Though our Best Buys, 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. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a 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. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.

Vue drew some 75,500 sales through the end of 2002. That's not great for a new entry in one of today's healthiest market segments, though initial deliveries were delayed by production glitches that have presumably been ironed out now. But a new problem looms: Chevrolet's Vue-based 2004 Equinox, which could well steal some Vue sales even though Saturn beats Chevy hands-down for customer satisfaction. All's fair in love and business, but we're still puzzled that GM would sabotage Saturn's critically important first SUV in this way.

At least GM has put some money where its mouth is so Saturn can further expand its lineup. Besides a new midsize car for 2006, Saturn is reportedly in for a crossover "sport wagon" built on GM's much-delayed "Lambda" platform. Sister divisions will get their own versions, however, and the Saturn apparently won't show up until still-distant 2008. It will be larger than Vue, but not a replacement.

The Vue itself is said to be on a five-year "cycle plan," which would take today's basic design to 2007. What happens then is unknown. In the interim, Vue will likely see some styling changes--fairly easy and cheap with Saturn's signature plastic-like body panels--and should add a few new features to stay in the compact-SUV hunt.