Sport / Utility Buyer's Guide

Reviews Of The Top 10 Best-Selling Sport/Utes 4x4 Technology Simply ExplainedPrices, Safety Features, Accessories & More!They're the hottest things going in the automotive world. With entries of every size and description from just about every manufacturer, sport/utility vehicles (SUVs for short) have captured the hearts and monthly payments of a huge number of buyers in recent years. Though not the biggest slice of the market in sheer numbers (pickups hold that honor), the SUV segment is one of the most active, with new models popping into dealers showrooms regularly and more new models and brand names in the pipeline.

The sport/utility phenomenon isn't too hard to figure out. Drawn by the jaunty, outdoorsy image that SUVs project, buyers appreciate roomy, utilitarian interiors and trucklike durability, along with the capability to do a little light-duty off-roading, should the urge hit to justify the purchase of those new mountain bikes. Many drivers enjoy the commanding view and elevated eye level in urban jungle driving-a subliminal feeling of superiority that probably finds its roots in the depths of primordial human consciousness.

Downsides are few. As long as fuel prices remain reasonable, the less-than-inspiring fuel economy that characterizes the SUV isn't a big issue. No SUV is a road racer, but given the sedate driving most people have in mind for these relatively heavy vehicles-and their off-road-oriented tires-their modest handling and braking performance aren't an issue. Besides, many feel secure in the SUVs' "command of the road" driving position. Even traditional complaints about "trucklike" driving feel are fading fast, with quiet engines and sedanlike ride becoming commonplace.

Today, perhaps the most distressing issue regarding the SUV is deciding which one to buy. That's precisely why we've put together this special section. To give you a leg up on your SUV shopping duties, we've gathered for your review the Top 10 Best-Selling Sport/Utility Vehicles (based on 1995 sales). In the following pages, you'll find capsulized evaluations of all 10, based on Motor Trend testing. Note that the suggested retail price ranges listed for each vehicle run from the lowliest stripper on the bottom end clear up to the most heavily loaded luxo version. Prices don't include dealer prep or taxes. Fuel mileage listings and weights are for the base vehicle, powered by the least expensive engine/transmission combination.

In addition, we've included a technical cheat sheet covering 4x4 technology, so you won't embarrass yourself at the next barbecue, or in the dealership. And as a capper, we've gathered an enticing assortment of accessories to help you personalize your new beauty.

Over 1.4 million buyers anted up to our group of best sellers last year. Somewhere in that number (or among the legion of smaller-volume SUVs) is a slot for you.

Ford ExplorerWith a quiet, comfortable interior and pleasant on-road handling, the Ford Explorer delivers attributes a lot of suburbanites crave. Like many of the vehicles in the field, the Explorer is not designed for berserk, gully-whumping off-road heroics; comparatively smooth dirt roads and trails are more its speed. That meshes fine with the way the majority of drivers like to use their 'utes, and it allows the Explorer to offer a ride and driving feel that approaches sedan standards. A modern looking, roomy, dual-airbag interior and solid hauling and towing capacity make the Explorer an ideal choice for drivers looking for family-toting utility and convenience, without the ho-hum image of a minivan.