Car Information

[wondergirl9847]

My mom is going to look for a new car tomorrow because her 1986 Ford van went kaput tonight. It won't start and she's sick of the problems.

Anyone have any suggestions for a mid-size SUV that isn't crazy expensive?

[AliP]

Honda CRV. Honda's are great cars.

[strandinthewind]

Ford has just released the Escape hybrid, which gets MPG in the 30's and is about $25,000. Go to www.ford.com for more info.!!!!!!

[wondergirl9847]

I'll print out some info and give it to her tomorrow.

[pianogirl04]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Ford has just released the Escape hybrid, which gets MPG in the 30's and is about $25,000. Go to www.ford.com for more info.!!!!!!

But they haven't officially released it just yet, at least widespread -- only in a few cities. They got 70,000 orders for them and they're only making 30,000 in the first batch. Another thing -- this is the first model year for the Escape hybrid, which means there's probably going to be a lot of bugs just like any first year model has. Dealerships also can't get them in stock until they have techs trained to work on them. And consider that it has "V6-like" acceleration and a half ton towing capacity, which is much, much lower than even the gas only model. Not that I'm trying to knock it or anything... I'm really interested in one myself and I'm in the process of deciding whether to get one as soon as they come out or wait for a while to see how they fair on the road. My mom works for Ford and every time one of the regional representatives comes, she's asking questions about it. I can't wait to drive one.

[sara1998]

DON'T buy a Saturn Vue. I had all kinds of luck with my first Saturn, but the one I have now is a piece of ****. I'll be looking for a new one before long.

[hayley]

My mom has a Hyundai Santa Fe, which she loves, and is definitely on the inexpensive side with a great warranty. I drive an Elantra- we've actually had nothing but good things to say about the Hyundais.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by pianogirl04

But they haven't officially released it just yet, at least widespread -- only in a few cities. They got 70,000 orders for them and they're only making 30,000 in the first batch. Another thing -- this is the first model year for the Escape hybrid, which means there's probably going to be a lot of bugs just like any first year model has. Dealerships also can't get them in stock until they have techs trained to work on them. And consider that it has "V6-like" acceleration and a half ton towing capacity, which is much, much lower than even the gas only model. Not that I'm trying to knock it or anything... I'm really interested in one myself and I'm in the process of deciding whether to get one as soon as they come out or wait for a while to see how they fair on the road. My mom works for Ford and every time one of the regional representatives comes, she's asking questions about it. I can't wait to drive one.

Oooo - thanks!!!! I did not know that. I have seen a few here in Atlanta, which probably is a biogger market - so I thought they were readilty available. I certainly hope so, because it appears to be, based on the reviews, a great car!!!!!

[pianogirl04]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Oooo - thanks!!!! I did not know that. I have seen a few here in Atlanta, which probably is a biogger market - so I thought they were readilty available. I certainly hope so, because it appears to be, based on the reviews, a great car!!!!!

It's all good. The bigger metropolitan markets are really what they're marketed toward anyway -- it gets something like 36 mpg city, right? And I wanna say 30 highway... which isn't bad at all, if you ask me, but I'm wondering how much of a difference it would make in terms of gas if most of my driving is on the highway. But with the regenerative braking system it's born to be in stop and go traffic all the time. It's kinda cool to know that there's a high demand for them, though... I think the first shipment my mom said they were expecting was either in late spring or early summer.

btw, have you seen the commercial for the hybrid Honda? I can't remember if it was the Accord or the Civic -- it's in direct competition with the Escape with the navigation system and all. This could get interesting, at least on a car industry level...

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by pianogirl04

It's all good. The bigger metropolitan markets are really what they're marketed toward anyway -- it gets something like 36 mpg city, right? And I wanna say 30 highway... which isn't bad at all, if you ask me, but I'm wondering how much of a difference it would make in terms of gas if most of my driving is on the highway. But with the regenerative braking system it's born to be in stop and go traffic all the time. It's kinda cool to know that there's a high demand for them, though... I think the first shipment my mom said they were expecting was either in late spring or early summer.

btw, have you seen the commercial for the hybrid Honda? I can't remember if it was the Accord or the Civic -- it's in direct competition with the Escape with the navigation system and all. This could get interesting, at least on a car industry level...

I saw that. It looked cool. Plus, one of the trade mags had the stats and they looked promising.

Interestingly, I looked at the Escape Hybrid. It drove really well. The only thing was the car is really really quiet because the engine is not always on. I think FOrd will hit a home run with this one, esp. considering its compact size but roomy interior.