CRV, Escape, Tribute. Can't Decide

I'm considering purchasing either a 2005 CR-V EX-L, Escape XLT 4x4, or
Tribute GT 4x4. Can't decide. I'm leaning towards the Tribue or Escape.
The ondemand 4x4 on these two vehicles look appealing. I've always
purchased Hondas and have never had a proble. I've heard a few horror
stories about Ford/Mazda. Any have any advice/suggestions? I've driven all
of them... now can't decide. Thanks a lot.

 

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Hard to say. We don't know what you want to use it for. Are you in a
mountainous part of Canada? Do you ski? Pulling a trailer? Crossing streams?

More input required . . . .

Reply to group.

 

Thanks. I'm mainly concerned with space (2 big dogs and a small child).
Alsowould like ondemand 4x4 for winter. I'm leaning towards the Escape
(perhaps even the Hybrid), however, just concerned with the quality of Ford
products.

 

My brother bought an Escape a couple of years ago (2002 or 2003 - I cannot
recall). I bought a 2002 CR-V. He sold his due to numerous issues. I still
have my CR-V which, except for some deer dents due to rural roads, is doing
quite well (and getting very nice gas mileage). FWIW.

 

I have had 3 Honda Civics (1991 Hatch, 2001 & 2004LX Coupes), so I am a
pretty loyal Honda buyer, and familiar with its quality. In March, I was
looking for a SUV to replace my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Ext Cab, and it needed to
be something that I could easily carry groceries, baby stroller, and get
through the nasty white stuff with ease in the middle of winter. Something
with an auto tranny that my wife could drive to work in every day.

I drove the CRV, and found it nice on the highway, but would clearly be
underpowered for towing a large camper trailer or my 2 snowmobiles... not to
mention the fact that I pretty much got stuck in a snow patch during one of
my test drives... it seemed like the rear wheel power came on too late to
prevent me from getting stuck.

Anyhow, looked at Mazda Tribute... like it. Went to Ford, got a better deal
on virtually the same vehicle. Lots of power to keep you moving through
deep snow, tows a camper or 2 snowmobiles with ease, good acceleration and
passing power, and its the XLT with many accessories. It handles like a
car, and is comfortable to drive. Sure - it seems harder on gas, but that's
a result of the 61 litre fuel tank.

It was less expensive that the CRV by a lot, and after 12,000 kms, it has
only seen the shop for its regular maintenance. I feel pretty happy with
the purchase, even though I've always been anti-Ford (my family only ever
had GM products in their driveway, until 1991 when I bought my first car, a
brand new Civic CX Hbk).

I would strongly recommend it... even over the CRV.

Cheers,
Billy

 

Thanks a lot for the reply. I think I will pickup an Escape. Maybe I'll
get an extended warranty though