars maybe your way to go its not for everyone. Step off your soap boxes ladies and just answer the question at hand and if you can't then don't bother!
Now I am stepping off mine. Thanks and you all have a wonderful Easter.

I have a murano. No problems ever. all wheel drive is nice in the winter with the snow and ice(and you know central Illinois is known for that)
Would like to add something to the people saying support American cars because they are American. Did you know that most foreign cars are made in the US no days? Most US cars are made in Mexico. Foreign car parts are made in the US. next time your at a part store take a look at where things were made. just something to jog everyone's mind for a few minutes.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Get what fits your family, lifestyle and whatever else.

D.

I have a 2008 Honda CR-V and I love it. We have two kids, so there is no problem fitting car seats in it. If you had more then 2 kids, I don't think it would work with trying to get a 3rd seat in the back! We bought ours at Honda of Joliet. Our salesman was Oren Ferguson - HE WAS GREAT. I have no regrets with this car - It's great.

I am on my 2nd Subaru Forester and LOVE IT! I have never met a Forester owner who did not. I have had no repair problems.....very reliable. My favorite thing is the tight turning radius...I can do a U turn on a regular side street in one smooth turn. We've hauled things inside and on top. I have nothing negative to say about it.

I have learned the hard way that I prefer Toyota and Honda engines because they last longer. I am currently driving a 18 year old Toyota that has 168,900 miles on it.

My husband and I just bought a Ford Flex. It is larger than the cars you've listed -- more like a cross between a minivan and SUV, but it is a unique car and the reviews are really good -- I think the chassis is from Volvo or something. We bought a used Flex with less than 6,000 miles on it and got a great deal...just searched on sites like Cars.com and Autotrader.com.

My sister-in-law owns the Nissan Rogue (which, I think is the smaller version to the Murano). One of the reasons (besides price, I'm sure) that she bought the Rogue over the Murano, is because she is on the short side and just didn't need that much room.

She loves it! I've driven it and it really is a great handling vehicle. Don't know just how long she has had it but it's longer than a year. I will see her Sunday and will pick her brain about it but, every time we've discussed it, she is always enthusiastic.

I had a 2001 Subaru Forester - the back seat (leg room) is extremely small. I think they have improved this with the new cars, but definitely check this out with the carseats/boosters in the back seat. Also, getting it serviced was extremely invconvenient - I don't know where you are located, but in the south suburbs, you either have to go to Countryside or MErrillville, IN. In the 7 years that we owned it, Orland Park closed two different dealerships and the one in Lynwood moved to IN.

We researched this car and chose it because it was a Consumer Reports recommendation, but were unhappy. We had the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor go out under 100,000 miles, and just basically gave it back to the dealership last year when we took it in and they said it needed 2600 in various repairs. Granted it was at 135,000 miles, but since we only have one car, we no longer felt we could rely on it and they gave us about $600 for it.

We've had a CR-V for 7 years of pure city driving and NEVER had a problem with it. Just done routine maintenance. It's a great car! We love the storage room in the trunk area - easy to fit all sorts of kids things in it for weekend trips to Wisconsin, etc.

Hi!

I have the Honda CRV. I love it in many ways - the leather, sunroof, tinted windows, small size (very zippy to drive and park, love that), and the GPS. It gets good gas mileage and is generally a nice car to own.

However, one thing that I had really been hoping to achieve in an SUV/crossover was legroom in the backseat - and the ability to nurse my son back there if need be when we were out and about. I'm tall (5'11"), so my knees get bunched up by my ears if there isn't ample legroom.

Unfortunately, the CRV doesn't help in the legroom department, or in the nursing department. There just isn't enough room in the backseat for the carseat and a nursing boy of 13 months. And even when we move the passenger seat forward, I still feel claustrophobic in the back seat (because the carseat is in the middle too).

Those are my plusses and minuses on the CRV. Happy shopping!

I know it is not on your list, but I have a Chevy Equinox and LOVE it! When we were shopping for cars a few years ago, we too were looking at the ones you had listed. But for the price and value we went with the Chevy. I love that the rear seat can slide forwards and back giving you the option of a bit more cargo space. Definitely look into it!

We have had a CRV since the first year and love it as much as the first day. We also have a Forester that we inherited from my partner's dad. The CRV is still my partner's favorite. She likes that it's set higher off the ground. I think the newer Foresters are also set higher, so that might negate the difference. I'm a big fan of Subarus. I've never, through 3 different models, gotten stuck in the snow.
Bottom line, you can't really go wrong with either one, so just make the best deal you can make!

I have a Murano and love it!, my cousins got one too after their first child. The safety ratings are the best for the Murano and it has been ranked best and safest crossover SUV. I've had no trouble with mine and runs like a charm. I highly recommend it. lots of space also.

I love Ford Edge. Have you looked at it yet?

I have a Subaru Tribeca and I love it, I know you are looking into a forestor, but I love the Tribeca too with all wheel drive , which I know is standard in all Subaru models. All I can say is by horrible luck I was in 2 car accidents and the Subaru held up, where as the other two cars were left in worse ways. I know Subarus are great on gas and really are worth the money as they are least likely to break down.

My questions is the same as Gina's....Why Foreign?

I have a Chevy Equinox and love it. I never thought I would love a car, and this is the first one I do since I started driving 21 years ago.

Go and test drive an Equinox--you might like it over the others and the pricing is better too.

I have a Nissan Murano and I love it.I have had it for almost 3 years. I have a 14 month old and one on the way. Drives like a car, but you are still up higher and have room.

Since you liked the Mazda, have you guys tried the Mazda 5? It sits 6 (nice car pool option in the future without owning a big van). Good mileage, spacious cargo, sliding doors...check it out!

How come you aren't looking at any US based vehicles? I have always owned Fords and love them. The quality has been far greater than even what I expected. Have you looked at the Ford Edge. I have a Ford F150 4 door and absolutely love it. I never dreamed I would enjoy driving a truck but considering I drive 30 miles to work, it was a lifesaver this winter. I never would have made it without my 4 wheel drive. Good luck in whatever you decide. As far as long lasting, I have a Ford with 190,000 miles still running with no engine work ever done, and my truck with over 60,000. My husband has 3 Ford work trucks with over 200,000 miles although they are diesel.

I'de like to know what the draw is to these foreign cars that haave put Americans out of work for 20 years and don't make up for it in foreign trade? What's wrong with a nice reliable Chevy?