I have a 1997 Rav 4. When I go back to work, I'm getting another. I love it. It's just big enough for me. It is 4 cylinder so sometimes the pickup isn't great, but I've never had a single problem with it. I feel safe in it, it has lots of room for my needs (the back trunk part is Logan's). . I was considering an Element, because they're square and ugly but in a cute way. I wanted to be different, but I'm so happy with my Rav that I'm sticking to it. I heard the same stories about Kia and Hundai. I had a '68 Mustang which I loved, but I couldn't always drive it in the huge snow storms we had. Man! it sure was a Beaute!