2005 4Runner or 03 AcuraMDX?

[Jayded]

Just to reiterate:

Go Lakers!!!

 

[ssingh]

Mucho graciuos, amigos!! Looks like I'll be a future 05 4Runner owner! Thanks again. As someone mentioned, I did some research on the new Nissan Pathfinder but it looks too much like the Armada (which I think, looks too boxy and fake). Secondly, Nissan hasn't got that much of a resale value like Toyota does. I realized that when I traded in my old Nissan Frontier for the Tacoma. Toyotas and Hondas rule on resale value!

Oh, BTW, I was at my local Acura dealer last evening and just out of curiosity, looked underneath the body of the MDX and saw the 'surface rust-issue'! I saw 2 MDX's with similar surface rust on the underbody. I don't know whether its the long drive to the dealership or what, but the rust is there and is completely obvious. I noted the 4runners on the Toyota dealership were clean. Anyway. just an observation.

And oh yeah.....Gooooooooooooo KINGS!!

 

[JungleJim]

Both Toyota and Honda are quality manufacturers. There will be problems with any vehicle....yes, even the 4runner. (There are a couple of members here who have enacted the lemon law on their 4runners.) But that doesn't mean that the 4runner isn't a quality truck.

Do you need a truck? Get a 4runner.

Do you need a family vehicle? Get the MDX or Pilot.

The MDX/Pilot has the highest crash ratings of any SUV...if you have kids, that has to count for something. Also, the third row seat is very functional for hauling kids.

I think it's kind of like comparing a full size van to a minivan. They meet different needs.

I am personally debating between the Pilot and 4Runner (I'll purchase something this Fall). When my wife rode and drove the 4Runner, she said that she felt "it wasn't for us". She thought the interior looked like "we were taking a step backwards", which meant she thought it looked dated (I happen to agree). I also don't like how it handles on the highway, probably since I'm not accustomed to driving a truck (I don't like the feeling of it jumping around a little at high speeds....very unsettling.)

We actually need a minivan, but both of us refuse to drive one. Thus an SUV. The Pilot it really a minivan that looks like an SUV. Currently, I'm thinking it would be the best compromise.

BTW, there are problems posted here that really trouble me. Like the whole seat rattle/jiggle thing. That would annoy me to no end. There seems to me "extras" on the 4Runner that might cause problems down the road (ie: the automated rear latch, etc....nice touches, but potential trouble for people who keep their vehicles for 10+ years). I seems like overall, Honda dealers are easier to deal with than Toyoto.

You can't go wrong with either vehicle, but you should make a list of priorities and needs. They are very different vehicles.

 

[bluewolf]

I am personally debating between the Pilot and 4Runner (I'll purchase something this Fall). When my wife rode and drove the 4Runner, she said that she felt "it wasn't for us". She thought the interior looked like "we were taking a step backwards", which meant she thought it looked dated (I happen to agree). I also don't like how it handles on the highway, probably since I'm not accustomed to driving a truck (I don't like the feeling of it jumping around a little at high speeds....very unsettling.)

I agree with JungleJim about the 4Runner and the Pilot being VERY different vehicles, and that a person should determine what it is that he/she will be expecting the vehicle to be used for. Both are excellent vehicles.

Interestingly, though, we had opposite first impressions: Initially my wife thought the interior appeared much too "cockpit" like and modern (not at all dated) because of the unique touch-button HVAC controlls, "pod"- like instrument cluster, etc. She originally wished it was more traditional looking and it took her some getting-used-to (but she admits that the "look" and functionallity has really grown on her).

Also, the 4Runner at 80 MPH does not seem to "jump-around" in the least, for us. In fact, it even seems to handle better than the Toyota Highlander. Certainly a truck-based SUV will not behave like a Honda Accord at such speeds, but the Honda Pilot felt, in comparison, more unstable at 80 MPH. There was much more "sway" when swerving lightly, "plow" when hitting the brakes, etc. That's just OUR experience, we really did look hard at the Pilot.

