Posted by
Corthell on Sunday, March 14, 2010 8:00:02 AM
''Some small sport ‘utes can cost more than twice their sticker price within the first five years. In every case, however, there’s an alternative that won’t sink your monthly budget. We’ve look at IntelliChoice data, and our own vehicle rankings, to find a wallet-friendly alternative to each budget-buster.'' To hear the media tell it, everyone wanted a hulking, gas-guzzling Cadillac Escalade before the recession hit. Now, humbled, we all want a tiny, fuel-sipping Nissan Versa. Neither picture is quite true.
As many car-shopping Americans have discovered, the right solution for many of us splits the difference – a compact SUV. Today’s small sport ‘utes are marvels. Most are built on the same platforms as small or midsize cars, making them as easy to drive as sedans – and just as fuel-efficient. The average fuel economy in the Affordable Compact SUV class is about 21 mpg in the city and almost 27 mpg on the highway – similar to what most midsize cars achieve. Yet SUVs offer more cargo capacity, spacious seating, and a driving position that lets you see more of the road. And, in most cases, they’re available with the added safety of all-wheel drive. In many parts of the country this winter, you only have to look out the window to understand the advantage of that.
Yes, today’s compact SUVs are a marvel -- except, of course, for the few that hook a vacuum hose to your wallet and suck. For years. http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1361/the-worst-small-suv-money-pits/