Help me decide!

[peter78]

Now really to confuse the issue. If you like the Highlander, you may want to look at the Honda Pilot. Here is a article about the new stlye SUV's were the Highlander came in 3rd. The Pilot came in first.

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2003/april/0304_comparo_neithernors.xml



(Of course, if you like the 4Runner, I would stick with that. There is nothing better, except maybe a Lexus GX470.)

 

[Paintballguy59]

Here is the bottom line...
1) If you want to do some offroading, towing get the v8 4runner.
2) If you just want a on-road suv, get the highlander.

The highlander was made for people who just want a suv for the size. It wasnt intended to be like a truck or for a offroad vehicle.

 

[rediggs]

I spent a lot of time researching the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX and ended up with a 2003 4runner v8 Limited.

I joined both Honda and Acura .org owners forums to get a flavor for the buzz about those vehicles. I know that's sounds crazy because they're all biased owners, right? Wrong. The Acura I ruled out early because of the premimum gas-only thing, and the Honda... well, just join the forums for yourself. All the owners do is complain about problems with this new model vehicle and how the brake pedal feels like it's going to fall off with all the sideways play in it. This is of course written off as "normal" by just as many posters. Me?... I'd rather have a brake pedal that doesn't feel like its going to fall off, even if it is normal. There were many occurances of this complaint, not just 2 or 3 isolated cases. There were also other issues with engine starting in what some called "cold" weather. I guess there's electronic fuel pump issues being sorted out still on the Pilot. This was a common problem too. Unfortunately, cold weather to these folks was somewhere around 30-40 F. I'm lucky to see 40 F by May. What's going to happen in the freakin' Winter!?

I really wanted the Honda Pilot due to it's roominess over all the other SUVs in its class since I'm 6'2". The new 4runner specs are roomier than any of its previous models, but still smaller than the Pilot for driver comfort. As for cargo, the 2 row seat folding design wasnt that great in the Pilot and left an incline. The 4runner is dead flat because you pull the bottom seat cushion up and out of the way. To me, this creates a roomier, more practical cargo area.

In the end, I am *SO* glad i got the 4Runner. It's more of a truck than the Pilot (looks and performance-wise), yet drives just as quiet and comfortable (if not better than) the Pilot. And I love my V8! Holy crap does this engine sound nice. Imagine a purr and growl at the same time. Not to mention I'm finally getting 19mpg now that I'm starting to drive on pavement and not snow. But what clinched the deal for me... was the sliding rear window... and it's remote activated. How cool is that!

 

[Good Times]

My personal feelings is that the 4runner is in it's own class. The other "SUV's" out there are just car's on a raised platform. If you want a truck that can go places and yet still have the refinement of a car, then the 4runner is it. It's the bset of both worlds. The new 03's are soo smooth that it drives like a sedan. But this truck can also tackle the trails which is an added bonus since you have no worries about getting stuck.

The question should be v6 or v8! hehehe either way you can't go wrong as both take 87 octane!!

 

[Larry]

I use regular all the time excpet when I'm towing a heavy load.

Also when towing up a long steep grade i shift down to 4th before the transmission does by its self.. I don't know if it's necessary but it makes me feel better.

So far so good.