<p>"many newer vehicles have ‘automatic traction control’ which also helps in the slippery stuff. " - My current Odyssey minivan has it. As did the prior minivan, a Pontiac transport. Traction control works really well on those slow speed challenges, such as the burm of snow at the end of our road. Also works well when crawling along on slippery roads. </p>
<p>I’m hoping the Odyssey never wears out because I love it. And with the kids gone I am sure DH will never let me buy another minivan.</p>
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It’s surprising how many Japanese, Korean, and other manufacturers design (stying - not engineering) their vehicles in Southern California - San Diego county and Orange county.</p>
<p>Just drove my old (150K plus miles Nissan Maxima) to work (50 miles round trip). It still drives like a new car. That’s the kind of reliability I want for all my cars.</p>
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<p>Where are they engineered?</p>
<p>^^ I assume they’re mostly engineered in their countries - Japan/Korea/etc. although everything’s getting so global it’s hard to say.</p>
<p>For some of these vehicles -
<p>But even then there are sub-assemblies that are designed/engineered/built by third-party companies which could be in yet other places. This all applies to GM, Ford, Chrysler also - you really never know the details of the design/engineered/built unless you research the particular vehicle.</p>
<p>On the Odyssey, I swear the traction control light just goes on so you know to expect impact not that anything new happens machine-wise! Black ice is terrible tonight.</p>
<p>Warning for whomever is considering Volvo (since it was mentioned previously on the thread): Our independent Volvo mechanic recommends AGAINST buying Volvo, especially now that it is owned by China. He’s seen a decline in quality control and has some concerns about ability to get parts and diagnostics. Our current 2006 will be our last of 3 Volvos.</p>
<p>I’ve been pretty happy with my Toyota Sienna van and have heard good things about their Highlander & other SUV from happy owners. Mine has had a few issues and is likely too light to deal well with the ice & snow, but it has been mostly reliable and I would consider buying another Toyota when it’s time to replace (tho it’s only a 2000 & has fewer than 100K on it so not due for replacement any time soon).</p>
<p>The RAV4 served us well through middle school and HS (D is an only child), and is now working admirably as an empty-nest car. Almost 100K miles on it, and it literally runs like new. I’d get a Highlander if I could justify it, but we’re supposed to be in downsizing mode.</p>
<p>LasMa…if you get a new RAV4, you’ll find you have a MUCH bigger car than your previous RAV4.</p>
<p>…good luck; I made the change from having Honda Odyssey’s to a Elantra…massive savings on cost and gas, but far less power. I live in flat area, when I went to D college in mountainy area, these smaller cars don’t do that well. It seems that many had Subaru’s. I rented a small rental (Versa)…trying to drive in north vermont in snow storm was a lot of fun. I had planned to give the elantra to my student in a few years, but now may have to rethink that.</p>
<p>(I did rent one of the sporty volvo’s/2door…with larger engine, and that seemed to fly on the hills in the summer.) </p>
<p>I will have to read more about the 4 wheel vs. all wheel drive mentioned in one post (they say they are different).</p>
<p>Yup I’m on my last Volvo…last of the Swedish Volvos before the Ford Volvos…and I love it especially with snow tires and AWD. When this one goes at 300,000 I’ll go back to a Subaru. I like the Forrester because you sick up abit higher above the trush slush spray and they go through any kind of road conditions.</p>
<p>I would definitely read Consumer Reports before purchasing your next vehicle to see what is both reliable and safe. Personally, I would recommend the Subaru Forrester, Toyota Highlander, or the Honda Rav4, as many others have also mentioned. I had a Toyota Highlander (company car) and loved the way it rides, plus it is a little larger than the Forrester and Rav4.</p>
<p>I would NEVER buy a Toyota Highlander because the little boy on their latest commercials is SUCH a brat!! I just want to smack him every time those ads come on. I mean the ones with the little boy who talks about how embarrassing parents are, his mom is old, she’s 37!, etc,etc. But the Highlander is the car the “cool” parents drive.</p>
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<p>I know. 
I’m not sure why Toyota fixed something that wasn’t broke.</p>
<p>lololu - How about that little curly red haired girl who wanted a “big girl” seat? I have to restrain from slapping the tv everytime that comes on.</p>
<p>We have a 2003 Forester (165,000 miles) that D drives when she is home from college, and a 2009 Outback. Both bought used with about 25,000 miles on them. Love 'em. Especially this winter when we have had so much snow.</p>
<p>Not sure why the ad companies think that bratty obnoxious kids make me want to buy anything 
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<p>amanda – I think that little girl is the sister to boy in the Highlander ad. I hate bratty kids, but I really hate people who pay them to be bratty.</p>
<p>I meant the Honda CRV (not Honda Rav4) in post #52</p>
<p>^Sounds like they need to do a better job with the focus groups! I rarely watch any commercials but there are a few that crack me up. What’s the one with the little piggy who goes “Whee!” all the way home? I love that commercial but can never remember the brand (not what the manufacturer intended, I’m sure!).</p>