Favorite SUV?

[Skeetobite]

2015 Suburban LTZ. Amazing.

It's our third Suburban since 2007. I suspect we will always have a fairly new one in the garage.

[Bamaman]

SUV's are the most competitive part of the automotive world. Although they're all station wagons of sorts, they are not all created equal. They are different sizes and different prices. I like them all.

But for my money, I went for the Ford Explorer XLT with Navigation and the standard 3.5 liter engine. I'm getting 25 mpg at 75 mph, and the performance is good with 290 horsepower. I previously had a Lexus RX, however my Explorer was $31K vs. $45K+ for the Lexus. And it's every bit as good.

I just would not suggest purchasing any General Motors vehicle with the 3.6 V-6 engine. My son had a leaky timing cover seal last week, and the engine had to be half disassembled to fix the seal. They discovered a badly stretched timing chain, and he was lucky the engine didn't jump timing. Researching the repairs, I realized the 3.6 is maybe the most troublesome engine made in any American vehicle. And the repairs were $2100--out of sight. Mechanics also speak poorly of the Kia/Hyundai engines' lifespan.

[Stano]

Originally Posted by Bamaman

SUV's are the most competitive part of the automotive world. Although they're all station wagons of sorts, they are not all created equal. They are different sizes and different prices. I like them all.

But for my money, I went for the Ford Explorer XLT with Navigation and the standard 3.5 liter engine. I'm getting 25 mpg at 75 mph, and the performance is good with 290 horsepower. I previously had a Lexus RX, however my Explorer was $31K vs. $45K+ for the Lexus. And it's every bit as good.

I just would not suggest purchasing any General Motors vehicle with the 3.6 V-6 engine. My son had a leaky timing cover seal last week, and the engine had to be half disassembled to fix the seal. They discovered a badly stretched timing chain, and he was lucky the engine didn't jump timing. Researching the repairs, I realized the 3.6 is maybe the most troublesome engine made in any American vehicle. And the repairs were $2100--out of sight. Mechanics also speak poorly of the Kia/Hyundai engines' lifespan.

I have never had any problems with the 6 cylinder in my Chevy Equinox. You can have a bad engine in any vehicle! It also depends on how they are maintained also, oil changes, etc..

Stano

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by trikeleader

Jeep Grand Cherokee, We have a 2014 and love it.

Jeep is the best known SUV in the country; and very dependable. I think it is the largest seller too.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Jeep is the best known SUV in the country; and very dependable. I think it is the largest seller too.

Recently I received a PM from an RVer who just got rid of his jeep because it spent more time in the shop than on the road, and was killing his back. I too got rid of one for it's horrible dependability record.

Glad you are having good luck with yours.

[NLOVNIT]

Let's see, so far on our Jeep:

• Replaced TPM sensors for spare 2x- still indicates low
• Windshield washer fluid level sensor went bad
• Replaced passenger window regulator
• Fan blades disintegrated taking out shroud
• Fan motor replaced 3x
• Dash fan resistors replaced 2x
• A/C evaporator replaced 2x
• A/C condenser replaced
• A/C high pressure hose replaced 2x
• Passenger air bag sensor replaced
• Passenger electric seat adjuster replaced
• Turn signal switch replaced

And that's just what I can remember. According to carcomplaints.com, our year is the worst of that model - see below chart. I'd believe it. This year, we've probably spent more in repairs than it's worth. I used to suggest a Jeep when members would post asking for toad recommendations. I wouldn't anymore & I wouldn't have another even if I got it free. The only thing going for it is ease of towing with no fuses to pull/no periodic stopping to start/no pulling limits.

Although for breaking window regulators, my 2002 BMW took the prize. All of those, except the sunroof, broke & had to be replaced.

Lori-

[Ray,IN]

Sounds like our 97 Grand Cherokee Laredo with 140,000 miles is a keeper then. Talked to a guy a few months ago with a 2001 GC that had 216,000 on odometer and close to another 100,000 being towed. He said it was the most dependable vehicle he had ever owned.

[DBL Z]

Original owner of a 2003 and still own it.

Replaced 3 or 4 marker lights, windshield twice, A/C compressor, and a power window motor. Other than that, I've changed the oil and went through one set of tires.

Run trails in Moab where jeeps can't and most others won't
Lions back before it was shut down, and three rallies with mild to extreme trails.

Never been stuck and it tows 4 down!



I've owned a 4X4 since I've had a driver license and been driving!...about 5 decades plus!...

Absolutely one of the best rigs I've owned!

Any guesses?? LoL

[phil57]

Originally Posted by DBL Z

Original owner of a 2003 and still own it.

Replaced 3 or 4 marker lights, windshield twice, A/C compressor, and a power window motor. Other than that, I've changed the oil and went through one set of tires.

Run trails in Moab where jeeps can't and most others won't
Lions back before it was shut down, and three rallies with mild to extreme trails.

Never been stuck and it tows 4 down!



I've owned a 4X4 since I've had a driver license and been driving!...about 5 decades plus!...

Absolutely one of the best rigs I've owned!

Any guesses?? LoL

Hummer?

[CampDaven]

Wrangler.
Nuff said!

[srh]

My favorite is my 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, V8. Rather poor gas mileage around town, but great gas mileage when I flat tow it. I also have a 2010 Honda CRV, but like the Ford better, easy to hook up and never had a dead battery. I have towed it for two days without disconnecting at night.

[phil57]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Wrangler.
Nuff said!

I agree. I don't know if it's the best SUV but it's the best small all around vehicle I have had. It does everything and is fun to drive. We have a 2014 and have 25000 miles on it with zero issues. As a toad there is no better. Easy to hook up and a breeze to tow.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by phil57

I agree. I don't know if it's the best SUV but it's the best small all around vehicle I have had. It does everything and is fun to drive. We have a 2014 and have 25000 miles on it with zero issues. As a toad there is no better. Easy to hook up and a breeze to tow.

Yep to that!
I have near 60K miles on my 12. Much off-road joy where the madding crowd don't go, and more real scenery and critters than anything Disney has ever done in plastic.

[DBL Z]

Originally Posted by phil57

Hummer?

Yep!!