Honda SUV's... clearance?

[joeyjoe367]

Driving around lately, I've been behind a few Honda SUV's, the CRV, and the Pilot, and I've noticed something kinda stupid.

I don't know exactly what it is, but the suspention or whatever seems to only be like 6-8 inches off the ground, i looked at the sedan right next to the CRV i was checking out, and I noticed that they have about the same clearance :P

...the CRV just LOOKS like it had more clearance cuz of where the body starts, in reality, it doesn't.

Does anyone else find this really stupid?

[PigSweat]

The problem with clearence comes from the use of Independent suspension. The new GM trucks are the same way, much less clearence than a Ford (but still way more than a sedan, lol).

It just comes from turning what 'looks' like an offroad capable machine and making it into a grocery-getter with good gas mileage and a pleasent ride.

Personally, the ONLY SUV I'd think about taking offroad would be a Jeep (not Liberty) or a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4 Runner. But that is just IMO.

[shartley]

[spazzed]

blahblahblah... SUV's are crap. Period. Hate 'em with a passion. Almost as much as the crackheads who think they own the road when they drive 'em.

See what happens when I slap some chain's on 'em and rip their doors off.

sweet sweet jeep lovin

[bornl33t]

according to shartleys definition a jeep is better then a SUV then... , cause they go off road

[Dayspring]

TECHNICALLY, there are only two vehicles that are capable off-road STOCK from the factory. Hummer H1 and the new Jeep Rubicon.

H1 for obvious reasons. (H2 is crap)

Rubicon- stock w/ mud terrain tires, front and rear locking differentials and some lift if I remember correctly. (if you don't know what a locking dif is, PM and I'll explain)

As for SUV's not being meant for mountain climbing- I can only partially agree. Yes, the Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, CRV and Rav-4 are not designed for going off road at all. Independent suspension sucks. (Most of the time. There are some instances where it's cool. On road for control & smoothness. Off-road- kind of a 50/50 there depending on the obstacle & the driver.) The new Explorers got neutered when Ford decided to cater to the soccer mom contingent and remove the solid rear axle and put in a rear independent suspension. (BAH!)

However, I will say this, I've seen Xterras out on the trails doing stuff that most owners would lose their lunch on. I've even participated in some of it. TRUE- they can't beat the big constructed jeeps w/ 38"+ tires and massive lift, however, when it comes to the SUVs out there, I think the X and the Land Rovers are probably the most capable.

Any 4-Wheeler will tell you though, a 4x4 is Built, not born. And believe me, I agree. I've spent considerable amounts of $ to ensure it comes back alive from some nasty rock crawling.

And if you don't believe me, I'll send you to my buddy Pikachu's pics. He's got an Xterra running 36" Swamper SSRs. (Sawzall & sheetmetal baby!) 6" total lift. (damned PA laws)

[Mango]

What about Land Rover Discovery II's? They are pretty off-road capable. Ever see those challenges where they race through the desert? There were two teams that took them around the world too. Pretty impressive.

[spazzed]

We talkin Sahara-type desert, or rocky as hell-type desert?

Either way, I'm a Jeep man. None of what you say will phase me
Gimme my CJ5/7 & several thousand bucks and I'll be the happiest man in the world

[Dayspring]

36" Super Swamper TSLs, 3" Suspension/3" Body lift. Custom 10-Leaf Spring pack. Skid Row Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier. Lots of Sawzall work to make it fit. Ladies & Gents- I introduce Pikachu.

[spazzed]

I've always wanted to hit hte rubicon, you ever been dayspring?

[Curly]

but the suspention or whatever seems to only be like 6-8 inches off the ground, i looked at the sedan right next to the CRV i was checking out, and I noticed that they have about the same clearance :P

This is what happens when you put an "suv" on the chasis of a car and try to lift it a little. This is why they do not handle like trucks or jeeps and they never will.

[joeyjoe367]

Originally posted by shartley

Umm... why not just get a mini-van then? LoL if you're driving on paved roads you don't even need 4 wheel drive. mini-vans are probably safer cuz of lower center of gravity.

IMO, SUV's these days are for the "soccer-mom/parent-who's-too-cool-to-drive-a-mini-van"

[Dayspring]

Other side of the country for me... And I think it's a little too hardcore for my tastes. However, Xterra Owners Club (www.xterraownersclub.com) just saw pics of the first X on the 'con. Interesting stuff. I may try Moab one day, but it depends on how ballsy I feel.

Originally posted by spazzed
I've always wanted to hit hte rubicon, you ever been dayspring?

That danged uni-body construction... The CRV is built off the Accord chassis correct?

Originally posted by Curly


This is what happens when you put an "suv" on the chasis of a car and try to lift it a little. This is why they do not handle like trucks or jeeps and they never will.

[shartley]

Originally posted by joeyjoe367


Umm... why not just get a mini-van then? LoL if you're driving on paved roads you don't even need 4 wheel drive. mini-vans are probably safer cuz of lower center of gravity.

IMO, SUV's these days are for the "soccer-mom/parent-who's-too-cool-to-drive-a-mini-van"

[bornl33t]

Originally posted by shartley

THE DRIVER!!! RIGHT ON, which is why soccer moms shouldn't drive SUVs they can't handle them. *sigh*

[QUOTE]


Sad isn't it?