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7. Ford Edge
When the Ford Edge debuted, a Ford executive said it would be the Mustang of crossover SUVs. I laughed then and I'm
still laughing. It's no Mustang, but that doesn't mean the Edge isn't a good buy for someone looking for style, room
and performance in something that can carry five passengers and a fair amount of cargo comfortably.
The V-6 delivers 265 horsepower, on fuel mileage that's 16/23 in the city/highway cycle. There are lots
of storage bins as well, and Ford dealers are discounting the Edge well below its $25,735 base list price. Avoid pricey
options like the panoramic sunroof, and the Edge can be a good buy.
8. Mazda CX-7
Is it possible to build a crossover sport utility vehicle
that can display some sports car DNA? When Ford bragged its Edge would be the Mustang of crossover SUVs, the company must
have been thinking of Mazda's CX-7, which has the sporty looks and performance of a vehicle that is more than a cargo box
on wheels.
There's a firm suspension that makes drivers feel like they are piloting something smaller and sportier.
There's a turbocharged four-cylinder that's responsive. There's good fit and finish throughout that makes the CX-7 seem
more expensive than its under-$24,000 base price would indicate.
The one drawback -- and it may be a deal-breaker for some buyers -- is that all that sporty power comes
at the expense of premium fuel and mileage that hits just 16/22 mpg city-highway.
9. Chevrolet Tahoe
For sure, the Tahoe is an old-school SUV, based on a truck chassis with a V-8 under the hood. But it still provides what
a lot of buyers need -- a comfortable, roomy interior, plenty of cargo room and enough towing ability to take care of a
boat or camper.
There's also a conventional four-wheel-drive system available for those who need traction off road or in
deep snow. Fuel mileage will rarely ride above 19 mpg in highway situations, and lead-footed drivers will see mileage dip
to 14 mpg in city driving.
Yet if you need something like the Tahoe, there's no better time to buy. Dealers are knocking many thousands
off the sticker price, which starts at less than $35,000.
10. Chevrolet Corvette
If you've reached that age when you feel you need to reward a lifetime of hard work with a splashy, fast sports car, then
consider the Corvette. It has been said elsewhere that it's hard to find a better sports car for the money than the Corvette,
and it's true.
With a base price of slightly more than $46,000 for the coupe, the Corvette comes with a 430 horsepower
V-8, precise handling and brakes that inspire confidence. Sports-car purists will argue that the Porsche is better, but
performance on par with the Corvette will cost twice as much.
Even those who frown at sports cars as being out of step with today's fuel mileage concerns are astounded
to learn that a Corvette can get 26 mpg in highway driving.
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