2004 Suzuki XL-7 4WD

Pros: Price. Amenities. Value.
Cons: I'd like it to get 30mpg.

We needed a 4wd vehicle with lots of cargo area for our dogs. This sounds pretty strange but I shopped for a new vehicle based on how well my 2 dogs would fit in it. We considered the Subaru Outback (new ones too expensive, used ones had a bajillion ...

Pros: The most offerings and standard equipment in it's class, best safety rating.
Cons: Racks should be included, splash guards should be included. Bigger gasoline tank. Better mileage.

After test driving the Saturn VUE, taking a look at Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner, plus considering Ford Escape, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander (very expensive). We spotted an AD for Suzuki on 2004 clearance discount (to make room for 2005) with 2000 factory discount and 2000 dealer discount and reduced buyer incentives.... all in all we ended buying our Suzuki XL-7 for $19,995 with Tax, Lic. and dealer prep total final price $22,000 on a sticker listed price of $27,995 and we consider ourselves lucky. Taking into consideration that our Suzuki XL-7 EX comes loaded with extras... V6 185hp, sports package trim (stepper, fog lamps, rear spoiler, hard spare tire cover, cargo rails, chrome accents, heated mirrors), Leather interior, Sunroof, Clarion 6 disc CD changer, 7 speaker system (2 tweeters, 4 speakers, 1 sub-woofer), Power everything, seats 7, and along with other offerings we get 3 years bumper to bumper warranty and 7 years limited power train warranty. So for under $20,000 this is the SUV to buy!