[Toecutter]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...-x3/50518352/1

[Lotus7]

Reads like a typical "press release" review written in Jan. 2011. Probably got shelved and they're just getting around to publishing it a whole model year late. The author probably owns a Chevy Equinox "stripper" and actually spend about 10 minutes driving the X3, if at all.

[ivanoski]

i wish there were more video reviews of the 2.0 diesels

[Dukat]

I don't like how the author writes, especially the intro section.

Those of you who have your X3's, what do you think about his comments..

- Navigation. White and gray display is nearly unreadable. And it displays too few street names.

- Cargo space. More than sufficient, but BMW specifications show it's down 8% from 2010, even though the new model is wider and longer. (I know specs show a Q5 having more cargo space than an X3, but I sat in the back of both several times and X3 felt much roomier *shrug*)

- Whap, smack. Optional 275-40Rx19-inch tires caused a hard ride, even with optional adjustable suspension in "normal" mode, not "sport." Looked great, though. (Darn, I will have the 19", is it really that much harder than the 18's?)

- How thirsty? 28i rated 19 mpg in town, 25 highway, 21 combined. 35i: 19/26/21. The 35i tester registered 17.6 mpg (5.68 gallons per 100 miles) in mixed suburban and freeway driving. (17.6mpg average for mixed driving? really?)

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by Dukat

I don't like how the author writes, especially the intro section.

Those of you who have your X3's, what do you think about his comments..

- Navigation. White and gray display is nearly unreadable. And it displays too few street names.

- Cargo space. More than sufficient, but BMW specifications show it's down 8% from 2010, even though the new model is wider and longer. (I know specs show a Q5 having more cargo space than an X3, but I sat in the back of both several times and X3 felt much roomier *shrug*)

- Whap, smack. Optional 275-40Rx19-inch tires caused a hard ride, even with optional adjustable suspension in "normal" mode, not "sport." Looked great, though. (Darn, I will have the 19", is it really that much harder than the 18's?)

- How thirsty? 28i rated 19 mpg in town, 25 highway, 21 combined. 35i: 19/26/21. The 35i tester registered 17.6 mpg (5.68 gallons per 100 miles) in mixed suburban and freeway driving. (17.6mpg average for mixed driving? really?)

Nav is very easy to see so I don't agree on that one. I Have the 19's but have never had 18's so I have nothing to compare to complain about the ride. I think it's fine. I have been getting 20 mph city and 28 mph highway with 2,000 miles on the odometer.

[powertech83]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Reads like a typical "press release" review written in Jan. 2011. Probably got shelved and they're just getting around to publishing it a whole model year late. The author probably owns a Chevy Equinox "stripper" and actually spend about 10 minutes driving the X3, if at all.

+1

Comments like this says he never been in a BMW before
"Controls. You have to tug the inside handles twice to open the doors. Very annoying. BMW says it's a safety feature that makes it tough to accidentally open the doors while underway."

[TuffLittleUnit]

It was renting a Chevy Equinox in Orlando for 3 weeks last year which first switched me on to considering an SUV (ooops, SAV). I've always been something of a sucker for coupes but as my kids grow it's no longer practical.

However, analogies between the Equinox and the X3 are laughable. The Equinox I had was nice enough but nothing like the premium feel of the X3 (I had one on a 4 day demo way back in January so I got a reasonable feel for it even though mine doesn't arrive until this Friday).

The biggest laugh about this article is when the author talks about a "major overhaul" like it's some sort of uplift of the old X3 when in reality it's a completely new car that just shares the same name.

[torzeck]

Sounds like a review from Ladies Home Journal. Writer's style and tone sounds like a middle aged woman who knows nothing of cars nor BMWs. Who would compare an X3 to a Chevy Equinox?

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by torzeck

Sounds like a review from Ladies Home Journal. Writers style and tone sounds like a middle aged woman.Who would compare an X3 to a Chevy Equinox?

Agreed, I was put off by the review after the 2nd paragraph. Wonder why he really dislikes the car so much.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Dukat

I don't like how the author writes, especially the intro section.

Those of you who have your X3's, what do you think about his comments..

- Navigation. White and gray display is nearly unreadable. And it displays too few street names.

Appears the author spent no time learning that there are configuration and display options. For example, street names are not displayed until your range setting is appropriate - i.e. 1/4 mile or less. Want more street names - zoom in more...

[Flashy09]

He so hates the fact he has to climb back into his own Equinox! Going to tear the BMW down so he feels a little bit better rather than admit it's an awesome car. How anyone could drive the 35i and not rave about it is beyond me.

[Dukat]

Damn fool is what he is.

[xDrive35i]

This guy is an idiot. Someone commented on the article that he needs to retire. He's not in tune with car buying as of late.

[Lotus7]

C'mon people, this is USA Today, the McDonalds of Newspapers, not the New York Times or Road & Track magazine.

This is the newspaper they have to give away at hotels and airports to keep their circulation numbers up.

Have some pity. Don't you think that if the editor had more than a $29.95 budget for the review they would have hired a real writer?

Jeeze, you guys are brutal.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Flashy09

He so hates the fact he has to climb back into his own Equinox!

Is that the fugly one that looks like a Pokemon from the back? Every time I'm behind one, I a little bit. Luckily my BMW isn't behind one for very long....

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

C'mon people, this is USA Today, the McDonalds of Newspapers, not the New York Times or Road & Track magazine.

+1. I can't even recall the last time I so much as glanced at the rag.