elripster
02-24-2008, 02:11 PM
After much shopping and driving for a car that would suit Claire's needs for a little more space than her Civic and much better foul weather performance (we'll be relocting) we settled in on a 2008 Saturn View. We drove the Rav4, CRV, Hyundai, Tibeca, and a few others.
The Rav4 was fast, real fast. In fact it was putting so much power to the ground through the front wheels that the resulting torque steer scare Claire and turned her off. I'm sure the AWD model would not have done that but they didn't have one on the lot. Also, she didn't like the swing out tail gate. It's rather expensive. It's better off road characteristics were not a requirement since we have the 4runner for that.
The CRV felt like a tin can on wheels powered by a motorcycle engine. It's terribly anemic requiring you to mash the pedal to get it to go. I hated it. She kinda liked but but thankfully not as much as the others. This is good since we can get good deals through her uncle who runs a service department at a Honda dealer. It does get goof fuel economy though.
The rest... never mind the bullocks... they weren't really on the map. There were luxury models that were too expensive, or that Tribeca with it's odd interior...
The Saturn was a good mix of numerous qualities. The XR AWD with the 3.6L "High Feature" V6 is fast. Gobs of torque are available across the RPM band (variable valve timing). It has a high flow exhaust which lets it rev. The Rav is faster but the Saturn can scoot. The interior is the best of the lot. The option list is good and it's very affordable. I also get discounts through GM which added to the good price. We got the XR nicely loaded with lots of winter friendly features like remote start and heated seats. I like to drive it which was not a requirement but makes me happy.
Here it is at the dealer...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/at%20dealer.jpg
On the way home...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/way%20home.jpg
home...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/wife%20and%20car.jpg
Frank
The Rav4 was fast, real fast. In fact it was putting so much power to the ground through the front wheels that the resulting torque steer scare Claire and turned her off. I'm sure the AWD model would not have done that but they didn't have one on the lot. Also, she didn't like the swing out tail gate. It's rather expensive. It's better off road characteristics were not a requirement since we have the 4runner for that.
The CRV felt like a tin can on wheels powered by a motorcycle engine. It's terribly anemic requiring you to mash the pedal to get it to go. I hated it. She kinda liked but but thankfully not as much as the others. This is good since we can get good deals through her uncle who runs a service department at a Honda dealer. It does get goof fuel economy though.
The rest... never mind the bullocks... they weren't really on the map. There were luxury models that were too expensive, or that Tribeca with it's odd interior...
The Saturn was a good mix of numerous qualities. The XR AWD with the 3.6L "High Feature" V6 is fast. Gobs of torque are available across the RPM band (variable valve timing). It has a high flow exhaust which lets it rev. The Rav is faster but the Saturn can scoot. The interior is the best of the lot. The option list is good and it's very affordable. I also get discounts through GM which added to the good price. We got the XR nicely loaded with lots of winter friendly features like remote start and heated seats. I like to drive it which was not a requirement but makes me happy.
Here it is at the dealer...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/at%20dealer.jpg
On the way home...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/way%20home.jpg
home...
http://sdori.com/eventimages/wife%20and%20car.jpg
Frank