I find the Audi Q5 plenty big, but then I'm not into huge vehicles, and it's the appropriate size for its class (the Q7 is the Audi in the full-size class). Drives like a nimble sedan and decent gas mileage. Read the reviews from Edmund's - at one point they had it as having the best all around features in the luxury crossover class. I've owned Audis and VWs for over a decade and never had any undue maintenance problems, but I change up every 5 years or so.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have boys or girls? I got rid of my minivan and bought a SUV and then my boys hit their growth spurts and it was back to a minivan. They are all much taller than me with long legs and sitting in the back seat of the SUV (with their big backpacks plus sports equipment) just wasn't very comfortable. If I had shorter girls I don't think it would be a problem. My kids, and the ones I drive for carpool, are between 5'6 and a bit over 6'.

Great point, PP. I have 9 yr old twin boys. The are already 4'6" and 4'5" which is just shy of a foot shorter than me. So thanks for thinking of that. I tend to keep my cars until they are really to die or die, my van is 9 years old. Again, thanks.

Anonymous wrote:Q5 owner again. I'm surprised to hear the Acura owner likes the nav better. I think the navigation system on the Q5 is far superior.

I'm the first MDX owner and I cannot argue with you. I really dislike the Acura's nav system.

Q5 owner again. I'm surprised to hear the Acura owner likes the nav better. I think the navigation system on the Q5 is far superior.

I like my Audi Q5. I'm short, and we only have one child, so it fits fine. I had an A4 that I loved and kept for 10 years. No maintenance ever other than routine oil changes and brakes. I can't say the same for the Q5 (at least my Q5) but it's still under warranty. I'd also looked at the Rav4, the CRV and the RDX. I'm a past Honda owner and want to love the CRV, but the 4 cylinders without turbo was a deal killer for me. I live near a hill with a stop sign and need to be able to merge in and accelerate.

Anonymous wrote:Audis are gorgeous cars, but they are high-maintenance and expensive to repair. If you want a snazzy import, look at Lexus'.

Can't agree enough re Audi (and VW) ... owned 3, great cars to drive but horrible to maintain & fix long term. It's been 5 yrs. and I get pangs now & then but still cannot bring myself to buy another Audi.

I'd look at the Q7, the Infiniti with 7 seats, the BMW with optional 3rd row, the Buick Enclave, the MDX and the Toyota Highlander. The Q5 is quite small, my husband didn't think it was large enough for our family and we have 2 short kids.

Do you have boys or girls? I got rid of my minivan and bought a SUV and then my boys hit their growth spurts and it was back to a minivan. They are all much taller than me with long legs and sitting in the back seat of the SUV (with their big backpacks plus sports equipment) just wasn't very comfortable. If I had shorter girls I don't think it would be a problem. My kids, and the ones I drive for carpool, are between 5'6 and a bit over 6'.

I just looked at the Q5 and really liked it. In the end I went with the MDX because I lulled some of the entertainment/nav features better but it was close though.

Thanks everyone. All good suggestions. The Escalade is out of my price range and too big for me, I'm a small person

Check out the MDX. I loved the look of the Audi Q5, but it is definitely on the smaller side for it's class. The MDX is generally considered a very good buy -- if not exactly a "luxury" vehicle. My SIL ditched her Lexus for one and we love ours.

I'd look at an Escalade. They hold 7 people incredibly comfortably and are big and safe.

Audis are gorgeous cars, but they are high-maintenance and expensive to repair. If you want a snazzy import, look at Lexus'.

My 2004 Honda mini-van is falling apart. At this point, I either spend a couple thousand dollars fixing it up just for it run and be dependable or get something else.

I think I've grown out of the mini van stage, I've had it for 9 years and while it served me well, when the twins were babies and up until now. I think an SUV would suit me better.

I've been looking at used SUVs because I just don't want to spend so much money when we are still heavily involved in sports and it will be a family car along with a carpool vehicle.

I looked at the Highlander, which is nice, but my DH has one. Then I looked at the Ford Explorer, and it's just too big, I think. Now, I'm considering the Audi Q5, who has one? Please tell me what you like and don't like about it, including the size of your family. Thanks. Oh and my DH is 6'3" so we need room

TIA