Not even 15 years ago, you could count on two hands the number of SUVs on the market. But as the public got wind of SUVs as handsomely styled alternatives to the minivan and station wagon, demand soared…to the point that as 2003 is upon us, there are 212 variations on the theme, if you count trim levels. And SUVs haven't just grown in quantity, they've grown in quality, from the crude, trucky, uncomfortable beasts of the '80's into livable, mature automobiles that you wouldn't be averse to taking on a cross-country trip.

Truly, with their refined good looks and unparalleled capabilities, mid-size SUVs are sittin' prettier than ever, representing the state of the art for all-weather, all-occasion family transportation. So now that SUV ownership is no longer the sacrifice that it once was, the worst thing about getting into one is picking one out. In this buyer's guide we've narrowed the field to include just mid-size SUVs, since mid-sizers strike what we consider to be the best balance of space, utility and 'round-town manageability for the hundreds of thousands of families that put them in their driveways every year.

A fork in the road....either navigate through our SUV buyer's guide by clicking on the arrow or by selecting one of the SUV models listed below!