From Jim Walczak,
Your Guide to 4-Wheel Drive / Offroading.
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Dec 17 2006

Here are the best rated used SUVs and Pickup Trucks, recommended by a number of top expert sources. (The worst rated SUVs and Trucks are here.) These are so highly rated, you shouldn't hesitate about buying one of these used vehicles.

Consumer Reports' Good Bets
The following SUVs and trucks have performed well in Consumer Reports tests over the years and have had much-better-than-average reliability for multiple years. They are listed alphabetically (1997 through 2004 models).

• Acura MDX
• Honda CR-V
• Infiniti QX4
• Lexus RX300
• Lexus RX330
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota 4Runner
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota RAV4
• Toyota Sequoia
• Toyota Tundra

Edmunds' Used Car Best Bets
The SUVs and pickup trucks that are included here, earned their top ratings based on overall reliability through the years, as well as performance in crash test ratings. They are listed by vehicle category (1997 through 2002 models).

• Mini-SUV: 1997-2002 Honda CR-V
• SUV: 1999-2002 Nissan Pathfinder
• Small Pickup: 1997-2002 Ford Ranger / Mazda B-Series
• Large Pickup: 1997-2002 Ford F-150

Consumer Reports' Exceptional Used SUVs

1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE

1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5

1998 Subaru Forester L

1998 Toyota RAV4 AWD

Car Connection's Recommended Used Vehicles
The Car Connection put together this list of recommended used cars, vehicles that tend to rise to the top after a few years of service.

• Best Used Crossover: Lexus RX300
• Best Used Small SUV: Subaru Forester
• Best Used Mid-Size SUV (Traditional): Ford Explorer
• Best Used Full-Size SUV: GMC Yukon
• Best Used Small Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
• Best Used Pickup: Ford F-150

Good Used SUVs For Your Money
Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money". He has compiled this list of Top Five SUVs worth your consideration.

• Subaru Forester
• Toyota 4Runner
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Ford Explorer
• Honda CRV