Third Annual Best in Class Picks

There's at least a million ways to collect information for making the right automotive purchase. Here we've assembled just about the most complete grouping of SUVs and pickups you'll ever see, presented in a head-to-head format for comparing each vehicle with several of its most direct competitors. We admit it right up front: Depending on the category, we tend to like cubic inches, towing capacity, overall strength, and versatility. In each class, we've selected a winner based on this criteria, which may or may not reflect the priorities you think are most important. We suggest combing the details in the accompanying charts to make the best selection, given your own most important needs, like fuel economy, safety, horsepower, or towing capacity. Will our picks be the same choices you'd make? We assume not, but feel free to write or e-mail us your thoughts regarding your own Best In Class winner.

Much of this information was drawn from the "Kelley Blue Book New Car Price Manual, Second Edition, 2003 Models," as well as manufacturer's press materials. As for photography, in some cases, if there was no photography available for certain models, we used similar-model photography (no need to let us know we've goofed). For now, enjoy the selections for 2003.

With each vehicle, we've included headline graphics that will open to display 1274-pixel-wide charts showing complete data for all the vehicles considered in the comparison. To get more information on the vehicles considered in each class, please click on the headlines to view the enlarged charts.

Two-Door SUV
Our Pick: Chevrolet Blazer
This is just about the easiest way to buy your first SUV. Rating high on the fun factor, two-door SUVs offer a relatively low entry price, as well as decent fuel economy (due to light weight), nimble handling characteristics (due to size), and they're fairly easy to work on in the garage. Plus, if you've got any type of motorhome or camper setup, they're easy to tow. We like the Blazer for its classic styling, rigid frame, and largest-in-class engine.