I test drove the 4 Runner and wasn't impressed, I decided to stay with my Lexus RX300. The interior is just cheap looking with that silver dash and funky HVAC controls.

Why not get a loaded 03 RX300 w/NAV etc.

 

This should not even be a poll. 4 Runner for the above mentioned reasons. Now the Pathfinder is something I'd consider out of the Nissan family.

 

I've got over 300k miles on my toyota landcruiser and it is still going strong. Mind you I ride my cars/trucks hard. The landcruiser been thru some severe 4 wheeling and never missed a beat.

 

FJCRUISER!!!! uhh i mean 4runner....

 

X-terra is out.....But now I'm considering the Honda Pilot. I like the size, 3 rows of seats, looks and all the safety ratings I'm seeing. Now keep in mind...the wife will be driving it. This kind of vehicle would not be my choice for a daily driver. Any Pilot owners out there? (new one)

 

i sat in one couple of times. really not that impressed by it. pressy spacious that's for sure, but build quality is so-so, and it's pretty damn stiff

 

Hi AZDesersGS,

Bought my wife a 2004 Pilot in Nov 2003. We have 30K care free miles on it! If the size works for you I think it would be an awesome buy for you coming out of a Camry. It rides smooth and quiet, has awesome pick up, gets good gas miliage & again has been trouble free.

My brother who swore by his wife's Grand Cherokee for years, drove my wife's Pilot when we got it and was so impressed with how 'tight' is was that within a month had sold the Jeep and bought a new Pilot! (ps my bro is a '02 LS430 owner)

TripleL

 

I tested both the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX before I got my 06 GX470. The Pilot just had a cheaper feel to the whole vehicle (the MDX was just a little bit better) and I also never buy a vehicle without a floor/console mounted shifter. The Pilot just offers that old fashioned column shifter.

 

Let's keep in mind that the poster doesn't want to go over $28K! That leaves out a lot of the vehicles.

I just shopped around for an SUV before buying my GX, but I was looking at the higher price point. I wanted real 4WD, with ability to lock differentials and 4WD low, so the Accura MDX /Pilot was out. If you just want 2WD, there is no need to limit yourself to the 4Runner/XTerra/Pathfinder models - these are truck type SUVs made for people who like 4WD.
You are probably going to have to get the really stripped version if you want to keep the price point down.

 

Yes, between the 4Runner and XTerra the 4Runner IMO is the way to go. Both are truck-based and will ride stiffly and not handle well...and both are high, narrow, and tipsy. But, while I don't like the 4Runner's cheap-looking silver-painted plastic and tinny-feeling and sounding doors, there is no denying its greater overall refinement than the Xterra and its bulletproof reliability......our local Toyota dealers here think nothing of selling used ones with 150,000 miles on them even with dealer warranties....they are THAT durable.

However, for your ( and your wife's ) specific needs, I question the wisdom of buying a stiff-riding, bouncy, truck-based SUV in the first place. There are a number of reasonably priced, durable, well-designed car-based FWD or AWD vehicles ( you said you may not need AWD ) in the mid-to-high 20's price range you are looking at. The RAV4, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe ( with its newfound quality and 10-year drivetrain warranty ) and Subaru Foresters and Outbacks are a good places to start looking....for my money it is tough to beat Subarus in their price range. Foresters, Legacys and Outbacks are all available with 250-HP turbo engines and manual trannies if you want power. I myself have an Outback...I love it.

 

3rd gen 4-runner with 3.4 v6 - $20k +/-

TRD supercharger - $2k

URD fuel upgrade and management - $1k

(TRD headers/exhaust optional)

You'll have a 14 second quarter mile truck, tons of torque, proven reliability, and excellent resale value for both the vehicle and parts.

 

As what most of the people have said---4Runner.

Relative of ours has one, 2WD, V6. Drives pretty smoothly, the ride isn't that rough, and the build quality is top notch.

 

Yes....the 2WD version generally rides smoother than the 4WD one for two reasons. First, there is less unsprung under the suspension because you don't have as many driveshafts and differentials, and, Second, the suspension itself is a little more supple because in most cases 2WD versions don't go off-road. However, the 2WD version, like 2WD Toyota pickups, has rather poor traction on slippery surfaces....( standard ABS helps keep the rear wheels from locking up while braking ) and you can't throw snow or sand in the bed for more weight and traction like you can with pickups.

I respect RX_330's opinion, but I still don't think you or your wife need a truck-based SUV.....the car-based ones like the RAV4, Highlander, Pilot, CRV, Forester, Outback, etc......would be better suited for your everyday needs.

 

The new 4runner is not as good of a off-road vehicle as it use to be. It is more car like now. The Xterra still has the rough off-road ability under its skin like the original 4runner did. Now if you wanted a offroad SUV the xterra would be it. But if its for your wife and daily around town, nice comfy ride and reilable, get the Toyota.

 

I thought the new 4Runner drove almost exactly like the RX300 now.

In your situation I woudl get a Highlander though.