Why buy a mid-size sedan...?

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Mykl
A Grand Caravan with stow 'n go seats can be had for about $20k. It has plenty of go and drives as nice as the average CUV.


We owned one. And a Town & Country. It does not drive as nice as the average CUV. Well, I will caveat that: we owned 4th generation ones (2001-2007). The newer ones may be better. Ours offered loads of body roll (made better after I installed the optional rear stabilizer bar), just as much understeer, and sloppy handling...partly due to the relatively long wheel base. They rode like Lincoln Town Cars (a plus for the family), but unfortunately handled like LTCs too.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d

No. Here's what it does mean:...[snip]


I agree with your entire reply. Yes, there will always be some portion of the buying public that is buying a vehicle for "image". This will happen with BMWs, with Porsches, with SUVs (instead of minivans), etc.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
You've evidently done quite a thorough job deciding on your MDX, and you seem to still feel it's the right vehicle for your use.


One other point I wanted to make: we actually lucked into the MDX. As you may recall, we owned two minivans previously (a 2003 Grand Caravan and a 2007 Town & Country). The '03 was a decent one, but the '07 was not (reliability). My folks sold us the Acura when they downsized to one vehicle. My original thought: we are a (growing) family, we often carry lots of people and things, a minivan is the best tool for the job. With some hesitation, we bought the Acura and sold the Chrysler.

We ended up liking the SUV platform so much, I sold the sedan I was driving and we bought another SUV (the Honda). We like them both for the many reasons already listed.

So I wanted to say that no, we didn't really consider an SUV at first, and I originally didn't think that they'd fit our needs better than (or as well as) a minivan. But we went into it with open minds and were pleasantly surprised at what we found.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Because CUVs still handle like dumpy minivans.

Minivans handle better now than ever. But they are still dumptrucks compared to a Passat or Mazda6. If I needed the space, I would just get the minivan.

So Acura puts SH-AWD on the MDX. You get a little loose in a corner....what are you supposed to do? Give it more gas! That's real reassuring in a high roof/ high cg vehicle

Mazda puts a hatch back on the US market 6 and I will get one. But right now, my 5-door Mazda6 does 95% of what a CUV does, and doesn't flinch from twisty roads. It devours them

CUVs are overrated

I did the same thing with my Ralliart Sportback yesterday.
I has what I call a "SAAB style trunk" because of the way the 900 and 9000 were built.

Also, good luck building a CUV that is as much fun to drive as my car.

 

[IndyIan]

In purely practical terms, the 2wd CUV's don't make alot of sense even compared to a small wagon like the Jetta wagon or even the old Focus wagon.
The wagons have equal or better cargo space, better mileage, a lower CG, comparable towing even.
Of course not many people buy vehicles based on purely practical reasons. The CUV's give a different feel on the road, different image, better view, and the perception of safety just from being higher up.
For me, fuel efficiency was pretty important and I like the handling of a car than a SUV, so I got a wagon. Other like the CUV's and that's fine too.

 

[hattaresguy]

Wagons are better.

No CUV handles like a properly set up RWD or AWD sedan or wagon.

An Audi RS6 Wagon for example, because a bit of porn isn't bad once in awhile.

I assure you, it will be better than some little FWD van trying to play truck.

Their is nothing that say a CRV can do that an AWD full size wagon can't do better. In this country we just have a silly phobia of wagons. All this little CUV's are, are jacked up little cars with their center of gravity to high. Also since they are needlessly big and jacked you now have to push all that mass threw the air and fuel mileage suffers as a result.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
In this country we just have a silly phobia of wagons. All this little CUV's are, are jacked up little cars with their center of gravity to high. Also since they are needlessly big and jacked you now have to push all that mass threw the air and fuel mileage suffers as a result.


Exactly.

 

[Hokiefyd]

So...OP...did your question get answered? Ha ha.

There are apparently as many opinions as there are people on this topic. Good reading in this thread.

