Space. The Trailblazer/Jeep Cherokee size is just a little too small for what we want. However, a Suburban is way too big. I read two separate comparison tests on the Durango and it won both. So who knows.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=6

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/...vs/index9.html

These reviews don't mean they are the final authority on SUVs but they are interesting reviews nonetheless. Hopefully either way I can get a good deal on one since a lot of people are trying to get rid of them due to fuel costs.

 

Being the anti SUV person that I am, since you're only looking for space and not towing capasity, what about a van? If the 5 is too small, Odyssey isn't a bad vehicle, or a Sienna, they certainly block less of the road than an SUV with better mileage. Plus you can actually seat more people comfortably wherever you have people stuffed in the cargo space of a SUV if you want extra seating. I've never found any SUV seats to be comfortable, significantly less so than a Mini-van.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/infi...chlanding.html

 

Infiniti FX45??? I guess you didn't read the post in which he says the Trailblazer or Cherokee would be too small. The FX45 is significantly smaller than both of those, and only seats 5. From the review you linked:

"Cons: Minimal cargo room, large blind spots, tricky at-the-limit handling, doesn't feel as upscale as some peers, no third-row seat available."


Sorry, but there is something to be said about style.

 

That's it in a nutshell right there. The only van we looked at was the Quest and although I liked the engine, I just don't want to sink myself into another van.

 

I just got a FX35 yesturday the cargo room statement is true, limit handling I don't know about cause it is too new :D, I drove the Bmw X5, MB E350, and A4 (I know these are mostly cars not trucks but I thought the interior was just as nice and better than the X5), I read about bad blind spots If I look over my shoulder there are no blind spots.

That being said I know the fx is too small for you. I still say get the Durango I like suv's better than minivans.

 

I hear ya. I'm going out today to try and take advantage of the last day of this employee discounting. Oh the joys of dealing with a dealership and the financing dept (vomit).

 

Well, as you can see by my new sig, I made my decision and bought an '05 Durango Limited.
I can't believe the difference between the 2nd Gens and the 1st Gen Durangos. The fit and finish is night and day. I never thought I would buy a Dodge but the new Durangos are nice. Even the doorhandles are thick and sturdy feeling without seeming cheap. I got an unreal deal on it since it was the last day and they had been slow for the past week. It has a 5.7 Hemi engine rated at 335hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. It can tow close to 9,000 lbs.
It has the following...
Leather seats
368 Watt Infinity Sound system w/ 6 disc CD changer-Sirius satellite
(much better than the stock Bose in the 8)
Auto climate control
Sunroof
Power seats, mirrors, windows, locks, etc.
Homelink system
Steering wheel audio controls
Auto headlamps
It is also set up for two memory settings to where you hit the unlock on your key and it senses which key is being used and adjusts the settings in the vehicle accordingly to seat setting, climate control, radio presets as well as mirrors.

All in all I am extremely happy with the power and everything else. It goes approximately 0-60 in the mid 7s range which isn't too bad for a full-size SUV. These pics aren't that great as some are blurry but you get the idea.

 

Thanks again to all who gave their input.

 

You will love that truck! I could not believe how fast it was for the size of the truck. We have one at the office exactly like you have shown but in the dark blue we got one with the 3rd row seating.

I say good choice enjoy!!

 

Thanks-so far I am! :D