RAV4, CRV, Pilot, or Highlander? Help!!

[goofyforlife]

We bought our first SUV in Feb 2004. We 1st test drove a kia Sorrento, too expensive for the options we wanted.....then we loooked at Ford escape...didn't like it up close and again things like anti lock brakes were add-ons... Test drove an explorer but seemed too big for us.

Then we looked at Honda CRV. (we already owned a newer civic so like our track record with honda) My husband loved all the options you get on an EX. (sun/moonroof/sunglass holder/etc)

Only problem is......We fit in it when we had my DH and I, DD age 11 and very tall, and our fur-daughter. (I've had three kids in the back before age 12,10, and 7 though).

Now we have added another furbaby and she's going to be big. (already 22.5 lbs at 9 weeks.) Guess we need to look into a bigger car soon.

 

[GIOny]

Rav 4 and CRV would not accomodate your family of 5 comfortably. I vote for the Honda Pilot! I have one and I LOVE it! Lots of room and easy to drive. I also got the DVD option, something to consider with your 3 kids. Worth the money, especially on long trips.

 

[diznygirl]

Saw the Pilot while out driving today after reading this thread. Now there is even more posts about it - and I did not know it had the third row. Maybe I will go to the Honda dealership to check it out.

 

[Cheap-n-Dale]

Saw the Pilot while out driving today after reading this thread. Now there is even more posts about it - and I did not know it had the third row. Maybe I will go to the Honda dealership to check it out.

I did not no either. I appologize for spreading incorrect information. I too am inclined to check it out. Also ....

Yuppie SUV or not, it has a smoother ride and a third row of seats...sounds like a good, reliable family car (and available in a hybrid to boot!)

I did not mean to offend by calling it a yuppie SUV. What I meant, is that the 4Runner, as advertised, is more conducive to going off-road Bigger engine, higher clearance, etc Highlander, is more of a city ride.

 

[Cheap-n-Dale]

I am not starting a debate on SUV , but you should consider something like a Subaru Outback: safer than any SUV , 4 weeldrive , no rolleover, less poluting , might be a bit cheaper on gaz, more carrying space than a lot of SUV , you can actually see child behind the car in a drive way. These are a lot to consider !

Love the Outback, but at 6'7", no way I fit behind the wheel. Friend of mine, has one, and is around 6'2" and is probably about as big as you get get a drive comfortably.

 

[diznygirl]

Saw the Pilot while out driving today after reading this thread. Now there is even more posts about it - and I did not know it had the third row. Maybe I will go to the Honda dealership to check it out.

Well, I went to the web site to check it out - and they don't have one picture that shows the third row of seats!

From what I could see it looks a little tight - and it's more expensive than the Relay. Back to Saturn (or Pontiac) I go!

 

[two-foxes]

I did not mean to offend by calling it a yuppie SUV. What I meant, is that the 4Runner, as advertised, is more conducive to going off-road Bigger engine, higher clearance, etc Highlander, is more of a city ride.

No offense taken here...we are Toyota lovers...have a 4Runner and Camry...but DH refused to even test drive the Highlander due to looks alone. Wasn't rugged enough for him (we do live in Colorado, although we only go 4 wheeling few times a year although we use the 4 wheel drive alot in the winter!)

I do like the looks of the Highlander better than the Pilot. Hondas look a bit like boxes on wheels (Element is the worst, the Pilot is more streamlined, though). I don't think you can go wrong with either Honda or Toyota on reliability and resale value though. They are both on the top.

 

[CamColt]

We have had 2 CRV's...well actually 3 counting the one we inherited from FIL. WE love them and have had nothing but good luck with them (knock on wood).