Top 5 Big SUVs to Haul, Drive, and Look Good

Posted October 16 2006 12:03 PM by Joel Arellano
Filed under: Miscellaneous, SUVs, SUV

Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book found the Escalade front and center for its beleaguered maker, General Motors. Matt Nauman of Mercury News, though, sees the Chevrolet Suburban crossed out among buyers unless they regularly haul boats or haul six to seven passengers. He voices similar thoughts for the newly released Chrysler Aspen which is based on the Dodge Durango, whose sales are down 43 percent so far this year.

The final two SUVs include the Ford Expedition and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The latter is the German automaker’s first foray in the segment which it hopes will be a competitor against the Cadillac Escalade.

Our take? Even with gas prices dropping, consumers are still spooked by its most likely return. We foresee continued drop in interest for the Suburban and low expectations for the Aspen as more Americans continue to switch to crossovers. The luxury SUV, though, looks promising since such buyers usually consider gas prices lower on their expectations list.

Additional articles:
Downsizing from SUV? Try these full-sized vehicles
Best of Full-Size Utility Class
2007 Chrysler Aspen brings functionality, style to SUVs
Mercedes-Benz's BLUETEC diesel rollout in U.S. by 2008

Via Mercury News

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

Edward A. Sanchez (October 16 2006 01:30 PM)

If anything will save the big SUVs, it's going to be diesel engines. If consumers can still have the size, capability and power of a full-size SUV with 30-40 percent better mileage, I think these vehicles will continue to be popular. However, I don't think you're going to see the "crossover" trend go away any time soon either. I think a lot of people are realizing they don't need a huge lumbering hulk anymore for day-to-day duties.

joela (October 16 2006 03:18 PM)

if true, esanchez, gm and ford better move faster on the diesel bandwagon. i see mercedes-benz light years ahead of them with honda ready to pull out its rabbit (a non-urea using diesel engine) out of a hat.

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Top 5 Big SUVs to Haul, Drive, and Look Good