General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why do people drive SUVs? [View all]Thegonagle
(806 posts)From a standpoint of usefulness for the size and gas mileage you can achieve (if you don't beat on it constantly), it is on the very top of the game.
The interior is very cleverly designed, it has a full compliment of airbags and safety features, the 1.5 liter engine doesn't waste gas, and it handles at least as well as a sports car from a decade or two ago. The stereo also doesn't sound too bad, and it plays (and charges) my iPod through a USB port that's hidden in the upper glove compartment.
The seats work for me, although I find I can't just sink in and be comfortable; I have to sit in the "right" position. (Good for posture, I suppose.) Along with the sporty handling comes a "sporty" ride. By modern standards, it's honestly pretty harsh, probably one of the worst in US unless you're talking "pure" sports car (or a so-called Smart car).
It's also not the greatest Interstate cruiser by a long shot. Although you can easily cruise it at 70-75 MPH, you can tell the machinery is just happier if you keep it under 65. (The gas mileage meter surely tells me so--it gets 40 MPG at 60 MPH, 30 MPG at 75 MPH. 80 MPH? Why bother?)
It's also not an inexpensive car; it's probably the most expensive car in its category.
The next vehicle I purchase will have AWD. I've been eying the Ford Escape Hybrid on the used market lately.