I wanted a station wagon. I hated the rav4 I test drove and I don't need a car as big as the highlander. Basically I did not like driving any of the smaller suvs I have ever test driven and I don't need the larger ones. Except for expensive - compared to my toyota but less than volkswagon cost- maintenance- I have had no trouble at all with subaru and I have had it for 3 years. I would not buy a ford or gm product because I don't think they are reliable. But for some, they are - and my opinion is based on consumer reports and picking friends up from the repair shop - I have never owned a ford or gm and have no first hand info.
I would check out consumer reports and Edmunds.com to start my car search. Narrow out the ones with crap reviews/scores and then go test drive.