Subaru's friendly Outback is a unique bird in this group, offering sedan styling and sedan comfort with true off-road abilities and foul-weather security. Unlike most in this guide, the Outback is offered as a popular wagon, too.

So enchanted are we with the charismatic Outback (it's endorsed, after all, by the equally charismatic Paul Hogan) that we ordered one for long-term evaluation. Check out our first review here, and be sure to check back for regular updates on its performance throughout the year.