Mid-size SUVs - some observations?

[mookie]

I know a few people with Hyundai Santa Fe's as well -- all have rave reviews. The warranties on the Hyundais are amazing.

Again, have to put my vote in for the Santa Fe !

We did quite a bit of research and test driving before we bought it. Thought it was a step up from the Escape, and had a bit more room than the liberty. Still had the sporty feel, too.

And, it has a tailgaiting table feature in the trunk!

 

[Kimmumum]

We have a Santa Fe also. We really like it. The one thing that we don't like is that it only seats 5 and we really wish it sat 6 (so 2 sons could bring friends with). Before the Santa Fe we had the Dodge Durango and we LOVED it. We got rid of it though because gas cost too much to fill it.

 

[redshoes]

DH and I went to the auto show in January (wow, he really knows how to show a girl a good time) and we really liked the new configuration of the Rav4. I really like the "jump" seat in the back. We are currently a smaller family (two kids) and it seems like for the times you would need a third row seat this would do the trick. We didnt drive it though, so I'm not sure what kind of ride it is. I would consider it on the smaller side though for a SUV (comparable to a Honda CRV) We also really like the Honda Pilot, we drove it last Spring and it had a very nice ride. Alas, we are a mini-van driving family (at least for a few more years). Good luck with your search, there plently of great options out there for you.

 

[ford family]

We almost bought the Santa Fe just recently but opted for the higher specifications of the new Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel. It is a great vehicle but I don't know if it is available in the US?

ford family

 

[katerkat]

I know you said the Pilot is a little big - and it is - but I've found it a very easy driving vehicle. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. (Though I snicker at those of you who put three adults in the third row... ) It drives like a car, not like a truck, a feaure we hated in the Explorer. And I went from a tiny compact to this car! We went for the space of the Pilot because of the cat- and baby-hauling, plus the towing capacity, that the CR-V doesn't have.

 

[KAMommy]

Red Shoes, taking me to a car show sounds like something GoofyDad would do, too. What is it with these guys???

Katerkat, I have been seriously re-thinking the Pilot. Thanks for the run down.

I really appreciate all of the help. I am SO conflicted!

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Hopping on this thread and making a plug for our new car/suv The Ford Freestyle

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/freestyle/?v=html

 

[simpilotswife]

I like the Highlander but it might be a bit too big so if you want a Toyota, a RAV4 will be more your size.

The Vue and Equinox are for all intents and purposes the same car (except for the Saturn "spiel"). If you want a GM you might also want to look at the Pontiac Torrent (Pontiac version of the Equinox). I have an Aztek (same car different body) and love driving it although there are some design flaws that caused a couple of early failures.

To be honest the Toyota will be a more reliable vehicle for you. If I had to buy a new car today I would probably buy a RAV4. If you do decide to go with a GM, get the extended warranty as far out as you can go.