4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Honda/Toyota vs America SUVs, toyota highlander, honda pilot

Question
My 97 Ford explorer needs another new tranny - 2nd replacement since I bought it.   I'm looking to dump it for something more reliable.
Would you recommend the HOnda Pilot?  What about the Toyota Highlander or 4Runner?

Thanks,  Jim Herbeck

Answer
Historically the Toyota and Honda have a superior rating for warranty and maintenance and enjoy a great reputation.  When you consider purchase price plus repairs and maintenance less value when you are ready to trade they are consistently better.  I have a 2001 RAV4 with 40,000 miles on it and have spent nothing but routine maintenance.  I paid extra for premium tires, but they are still very good and I expect at least another 25,000 miles out of them.  As is usual, the choice is yours but at this time I will recomment the Toyota or Honda.  If you have specific questions I will try to answer them for you.  Best of luck and Happy Holidays.  Bud