Currently Dodge offers the Cummins I6 as competitors to the V8 Ford PowerStroke and the GM Duramax V8.

 

I have no idea why the hell redzed is so pessimistic, but then again, I too have read some of his posts...oh well.

My dad has an '02 TB with 30k on it, and he swears by it. Only problem is a squealing alternator when its real cold in the morning...otherwise, flawless...and he has an early '02. And I drive Bravadas at work all the time...that Atlas I6 is amazing, period. "Rev happy" is not an accurate term for this engine

I haven't driven an EXT, but maybe you've noticed, the vast majority of these sold are NOT EXTs...those buyers should go for the V8. I'd love to own a TB if I needed an SUV, but I wouldn't buy one if you paid me to at this point in my life. AFAIK, the Bravada/TB/Envoy/Rainier bunch should/will be considered a resounding success.

 

redzed - First of all, I would never buy an EXT with and I6 and standard rear gears! I pay attention to what I buy whether it be an F-body or an SUV. My Envoy is an SLT with 4.10's in it? Why??? Not because I tow with it (yet), but because I enjoy embarrasing V8 Durango's and V8 CJ's. Would I buy a 4800lb-5400lb EXT with an I6???? Are you crazy...

The quality of the engine is light years ahead of anything GM had and I would say even significantly improved over the LS1/LS6! If you doubt, take a look at the technical papers on the engine. Better yet, just drive one with some miles on it. The fact that it idles at 600rpm and doesn't deviate more than 5rpm also has people that have never been in one amazed at how smooth and quiet the thing is. Many times you can't tell the engine is even running standing by the front of it except for exhaust noise at the rear. Yes, that quiet and smooth in a TRUCK. I think the quality of the Envoy interior even at 26K now is incredible, no wind noise, no squeaks, rattles, etc... Very UNLIKE what I'm used to from GM!!!

I don't know what to tell you, maybe I got an extra special super quick, ultra quiet factory freak... Maybe it runs good because it's driven extra hard.... maybe it's because it's well maintained.. don't know what to tell you.

The only thing I can tell you is that when the wife and I went shopping, nothing in the price range at the time even came close except the MDX ($32K-$40K). We shopped both and both of us are extremely happy we went with the Envoy! It is by far the most well built GM product I've owned and that includes the LS1 vette... can't even compare the quality to an F-body.

Everyone drives what they like I guess, but I've had friends who had Durango's over the years and neither the wife or I would even consider it. It is a truck as you stated, it is no more refined than my Isuzu Rodeo. The Envoy is more of a very very nice car that just happens to have a full frame (like a truck). However, the similarities quickly end there.

Honda Pilot... Only driven one when they first hit the showrooms. It feels way more cramped, doesn't even come close in power and is definitely not as refined (doesn't feel right at all). Did I mention that it is probably the most bland looking SUV on the market just like all Honda cars!?!?!

The point is, we will ALL have our differences, however, before you crucify something, give it a chance first and post what you experience, not what READ or HEAR, etc...

BTW, I personally would never consider a Murano... I can STAND the interior, to me it's the ugliest interior I have ever seen. The exterior doesn't do anything for me either. To me it looks like a lifted version of an old Gremlin! In fact here is a lift version:



Here is the Murano:





I'm sure there are better pictures, especially the rear of both, but hey, still reminds me WAY to much....

 

Perhaps you shouldn't accuse people of misrepresentation. Believe it or not, but I've actually driven the current Trailblazer. While it's light years ahead of the Blazer, it's still way behind the Tahoe. Considering the SUVs coming on to the market, it doesn't even feel very unique anymore.

You are right about the how the I-6 idles really well, just like my LS-1 Z28 for instance. By Ford standards, this engine would be a revelation. However, I'd still prefer a 4.8 liter V8

Also, thanks for demonstrating your AMC Gremlin fixation again. Based on the window-line, you could argue that the Murano looks vaguely like an A-class Mercedes. Other than the available "pumpkin" colored interior, this vehicle is perfectly acceptable, and far better than a Rendevous.

We still shouldn't forget that the Trailblazer had a fairly troublesome launch, something that's amazing after the smooth rollout of the '99 Silverado and '00 Tahoe/Suburban. Perhaps the 2004 Buick Ranier (V8, SWB-only) will answer some of my greatest objections to the Trailblazer family of vehicles. GM needs to keep moving the mid-sized SUV game forward, because they have precious few laurels to rest on.

 

Very well said and I agree. Definitely no time for them to rest!!!