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Narrowing down my choices for an SUV

19 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2008 at 10:47 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Honda Pilot, SUV

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#1 of 19 Narrowing down my choices for an SUV by chandra0102 Sep 16, 2007 (6:53 am)
I am in the market for a medium-sized SUV and have narrowed my choices down to three that I am trying choose from - Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90. I know this is a forum for MDX but I was wondering if I could get some informed opinions on some Pluses and minuses among these three in terms of quality, maintenance, repairability, etc, not considering the obvious of course, i.e., the price. Would appreciate any comments/opinions. Replies to this message: drpaul1 (Sep 16, 2007 9:06 am) canuck17 (Sep 18, 2007 2:58 pm) msindallas (Sep 24, 2007 1:06 pm)
#2 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [chandra0102] by drpaul1 Sep 16, 2007 (9:06 am)
Replying to: chandra0102 (Sep 16, 2007 6:53 am) I recently went thru the same process. I found the Volvo to be "clunky". The Pilot was a very good value [the best of all I looked at]. I decided to splurge and got the MDX with the Tech pkg. I enjoy it, but I'm not using many of those complex features yet. I think driving safely takes too much attention to deal with all of those things. I do like the nav system.   HTH   Paul
#3 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV by atl_bill Sep 17, 2007 (5:51 pm)
We have been looking at the MDX and XC-90 for a while now. I didn't look at the Pilot because its way to vanilla for my tastes. Good value I'm sure but offers little in terms of excitement. We drove the both the MDX and the XC90(V8) and I thought for sure my wife would fall for the MDX. She didn't. From the driver's perspective the MDX is a little nicer but sit in the back seat and take a spin then do the same thing in the 3rd row and the Volvo wins hands down. Now - we have kids and the fact that while they are in the 3rd row their heads are farthest from the glass makes a big difference. Also in the Volvo you can drop the seatback of the middle seat so you can have a conversation and also watch the kids in the way back. Its funny because I never thought I'd say that someone did a better job engineering something than Honda but that XC90 really is better for the passengers from my perspective. We still haven't purchased one because I still have concerns over the reliability and they are expensive. One other to think about that just got onto my radar is the new Toyota Highlander. The previous version was didn't appeal to me because I though it was alot like the Pilot (vanilla) but the new one has a style that appeals to me so take a look you might like it to. Replies to this message: dms9 (Sep 18, 2007 2:52 pm) chandra0102 (Sep 18, 2007 6:48 pm) canuck17 (Sep 19, 2007 2:28 pm) mtairyordge (Feb 15, 2008 5:43 pm) truffles1 (Feb 16, 2008 10:58 am)
#4 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [atl_bill] by dms9 Sep 18, 2007 (2:52 pm)
Replying to: atl_bill (Sep 17, 2007 5:51 pm) If it matters at all, my son loves being in the "way back" and the MDX got the highest crash test results for rear collisions for individuals in the rear seats. It was requirement for me.
#5 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [chandra0102] by canuck17 Sep 18, 2007 (2:58 pm)
Replying to: chandra0102 (Sep 16, 2007 6:53 am) What about the 2008 Highlander Ltd or Sport? I have purchased the 2008 Highlander Ltd. (black exterior and black interior)and I am quite impressed with it. I just have a couple of minor quibbles with the interior ceiling top material and some may not be enamoured with the fake wood trim. The vehicle rides beautifully, lots of power and very good built quality so far. The bluetooth and other tech features on the Ltd are excellent. I did not purchase the Nav package but have the back-up camera with the smaller screen which has excellent color picture quality.
#6 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [atl_bill] by chandra0102 Sep 18, 2007 (6:48 pm)
Replying to: atl_bill (Sep 17, 2007 5:51 pm) Have not looked at the Toyota Highlander but isn't that a bit smaller than either the MDX or XC90. I would think Toyota 4-Runner or Sequoia would be in the same size class. Going to take a look/test drive 4-Runner this coming weekend. Replies to this message: canuck17 (Sep 19, 2007 2:28 pm) mtairyordge (Feb 15, 2008 5:43 pm) truffles1 (Feb 16, 2008 10:58 am)
#7 of 19 How about the '08 Pathfinder by elansp Sep 19, 2007 (12:07 pm)
We just settled on the '08 3.2 AWD XC90 because my wife liked the outside better but I really liked the Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 with all options. It priced about 7k less than the Volvo MSRP and the elase was about $60/month less.   The Pathfinder has a much nicer interior, including dash layout and has a significantly better engine.
#8 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [chandra0102] by canuck17 Sep 19, 2007 (2:28 pm)
Replying to: chandra0102 (Sep 18, 2007 6:48 pm) The 2008 Highlander is quite a bit bigger inside than the 2007 model. It has a lot of leg, shoulder and head room in the first two rows. For a five seater SUV it is excellent. With the third row used there is limited cargo space in the back. With second and third row seats folded down it has more cargo room than the MDX for some reason. I suppose the Highlander makes good use of interior room. Depends if you need to use the third row and carry cargo often. If so the MDX may be a better option.
#9 of 19 Re: Narrowing down my choices for an SUV [chandra0102] by msindallas Sep 24, 2007 (1:06 pm)
Replying to: chandra0102 (Sep 16, 2007 6:53 am) Hi, I was in the market, too, and I test drove all 3 of the vehicles on your short list. Here's my perspective:   Honda Pilot: + Shift lever mounted on steering column - lots of space between front row seats Best of the 3 in passenger capacity (8) and storage area - Small wheel size (16") compared to the other two No HID headlights offered (a must have for me) Soft suspension, lots of body roll in tight corners   Volvo XC-90: + Fun to drive (the V8 models, 315HP) Leather quality (on seating surfaces) is better than the other 2 Split liftgate doesnt take too much space, opens up a seat - Poor reliability record Seating space is small for a vehicle this size 3rd row seat for kids only (max height is 5'3") Too poor gas mileage (15/20) for my taste, and that too with premium gas   Acura MDX: + Great engine power (300HP) from a V6 Excellent handling Bold looks with that shield shaped grille Spacious trunk and cargo space - I expected rain sensing wipers like Lexus - it's not offered Access to 3rd row is poor Some cheap plastic on dash for a $40k+ vehicle That 3rd row seat is meant for kids only Ridiculous option packages - to get a power liftgate you need to buy DVD entertainment system!   Good luck on your shopping, - MS.
#10 of 19 MDX with multiple defects by wjz Feb 15, 2008 (4:22 pm)
I bought a MDX with sports and entertain package. With two months of possesion, I am having multiple repairs already for multiple defects. Defected mirrow, defected gas door, defected steering wheel and defected roof molding. Last, the roof rack cap flew away a few days ago when I was driving on highway. Very poor detail work on the car. For a suppose luxury car with so many defects is not acceptable. Better to buy other model. Replies to this message: vaughn4 (Feb 18, 2008 12:46 pm) flemo123 (Feb 18, 2008 8:06 pm)

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