Compact SUVs - Which is the Right Ride For You?
With gas prices going up faster than the space shuttle, drivers who need the added space and utility of a sport utility vehicle are looking to down size from the gas guzzlers of years past. Detroit as well as Japan has responded to these trends with a new breed of compact SUV’s.
These smaller brothers, still pack the aggressive styling and ability to haul the family around without town and to the ball field without the minivan stigma. They are available with four wheel drives for winter ski trip, or summer camping trip. They will do just about anything a full size SUV can expect that full sized camping trailer or cabin cruiser.
The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001 to be the baby brother of the Expedition and Explorer. The Escape is built with unibody construction and independent 4 wheel suspension. For those of you who need the all road capability 4 wheel drive is an option and front wheel drive is standard. Power options include a standard 152 hp four cylinder, or an optional 3 liter 200 hp V6. Fuel economy for the front wheel drive V6 is still a respectable 17 / 22 mpg, city and highway respectively
The 2001 – 2003 models of the Escape did have some minor engine problems with some pressure sensors as well as ignition wiring, however all of this can be easily repaired. A decent Ford Escape Shop Manual will cover all of these procedures.
In 2001 Chrysler rolled out the Jeep Liberty. This was their model replacement for the aging, yet robust Cherokee line. In true Jeep heritage, only the most basic base model does not have 4 wheel drive, and two different 4 wheel drive systems are offered on the Liberty, the Command-Trac and Selec-Trac II. Power options are now limited to the 3.7L 210 hp V6 with the diesel version discontinued. A 6 speed standard transmission as well as 4 speed automatic with overdrive are available to put all of that power to the rear or all four wheels depending on your mood, or the mission.
The rugged frame, as well as the additional weight of a real four wheel drive system does at a price when you head to the pumps, 15 mpg in the city. However, if you are looking for a something a little bit more sporty, and with a little more off road capability the Haynes Jeep Liberty Manual, or automatic, might just be the ride for you!
Now if you are pretty much never going to leave the pavement and are looking for the ultimate in fuel economy, the Honda CR-V leads the pack. With an impressive 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway this is the most economical of all the compact SUV’s we have reviewed. The CR-V is powered by Honda’s 2.4 L 166 hp inline four. A five speed automatic transmission can power the front two, or all four wheels in the AWD model. Unlike other models such as the Liberty the 4 wheel drive system on the CR-V is a drive cable, not a full transfer case, and drive line. However, this is more than enough to get you moving again in a bit of snow or mud.
Like most Hondas the CR-V did well in all of the government crash test ratings, and is quiet and comfortable on the inside, and not too flashy on the outside. This would make a great vehicle for a first time driver in the family or anyone who is looking for something with the comfortable seating of a SUV, without the pain of the pump.
Mechanically the Honda CR-V is a sound vehicle and is easily serviced with a reputable Honda CR-V Haynes Repair Manual.
All things considered any of these three SUV’s would serve the driving needs of most people. Again the more SUV like and capable the car is such as the Liberty the more you will pay at the pump, but this is too be expected.