 

[JungleJim]

Interestingly, though, we had opposite first impressions: Initially my wife thought the interior appeared much too "cockpit" like and modern (not at all dated) because of the unique touch-button HVAC controlls, "pod"- like instrument cluster, etc. She originally wished it was more traditional looking and it took her some getting-used-to (but she admits that the "look" and functionallity has really grown on her).

Also, the 4Runner at 80 MPH does not seem to "jump-around" in the least, for us. In fact, it even seems to handle better than the Toyota Highlander. Certainly a truck-based SUV will not behave like a Honda Accord at such speeds, but the Honda Pilot felt, in comparison, more unstable at 80 MPH. There was much more "sway" when swerving lightly, "plow" when hitting the brakes, etc. That's just OUR experience, we really did look hard at the Pilot.

Interesting how each person can make unique observations

I've been driving VW's that stick to the road like glue for over 20 years. I guess I shouldn't compare SUV's to what I'm accustomed to...

I had the 04 4Runner up to maybe 70 mph and at that speed I could really feel I was driving a truck. The back end just seemed to jump every once in a while. Someone who always drives trucks probably wouldn't notice it, but we VW drivers sure do! I think I need a nontruck-based SUV. The 4Runner drove very nice. It was only on the highway that I felt uncomfortable....but I'd probably get used to it if I owned one.

I guess that's why there are so many choices of vehicles out there!

I wish the 4Runner had more interior room.....

 

[JungleJim]

Interestingly, though, we had opposite first impressions: Initially my wife thought the interior appeared much too "cockpit" like and modern (not at all dated) because of the unique touch-button HVAC controlls, "pod"- like instrument cluster, etc. She originally wished it was more traditional looking and it took her some getting-used-to (but she admits that the "look" and functionallity has really grown on her).

Also, the 4Runner at 80 MPH does not seem to "jump-around" in the least, for us. In fact, it even seems to handle better than the Toyota Highlander. Certainly a truck-based SUV will not behave like a Honda Accord at such speeds, but the Honda Pilot felt, in comparison, more unstable at 80 MPH. There was much more "sway" when swerving lightly, "plow" when hitting the brakes, etc. That's just OUR experience, we really did look hard at the Pilot.

Interesting how each person can make unique observations

I've been driving VW's that stick to the road like glue for over 20 years. I guess I shouldn't compare SUV's to what I'm accustomed to...

I had the 04 4Runner up to maybe 70 mph and at that speed I could really feel I was driving a truck. The back end just seemed to jump every once in a while. Someone who always drives trucks probably wouldn't notice it, but we VW drivers sure do! I think I need a nontruck-based SUV. The 4Runner drove very nice. It was only on the highway that I felt uncomfortable....but I'd probably get used to it if I owned one.

I really like the Highlander, but it is just too small for us. It's cargo area is no larger than a Honda CRV (wife already has one of those). I especially like the dash layout of the Highlander.

I guess that's why there are so many choices of vehicles out there!

I also wish the 4Runner had more interior room.....

 

[bluewolf]

Interesting how each person can make unique observations

I've been driving VW's that stick to the road like glue for over 20 years. I guess I shouldn't compare SUV's to what I'm accustomed to...

I also wish the 4Runner had more interior room.....

I've never owned a car, myself...only trucks & Jeeps. I guess that's why whenever my wife lets me take that baby for a spin it feels like I'm driving a friggin' sport sedan!!

I hear you about space too, but like FirstToyz said, the 4Runner needed to remain first and foremost an awesome off-road vehicle. There are plenty of 4Runner fans who aren

 

[ricedo]

Just to reiterate:

Go Lakers!!!

Yeah, the Rapers, errr, Lakers sure are going alright...going home!!! They're done!!! Hope you enjoyed the run because that team will be blown-up in a couple of weeks. When Karl Malone compares himself to Barry Bonds, in not winning a championship, I don't know what means giving up more than that!!!

ssingh- good job in selecting a 4Runner. It won't dissapoint.

 

[grave]

i agree!