I bought a new Subaru Forester this year (err ... I mean last year) and I've really liked it. Solid boxer 4-cylinder engine that has pretty good power, great AWD system. I know Subarus don't get points for their looks, but I think the Forester looks pretty sharp since it was redesigned for '03.
If it's value for your money for you want, you can get a base X model for under $20k. If you want performance, get the XT turbo for $25k.
Actually, my first choice would have been a wagon, but most European wagons are out of my price range, and after that the selection gets thin real fast. I came close to buying a VW Passat V6 but decided it was too much car for too much money ($5k more than my Forester). Tried a Legacy wagon but didn't like it. Focus wagon might be an option now that reliability is improving; those things have decent space inside for a small car.
If you can wait till summer, take a look at both the Mazda 6 wagon, due out this year, and the new '05 Legacy wagon from Subaru. They both look promising.
I think the Escape is pretty good, I looked at those too, but the mileage with the V6 isn't great. My Forester gets better mileage, and its four-cyl. is almost as peppy as the Escape's V6.
As someone else said, the Pilot is really a midsize SUV, not much smaller than an Explorer. And prepare to pay over MSRP for a Pilot. They don't sit on the lot for very long, if at all.
For me, the big strike against the Vue is looks, especially the front end. Saturn needs to ditch those narrow, 1992-style headlights.
Anyway, good luck, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of your three choices, really.
If it's value for your money for you want, you can get a base X model for under $20k. If you want performance, get the XT turbo for $25k.
Actually, my first choice would have been a wagon, but most European wagons are out of my price range, and after that the selection gets thin real fast. I came close to buying a VW Passat V6 but decided it was too much car for too much money ($5k more than my Forester). Tried a Legacy wagon but didn't like it. Focus wagon might be an option now that reliability is improving; those things have decent space inside for a small car.
If you can wait till summer, take a look at both the Mazda 6 wagon, due out this year, and the new '05 Legacy wagon from Subaru. They both look promising.
I think the Escape is pretty good, I looked at those too, but the mileage with the V6 isn't great. My Forester gets better mileage, and its four-cyl. is almost as peppy as the Escape's V6.
As someone else said, the Pilot is really a midsize SUV, not much smaller than an Explorer. And prepare to pay over MSRP for a Pilot. They don't sit on the lot for very long, if at all.
For me, the big strike against the Vue is looks, especially the front end. Saturn needs to ditch those narrow, 1992-style headlights.
Anyway, good luck, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of your three choices, really.