[Louis]

Hey, I’m on the hunt for the best small American-made SUV—think Honda CRV size—with a solid powertrain and the least amount of mechanical headaches. Anyone know which one’s got the goods?

[Ryan]

Any newer CRV from 2016 an up with the newer 1.5 are garbage and stay away from them unless you like to replace head gaskets.

[Cole]

Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 are going to be the most reliable American made cars in that segment.

If you’re looking for something from “the big 3”, it doesn’t exist.

Ford doesn’t make the edge anymore, which was a great car (but made in Canada) and the escapes are good but do have some teething issues still and are made in Mexico.
Nothing from GM or Chrysler in that size is worth looking at.

Mazda CX5 reviews well, but is not American made. They do have the CX50, which I think is made in America.

[Ken]

American manufacturer (brand) or American-assembled?

[Henry]

Honda CR-V. Or Toyota RAV4.

[Michael]

* Chevy blazer
* GMC Jimmy
* 4.3L
* Manual 4×4 on the floor

[Dax]

If you can deal with it being low, a Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe is a great choice. Corolla engine / frame, very reliable. Same cargo space as a RAV4, but longer and less wide. 03-08 are the last of the boats.

[Enmanuel]

CX5 Mazda, Subcompact SUV HR-V is solid too.

[Ben]

In that class, I wouldn’t overlook the Mazda group. I have several clients that own them and they are pretty solid.

[Devynn]

If you just go American, the Ford Escape and Chevy equinox. They don’t compare very well to the Japanese and Korean offerings, but they tick the boxes you are looking for.

[Besticanafford]

I stopped reading when I saw the options were limited to American. Buy whichever one your favorite mechanic works for. American cars are built to break, and for you to spend money on. They know you’ll buy another Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, because that’s what your grandfather did, and that’s good enough for you. But these aren’t the same companies they were. Toyota is counting on you buying another Toyota cause it was the best car you’ve ever had.

[Susan]

Nothing with CVT transmission, Mazda Cx5 is now beating out Honda because they changed to CVT. (and I drive an older Honda and love Japanese, but older 2.4 vtec was better.

[Raul]

I worked at a Honda and GMC dealership… most AC Delco filter crap came from China as opposed to Honda which was made in the USA, don’t understand how that works but says a lot lol

[Troy]

The Ford edge is pretty good, the Escape is alright if you get a base model with the 2.5, the older (pre-2013) were overall good, though the transmissions weren’t the greatest unless you got the hybrid.

[John]

American made? CRVs are great. American brands? Later year Escapes are descent from what I understand, although I’ve never driven one. I know people who love theirs.

[Isaac]

Make sure it doesn’t have a Turbo, CVT, hybrid, it’s not Italian or any of that crap, or any expensive annoying electronics. Lastly, Toyota or Honda.

[Author]

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