My minivan is kaput and my kids are getting older so I am looking into getting an SUV, but I still need the 3rd row of seats. right now I am looking at a 2005 Toyota highlander vs a 2008 Saturn Outlook - both have the 3rd row. i am just wondering if anyone had had any experince with either vehicle? thanks in advance.
Thank you everyone who answered! I did not know the saturn was not made any longer and my fiance and I talked about it and felt like that it would be a bad idea to go with the Saturn because of that... The Honda Pilot is not an option as we are looking at used vehicles at a particular dealer and they don't have one..SO Toyota it is! I am so excited!
My husband bought a 2007 Honda Pilot. It's got the third seat, but both back seats are easy to fold in. It also tows more than most SUVs...
Just another one to look at.
I would be careful about the Saturn Outlook. I have a Saturn, and when they stopped producing the cars my dad (who worked as a service manager for one of their dealerships) was told that parts will only be in production until approx 2019. So... depending on how long you plan to own it, it could be an issue with repairs in the long run. I LOVE my Saturn. They are all I have driven since 1993, but if I knew then what i know now, I probably wouldn't have bought mine in 2006.
I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander. I have not had any problems with it besides normal wear and tear. One of the wheel bearings went bad a couple of months ago, but was covered under warranty, no problem. We keep it maintained with the oil changes, etc., and have been very happy with all of our Toyotas.
I don't know anything about either car, however, Saturn is no longer in existance so if you need any repair, it is limited to whatever is in stock. If there isn't a part in stock, you may have a hard time getting it fixed or out of luck. I am not sure how it works, but I have benefited from this information someone passed on to me. Good Luck.
I would always pick Toyota over anything else. EXCEPT for my Honda Pilot. It has a third row. I have one I've driven for 160,000 miles and not one problem. You could also check into that. Otherwise, I'd definitely do Toyota.
I would go with the Saturn. They are a great safe vehicle all of them. Who cares if they stop producing parts for the vehicles. Car parts are just like medicine after so many years other companies will produce generic parts that will fit. Also, that is 2019 and many years away.
Have you compared the gas mileage? If you go to KBB.com you can get customer reviews, the star rating and the measurements of each vehicle to see which has the most room for your family. Something else I would consider with the 3rd row is how far the 3rd row is actually from the back of the vehicle in case you get rear-ended. I know one of the Kia's vehicles has the 3rd row, but the 3rd row literally rests against the back hatch. I just don't see how that is safe.
I have to agree with checking into a Honda Pilot. I love mine! Great vehicle. Friends of ours have the Highlander and are happy with it, but I feel my Pilot is bigger inside. I looked into a Saturn Vue, but Consumer Reports gave it a bad rating for rollover possibility in a crash.
Good Luck!
You can't go wrong with a Toyota and they last forever. Call your insurance agent and get a quote on both, that my factor in your decision also. And DO NOT ever buy a Kia. Congrats and happy car shopping!
In addition to what 2txtots said, I have to add a vice about Saturns... every Saturn I've ever seen in an accident, no matter how minor, crumpled like tin foil. I would not feel comfortable driving my family around in something that wrecks like that! I know you're not *trying* to get in an accident, but omg if you did... I don't like to think about it! So my vote is for the 'yota!!
Highlanders are excellent SUVS. They will run forever, comfortable, easy to drive. I love mine and can't wait until I can upgrade to a new one!
Because I used ot have a Toyota Highlander I am biased. The Toyota SUV's are great cars!!
