I used to be in "Cars in General" a lot. Maybe I don't go to certain threads I've been in because I'm kind of just looking for a good topic to post in. Certainly this is one that I'd want to participate in.
I don't consider myself an SUV or truck guy at all. I think of myself more as an artist. I believe in beauty and sophistication with most automobiles. I have to nominate the Lexus RS series. I basically fell in love with the RX400 and RX400h. I am a big fan of Lexus. Many of their automobiles (especially the more luxurious and upscale models) are very lovely. The RX series are luxury SUVs. I've gotten tired of Escalades, Hummers (except the H1- the only true Hummer), Navigators, and all that. The RX series has some lovely offerings. Since I'm not going to take care of off-road duties or pull/haul a lot of stuff, this would be just right. The back of the RX 400 and RX 400h look a little unique with the perfectly clear taillights. I think there are still the red bulbs or lamps which doesn't make it illegal (at least I believe it's illegal to have different-colored brake lights). This thing is just about car-like in design and maybe even in driving as well. In fact, A racing team campaigned a Lexus RX 400 or RX 400h in the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring. I think the team placed 55th overall and was classified. I just think it's the most beautiful SUV I've ever seen.
Another SUV I'd give some love to is the latest Toyota Rav4. One time when I was in Pearland, TX (about 15-20 miles south of Houston), I seen this spanking-new SUV. I found out it was a Toyota Rav4. When my parents drove past it, I noticed the clean lines and overall stunning appearance. I think the specific one I seen was in sort of an almond or beige kind of color. It looked very nice.
I've grown fond of the Mazda CX-7. I think BlazinXtreme and I liked the design of this machine. They say it's the SUV you never saw coming. I will admit that I'd take this over the Tribute. The Tribute wasn't truly exciting to my eyes. This one changes all that. Mazda tries to imbue sports car blood even into 3,929 lbs. of metal. It's a sporty little machine. I haven't seen too many CX-7's yet. I'd love to go to next year's Houston Auto Show and see what it's like on the inside.
Finally, I sort of have a soft spot for Hyundai's Santa Fe and Tucson. The style may not be as exciting with the Mazda CX-7 and such, but it's been a style that I strangely like and consider handsome.
So in review:
* Lexus RX series
* latest Toyota Rav4
* Mazda CX-7
* Hyundai's Santa Fe and Tucson.
There is a certain non-American Toyota that I thought was pretty nice. I don't know the name of it, but it bears some lineage to the latest Toyota FJ Cruiser. By the way, the FJ Cruiser is NOWHERE on my list of Best Looking SUV's.
But I actually haven't seen one in person, so that could be part of it. I just don't think it deserves a "best" title. Though I've thought about it and you're right - the standard E36 3-series was a bit of a bore, but the M3, which was just marginally different, was gorgeous - based on the bodykits and wheels alone.