 

[javacontour]

Why own anything larger than a small car. For the one or two times a year we need a large vehicle, we rent one. No need to drive something 2-3 tons everyday when we only need it's bulk 10-15 days/year.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: javacontour
Why own anything larger than a small car.

Because it's "the American way."

 

[ls1mike]

Three reason. Don't get me wrong I love a mid-size sedan, but here are the tree.
Kids, it is just easier to get stuff from them in and out.
Dogs. They don't do well in a 4 door car but the hatch area is nice for them.
AWD. The wife really likes having it.
My Equinox does all that stuff well.

 

[NHHEMI]

WOW! I thought it was the RP discussions that brought all the arrogant, know it all, and hollier than thou types out here at BITOG. Looks like talking about CUV's is worse.

All I can say to those who are trashing CUV's is not all CUV's are the same, they do have a legitimate purpose, and they do fit many people's needs and desires. Never ceases to amaze me how people on forums like this feel they know what everyone else needs and should want.

I was a full sized truck owner for decades. However, after becoming disabled I just couldn't afford to keep my 4WD HEMI Ram as much as I wanted to. I kept it 2 years longer than I should have really just because I still wanted a truck. Reallity finally set in though and I realized I had to get something less costly and much more fuel efficient but that was still able to do the things I needed. Not exactly an easy task to find such a vehicle.

The vehicle I purchased needed...

• Affordable
• Good MPG
• Roomy( I am 6'3" and 300lbs )
• Easy to get in and out of( due to my MS and size )
• Tow my boat
• 4WD( not AWD )so good in bad weather
• Haul my fishing gear when needed
• Room for my dog crate in back plus lost of gear when duck hunting

I looked at small pickups and smaller SUV's but they just didn't meet all of the requirements or even a majority of them. I then looked at various CUV's and found what I was after. I bought a Jeep Patriot and haven't looked back. I certainly would "prefer" a full sized truck again but I am very happy with my CUV due to what life has thrown at me.

It is more than roomy enough even for me and it is very easy for me to get in and out of which is a must( easy for my 88 year old Dad too ). It has 4WD I can turn on and off as needed( unlike auto AWD )and is very good in the snow and when towing in the winter( horrendous road and ramp conditions at times ). It can tow my boat and haul my gear( seats folded down in rear )including my dog in her crate and a bunch of decoys at the same time. It was very affordable( under $25K for a loaded one )and the MPG is excellent( 24-25 average for mixed and I see 30+ highway - highest to date = 35.8MPG 100% highway ).

It does everything I ask for and then some. It actually is very comfy to drive in and it handles just fine. It doesn't cost me an arm and a leg to own or feed and it does everything I need it to do. It truly seems to be a well blended compromise between the best of cars and SUV/Trucks. Certainly a car like say a Chrysler 300 would give a better and more comfy ride. And yes a Ram or a full sized SUV would provide more work/towing ability. NO arguments there. BUT, this CUV does everything I need it to do and I am comfortable while driving it. I couldn't ask for more.

I had another CUV( 2008 AWD Chevy Equinox )a few years back as well and it did the job pretty good too. I just didn't care for the auto AWD but otherwise it was a nice vehicle as well. I think many people berating CUV's more than likely haven't ever driven one or given them a chance. Granted they are not for everyone but they are not the dumpy minivans some have called them. My CUV is as comfortable driving down the higwhay as it is towing my boat or even off roading if I was into that( I am not but the Patriot if very off road capable ).

There is NOTHING wrong with CUV's. For the right people they are a great fit.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
The vehicle I purchased needed...

• Affordable
• Good MPG
• Roomy( I am 6'3" and 300lbs )
• Easy to get in and out of( due to my MS and size )
• Tow my boat
• 4WD( not AWD )so good in bad weather
• Haul my fishing gear when needed
• Room for my dog crate in back plus lost of gear when duck hunting

I can't speak for everyone, but I'm very glad that you have found a vehicle that suits your needs. Full stop, no sarcasm.

I'm sure you understand that the vast majority of the population does not have this exact list of requirements. This thread began with a general question, so it is getting general answers.

 

[greenjp]

My wife and I have a 2006 Accord, and my MIL had (until she crashed it last year) a similar vintage CR-V. Both with the 2.4l engine and 5 speed stick. As apples-to-apples a comparison of a sedan and SUV as you're going to find.

The CR-V has more cargo capacity and AWD. It has the high seating position if that's your thing. The benefits end there. It is not even close in terms of handling, ride comfort, acceleration, mileage, etc, the Accord blows it away. The Accord, at a similar price, also offers nicer interior materials. The Accord's shifting is also much nicer, but I'm willing to consider that my MIL's CR-V had something wrong with it.

Why buy the sedan over the "equivalent" SUV? Because you value ride/handling/comfort over some extra storage space and AWD.

jeff

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
The vehicle I purchased needed...

• Affordable
• Good MPG
• Roomy( I am 6'3" and 300lbs )
• Easy to get in and out of( due to my MS and size )
• Tow my boat
• 4WD( not AWD )so good in bad weather
• Haul my fishing gear when needed
• Room for my dog crate in back plus lost of gear when duck hunting

I can't speak for everyone, but I'm very glad that you have found a vehicle that suits your needs. Full stop, no sarcasm.

I'm sure you understand that the vast majority of the population does not have this exact list of requirements. This thread began with a general question, so it is getting general answers.


I know not everyone has the same needs I do. Just as your needs for a vehicle differ from other people. I wasn't implying my needs fit everyone elses. I was showing that a CUV actually has purpose for many. That is what is so great about having so many different vehicle types and brands to choose from. If you look around you generally can find what you need from some car mfg. My point was CUV's actually do fit the needs of some folks. They are not as useless as some in this thread make them out to be. That's all.

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: javacontour
Why own anything larger than a small car.

Because it's "the American way."

Right, but then there's the question..... why not?

If the larger vehicle offers more flexibility and utility for the same price, why not buy it over something smaller?

Yes, your family of four can comfortably fit in a Honda Civic, but for the same price you can either get a larger sedan, a CUV, or a mini-van. Do you *need* the extra space? Probably not, but it is nice.

 

[d00df00d]

I didn't say "not everyone" has your needs. I said MOST people don't have your needs. Do you disagree?

 

[Mykl]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
I didn't say "not everyone" has your needs. I said MOST people don't have your needs. Do you disagree?


It's not always about needs. Often "I like that the most" is the main factor. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
I didn't say "not everyone" has your needs. I said MOST people don't have your needs. Do you disagree?


I would say that NHHEMI's list somewhat accurately represents a list that a lot of SUV/CUV shoppers have when looking at vehicles.

* Affordability (they're generally not expensive to buy and are generally inexpensive to own)
* Efficiency (they're generally pretty efficient with good 4-cylinder powertrains)
* Roomy for growing families
* Can tow a small trailer better than a lighter vehicle would
* Offer lots of room in the back for pets, luggage, recreational equipment

After owning SUVs, I've observed other SUV drivers. I see that many live somewhat active lifestyles (biking, skiing, hiking, etc) and these vehicles tend to better cater to these lifestyles than sedans do. Wagons are also useful, but they are compromises as well. They offer a lower center of gravity in exchange for reduced cargo capacity and/or affordability (many of the nicer wagons are either expensive to buy or hard to find). There's nothing wrong with either style of vehicle; it simply depends on what is most important to each particular buyer.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Wagons are also useful, but they are compromises as well. They offer a lower center of gravity in exchange for reduced cargo capacity and/or affordability (many of the nicer wagons are either expensive to buy or hard to find). There's nothing wrong with either style of vehicle; it simply depends on what is most important to each particular buyer.

According to Edmunds.com your CRV has 0.1 cu.ft. more cargo space with the seats up than my Focus, and the Focus has 0.8 cu.ft. more space with the rear seats down. Seems crazy but thats the specs, plus the lower roof height makes it easier to use the roof racks too. I like how it drives as well, so I think the Focus going to be a good efficient commuter/family hauler for its lifetime as my kids are 1 and 3 now.