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Just wanted to add that even though we have many GM vehicles and have had trouble with Fords before, my husband is still looking at a new Ford pickup....despite my protests due to the fires the Ford trucks have had.....besides I want a new Toyota Tundra crew cab, short bed.....SWOON....they are beefy and beautiful inside.
I can't tell or even suggest what to drive, but I would eliminate the Pathfinder from the list. I have a rather old one, and it is difficult to handle in wind, and open roads. I have to hold onto that steering wheel as if I were on a cyclone to keep her on the road in bad weather and I've seen too much of it in this last year.
I am not keen on SUVs, but if you have lots to carry (kids, and equipment), why not a larger wagon and a heavy one for safety. The only cars I've owned have always been 10-years or older, never bought a new one--but of those the steadiest, and easiest were: Honda wagon; BMW 320i; Saab 900 and the good old Volvo wagons that hold up come storm or hurricane.
And whatever you buy, you have to include how many miles on the road and in town driving, how easy to maintain and what it'll cost to insure.
I have a friend who bought a Dodge Nitro a while back - she absolutely loves it - and she DID NOT like it before driving it. The back seats fold down and it is strictly rubber matting back there, which makes it easier for her to haul all of her dogs and all camping equipment - plenty of room for groceries, ice chests, etc. Gets pretty good gas mileage. She thinks the downside to it is that it looks sort of like a baby Hummer and she hates the knock off look, but it seems everyone is going to that right now. She got a pretty basic model and it was only $19K.
If I could drive anything in the world with no respect to cost or environment, I would buy a diesel Suburban. Had one, loved it, have never been in love with another car like that one since.
1. '05 Honda Odyssey, replaced the '99 model. Absolutely excellent vehicle. Have ~36k miles, get ~26 mpg @ 70-80 mph, loaded. Drove it to the Black Hills of SD last summer, was very good ride there and back. Only qualm is the seats - I prefer more of a bucket type, and while they do have some curves, these are tad too flat. Sunroof, 3rd row flip down seats, 2nd row pulls out, sliding doors, and other misc. goods really make this a fun, quality ride. Yea,,, its a minivan, yet durn, does it handle and get very well!
2. '92 Chevy S-10 4x4 w/ vortex V6 - this is my play rig for caving/camping and/or nasty weather driving. On its fourth [yes 4th] engine , has ~160k miles, gets ~22 mpg. Have modified the exhaust & intake some to get better performance.
3. '92 Toyota Celica GT%-S - my daily driver. ~214k miles, gets ~33 mpg @ 70-85 mph. Have XM sat radio, custom stereo system, moonroof, custom exhaust, and such... have had relatively little problems - issues have been some electrical and a/c problems, but for the way I drive , she is a beautiful ride. Now, just need to repair the side where that durn deer smacked into me...
4. '55 Chevy pickup and a '63 VW Beetle - both are in stages of (dis)repair... need time to work on them. Both were very fun to drive...
As to recommendations, given your situation, something like, from larger to smaller: the Honda or Toyota minivans, the Toyota RAV-4, a Subara Outback, or a Honda Element. If I get anything else, it would be one of those last three; have done a lot of research on various forums and via car/consumer magazines, and overall I really like these. Have driven the RAV and the Outback quite a bit, but not the Element - a coworker and others that I have talked to love theirs.
Location: Moved to town. Miss 'my' woods and critters.
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Reference the GM vehicles: I bought my 2005 Chevy Equinox in Oct. 2004 in Jacksonville FL. Drove it through the mountains of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee to my home in Missouri. It was a great drive and the Equinox handled superbly. Heated leather seats, moonroof, XM sat. radio, On Star. It has everything. Great turning. Back seat is roomy and comfortable. I can haul quite a bit when I get the urge to replenish my gardens. Had a Town and Country which I dearly loved. They also are excellent vehicles IMHO. We do know someone that drives a Honda Odyssey and I must admit it is a superior vehicle to many. Good luck on your decision
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