I have had 3 Honda Civics  (1991 Hatch, 2001 & 2004LX Coupes), so I am a
pretty loyal Honda buyer, and familiar with its quality.  In March, I was
looking for a SUV to replace my Toyota Tacoma 4x4  Ext Cab, and it needed to
be something that I could easily carry groceries, baby stroller, and get
through the nasty white stuff with ease in the middle of winter.  Something
with an auto tranny that my wife could drive to work in every day.

I drove the CRV, and found it nice on the highway, but would clearly be
underpowered for towing a large camper trailer or my 2 snowmobiles... not to
mention the fact that I pretty much got stuck in a snow patch during one of
my test drives... it seemed like the rear wheel power came on too late to
prevent me from getting stuck.

Anyhow, looked at Mazda Tribute... like it.  Went to Ford, got a better deal
on virtually the same vehicle.  Lots of power to keep you moving through
deep snow, tows a camper or 2 snowmobiles with ease, good acceleration and
passing power, and its the XLT with many accessories.  It handles like a
car, and is comfortable to drive. Sure - it seems harder on gas, but that's
a result of the 61 litre fuel tank.

It was less expensive that the CRV by a lot, and after 12,000 kms, it has
only seen the shop for its regular maintenance.  I feel pretty happy with
the purchase, even though I've always been anti-Ford (my family only ever
had GM products in their driveway, until 1991 when I bought my first car, a
brand new Civic CX Hbk).

I would strongly recommend it... even over the CRV.

Cheers,
Billy