ClutchPerformer

LAND ROVER LR3

Aaaaaaand, discuss....

dom

What was it up against?

Dan Martin

:wtf:

I'm not a fan of SUV's in general but I can think of probably 10 other models I would buy before that one.

ClutchPerformer

I don't have the mag with me. This isn't the story, but you can see all the contenders in one of the pics: contestants

For the lazy/don't know cars when they see them:

Ford Freestyle
Ford Escape Hybrid
Nissan Pathfinder
Infiniti QX56
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chevy Equinox
Land Rover LR3 (teh winnar)

dom

Among that crowd I have no problem with the winner. It aparently has one of if not the most sophisticated 4x4 systems in any truck and it looks good IMO. The only question about it I have is Ford (Jaguar) involvement (reliability).

Ford Freestyle - 3.0L 200HP

Ford Escape Hybrid - Its still an Escape

Nissan Pathfinder - This would have been the only one I thought would have a chance but Maybe the LR3 maybe stood out more or the Path may suffer from the same problem the Q56 and Armada have.

Infiniti QX56 - More squeaks and ratlles than several hundred TSX's

Jeep Grand Cherokee - can you say FUGLY

Chevy Equinox - 3.4L 185 HP Pushrod

Land Rover LR3 (teh winnar) - Good, looks, Great 4x4 or AWD system and plenty of power and luxury.

corbs

No 4Runner? I wonder why?

dom

Because these are "All new" SUV's only. The 4 Runner was all new in 03.

DEI99662

Of all the ones rated, I dont like any of them. Maybe if the Equinox had the Honda engine, I would vote for that one. I just got that Motor Trend issue, so I will have to read that article. Also got the new Car and Driver issue in.

Junkster

I guess the catagorizing was a bit odd for me... the ONLY connecting themes being SUV and new for the year... kinda hard comparing a Freestyle and a LR...

I figure that the tag of SUV of the year won't help sell the LR compared to the others on list, simply due to price. But who knows...

Junkster, who is busy working on his applications

gocubsgo55

awww come ON! Land Rover and their god forsaken crappy quality. Why wouldn't the Equinox and its ground-brekaing versatility, bang-for-the-buck, and fairly nice quality for American sh:t win?

I can see it now, the RX400h will win next year. If the RDX comes out without the RX400h, then I can see the RDX, a hell of an idea, winning it too. But if both debut at the same time, its fair to suggest that the critics will take the Lexus. Just my opinion.

kurt_bradley

I'm still curious why the VW (with the TDI V10) didn't get that one. It has more torque than a Viper.

sipark

I think it's stupid that they ignore all other existing SUVs to nominate SUV of the year... I don't know how MT awards vehicle_type of the year awards, but how is it a vehicle_type of the year if really good candidates might not even have been evaluated?

LR3 for SUV of the year, is IMO..

DEI99662

ilitig8

First, several of you seem to not understand the criteria, if the SUV is not new or signiifcantly redesigned it is NOT considered. So no T'egg, 4Runner etc.

Of the group I think the Pathy is the second best choice.

The LR3 appears to be a heck of a vehicle, I have owned 7 LR products in the past (Series 1s & 2s, 2 Discos and a Defender) they are all beyond reproach when it comes to ability off road, but alas the newer LRs seem to be plagued with issues (but LR dealerships are darn good at fixing whats broke without issues). The LR3 would sell like hotcakes IF the price hadn't jumped so much and having to overcome the past reliability issues.

I think the LR3 was a good choice, the only one on the list I have driven is the Pathy (which I thought was really a good vehicle and undercuts the 4Runner in price as well) but based on the article they seem to rank the Jeep a little above the Pathy mainly based on offroad ability (no locking diffs on the Pathy).

To put the LR3 in perspective if it had near the reliability of the MDX, I would never consider the MDX.

Vandy

provench

LR = POS ... period. It might win as a brand new vehicle, but do a followup in 2-3 years. They are without a doubt technically sound, but the are a complete money pit. The horror stories on past LR's alone should keep this thing out of top spot

ClutchPerformer

So I guess now you're NOT thinking about buying this one?

dom

Actaully I'm still considering it and as far as SUV's go its either that or the CR-V. As underwhelming as the 3.4 is, its most likely reliable and its matched to what is apparently a sweet 5AT. I'm not looking for power in my SUV so although the 3.4 is ancient it will suit my needs just fine. Just not expecting it to win awards or set any records.

Afterall, how many award winning cars do I need? 1 is plenty.

DEI99662

Did you ever go test drive the Equinox?

dom

No, that will happen shortly, Hoping to find a demo somewhere but right now pickings are very slim.

DEI99662

Let us know what you think of it. The styling looks good. I am all too familiar with that engine.

Have you gone to test drive any vehicles on your list yet?

dom

Lets continue this in that thread.

DEI99662

Not a problem.

corbs

As someone else mentioned they should do these tests over a couple of years and see what happens.