Most Reliable SUV

SUV’s have come a long way in history. Many believe the first SUV originated from the “depot hack”, a vehicle that transported people from train stations. The longest running SUV is the Suburban and the father to the SUV is the Jeep Wagon. Today the SUV is no longer just a sports utility vehicle designed for off road journeys; it comes in many sizes and styles that include the elite Luxury model or the small Compact vehicle.
Deciding which SUV to invest in depends upon many factors. But the most important consideration for consumers is to know what type of vehicle is needed. There are SUV’s designed for off road and SUV’s for in town driving, each model is different. If an SUV that is designed for the roadway and it is taken off road then the vehicles life will be shortened.

Reliability of a vehicle is another important factor to consider. Finding the right SUV that is dependable can definitely be cost effective, not only will it save money on repairs it will help avoid recurring breakdowns. Yet deciding on a dependable vehicle that suits your needs can be as easy.

When buying a vehicle there are a lot of great resources available for consumers. Some of the best research is done by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates. These companies do extensive studies that are time tested and assessed by using consumer surveys.

Another consideration for consumers is the reputation of the manufacturer. Some name brands have a history of building vehicles that last for years. Investigative details done by Consumer Reports states that out of the top 31 vehicles in all categories, 15 were made by Toyota. Consumer Reports reported Toyota’s Highlander, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and 2005 RAV4 as being on the top of the list. J.D. Power and Associates listed the Toyota’s 4Runner as one of the most reliable SUV‘s.

Aside from Toyota’s, there are other manufacturers that have a very reliable SUV. Studies by J.D. Power and Associates states that the Lexus RX 300 and LX 470, the Honda CR-V, and the GMC Yukon/Yukon XL are the most reliable. Consumer Reports also has the Honda CR-V on the top of the list as well as the Lexus RX 400h, Subaru Forester, Honda Element, Mitsubishi Outlander, Infiniti FX35, and the Mercury Mariner.

Toyota 4Runner:
Launched in 1984, Each trim is available with two engine option. A base 4.0-liter V6 engine puts out 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 4.7-liter V8 makes 260 hp and a healthy 306 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard across all trims, and four-wheel drive is optional. to be surprisingly light and responsive for a truck-based SUV. In any trim, the 4Runner shines off-road.

Honda CR-V: Honda’s CR-V, 2010:
The Honda CR-V is listed as the best selling SUV in the United States. It has an option for a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty or a 5 years/60,000 mile warranty. It has four-wheel drive giving 21-27 miles per gallon, and the front wheel drive gives 21-28 miles per gallon. It has a leather interior, duel deck cargo shelf, lightweight lift up tailgate, has ultra low emission, has a 4 cylinder engine, and 180 horsepower.

Toyota Highlander 2001 – Present:
The Toyota Highlander has 4 wheel independent suspension, a selection of front wheel drive, a 4-cylinder engine, or AWD with a V6. In 2005 the Toyota Highlander introduced the 268 horsepower engine making it excellent on gas, quiet, and a much smoother ride. Although this SUV is not designed for off road traveling it is ideal for icy roads.

Toyota’s Lexus GX-470, 2003 – Present:
The Lexus GX-470 is an 8 passenger vehicle has a 32-valve, 4.7-liter, 4-cam V8 engine, giving it an amazing 270 horse powered engine . The Lexus GX 470 is a comfortable vehicle with amazing performance both off road and on.

Reasons to buy an SUV
SUVs have different features for all types of drivers. They give versatile cargo space, and they give most overall versatility of all vehicle types. Suvs offer a higher driving postion than any passenger car. Some have the ability to carry either seven or eight passengers, with the models that come with the third row seating. The models that come with all wheel or four wheel drive offers extra traction when driving in dangerous conditions. The larger models are bad with gas mileage, and can roll over more easily in emergency maneuvers.

Car-based vs. truck-based SUVs
Car-based SUVs, which have become really popular today, are built on carlike unibody platforms. They generally provide better handling, fuel ecomony, and ride comfort than the truck-based SUVs. They can be driven in more moderate off-road situations, unlike the truck models which can handle more extreme off-road situations.
Truck-based SUVs are built on body-on-frame platforms, like trucks. Often times they offer more towing capacity. However, the handling is not as good as the car-based SUVs, and the ride is not as smooth.

Engines and transmissions
Providing the best balance between fuel economy and power, most SUVs are equpit with a six cylinder engine. Some of the larger models come with a V8 engine that offers better towing, and better acceleration, but they usually have less gas mileage. Some of the smaller models come with a four cylinder engine, that offers better fuel economy but lacks the power.

Automatic transmission
All SUVs are now available with the automatic transmissions. Some are still available with the manual transmission, which can save you gas. Now, some automatics come with the manual-shift mode. This allows for the driver to shift as if it were a manual transmission, but with no clutch.

4WD, AWD, or rear-wheel drive?
Most SUVs offer either four wheel drive, or all wheel drive. Some of the truck based models still come with the real wheel drive versions. Four wheel drive, and all wheel drive gives power to all four wheels of the SUV, but the four wheel drive offers a low gearing, for off-road situations.

Seating
All SUVs can seat at least five people. The larger models offer third row seating which can seat seven to eight people, but the third row is hard to access and is easier for children to access. Most third row seats will fold down into the floor when not it’s not being used.

Access
Most of the SUV models offer wide rear and front doors, and plenty of head room. However, becasue the SUVs sit higher off the ground than a regular car, getting in could be a problem for short people, children, and disabled people.

Safety features
All new vechicles come with the standard front airbags, safety belts, and very good latch child seat attachments. Many models now come with side airbags, and head protection air bags. When considering an SUV, look for features such as daytime running lights, and maybe traction control.