| 
2005 Cute Ute Buyer's Guide
by Martha Hindes
Ounce
for ounce, as anyone of more diminutive proportions can tell you, overall size
isn't really what counts. Rather, it's what's contained in the package, how well
it functions and where it fits in the scheme of things. In offering our "Cute
Utes" buyers guide for 2005, we look at many different qualifications, from
rough 'n tumble scramble ability, to funky function, to no-nonsense enduring,
to just plain good looks. And
while this category traditionally highlights entry level vehicles in primarily
the smaller sport utility class, we are reminded that even premier nameplates
have their durable-duty, "entry-level" models -- relatively speaking. The
2005 model year brought a number of new and freshened compact utility vehicles
to market and we call attention to some important and intriguing developments.
A few old favorites we've omitted aren't gone for good. They'll be back when future
revisions grab our wandering eye. And
while we won't do hubcap-to-hubcap comparisons of such specifics as wheelbase
length, horsepower, prices and available options -- these aren't sports figures
at a pre-match weigh-in, after all -- we invite you to sample the variety. We
feel they offer something for just about anyone interested in a smallish SUV.
| 
