My wife and I test drove several suv's including the Honda Pilot. We were dead set on purchasing the Honda since we knew we could get a 2005 for about $30500-$31,500. We drove the Highlander and forget about. It rides smooth, but it's small inside and the engine belongs on a camry. Not enough power.
The honda was excellent don't get me wrong, but we decided to try out the Subaru and we loved it. The fact is we needed a third row not for a 6' adult, but for children. The third row is wider than the highlander. You don't have to take off the headrest when you fold it down for extra cargo space. The third row has cupholders and ac vents and when you open the rear you still have the same amount of room for small groceries that you do in the honda. Now comes the engine. The boxer engine was great. If you are looking more for the lexus kind of ride than go with a toyota, but if you want a sporty german type of ride than the Subaru delivers with the tip tronic style trans. The boxer engine low center of gravity also give it good manuevarability and less body roll. We were able to get a 7-seater which fit our needs for $31,000 for a 2006 model. If you can get over the front nose , than you should definitely give this suv a chance.
Amount Paid (US$): 31000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: b-9