Favorite SUVs, post 1990.

[LosAngeles]

We who post here, we're red-blooded CAR fans...we like performance, we like being low to the ground...they're simply more interesting, more fun, and they just do it for us.... In the beginning, SUVs were called 4x4s, and were only made by six companies: Jeep Land Rover Toyota (Land Cruiser has to be one of the greatest inventions) Chevy/GMC Ford Dodge Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Mercedes came in with their entries in the late 70s and early 80s...they all were rugged, real off-roading machines that knew their role, and left all of that trying to be the best peoplemover and citymobile crap to cars, the way mature intended. Then, two ugly things happened: Suzuki enters that automotive world with the Samurai 5 years later, Ford replaced the Bronco II with the Explorer Both became big hits with city dwellers and threw everything out of whack... SUVs of today, by and large, are appliances, and unnecessary ones at that. A sorry excuse of a vehicle, and pone that has killed the car game. No more 2-door sedans, no more sports coupes, barely any station wagons or 2-seaters....it's all throwaway 4-door sedans and overcompensatory, irresponsible SUVs. And these SUVs are made by companies that really have no business doing anything but cars....companies tha tnever even made pickups doing SUVs....goddamn crime. People drive these things and really think they're doing it, really believe SUVs are the business...you should see this city, just littered with them, especially on clubbing nights, it's ridiculous. Those with Lexus badges are the biggest offenders. However, I have to ackowledge, as much as I prefer cars, there are quite a few of today's SUVs one finds pretty cool. Range Rover Sport SRX (though I find it difficult to call it a proper SUV) Touareg Trailblazer Axiom (I feel Isuzu killed it too soon) H3 VUE Redine that new Grand Vitara Pathfinder If I was on a cost-no-object new SUV search, that's my list. What about you? Edited October 23, 2005 by LosAngeles

[Dsuupr]

The Suburban was a favorite of mine in the 70s and 80s and still is today. No SUV seems to have it all together like the Suburban. It has the class to escort the President, the ability to tow the biggest trailer one can buy, the capability to go almost anywhere, and gets the gas mileage of much smaller vehicles. No matter what gas mileage is, the Suburban will always be something I would love to afford to have.

[mustang84]

I'm not really a big SUV guy, but I have a fondness for Explorers because one of my friends owned a '96 back in high school and my mom has an '04. I have a lot of good memories in Explorers. Also, I really like the later model Oldsmobile Bravadas.



I also like the '02-'05 Mountaineer...the '06 is kinda weird though.


And the Mariner is pretty sexy, IMO.


As for pre-1990 stuff, I love jacked up Broncos and C/K Blazers.

[razoredge]

When it comes to trucks and utility Im into no bull. Function over form. At one time, in mid 90's before gas took the next big rise I had actually considered a Suburban or a full size van. The rest just dont count to me, they are simply half a Suburban or full size van.

[TurboRush]

-The original Jeep Cherokee -Ford Bronco II -GMC 1500 (Yukon? not shure if it was a yukon or a blazer or something) I'm actualy getting back in the groove of wanting an old truck....... I'm sort of inclined towards a bronco with their inline 6 and possibly adding a turbo to it or something.... that's in my dreams though....not shure if it will reach production in my driveway... hehe

[Robert Hall]

I used to have a Bronco II so I still have a soft spot for them. I've been very happy with my '00 Grand Cherokee, so I'm definitely a fan of the 2nd generation (WJ) Grand Cherokees... I like the old XJ Cherokees and Wranglers also. I don't really care for the Liberty, but my sister loves hers. I like the X5 also...I've thought about trading my Jeep on one (maybe a certified pre-owned 2-3 yr old one, though). I also like the MDX. I've always liked Suburbans also because they are very functional and good at what they do. I like the interior of the Navigator (my mom loves her '05).

[ehaase]

The Suburban/Yukon XL has always been my favorite SUV and really the only one that interests me.

[NOS2006]

My favorite production SUVs:

• First Gen Durangos
• Current/Last Gen Grand Cherokees
• Infiniti FX45
• Nissan Murano
• Porsche Cayenne

[CaddyXLR-V]

My favorites are, GMC Typhoon, Trailblazer SS, 94-96 2 door Tahoes, and current model Denalis, Tahoes, and Escalades. But, given the choice, a nice coupe or 2 seater would always come first.

[bowtie_dude]

2-door Tahoe



ZR-2 Blazer



Z71 Tahoe

[LordStafford]

I'd have to put it in terms of "the SUV I hate the least". LOL! I think I prefer the ones that were pure and real, not gussied up badge engineered wannabes built just to say "we have one too'. The good ole Chevy Suburban is good for what it is, a cowboy cadillac, but I think I have to give top props to the Ford Expedition, the largest ever SUV (and possibly mass market vehicle?) ever built. If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly the saying goes. So if you're going to buy an SUV, buy the biggest and meanest, preferably with a "I'm tough" diesel engine, not some FWD, 4 cylinder car -based "cute ute". IMO!

