Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.

Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.

VUE is a very big deal for Saturn, which has been struggling for sales in a much more competitive market without any strong showroom lures. The midsize L-Series hasn't really clicked with consumers in its first two years, while the S-Series subcompacts have been losing appeal, partly for lack of any fundamental design change since Saturn opened for business over a decade ago. But GM has finally ended its benign neglect and put some real money into new Saturns. That's why 2003 brings not just the VUE but a heavily restyled L-Series and the all-new ION replacement for the S-Series. And there's more to come, as some analysts say Saturn's lineup will expand further in the near future.

For now, buyers are flocking to compact "crossover" SUVs, so expectations are high that VUE will give a big boost to Saturn's bottom line. VUE is apparently planned for a five-year "shelf life." No major changes are expected in that time, but Saturn's signature plastic-like body panels make cosmetic freshenings fairly cheap and easy to do when needed, and new features will doubtless be added as time passes. By the way, VUE's new "Theta" platform will be the starting point for a redesigned 2005 Chevy Tracker and perhaps another future GM crossover or SUV.