Quality control not what you're lead to believe.
Clutch shudder.
Easily damaged winshield glass.
Rear wheel bearing failures.
Expensive routine service.
Manufacturer unwilling to help w/ customer problems
My personal views regarding SUV:
1. An real SUV should be 4X4, AWD(center differential) or 4x4x4 (A4WD).
2. Horsepower and torque are important but you have to look at the corresponding speed. For example, a 200 ft.lbs @ 4500 rpm might be better than a 230 ft.lbs @ 6000 rpm. A flat torque curve gives you a "strong" feeling. Towing capacity is also important for a SUV. It implies the gearbox quality.
3. RAV4 and CR-V (Car-like SUVs) are entrance SUVs. If SUV feeling is important, you should buy something with 3.0L or above engine.
4. My recommendataion is either Liberty or Xterra for you. They are popular on the street. Another good choice would be Pathfinder. This truck has very good reputation on the market.
I checked the new car prices for these models, seems that to get a decent one, you end up paying around $40000, way out of my budget, I need to wait till I am 35 for an upgrade. Thank you guys, and see you on road.
"At first I thought that I had found a SUV jewel in the Escape. The gas mileage was not the best but the power and comfort was there. I had 24000Km's (15000 miles)on it when at highway speed the engine rattled for 30 seconds and then blew up spilling fluids and parts onto the road. Upon further investigation I found out the this is a very common problem with the Escape and that Ford in well aware of the problem. So buyer beware....."