[Cory Wolfe]

I hate SUVs. Period. The only ones I like are the furthest from being an actual SUV. Like... -Infiniti FX45 -BMW X5 -Cadillac SRX -Acura MDX -Nissan Murano -Porshe Cayenne -Volvo XC90 -Saab 9-7x -Mercedes M-Class I also like some sport versions of SUVs... -Trailblazer SS -Grand Cherokee SRT-8 -Vue Red Line There are some coming SUVs that looks like I may like too... -Acura RDX -Audi Q7 -GM Lambdas -Hyundai Santa Fe -Jeep Patriot -Mazda CX-7 And there is also an SUV that I want to like, but just don't... -Torrent *sigh*

[!!!TED!!!]

This:

(1996-1997 Oldsmobile Bravada)

[pow]

An oldie, but still a goodie...

[Flybrian]

Just kidding.

Seriously...


That's the SUV right there. Period.

[bobo]

Perhaps the most useless SUV ever, if it could be considered an SUV:



I'm not an SUV fan myself, but I would say my favorite is the Saturn VUE with the Honda V6. That thing moves. The Equinox and Torrent are also good.

The BMW X3 is universally derided, but it drives pretty well and has decent utility. The X5 is a better driver, but it has a very small cargo area. The new Mercedes ML is very smooth and solid-feeling.

Among the truck-based SUVs, I like the GMT360's except for the awful interiors and wallowy suspensions. The Explorer is the better vehicle.

[VenSeattle]

I like the Navigator:

[LosAngeles]

Hi, LordStafford!!

I think I have to give top props to the Ford Expedition, the largest ever SUV (and possibly mass market vehicle?) ever built.

[post="33024"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

You mean Excursion.

Expedition is sized between Tahoe and Suburban.

I don't think the Excursion is bigger than an H1.

[Dsuupr]

This:

(1996-1997 Oldsmobile Bravada)

[post="33124"][/post]

We had one of those. Loved it, though it ate alot of gas and needed the repair shop all to often (though still less than the toyota p/u I had when I was 18).

[Brandon Lutz]

I loved late Second Gen Blazer ZR2's myself. Wish I could find a good deal on one around here I'd snatch it up in a hearbeat. I loved the look and the tough off road package it already had.

[Cremazie]

I would have to say that the Current Envoy is, I have always loved the overall look of the front end. Interior is my favorite of all the 360s.

[Flybrian]

The good ole Chevy Suburban is good for what it is, a cowboy cadillac, but I think I have to give top props to the Ford Expedition, the largest ever SUV (and possibly mass market vehicle?) ever built.  If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly the saying goes. So if you're going to buy an SUV, buy the biggest and meanest, preferably with a "I'm tough" diesel engine, not some FWD, 4 cylinder car -based "cute ute". IMO!

[post="33024"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Excursion doesn't deserve 'props.' Its truly the 1959 Cadillac of the SUV era - a big, wallowly, inferior conflagration of uselessness. Similarly-equipped Suburbans/Yukon XLs could tow more and also undercut the Ford by a few grand in price. And even the biggest, baddest Excursion with its obnoxious chug-a-lug Diesel is outmuscled by a gasoline Chevy...by 1500lbs (12,000 vs. 10,500). This doesn't even touch the far superior ride and handling of the 'Burban, the far better interior and equipment levels, and its overall class. Harder to pull up to a fancy dinner or show downtown and still look good in an Excursion.

In the end, someone said, "Let's build another great SUV" and someone else said, "LET'S BUILD SOMETHING BIGGER THAN ANYTHING! AAAAAARGH!" and its clear who said what.

[z28luvr01]

what bowtie_dude said. I've always loved the 1992-94 full-sized Blazer Sport and Yukon GTs. I'd much rather have a 2dr SUV, practicality be damned. It's so hard to find one in good condition, though.

[NOS2006]

lmao Saturday this guy came driving up, revving, while I was working. He was in a Tracker that had the exhaust cut off and a MAJOR oil leak going on. He was burning it like a b*tch. He thought he was hot crap though. lmao

[LosAngeles]

what bowtie_dude said.

I've always loved the 1992-94 full-sized Blazer Sport and Yukon GTs. I'd much rather have a 2dr SUV, practicality be damned. It's so hard to find one in good condition, though.

[post="33290"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Ditto my feelings of the 87 Pathfinder...or the old 70s Cherokee.

[Sixty8panther]

I'm with Mustang84, except for the Explorer/Mountaineer. The quality, durability and ride of these trucks is gawd-awful. Having been a Chevy Salesman for a few years I can tel you all kinds of horror storys wiht traded in Exploders. Every singel one is a squeeky, ill handeling (for a truck I'm not comparing Apples to Oragnes) and porly made POS. The tranies suck and break more often than not and the V6 ones have no balls and yet still manage to be gas hogs... everyone I've ever know who had an Explorer hads tranny problems, complained about gas milage compared to their old Blazer or just all out hated it wiht a passion.

