Another year has waved in another tide of SUVs. Despite increasing gas prices that continue to ebb higher, SUV sales have steadily increased throughout the year. Yet, a plethora of comfortable and efficient new sport sedans and wagons are luring outdoor enthusiasts to trade in their SUVs for smaller models. Following is a sampling of my top picks.
2004 BMW X3
The new BMW X3’s exterior dimensions are quite close to those of the “bigger” BMW X5, but it has more rear-seat leg and cargo room. The X3 is also about 600 pounds lighter than the X5, and it shows: running with a six-speed transmission and the same 225-horsepower three-liter engine, the X3 feels much more athletic and satisfying. On some surfaces, though, the X3 has a washboard feel. The X3 3.0 starts at $36,300. The X3 2.5, with a 184-horsepower engine, starts at $30,300.
2004 Honda Element
The Honda Element has a urethane floor cover and waterproof seats. It has two rear seats that fold every which way, rear doors that open out on back hinges to create enormous side openings and ridiculous utility for a vehicle that starts at $16,000 (or $17,500 for a four-wheel-drive). Shorter than a two-door Civic, it drives nicely too, thanks to its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that does a perfectly adequate job.
2004 Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is surprisingly easy to drive, offers a commanding view of the road, and provides the type of interior space and comfortable seats that make climbing in after a punishing afternoon of biking a real joy. However, there are tradeoffs: Passenger comfort comes at the expense of cargo space, of which there is precious little. And the gas tank, as you might imagine, requires frequent attention. The H2 starts at a few ticks over $49,000.
2004 Nissan Murano
I found the Nissan Murano’s interior somewhat lackluster, but the rest of the package spoke to me. Nissan’s very capable 3.5-liter V6 engine does the heavy lifting here; it’s paired with a buttery continuously variable automatic transmission. The smooth ride and handling feel more like a car than a truck. Add a decent cargo area and a backseat that’s comfortable for two adults and you’ve got a winner. Front-wheel-drive Muranos start at $28,300. All-wheel-drive adds $1,600.
2004 Saab 9-3
I’ve driven a variety of Saabs over the past dozen years and I’ve never liked one as much as the new 9-3 sport sedan. I found the interior design soothing, the exterior design exciting and the driving a blast. These aren’t flashy cars, but they’re quick and sharp and competent. Best of all, the same turbo feel that first hooked me in is still there. The various 9-3 models start between $26,400 and $32,600.
2005 Subaru Outback Wagon
I’ve been writing glowing reviews of Subarus for years. With each new model, it seems, the company gives the lie to my previous columns: they keep getting better. The newly designed Outback wagon, with models ranging from $18,900 to $33,400, is no exception. The all-wheel-drive Outback offers a more luxurious interior, a slightly longer body and side airbags to boost the safety quotient, while delivering the same smooth transmission feel, excellent handling and eminently comfortable ride.
2004 Toyota Prius
Toyota’s gas-electric hybrid sedan, the Prius, has had buyers waiting patiently for months. Redesigned for 2004, the Prius accelerates, brakes and handles like a “normal” car. The maximum mpg you can expect is about 60. I consistently saw numbers in the 40s but I took no effort to conserve gas. The Prius’ sharp interior design, high level of standard equipment, optional safety and convenience features are a big plus. The Prius starts at $20,295.
2004 VW Touareg
From the gleaming paint job to comfortable seats, the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg exudes quality and luxury. With a V6 engine, it is not ferociously fast off the line, but it can tow a stunning 7,700 pounds and has strong off-road credentials. I stayed on the pavement during my review, but I did drive through a flash flood without any drama: the Touareg rewarded my calmness with direct handling. Touaregs start at $35,900 and cross $42,000 with a V8.
– Marc Schulhof is the automotive editor of Outdoors NW. |
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