Car shopping. I need help!

<p>My parents have finally realized that I hate my truck and it really needs to be replaced. I don't drive much (strange fear that I'm getting over, and the fact I really hate my truck), but I have to keep what ever I get for about 5 years (parents are paying for it until I graduate, and that I'm on my own). I think I know what I'm looking for, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding it. I'm looking for something with good visibility (I'm 5'2", so this is harder than it sounds!), really safe, easy to park and is really responsive. I've been looking at trucks and SUVs, and I haven't gotten attached to anything. I either can't see well, or they feel dead. We've always been a truck/suv family, so I haven't really looked at cars, but I'm starting to think that I should.</p>

<p>What I've looked at:
Chevy Silverado, all cab types, short bed
Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrent
Chevy Trail Blazer/GMC Envoy/Isuzu Ascender
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Liberty (Still evaluating, only driven in parking lot)
Jeep Compass
Jeep Patriot (Still evaluating, haven't driven)
Dodge Nitro
Ford Escape ('08)
Saturn Vue ('08)
Volkswagen Jetta (Didn't drive, as I was out of town)</p>

<p>Any suggestions?? I'm getting really frustrated, and am pretty sure I'm just looking for too much. I drive a bunch of back roads where there's a lot of oil/gas drilling equipment being moved (nothing wakes you up like nearly being crushed by an over-sized load going 80 mph!) and there are lots of big hills, so I don't think I want something really small.</p>

<p>Oh, and I currently drive a 1999 Chevy Silverado extended cab short bed.</p>

<p>Scion XB or Mini Cooper. The only fun factor cars right now. Prius if you want to spend more. Totally 5 year cars all of them.</p>

<p>Maybe you should look at some cars. Hazmat's suggestions all sound good.</p>

<p>If you are planning to keep it for 5 years then you need to buy either Japanese or Korean. If you really want to stick with an SUV/Truck, try the Honda CRV or Toyota Tacoma.</p>

<p>get asian companies like toyota, scion, nissan, hyundai because they have less problems compared to american car companies(GM) and some european companies. dont get nissans and infinitis if you cant pay for damage repairs because they are the most expensive for car parts.</p>

<p>The last few Chevys my mom has had have had really short life-spans and some major problems. That said, the '99 I currently have also has some really bad issues with it (breaks, transmission, steering, and my dad's evident affinity for driving it into things), and my sister's '05 TrailBlazer keeps having AC issues.<br>
My mom wants me to get something <em>coughTrailBlazercough</em> with OnStar, but most of the cars I've really liked have been from other makers. She's finally agreed that what I like should come first, but that OnStar will be a factor into what we buy.</p>

<p>i personally think onstar is not worth it. you basically should take good care of your car... like out of your list i would choose the hyundai sante fe 08' one since it has a nice design now. it doesnt even have that much problems because i have friends and family members both in korea and US that drive that car. its a smaller SUV also. i would recommend jeeps also but I didnt like any of those models you have. i got a 08 jeep grand cherokee hemi and its awesome.. but if you want a smaller suv due to your height i would choose the sante fe or you should look at the toyota highlander hybrid if you want good gas mileage and a great company. toyota barely has any problems and they are one of the best companies that people count on. as said by me before dont get nissans and infinitis if your getting one because you would pay alot of money if you get into an accident. even a mercedes is cheaper when you need body parts to it compared to a nissan/infiniti</p>

<p>the pontiac solstice is a pretty cool looking car but i dont know how well it works</p>

<p>Oooooh. I sat in a Solstice before and loved it! However, I don't think I would like it for everyday use.</p>

<p>Out of your list, I would suggest:</p>

<p>Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrent
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Compass
Ford Escape ('08)
Saturn Vue ('08)</p>

<p>Of that... the Saturn VUE is really promising... as this</a> NY Times review states.</p>

<p>The Ford Escape Hybrid is also a nice pick.</p>

<p>I actually own a Saturn SKY... you are right, a Solstice would be hard for everyday use. I needed to buy bookshelves... couldn't fit in the SKY. I need to carry my fire department gear with me... not much room for anything, or anyone else if I have it in there and the top down.</p>

<p>Good luck on your search!!!</p>

<p>Hmm, I don't know what your price range is but the Toyota Prius is a good option.</p>

<p>Okay, my parents have decided that it's either going to be a single-cab pick-up (Chevy, I can't see out of the other ones) or some kind of small SUV. I think we're going to go shop some this weekend.</p>

<p>used F150 lightning</p>