I have to buy a new vehicle and I really want to buy American

[MindPilot]

or at least something that was built by UAW workers.

But I'm not seeing much in the Ford & GM line-up that a)suits my needs, b)qualifies for CARS and c)gets anything close to a decent rating from Consumer Reports.

The vehicle I'm replacing is a 87 Aerostar. I need to be able to carry large & bulky items, carry my 3 big dogs to the beach, and occasionally pick people up from the airport. (The major drawback for the A-star is that it takes two men and a boy to move the seats in and out of it.)


Suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance!

[virginia mountainman]

1. I have been driving Chrysler Mini Vans, for my work..

They really last, and seem reliable, some have over 400,000 miles on them.

[Kolesar]

2. The Dodge Caravan gets good efficiency for a large minivan

I would still trust that design from Chrysler.

[librechik]

3. I love my 99 Jeep Cherokee

not much bigger than a station wagon, American made, and does everything. We even
slept in it when we were camping earlier this year. Has a rack on top to carry
lumber etc. Not too bad on the gas. Cost us about 8500 altogether. (it was a
fleet truck we bought at auction.)

Good luck!

[HopeHoops]

4. What about that ugly 4 door station wagon Ford just came out with.

I can't think of the name, but as ugly as it is, I like it because it is a station wagon.

[Juche]

5. Here is a list of UAW made cars

http://www.uaw.org/uawmade/auto/2008/index.cfm

[quiller4]

6. I would recommend the Taurus X or the Ford Edge.

Both are recommended by Consumer Reports. Both have great carrying capacity.

We have a Chrysler minivan. I would make my third choice a Chrysler Town and Country.

[virginia mountainman]

7. We had a Ford Edge for a while..

Man, what a road rocket!! That "thing" was faster than the 1992 Mustang GT that I bought new when I was in my "younger days"

We drove it normaly for about two weeks, then one day, I needed to step on the gas, to get out in heavy traffic, and that thing took of like a scalded cat! I was most impressed! Got it out on some open road later on, and opened her up, and I have no doubt, the "Crossover" Ford Edge, would have taken my 5.0 Mustang back in the day.

And to top it off, it is a really nice, comfortable vehical, but I don't think it has the room the OP needs.

[madrchsod]

8. got to go with the chrysler or dodge vans

i`vie owned about 5 of the first generation vans and they were great. i would like to have a new dodge van but can`t afford one.

big plus-you can help my daughter--she makes parts for chrysler!

[MindPilot]

9. Thanks for all your input

I've spent the past few hours researching and I think I'm going to go with the Ford Escape Hybrid. It's the only thing that fits my needs and qualifies for the full $4500, it's rated at 26 mpg combined, low emissions, UAW-built and highly rated by Consumer Reports.

The Scion xB would be my second choice, but although it's considerably less expensive, I think I need a little more car than that and of course it is not Union-made.

Now if I can just find one; as near as I tell right now, one dealer in San Diego has one in stock!