[varmint]

Tim,

I never owned a Honda or Nissan. We currently own a 97 RAV4 L 4WD with 214,000 miles and are replacing it with a 98 4WD with only 66,000 miles.

We never had any major problems with our RAV4. The only thing I have noticed now is that it burns about 1 quart of oil between 3k mile oil changes. However, having said that, realize the engine is a very small 4-cyl. and we used it at times for towing around an atv, garden tractor and a small boat when needed to. Despite the little 4-cyl., the power is rather impressive. (We also have a roof rack on ours which is handly.)

The vehicle appears to give a nicer ride with the wider tire option (i.e. 16" P235's as opposed to the narrower P215's that came with it). We have a very steep drive way and my wife rarely has to push in the buttom for engaging 4WD getting out in the snow. Keep in mind the RAV4 already has all-time 4WD, but without engaging that little button for 4WD on the dash, the all-time 4WD has 70% pull from the front wheels and 30% from the rear wheels...maybe that's why we rarely ever even need to kick in the 4WD button.

The vehicle has never left us broken down anywheres. Toyota quality is as good as it gets and perhaps going with a Honda or Nissan won't be any worse in terms of quality.

Regarding room, the RAV4 is excellent for families with only 1 or 2 children, including a dog. Keep the dog in the back by getting one of those barriers you can install or just get him a dog carrier.

If you enjoy saving a few bucks, changing the oil, air filter and spark plugs on the RAV4 yourself is as easy as it gets.

I hope thise helps a little.