With Subaru, depending on the year you have to worry about the timing belt. I believe in 2013, they went to a timing chain which should eliminate the biggest problem with the 2.5 L engine. I love my Suby.

Also, don't be afraid of the Legacy Outback. They get good mileage for an AWD vehicle. I get 27 highway and 21 (blended) in my 95. My parents have a 2013 that gets about the same mileage.

I had one of them as a rental and drove it over 1000 miles, damn good little SUV. I was very impressed, far more so than with my parents' RAV4.

Can't go wrong with the Honda SRV...we have had one since 2003...bulletproof reliable, very cheap to maintain, good MPG, and Honda reliability.

The downside to any SUV/Truck when considering "safety", and is the perception of being in a "safer" vehicle, is it's still has the reflex's of an SUV or Truck, not like a small economy car. If one get's in lots of accidents, then looking at an SUV/Truck as a "safe" vehicle, this may be the viable option(just as wearing protective gear playing tackle football, knowing very well your going to take a hit).

There is a reason why a cheetah doesn't need amour plating, as it's reflexes, and ability to turn and maneuver don't require it. Same with your Porsche...when driven properly(and driving defensively(paying attention to what's around you), it doesn't need armor plating like a tank.

Much of the worlds products are sold on a "worst case scenario" basis of "what if". That's a fine line of what we perceive of what we actually need.

I drive the heck out of my 2006 Honda Pilot. I have never had an issue with it and I see no reason ever to sell it. I would buy another in 1/2 a heart beat.

My wife loves her Mazda CX-5. What are you concerns about the CX-5? We've put a lot of miles on several different Mazda products and have been very happy. My Mazda5 didn't have adjustable rear camber which caused it to have an appetite for tires. I put on a camber kit for $100 and it's been great ever since.

Another vote for the Xterra. Had mine since 2008, no problems.

I have a Chevy Equinox 2013.. I'm very-very happy. Way better than the Escape, Trailblazer, Journey and CR-V I had...

70K miles on my Tiguan and no problems. We love it.

Ditto here, we have a Mazda5 and it's fantastic. Just like the other four Mazdas that we've owned, and there's another four with extended family. They are the best kept secret in the auto business in my opinion.

I bought Phil Edmundston's Lemon Aid book and the only criticism of the CX5 is noisy front strut noise. It is recommended overall. I just have to get out and test drive one.

My neighbor recently bought a Subaru Forester which he is happy with. I have concerns about VW Tiguan reliability but I am sure it is a fun ride. Our winter cold and snow are really hard on cars so good heat and handling are essential.

My 2001 Boxster has been the most fun car I have ever had but I am tired of the niggling problems. At my stage of life I just need a reliable vehicle where I just turn the key and go. Thanks all for the input.

My wife's 2002 Camry has been rock solid over the years but just cannot justify another Toyota.No character. The 2005 Nissan Xtrail (like a small Xterra) that I have given to my daughter has been reliable but cold in winter. It has got premature rust so I cannot buy the Nissan Rogue if they don't honour their warranty

Anyways it will be fun trying these different suvs. I will fix up the Boxster to make it more saleable. I cannot sell a car privately unless I feel good about it.

Cheers , Guy

Isn't the data available from the sources you quoted more reliable than a bunch of comments from individuals?

There are no really bad cars any more. But every car has at least one weak point, even if the weakness is just being boring.

You can find a person who is happy with any vehicle, even a Lada, if you look long enough.

Going through the same exercise now. Had great experience with Honda/Acura, so I bought a Honda Pilot to replace the Ford Expedition.

135k on the MDX, only expenses were gas, oil, pads & filters. Expedition failed me twice on the road with rusted brake lines and transmission lines. Also changed ignition packs, TP sensors, exhaust manifold cracked and last year put in a new transmission.

Also buying a Subaru Forester or Impreza to replace our Audi.

If you haven't already, you should research issues associated with the 4-cylinder Equinox. High oil consumption, power loss, timing chain failure, there are a number of issues that typically lead to engine replacement. I don't know how common they are, but it's enough that I've heard about it despite zero interest in those products.

Ford has come a long way. Their cars today are a much higher caliber than they were 10 years ago.

Well went test driving 2 suv's today. First one was the Mazda CX5. It did everything well. Smooth ride , not too firm. Adequate power, uses regular unleaded. Not as exciting as I would have thought.

Then I went and tried the 2014 VW Tiguan. Lots of standard features. Uses premium unleaded. More of a driver's car than the CX5, smaller, great steering. Any comments about the DSG transmission/ long term reliability?

I can see why folks buy the Tiguan. I am in no hurry to buy.
Keep the comments coming.
G

Are you looking to buy it vs lease? How long would you keep it?

Personally, I wouldn't own a VW unless it was under warranty. I don't know what your budget is or what stuff costs in Canada, but I'd take a look at Subarus. Can't imagine what's wrong with CR-Vs. The CX-5 is supposed to be coming out with a turbo diesel that's supposed to be amazing.

What model CX-5 did you drive? 2014 brought a new engine to the Touring and Grand Touring models.

Agreed. Early builds had issues. Since 2012 has been much better. I'm not concerned since the car is under warranty.

Isn't the Tiguan quite a bit more expensive than the CX5 and some of the others? If this is going to be a keeper do some reading on DSG maintenance, it's more complicated and intensive than a normal automatic.

I have read about the DSG trans. in Phil Edmunston's book Lemon Aid. It seems to be a crap shoot. Spme owners have a problem with it and some don't.

Even the bottom line Tiguan has a good array of features. Side airbags, heated seats, lumbar support adjustment in both front seats and it is fun to drive.

I would like to know from mechanics out there who have worked on the Golf/Tiguan DSG trans. is it a nightmare design?

Guy