2003 Suzuki XL-7

Pros: electroluminescent gauges, interior design/feel, peppy engine, perfect transmission
Cons: needs side-airbags, larger fuel tank

This is my family's second XL7 Limited 4WD. We originally had a 2001 XL7 Limited 4WD, but when we saw the 03 we fell in love. The interior uses the same quality plastics as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but the leather feels much better than the Pilot's. The 183HP engine is enough for everyday usage and perfect for the car's size. If you're family is on a budget but looking for a comfortable SUV that seats 7, the XL7 is hard to beat!

Pros: Affordable, all-around vehicle, smooth, decent power
Cons: gas mileage (17-18 mpg)

This is a great car. For years I drove a Suzuki Sidekick JLX (1994), and liked it a lot. When it was time for a newer vehicle, which had a little more room, was more dependable, etc., I looked into the XL-7. Luckily, after only a few weeks of actively looking, I found a 2003 on the lot. It had only 12,500 miles and was in great shape. After driving it around for a little bit I was hooked (and I test drove a lot of cars). It feels very roomy, has good acceleration with the V6, can store quite a bit of stuff in it (I do not have the 3rd seat option), and is very nice in the interior. I was shocked at how smooth the ride was! I've gotten that comment a lot from passengers, too.
All in all, Suzuki makes a wonderful SUV. It does everything I need it to do, and well. It's not great on gas (17-18 mpg), bu that is its only drawback to date. It's even covered with an excellent warranty (which was fully transferrable, in case you're thinking of buying used).

Pros: Good looks, fun to drive, reasonable performance, sporty, excellent leather, good quality and reliability.
Cons: Back seat is a bit tight.

This is one fun truck. Everything works exactly as you'd expect. It's nimble, compliant, smooth enough, sure footed and a ball to drive. The engine performs well and my mileage is a tick under 22mpg. It's good looking, the interior is well laid out, the leather is excellent, and it's comfortable. The sun roof is cool and the truck looks at home on the beach and shoots in and out of traffic around town. The rear seating is a bit tight, but you know if it will work for you when you first look at it- there are no surprises here. When I did my research, I found that the car reviewers were sometimes too critical- and now my experience tells me that they were often dead wrong. The owners, however, were extremely happy with their vehicles. My Suzuki XL is everything I thought it would be and more.