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.

This entry was posted on December 14, 2006 at 1:43 am and is filed under Blogroll. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.