Automobile Comparisons and Contrasts

            In this post we will cover the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, and the 2006 Ford Explorer. We will compare the American SUVs to the Japanese SUVs and their specifications in depth, and finish this post off with my personal opinion, consumer opinions, and the logical choice.

            The 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is a replacement SUV for the Chevy Tracker and it’s specifications are those based off of the Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara. The Equinox is affordable and has decent gas mileage. With a 3.4-liter V6 engine producing an average 185 horsepower, it is both a family vehicle as well as an SUV for recreational uses such as towing fishing boats and other simpler jobs. All-Wheel Drive, Cruise Control, Height Adjustable Seats, CD Stereo System, power windows, mirrors and locks and a rear window wiper are some of the standard interior and options that come standard with the Equinox. Equipped with ABS, traction control, large cargo space, and a five star rating by the NHTSA the 2006 Chevy Equinox is both safe and fun to drive.

            The 2006 Ford Explorer is one of the few SUVs that have a consistent amount of buyers for each model that rolls out of the production line. Almost everything about the Explorer makes you want to buy the SUV. It’s excellent ride and handling provided by the 4.0-liter V6 engine sporting 210 horsepower, six-way power driver seat, keyless entry, mp3 compatible CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, leather upholstery, ventilation ducts, four antilock disc brakes, AdvanceTrac stability control system, Roll Stability Control, Safety Canopy System and is overall quieter that previous models. Although the dispute over the 2001 Ford Explorers “rolling over”, the case has been solved and more safety features have been added in the 2006 model. The Ford Explorer is both a family SUV and a utility truck because it contains both the luxury and comfort as well as the strength and endurance other trucks do not have. With a price tag of almost $35k, you’ll definitely be getting your money worth if you need a utility truck that satisfies both you and your wife.

            If I were to choose between an American SUV or a Japanese SUV, it would really depend on what I would be looking for in the SUV. If I wanted style and a more comfortable ride, I would go with the Japanese made SUVs, but I wanted a hardier and rugged SUV I would purchase an American made SUV. If the cheapest price is what you are looking for the American made SUVs are the cheapest you can get. To me, I wouldn’t buy the cheapest SUV because not only do the more expensive ones have comfort, power, and the greater gas mileage but they are more reliable and less frequent to breaking down.

            In conclusion, Japanese SUVs are a better choice over the American SUVs because they are better engineered and provide most of the needs that consumers are looking for. I don’t mean to tell everyone not to consider buying American made SUVs, but consider both sides carefully and down to the wire before purchasing an SUV.

            In this Special Edition Blog Post we will be comparing the American Sport Utility Vehicles against the Japanese/Asian Sport Utility Vehicles. The top four ranked SUVs in America in 2006 will be selected according to manufacturers. The top two ranked SUVs from Japanese manufacturers in the USA are the 2006 Nissan Xterra, and the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The top two ranked SUVs from American manufacturers in the USA are the 2006 Ford Explorer and the 2006 Chevy Equinox. With American manufacturers holding the title for the best pick-up trucks and heavy duty vehicles, we will compare to how their SUVs stand up against the rapidly growing SUV industry in the Japanese market.

          With the highest consumer rating out of the four SUVs, the 2006
Toyota 4Runner receives a 9.2/10 on Edmunds.com. What makes this SUV so unique is that for a little over $27k you get a lot more standard availability in parts and features than you can believe. With a standard 236 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine pulling 266lbs-ft. of torque makes this SUV accelerate like a cheetah. The towing capacity on the standard 4.0-liter 4Runner is 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner equipped with Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Stability control, received the highest rating in the IIHS frontal-offset testing for safety, and earned four stars out of five in the government crash testing. This SUV comes with third row seating comfortably seating four to five adults with a couple kids in the third row, bringing the total capacity to six or seven people. For comfort and interior the 4Runner provides standard features such as CD player, Remote Keyless Entry, cruise control, a trip computer, 16-inch wheels, climate control, and power seats and windows. There are three trim levels, which are the type of accessory packages you can choose from, the SR5(standard), Sport, and Limited. With many safety and handling features, the 4Runner makes this big SUV easy to maneuver in tight situations as well as off-road.

            The 2006 Nissan Xterra, ranked 9.1/10 in the consumer ranking, boasts it’s capability in the city and off-road. This car-based SUV is primarily constructed for towing, and off-road activities. With a 4.0-liter 265 horsepower producing heart, the Xterra is a beast when it comes to towing load, and acceleration. Although not as equipped with as many standard features as the 4Runner, the Xterra has earned a Five Star Award for protection of both front and rear occupants in side-impact crashes. For standard options, the Xterra comes with 4WD with rear locking differentials, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, a 300-Watt Rocksford Fosgate Audio system, cruise control, high-performance shocks, alloy wheels wrapped in off-road tires, and air conditioning. Although there are a lot of performance parts, the interior and comfort level isn’t great, which reflects the affordable pricing. Plastic, and a cheap/average interior provides the least amount of comfort and isn’t very appealing to many, but what is very appealing to consumers is the affordable pricing of the 2006 Nissan Xterra.

Continued on next blog…