Well, for us, it actually came down to price. Look at the next obvious choice, the RAV4. In the Gen 1 version, it's very weak styling and space. To get the price down to what we wanted, we could not look at a newer model, just that G1 version of RAV4. Although the later ones are ok, we like Honda more than TOYOTA. Going back to where our budget allows, the G1 CRV...it's awesome. Going back to 1998, it's really nice vehicle. We laugh that the value is the same or better than my 1998 Audi wagon, at the same miles etc but the starting price was way lower. Paint is awesome, interior is still clean and intact. Mechanically, Honda is hard to beat. Everything works, the stereo is awesome. Trans is smooth and responsive. Engine is adequate. I do wish ours was a stick, but we went with the best condition example we cound find. It had 85k on it, and from those pics you can see, the owner was attentive. (a sprint car racer's wife mobile). I put on full oversize tires (not pictured) and it was transformed into a real SUV, the oems tires are SMALL-ish. I keep telling my woman, if she does not want it anymore, I'd take it. When I am done with the RSX in 2-3 years, it will be hers and the CRV will be a winterbeater. That's one thing I like about the CRV, it's the kind of vehicle you can really keep for 10 years. What I'm getting at it the value is still there. She owes $6k on it and we regularly see slightly newer same-model ones for $10-$12k. Ours has a sunroof and rack, both kind of rare. When I go to the city, I see a lot of beater ones, but generally, people take care of them, probally because they are happy with them. I do like other cars, and definately Saab has it's virtues, but the CRV as well as 9-3 are cars that have a good price/value when new. I think Subs are tinny and just don't fit my personality. Old grandma cars. If your wife needs to drive in deep snow and/or does not do a lot of high-speed highway, get the CRV. If she drives fast and far on good roads, get the Saab. PS, the ride in the CRV on rough/off road is really good and we have bad roads w/RR tracks. I hope my input helps.