[Cory Wolfe]

The quality, durability and ride of these trucks is gawd-awful. Having been a Chevy Salesman for a few years I can tel you all kinds of horror storys wiht traded in Exploders. Every singel one is a squeeky, ill handeling (for a truck I'm not comparing Apples to Oragnes) and porly made POS. The tranies suck and break more often than not and the V6 ones have no balls and yet still manage to be gas hogs... everyone I've ever know who had an Explorer hads tranny problems, complained about gas milage compared to their old Blazer or just all out hated it wiht a passion.

:unsure: Other than the tranny problems and gutless V6, that sounds exactly like our Blazer.... Including the part about me hating that POS with a passion unlike any other.

[steamer]

I think the TBI engined 4.3 Blazer & Jimmy are A1. I put 225k miles on a 1991 Blazer 4 door before I got into an accident with it and it was totalled. The current GMT-360's don't hold a torch as far as reliability. My 2002 Trailblazer is a prime example. 29 different warranty repairs since new. I'm glad I have the GMPP extended warranty. My 1991 Blazer had 7 warranty repairs during the same time amount as my Trailblazer. It is no wonder GM has troubles.

[CaddyXLR-V]

I'm with Mustang84, except for the Explorer/Mountaineer.

The quality, durability and ride of these trucks is gawd-awful. Having been a Chevy Salesman for a few years I can tel you all kinds of horror storys wiht traded in Exploders. Every singel one is a squeeky, ill handeling (for a truck I'm not comparing Apples to Oragnes) and porly made POS. The tranies suck and break more often than not and the V6 ones have no balls and yet still manage to be gas hogs... everyone I've ever know who had an Explorer hads tranny problems, complained about gas milage compared to their old Blazer or just all out hated it wiht a passion.

[post="33895"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I'd take an Explorer over the Blazer any day. They drive better, look better, and we had 0 problems with ours up to 130,000 miles when it was traded in. My brother had a 96 Blazer, I hated the steering on that truck.

[LordStafford]

Hi, LordStafford!!
You mean Excursion.

Expedition is sized between Tahoe and Suburban.

I don't think the Excursion is bigger than an H1.

[post="33237"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

YES, Excursion. When I wrote that I knew it didn't sound right. I always get those two model names messed up. Thanks for setting me straight!

I hate trucks in general, but like I said before, if you're going to go "truck", go full tilt and buy the biggest, most obnoxious lump of a tank you can. And I do think the Excursion is longer than the H1. Surely not girth but definately length (anyone buying these things must be compensating for something! LOL!) I seem to remember a bunch of green freaks protesting the production of "the biggest SUV ever"...on the other hand, they make up so many statistics, I probably should't believe them on this one either. LOL!

[Sixty8panther]

Escape Explorer Expedition Excursion it's almost surprising they did not snatch up the Escalade and Equinox names too. I do not dislike all Fords but I truly do think the Explorer is one of the worst vehicles to have been put on this planet. I hate every single one of those $hitboxes... though the 02-up ones are a hughe improvement. However when I buy an SUV I want a solid rear axle not a IRS.

[LordStafford]

Escape
Explorer
Expedition
Excursion

it's almost surprising they did not snatch up the Escalade and Equinox names too.

I do not dislike all Fords but I truly do think the Explorer is one of the worst vehicles to have been put on this planet. I hate every single one of those $hitboxes... though the 02-up ones are a hughe improvement. However when I buy an SUV I want a solid rear axle not a IRS.

[post="34213"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Ug, the explorer. I think I hate it too due just to the volume of them. Was never fond of that first Jeep Cherokee, either, with its obnoxiously small rear doors...the way the bottom of the door was shaped made it near impossilbe for anyone with big boy feet to fit in the thing!

The two door version was...ehh. Okay I guess if you have to drive the rubicon to work. Me? I drive a glass smooth 6 lane interstate with almost no traffic. So no truck for me.

[LordStafford]

Excursion doesn't deserve 'props.' Its truly the 1959 Cadillac of the SUV era - a big, wallowly, inferior conflagration of uselessness. ...

[post="33284"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Ah, but that's my point..the 59 caddy was the epitome of the styling craze of its day...and a beautiful example of mid-century auto design because of that. Yes, now, it looks completely overwrought, but at the time I'm sure it was very modern, sleek and up to date. I can hear the salesmen now "the fins help stabilize the car at high speeds, much like the mustang I piloted in DubyaDubyaTwo..."

While the design (or lack thereof) of SUVS is dull, I doubt they will ever be remembered/restored as those 50s classics, I do respect them for taking the craze of the day and taking it to its craziest extreme.

It's the epitome and a hallmark of its era. Trucky at its most truckiness.

[Croc]

I can't believe I haven't contributed to this thread yet...

Even though it's a POS I love the way my M-Class drives...when it drives.

But favorite post 1990 SUVs?

Here, in no real order:

Explorer Sport:


SRX:


Tahoe (both):



Mountaineer:


Bravada:


Torrent (prefer it to Equinox):


Cayenne:


The previous were not in any real order, but this one is my favorite SUV:

Land Rover Range Rover: