Anyone driven/owned one of these? Thinking of replacing the F-150 sometime next year and trying to get an idea of what to buy, which is not easy considering most vehicles here are pig ugly dated looking crap. Looking at used vehicles of around 2003/2004.

Before anyone starts bitching about it being an SUV, I do in fact need something that is capable off road (for various reasons....... snow/driving on construction sites/living halfway up a mountain etc).

About the only other SUV that even looks remotely interesting is the Infiniti FX45, but there is something odd that I don't like about it, and the back seats look pretty small (not great with 2 kids riding in car seats).

I was interested in a newer shape Range Rover, but the other half reminded me that I would probably look like a drug dealer, not to mention the MPG on the Range Rover is worse than many other SUV's (not that any have good MPG). I am sure someone will bring it up and so no I do not want a Volvo XC90.

What I do need is something that is capable off and on road (I have to commute to work and can't afford 2 cars) is reliable and safe (the VW got I believe a 5 star NCAP rating).

So anyone opinions on the VW? or any other recommendations? Thanks.

Dont' know about the VW, and you ain't interested in the Volvo and guessing not the Suburu.

If you want a bit of a poncy motor, apparently the saab jobby is pretty sweet ride and all that jazz, saw it in one of the top gear episodes sometime last year.

Oh, and another motor that's pretty fun is a Nissan Pathfinder...doesn't do so well head on v a moose, but then most motors don't

Not sure I can think of a single car that is going to do well head on Vs a moose. I almost hit a deer the other day, damn things are everywhere here.

Not so much after a poncy motor, just most of the Chevy/Ford/GM/Lincoln etc SUV's all look really old and plasticy on the inside. One of the Saab's went past me on the way to work the other day, looks ummmm interesting?

Based on the reviews, the VW has a very nice interior and drives well. It's also entirely compentant off road. The V6 is a little underpowered and the V8 more than a little expensive. The Touareg is expensive but a bargain when you consider that it's essentially a Porsche Cayenne for half the cash. Also, the 2007 version will be new, you might be able to swing a deal on an 06.

One note: across the board, VW has a horrible reputation for reliability these days. This I do have personal experience with, the Passat I owned was always in the shop.

Other options:

Acura MDX: aged design at this point and questionable offroad. Benefits: a bit cheaper, bulletproof reliability and an equally nice interior.

Nissan Murano: a little more downmarket but a damned good car. Drives very well and a very nice interior (rare for a Nissan).

Lexus RX: excellent on-road manners, no ability to go offroad at all. Probably the best looking mid-sized luxury SUV. Slightly aged design at this point. Also, extremely reliable.

Maybe not in the same class, but might be interesting to consider:

Cadillac SRX: no, I'm not joking. Probably the only Caddy worth a damn. Much more power than the VW and actually drives very well. No offroad ability. You will be able to get a good deal on one as it's domestic and can easily be negotiated. Drawbacks: it's a friggen Caddy (and all that that implies), horrible resale.

Acura RDX: brand new vehicle, excellent turbo engine, stylish. Getting rave reviews for handling. A little smaller than the Touareg. Be careful as this is the first year for this model.

Mazda CX-7: not really close in class to the VW, but a compelling, much much cheaper truck (10-15K less). Nice looking, excellent handling and very versatile. Definitely a suburban warrior, not for offroad use.

Aye, moose, who'd have thought those gangly gits would do so much damage eh *l*

And the saab, well the styling is something different, but the ride and build are top notch, and it starts well in winter and won't leak

Could always look out for a landrover defender...that would be something different around here

I'd add the Mitsubishi Endeavor to that list. Plenty of room inside, drives very well indeed, 5 star crash ratings, good power. But do not buy one new, as they depreciate quite badly initially - slightly used and you can pick up a bargain.

To my eye, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tempting proposition in the style department. But I'm sticking with my Suburu, I'm afraid...

A friend of mine has one of the new FJs: outside of the (very cool) styling, it's a bit crap. No power, cheap (and it feels it) interior, poor visibility for the driver, bunker-like back seat, bad mileage, wallow-y handling. It's not a very good car (unfortunately). My friend wants to get rid of his at this point...

Style over substance, eh?

Subaru are the other way round, me thinks!

I just bought an '07 Chevy Avalanche.

I was dead set against ever buying Detroit Iron, one reason because the interiors are typically crap - for example my friends 06 Yukon Denali XL is virtually identical to my father in laws 95 GMC sierra, albeit with leather dash

I couldn't justify buying a new single cab work truck AND another vehicle to seat 4-5 people. After looking at the Honda ridgeline, I decided the bed was just too small and I somehow ended up at the chevy dealer.

The handling is not great obviously, but if you put the back seats down you have just over an 8ft enclosed, locked and water proof bed.

Also, because it is such a tank you get a $25,000 tax write-off in the first year as long a the main use is for business.

mine is black with black interior and the quality and design is much improved over earlier years

If you are commuting the fuel economy may be an issue (I work from home)

Had the W10 Diesel for a 'borrow' in the UK and it was superb very powerful etc etc - not an option here but the car was great - interior is superb and off road it was very competant (yes i did actually take it off road!) so i would recommend it. As far as the infinity i get the impression that its more of a cross over than for getting dirty?

Reliability shouldnt be an issue - the VW issues are with cars made in Mexico and I dont the the Touareg is so should be pretty good.

The Saab is just a badge change on a scooby doo - although there are over 3000 changes or something according to the blurb - whichever way is a subaru not a saab.

Now thats not a bad thing......

What about an Hummer H3? ....... <awaits hellfire>

oo yeah - in yellow with the 21 inch spinners.....