I'm looking into the RAV4 2nd Gen, CRV 2009 (SOHC engine) and Subaru Forrester XS (2.0 DOHC Boxer engine).

Regarding the difference between the 00-03 model of RAV4 and 2nd Gen Rav4, outside, the only noticable difference is the new signal lights at the side view mirrors. I think the mag wheels have a new design too. I'm not sure if the power folding side-view mirrors was in the 1st Gen too, but this function comes standard with the 2nd Gen. I think the radio satellite controls on the steering wheel also comes standard.

Regarding my choice between the three vehicles mentioned above, I am so confused which one is the best for me.

Price: CRV is cheapest at P1.25M (they've increased prices by P20k starting this Feb09), Forrester 2.0XS is P1.33M, RAV4 4x2 is P1.465M

Features: Forrester is tops with AWD, 8 air bags and cruise control

Fuel economy (according to only a few people i've asked so this info needs to be researched further in the other pages of this forum, so feel free to correct me)
City Driving: CRV 8-10 km/L, Forrester 6-7.5 km/L, RAV4 7-8 km/L

My Conclusion:
Forrester
Personally, I love the Forrester because it gives so many safefy features and is not so common on the road yet. However I'm scared that since there's only one dealer and maintenance shop, I would have a difficult time with spare parts. PLEASE tell me this isn't so .

RAV4
It looks really good outside and in. I love the dashboard. It's the largest of the three cars and I think has the most room to put stuff in. It has the biggest engine of the three so should give more power and performance. It's a Toyota and maintenance and spare parts is no concern. However, its the priciest among the three and possibly not very economical because of it's low mileage.

CRV
It's the most practical with it being the cheapest of the three and possibly having the best mileage. It's a Honda so, like the Toyota, maintenance is no concern. No wonder it seems like there's more of them on the road than the other two. However, to me, the CRV just doesn't excite me as much as either the RAV4 or Forrester.

As I mentioned before, I would want the Forrester, but the wifey has a say too and she's very concerned about the maintenance issue and possibly re-sale value some 8 or 10 years down the road. For her, it's the CRV she wants