Help deciding on a new SUV------>

[DETAILKING]

My friend is in the market for a new SUV. They are expecting their first child, so need the space that an SUV affords but do not want a full size model becuase they live close to NYC and roads and parking is tight. They want the best trade-off on safety, fuel economy, space, power, and price. All are important. They definately need something bigger than the X3, Escape, Liberty size, but do not want to go full size or have really poor fuel economy.

Suggestions...... I suggested the MDX, Equinox, Aviator, and Taureg. What do you think they should be looking at.....

[PakShak]

I think a Toyota 4Runner would be another good option.

Back by Toyota quality
V6 or V8 option
Offers good interior space for passengers and cargo.
Ride quality is good
Depreciation better than others in class

With Aloha,
Ranney

[SpoiledMan]

Honda Pilot gets my vote, but I'm biased!!

[Rainbow]

4runner all the way! They have the Toyota quality and are VERY easy to park. I love mine. They have plenty of room for a family or if you need space to carry large items.

[VegasShawn]

What about a Volvo XC90? We love ours so far. We have an '04 T6 AWD model. The '05 is supposed to have the highest resale value of any car model. I think Forbes estimated 68% value rentention at 3 years and 50-something % at 5 years. That's pretty darn good.

More than enough power, more than enough room, more than enough safety. The stereo with DPLII and subwoofer rocks.

[boeman]

I really enjoy my mom's Trailblazer, but I am very biased toward GM products, so I won't really have anything objective to write.

I will say though, the Trailblazer is now starting to show some of it's faults (nothing major, just a lot of minor issues)... I'm almost becoming scared that the General screwed this one up!

Back to my quick review for you.
The turning radius was surprisingly good, a lot better than the old S10 style Blazer, it is a lot roomier than any of the other SUV's in it's class that I have rode in or drove (I haven't been in anywhere near all of them). The safety of the SUV is good.

The issues are with the HVAC system and the Transmission.
Start with the HVAC. In the '02 production year, it is common that these vehicles have a failure with the A/C Low Pressure Cycling Switch, the cost of the repair is minimal (if out of warranty) but it can be rather annoying trying to get the dealership to diagnose and fix the problem.

The tranny problem is fairly typical with all of the vehicles that come equipped with the 4L60E. This issue involves the 2-3 shift solenoid failing... the price of this is usually over $200 to fix (if out of warranty)

All in all, I really like the styling and feel of the SUV. It drives more like a car than a truck. It's very spacious and comfortable to be in for long periods of time.

This full review is on the 4WD version! I really hope it is at least some help!

[Len_A]

I've test driven an Aviator, and if you have the bucks, it's a sweet ride. In fact, I test drove an Aviator and a V-8 equipped Mercury Mountaineer Premier back-to-back, over the same roads, in the western Detroit suburbs I live in. I spent about 30 minutes driving each one (the dealer was cool to let me out by myself with some pricey rides too!!).

While the Moutaineer was a nice riding truck, the Aviator, built on the same platform but with different suspension components, more attention paid to sound insulation, and a different (and dare I say better interior), the Aviator was a dream.

If my eyes were closed, I would swear I was in a sedan, not a truck. It rode as quiet and smooth, over some bad tar strips and broken pavement, as any luxury sedan of any make, but it handled much more nimbly. Not quite an LS, or 5 Series Bimmer, but not at all truck like, and way better than the Mountaineer (which handles better in my opinion than nay other mid-level priced, mid-sized SUV of any make, and that includes Toyota and GM).

For weather like NYC, the Aviator, if you get one with the best seats, is great for another reason:
heated and cooled leather seats, with adjustable temperature settings. That rocks. In the winter you warm your butt, and in the summer when you've been parked in the sun, the driver and the passenger, at least, get to cool their seats off. My understanding is no other SUV in it's class(and same applies to the Navigator) has them.

I only wish MY budget allowed me to buy one!!

[blackcaraddict]

Originally posted by PakShak
I think a Toyota 4Runner would be another good option.

Back by Toyota quality
V6 or V8 option
Offers good interior space for passengers and cargo.
Ride quality is good
Depreciation better than others in class

With Aloha,
Ranney

[HellrotCi]

How about a Dodge Durango? Then dad would be really proud when the little tike's first word is "HEMI". Actually, I'd steer them towards a 4Runner.

[Dalton]

Have an 04 Pilot and love it

[Short Cut]

This can be a tough decision with the 40 some SUVs currently on the market. I just went through this decision making process, although my criteria may be different. I chose the VW Touareg.

The most important features for me were:

• High quality interior space
• Good power and handling
• High level of offroad ability

The Touareg shines in these areas, however it does not have an available third row seat which may be a negative for your friend.

Other nice models on the market, imho, are the Volvo XC90, Honda Pilot and the Chevy or GMC Tahoe/Yukon sized vehicles, Toyota Sequoia and Highlander.

[Nickshades]

Toyota 4runner, Nissan Pathfinder, and the parents have the new trailblazer, which is nice too.

Nick