Crossovers, SUVs, and off-road vehicles
The truck-based wagons, minivans, vans, and enlarged pickups Americans know as SUVs were once sold to a few people who really needed them, such as farmers and contractors. They exploded in popularity as their creature comforts grew, starting with the Wagoneer, Blazer, and Cherokee. But now the trend is moving towards car-based SUVs or crossovers, as people react against the inefficiency of the truck-based SUV. Most come with all wheel drive, which is often superior to four wheel drive for on-road driving. The only down-side is if you need to tow.
Be careful when buying if you intend to actually leave the paved road. While Trail-Rated Jeeps must prove themselves, many so-called "go-anywhere" SUVs should never be taken off the pavement, and some aren't too good in snow, either.
- Buick Enclave (2008) - big, quiet, ole-fashioned Buick with lots of tech
- Buick Rainier (2004) - good manners and handling despite serious towing ability
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer (note: versions are sold as the GMC Envoy and Hummer H3)
- Chrysler Aspen (2007) - nice Hemi-powered alternative to the Escalade and such
- Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Dream Cruiser - a little bargain with a long name
- Dodge Caliber (2006) - miniature SUV or station wagon?
- Dodge Durango - full size space with a mid-sized price and surprising agility (2004)
- “Dodge” Sprinter (2007) - Mercedes-Freightliner passenger van that makes the biggest SUV seem puny
- Ford Escape / Mazda Tribute (2003)
- GMC Yukon (2007) - luxury features and minivan interior in a heavy-duty chassis
- Hummer H3 (2006) - seriously good off-roader with weak engine, high price
- Jeep Commander (2006) - passing the LR3 and H2
- Jeep Compass (2007) - the only “no boulders or streams” Jeep is small outside, big enough inside
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (2007; Hemi and diesel) - quick with good handling, on and off-road
- Jeep Liberty (2008) - pleasant off-road-ready SUV (hosted at allpar)
- Jeep Patriot (2007) - quiet, relatively efficient off-road vehicle with good manners and a sewing-machine engine
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2007) - an icon is updated and modernized
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2007) - Hummer H3 price and off-road ability, with a real engine
- Kia Sorrento (2004, 2005) - off-road capability, optional luxury look and feel, and an unbeatable price
- Lexus LX-470: off-road monster wrapped in a thick veneer of luxury
- Lexus RX330 - (2004) luxury in a driveable SUV format
- Mercedes ML500 (2007) - German top hat and powertrain with a Jeep chassis
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Saturn Vue
- Saturn Vue Red Line (2006) - quick, spacious, and grippy
- Scion xB (2005) - surprisingly fun and economical miniature hatchback...or is it a minivan? or an SUV?
- Subaru Outback
- Suzuki Grand Vitara (2008) - pleasant off-road-ready SUV
- Toyota 4Runner (2005) - quick but off-road-ready
- Toyota FJ Cruiser (2007) - it's the 1970s again! An inexpensive, fun off-roader
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2006) - quick luxury wagon with surprisingly good mileage
- Toyota RAV4 (2006) - nimble, spacious, and economical
- Volkswagen Touareg (2005) - capable but bug-ridden SUV that doubles as a sports car
- Volvo Cross Country
Top-rated for value: Subaru Outback and Jeep Liberty
Not so current reviews
- Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002)
- Cadillac Escalade ESV (2004) - big work truck with an insulating layer of luxury and gadgets
- Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-04) - is it a work truck or an upscale SUV?
- Chevrolet Silverado (2004) - surprisingly good handling and interior amenities from an SUV with a pickup bed
- Chevrolet Suburban (2003)
- Chrysler Pacifica (2004-2006) - comfortable and luxurious, with nice handling and just the right height
- Chrysler Pacifica (2007) - luxury crossover-SUV gets new muscle and new gears ... for one year.
- Chrysler PT Cruiser (2002 Limited, 2003 GT Turbo, 2006 GT Turbo)
- GMC Envoy XL (2003)
- GMC Envoy XUV (2005) - unique convertible, washable cargo bay and pickup utility in an SUV
- GMC Yukon Denali (2005) - loads of luxury features piled onto a sturdy chassis and drivetrain
- Isuzu Axiom (2003)
- Isuzu Rodeo
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999 through 2004; including Overland, Laredo, Limited)
- Jeep Liberty (Diesel, Renegade and Sport) (2002-2005)
- Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon and Sport) (2000-2006)
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: legendary off-road capability meets easier on-road manners (2005-06)
- Mazda Tribute (2003)
- Nissan Pathfinder (1999; as compared with Jeep Grand Cherokee)
- Pontiac Vibe (2003)
- Subaru Forester (2004) - with turbo power
- Subaru Forester (2001)
- Suzuki XL7 (2003)
- Toyota Matrix (2003)
- Toyota RAV4 (2005) - fun, light, quick cute-ute