Best Sport Utility Vehicles
Best Small SUV: Subaru Forester
This year's top-rated Small Sport Utility Vehicle is the Subaru Forester. Consumer Reports says this car-based, all-wheel-drive SUV handles well and rides comfortably. In fact, the editors point out how comfortable the seats are. The Forester also has a lot of handy storage compartments. The bottom Line: Consumer Reports says the Forester is "both a good vehicle and a good value." The entry-level 2.5X is about $22,000.
By the way, the magazine says the Toyota RAV4 is a good runner-up in the small SUV category. The RAV 4 delivers "nimble handling and good fuel economy." Inside you'll find a rear seat that can be removed in halves. The RAV 4 is available with front wheel drive or all wheel drive.
Best Midsize SUB: Lexus RX330
The winner in the Midsize SUV category is the Lexus RX330. David Champion, the magazine's Senior Director of Auto Testing calls it "an excellent overall package. It's a beautiful blend of smooth responsive engine and power train and a very comfortable and quiet interior. In fact, Champion saus, the interior is "as quiet and plush as many luxury cars." A well-equipped Lexus RX330 will run you about $44,000.
Consumer Reports says that for about $10,000 less, you can get a very similar model, the Toyota Highlander. The editors say the Highlander is roomier. It also has a third-row seat. The Highlander has excellent crash test results and outstanding reliability. By the way, a hybrid version is coming out this year.
Best Three-Row SUV: Honda Pilot
If you're looking for a big SUV that can carry the softball team, consider the 8-passenger Honda Pilot, Consumer Reports top pick for 3-row SUV. The editors say it "blends the qualities of an SUV and a minivan." The Pilot has a V6 engine that delivers "spirited performance and respectable fuel economy." With the Pilot you'll get a "comfortable ride, secure handling, impeccable fit and finish." The Honda Pilot is priced at around $33,000.
Best Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Another Honda, the Odyssey, takes the honors for best minivan. The Odyssey was redesigned for 2005 and the editors say it "leads the class in agility and comfort." They describe the ride as "sporty." David Champion says, "the handling is very good; the steering is good, and it's got very good power." The Odyssey has electronic stability control, an important safety feature. It's priced between $26,000 and $38,000, depending on the trim line you pick.
Another minivan option you might want to consider, the Toyota Sienna. It's in the same price range as the Odyssey but Consumer Reports says it is "quieter, rides a bit more comfortably and offers all-wheel drive."
Consumer Reports rated hundreds of new vehicles for it's annual Auto Issue, which is on newsstands right now. Based on its exclusive reader survey, the magazine says Japanese and Korean automakers produced the most reliable vehicles last year, and it says "Asian automakers are likely to produce the most reliable cars in 2005."
Subaru now tops the list of reliable manufacturers, followed by Honda. American automakers did deliver cars and trucks with better quality, getting closer to Japanese and Korean makes. BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo had "more than their share of problems."
The single most reliable 2004 model was the Hyundai Sonata. The least reliable were the 2004 Nissan Quest and the Lincoln Navigator.
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