In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into a comparison of five prominent crossover SUVs from the year 2003. These vehicles, often dubbed as 'neither-nors' for their blend of car-like comfort and SUV utility, were put through extensive evaluations over a 600-mile journey across northern Michigan. The aim was to scrutinize their diverse personalities, performance capabilities, and practical attributes to determine their standing in a rapidly evolving automotive segment.
The segment of crossover vehicles, a nomenclature initially met with some confusion, represents a significant shift in automotive design. Unlike traditional body-on-frame SUVs, these models utilize unit-body construction, offering enhanced lightness and structural rigidity. This design choice makes them less suited for extreme off-road conditions but highly proficient for urban and suburban navigation, such as trips to shopping centers and grocery stores. While conventional SUVs typically feature two-speed transfer cases for low-range off-road capability, crossovers, usually derived from front-wheel-drive platforms, primarily engage front-wheel drive and can transfer power to the rear wheels when traction is compromised. Towing capacity also generally favors traditional SUVs, with most front-drive-based crossovers, including those in this comparison, capped at around 3500 pounds, although some models may have lower limits without specific towing packages.
Among the contenders, the 2003 Buick Rendezvous CXL Versatrak AWD, sharing its platform with a minivan, offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating and premium features like heated seats and a head-up display. Despite its comfortable amenities and considerable cargo capacity, its performance was notably subpar. Equipped with a 3.4-liter pushrod V-6 engine, the Rendezvous was the slowest in acceleration tests, taking 10.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Its all-wheel-drive system, while effective in snow, contributed to a perceived lack of directional stability, and its ride quality received criticism for being noisy and bumpy. Overall, it provided a pleasant experience in ideal conditions but struggled when pushed against its more agile competitors.
The Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited AWD, an all-new entrant in 2004, impressed with its robust chassis and lively dynamics, despite having the second-lowest horsepower among the group. Its 3.8-liter SOHC V-6 engine, producing 250 pound-feet of torque, allowed it to keep pace with higher-powered rivals in acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The Endeavor also demonstrated superior braking, stopping from 70 mph in just 173 feet. Its interior was praised for its luxurious materials and feel. However, its full-time all-wheel-drive system proved treacherous on snowy roads, and its exterior styling drew mixed reactions. Despite its length, its cargo capacity was the smallest, and it lacked a third-row seat, leading some to deem it a technically proficient but ultimately impractical package.
The 2003 Toyota Highlander Limited V-6 AWD, built on a modified Camry platform, offered a smooth and comfortable car-like driving experience. It was praised for its intuitive controls and serene highway cruising. Its 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine provided competent performance, reaching 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, placing it in the middle of the pack. However, its Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system, while maintaining stability, was criticized for overly intrusive intervention that could not be disabled, limiting its dynamic appeal. The Highlander's compact dimensions, while contributing to easy maneuverability, also restricted its utility compared to larger models. Its understated character polarized opinions, with some finding its lack of excitement a drawback.
The Nissan Murano SE AWD, with its distinctive styling and athletic handling, was a standout. Powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine delivering 245 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission, it achieved impressive acceleration times, hitting 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. The Murano's superior braking performance, stopping from 70 mph in just 166 feet, underscored its sporty credentials. Its all-wheel-drive system, based on a front-wheel-drive platform, included a locking function for enhanced traction. The interior featured supportive leather seats and legible black-on-orange instruments. Yet, its firm ride quality and interior noise on rough surfaces, along with some minor fit and finish issues, detracted from its overall appeal. While prioritizing driving enjoyment, its cargo and passenger capacities were not as generous as some competitors.
The Honda Pilot, recognized as a 2003 5Best Truck, emerged as the top performer in this comparison. Despite some dynamic shortcomings, such as below-average skidpad performance and the longest braking distance in the group (195 feet from 70 mph), its real-world driving behavior was commendable. Its 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine, paired with a smooth five-speed automatic transmission, provided respectable acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The Pilot excelled in ride quality and stability on varied road surfaces. Derived from Honda's acclaimed Odyssey minivan, it inherited outstanding virtues of space and adaptability, offering three-row seating that comfortably accommodated multiple passengers, along with numerous storage options and child-seat anchors. Priced competitively, even with optional navigation, the Pilot offered an unbeatable combination of utility, build quality, and value.
Ultimately, the Honda Pilot secured its leading position by delivering a comprehensive package of competence, structural integrity, interior spaciousness, and overall versatility. Its family-centric design, featuring generous seating and adaptable storage, clearly catered to its target audience. While its performance figures weren't always class-leading, its balanced attributes, combined with a compelling price point, made it the most well-rounded and practical choice. This robust combination of features and value cemented its status as the superior option in this group of early 2000s crossover SUVs.
