Yeah, I know, these things SUCK!
BUT....My wife wants one so I've been looking around a bit.
So far I've driven a few Escapes/Tributes, and this is my favorite. I used to sell these things so I know them in and out and unfortunately, how little mark up there is in them. I like the power of the six and the overall looks/ergonomics. I think this is the sportiest one I've driven.
Right now due to a few items I'm having done to the SVTF I have a 2003 Jeep Liberty Sport as a rental ( I chucked up the extra 10 bux for it ) and ther are few pluses/minuses to this thing. For the good, I think it's kinda neet looking, not a nice and clean as the Escape/Tribby but more unique and distintive. The interior is as nice as the Ford but not as nice as the Tribby. It has the 3.7L V6 and they both feel to me about the same. I think DC uses too much plastic, and the doors look like tall slabs and the dash is just vertical also, Definitely not as nice as the Ford/Mazda.
The Liberty also feels bigger, it sways more with the wind and just feels more truck-like. The thing is quieter though, the Escape has alot more wind noise but I'm told the '02-'03 resolved this. The stereo sounds the same, but I think the Ford wins with the 6 disc in dash and 7 speaker system.
I also drove an Xterra, but it was an '01 and didn't have the SC motor so it was a dawg. It also just looked cheap and featureless inside. Just like the old Nissan trucks did, it was amazing how much this truck resembled my dad's old '87 Pathfinder. The Xterra looks great outside though, and I have yet to drive a new one.
I drove the Rav4 and it doesn't compare at all, nowhere near the power and a little too small for me, even th wife wasn't impressed. The CR-V is also out, I just don't like that thing, and the Element? LOLOL I'd rather drive a Volvo if I want something overly boxy.
I think I'll end up with an Escape, but will probably go with the Tribute for the longer warranty, but the Escape will come cheaper I'm sure.
What are your thoughts?????
BUT....My wife wants one so I've been looking around a bit.
So far I've driven a few Escapes/Tributes, and this is my favorite. I used to sell these things so I know them in and out and unfortunately, how little mark up there is in them. I like the power of the six and the overall looks/ergonomics. I think this is the sportiest one I've driven.
Right now due to a few items I'm having done to the SVTF I have a 2003 Jeep Liberty Sport as a rental ( I chucked up the extra 10 bux for it ) and ther are few pluses/minuses to this thing. For the good, I think it's kinda neet looking, not a nice and clean as the Escape/Tribby but more unique and distintive. The interior is as nice as the Ford but not as nice as the Tribby. It has the 3.7L V6 and they both feel to me about the same. I think DC uses too much plastic, and the doors look like tall slabs and the dash is just vertical also, Definitely not as nice as the Ford/Mazda.
The Liberty also feels bigger, it sways more with the wind and just feels more truck-like. The thing is quieter though, the Escape has alot more wind noise but I'm told the '02-'03 resolved this. The stereo sounds the same, but I think the Ford wins with the 6 disc in dash and 7 speaker system.
I also drove an Xterra, but it was an '01 and didn't have the SC motor so it was a dawg. It also just looked cheap and featureless inside. Just like the old Nissan trucks did, it was amazing how much this truck resembled my dad's old '87 Pathfinder. The Xterra looks great outside though, and I have yet to drive a new one.
I drove the Rav4 and it doesn't compare at all, nowhere near the power and a little too small for me, even th wife wasn't impressed. The CR-V is also out, I just don't like that thing, and the Element? LOLOL I'd rather drive a Volvo if I want something overly boxy.
I think I'll end up with an Escape, but will probably go with the Tribute for the longer warranty, but the Escape will come cheaper I'm sure.
What are your thoughts?????