Are Suzuki Sidekicks good vehicles?

Shopping for a Small SUV: Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport or Suzuki Grand Vitara?

• We are in the process of researching our next vehicle. We're looking for a small 4-wheel drive (or all wheel drive) SUV that will pull through the snow but will also get good gas mileage. I think we've narrowed it down to the Patriot, Outlander Sport and Grand Vitara. If you have any experiences with these vehicles, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts/suggestions. Which one should we get? Please don't bother with the "They're all weak and you should spend the money to get a ... you name it (CRV, Rav 4, Escape, Equinox, etc.)" arguments. I know how much I have to spend, and I don't have the money to throw extra thousands into one of those other vehicles. In my view it's an apples and oranges debate when you're talking about a group of vehicles around $19k-$23k versus a group of vehicles around $28k-$32k. Frankly, I'm impressed with what we can get for around $20, and I'm just looking for insight from those who own one. Thanks!

• Answer:

  From that list, Edmunds.com recommends the Outlander, although all are viable choices and you really should testdrive them before making a decision. Here are their reviews: http://www.edmunds.com/mitsubishi/outlander/2012 http://www.edmunds.com/jeep/patriot/2012 http://www.edmunds.com/suzuki/grand-vitara/2012 Another vehicle I want to bring to your attention is the 2012 Dodge Journey, which is a mid-size three row SUV. The Journey is going to be a lot nicer and roomier than any of the vehicles you mentioned. As the best-priced mid-size SUV in America, the Journey is cheaper than Outlander. An AWD (all-wheel drive) Outlander starts at $25,000 new, a 4WD Grand Vitara at $23,000, a 4WD Patriot at $15,995, and an AWD Journey at $24,890. The 2011+ Journey has a very high-quality, soft touch interior (that you won't find in any of the compacts you mentioned), and very good fuel economy for such a large vehicle. I own one, and I average 21 mpg in town and 29 mpg on the highway with the 3.6L V6 engine. It is also available with a 2.4L I-4 (the same engine that is in Patriot) that some find under-powered. You can get a slightly used 2011 model year 4WD/AWD Journey, Grand Vitara, or Outlander for about $20-21k. The only vehicle you can buy brand new with 4WD for under $23k of the ones you mentioned is the Patriot. Here is a review of the Journey: http://www.edmunds.com/dodge/journey/2012 Good luck!