2003 SUV

[Anbeduma]

We are a family of four looking for a new vehicle. We were certain that the 2003 Honda CRV would meet our needs but found that, not only did the interior feel spartan and cheap, but there is limited leg room in the front seat -passenger side.
The Subaru Forester is not spacious enough in the back - our 10 & 13 year old kids are sprouting almost daily! We sat in the Outback just before we left the dealership and were left with a warm cosy feeling about it - but then there are budget considerations ...
Our best previous experience being with our Toyota Corolla (1992). Our taste seems to go above our budget as we want a vehicle that comes highly rated in safety, reliability, etc. We lean heavily toward imports but might consider a domestic.
The "small" SUV's (ie. Toyota RAV4) are TOO small. The "big" SUV's are TOO big - we are not intersted in a gas-guzzling bully. We need something that is "just right". We are not stuck on "SUV" - initially we set out looking for a "station wagon"(remember those?). Does anyone have any suggestions possibly directing us to a vehicle that we hadn't considered? Thank you for reading my rambling and thanks to anyone who thinks they might be able to help us!

[grobonda]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Anbeduma:
We are a family of four looking for a new vehicle. We were certain that the 2003 Honda CRV would meet our needs but found that, not only did the interior feel spartan and cheap, but there is limited leg room in the front seat -passenger side.
The Subaru Forester is not spacious enough in the back - our 10 & 13 year old kids are sprouting almost daily! We sat in the Outback just before we left the dealership and were left with a warm cosy feeling about it - but then there are budget considerations ...
Our best previous experience being with our Toyota Corolla (1992). Our taste seems to go above our budget as we want a vehicle that comes highly rated in safety, reliability, etc. We lean heavily toward imports but might consider a domestic.
The "small" SUV's (ie. Toyota RAV4) are TOO small. The "big" SUV's are TOO big - we are not intersted in a gas-guzzling bully. We need something that is "just right". We are not stuck on "SUV" - initially we set out looking for a "station wagon"(remember those?). Does anyone have any suggestions possibly directing us to a vehicle that we hadn't considered? Thank you for reading my rambling and thanks to anyone who thinks they might be able to help us! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[grobonda]

I dont know your budjet but the best I can recommend would be Nissan Murano Ls. We bought one in March 2003 form Metro Nissan sale person Michel Desormiers. In May we went to Virginia Beach a charm to drive lot of space for passanger front and rear. Very soft ride so quiet that you dont hear the wipper going bach and forth. As for fuel, regular unlead have driven from West Virginia to Dorval on the same tank Average speed 110 to 120Km fuel 9.05L per 100Km. My wife love the Murano so do I.

[timekiller]

Having spent at least a week in every new SUV available, I highly recommend the Kia Sorento. It looks great, offers decent power and an upscale interior. The warranty should make you feel at ease if you're not sure about going with a relatively new (to Canada) brand. It's quite large too, about the size of the Toyota Highlander, but makes better use of the space. I agree with the other responder, the Nissan Murano is probably the best road going SUV I've driven for the money, but it's pricier than you probably want. Good luck.

[random006]

Your chain of reasoning is almost identical to ours:
Need room for 4, compact SUVs too small yet full size ones way too large. In addition we needed to absolutely fit 3 in the back when required and were trying to downsize from a Ford Windstar minivan.

That left the midsize SUVs and crossover vehicles (Murano, Pacifica, Volvo,...) => very expensive cars!

Three final set of criteria:
1) price issues: included features, warranty, ...
2) safety issues: winter driving, body strength, ...
3) engine: acceleration, towing (if necessary)


Only one car survived: Kia Sorento.

Only sour note is the average gas mileage. It can be thirsty in the city and will always compare badly when stacked against the lighter unibody competition.

[CKLB]

I just bought a 2003 Kia Sorento LX (base model).
Can't beat it for safety, standard features , warranty..and price for what you get.
We are a family of four...LOTS of room.
I would highly recomend you look into a Sorento.

[chelios_24]

I think the KIA starts at $30,000 and it`s one of the hottest looking SUVs. Other Mid size SUVs that are close in price or even lower are the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape. If you don`t get the V6 you can get them for under $30,000..starting as low as $24,000.

If you`re willing to a little higher in price the Toyota Highlander starts at about $33,000, so does the Mitsubishi Endeavor. I think you might be able to get a Nissan Pathfinder Chinook version 2004 for around that price too. Since the new redesigned 2005 Pathfinder is hitting dealers in November, they`ll be wanting to get rid of their 2004 pretty quickly.

I hope I`ve given you some ideas?