Sporty cars historically have been used for warm-weather drivingfun. Trucks? The idea of using a truck for spring and summerdriving kicks would have been laughable not long ago. For one thing,they were downright uncomfortable.
But sporty, carlike trucks - sport/utility vehicles and pickups- have become wildly popular. And, under some circumstances, theirversatility allows them to be more fun than autos in warm weather.
Nobody would take a convertible or flashy coupe to reach afishing hole way back in the woods or for an off-road driving trek tocommune with nature. But most four-wheel-drive sport/utilityvehicles and pickups are built to handle off-road motoring easily -while providing carlike comforts.Tall sport/utes also offer a better view of spring/summerscenery - not to mention added cargo room for those long vacationdrives.On the other hand, trucks generally eat more fuel than cars, andtheir high seating positions also allow a good view of long summertraffic jams.Whatever. Here are some of the top sport/utility vehicles andpickups for warm-weather driving fun and their base prices:Acura SLX ($35,300 to $38,300) and similar Isuzu Trooper($26,550 to $37,990): The SLX sport/utility almost is too posh totake off road. It is from Honda's luxury division, but really is adressed-up Isuzu Trooper, which is no bad thing. The SLX and moreutilitarian Trooper are powerful and roomy, but their tall height canmake getting in or out a chore.Chevrolet Blazer ($20,516 to $24,116) and similar GMC Jimmy($20,639 to $24,362): Slick and fast, these 190-horsepowersport/utilities have a variety of suspension options and can be setup to be extremely rugged or civilized enough for a night at theopera.Chevrolet S-Series ($11,553 to $19,603) and similar GMC Sonoma($11,567 to $19,864): These compact pickups have a manageable sizethat make them fairly easy to drive in congested areas. The S-Serieshas an SS (Super Sport) option that includes a sport suspension,aluminum wheels and body color grille - and a ZR2 Wide Stance SportPerformance off-road package that provides four-wheel drive modelswith a wider track, off-road suspension and big tires.Chevrolet Tahoe ($23,507 to $31,485) and GMC Yukon ($23,571 to$31,549): Positioned between the Blazer and huge Chevy Suburban,these handsome sport/utes are in hot demand. Their 255-horsepowerV-8 give them lots of muscle, and there's enough room inside for abasketball team. But you're lucky if you get 13 to 14 m.p.g. in thecity.Dodge Dakota ($12,725 to $19,690): The new, radically redesignedDakota is the only mid-size pickup truck out there. It's become aninstant success partly because it resembles the tough, full-sizeDodge Ram pickup and can be had with potent V-8s. This very carliketruck is easier to handle than a full-size pickup and has a majorpayload advantage over compact pickups.Ford Expedition ($27,270 to $33,875): Ford's slick answer to theChevy Tahoe and Suburban, it's a sport/ute long on comfort, room andperformance. There's plenty of zip, but the 215- or 230-horsepowerV-8s will ring up major gasoline credit card bills.Ford Explorer ($20,085 to $35,005) and similar MercuryMountaineer ($27,240 to $29,240): Long the top-selling sport/ute, theExplorer's new overhead-camshaft, 205-horsepower V-6 and five-speedautomatic transmission make it even more attractive. Avoid theExplorer's base, underpowered 160-horsepower V-6. Standard dualairbags, anti-lock brakes, engine choices and excellent four-wheeldrive systems are keeping it on top. The new Mountaineer, whichcomes only with the Explorer's optional 210-horsepower V-8, is anupscale Explorer.Ford Ranger ($10,970 to $20,325): It's been the country'stop-selling compact pickup for years, and many younger buyers regardit as a substitute for a sports car. Many carlike models areoffered, although the Ranger's 160-horsepower V-6 isn't the mostpowerful in the compact pickup market. A new five-speed automatictransmission shows Ford is keeping the Ranger competitive.Geo Tracker ($13,415 to $15,710) and similar Suzuki Sidekick($12,899 to $20,199): They need stronger engines and improvedhandling, but have a handy size and good fuel economy. Thesevehicles fit in the increasingly popular market for smaller,more-affordable sport/utes.Honda CR-V ($19,300 to $20,300): The first Honda-madesport/utility, the wildly popular new CR-V also fits in the growingaffordable sport/ute class. The four-cylinder CR-V is one of thelarger vehicles in that market, being nearly as big as a Jeep GrandCherokee. But it is very carlike, being built on the Honda Civicauto platform. It isn't for serious off-road motoring.Honda Passport ($21,470 to $29,030) and similar Isuzu Rodeo($17,340 to $28,410): Being a Honda, the Passport is a slightlyhigher-line version of the highly competent Rodeo sport/utility. Youget a generally comfortable ride and spacious interior - and a strong190-horsepower V-6 is standard in the Passport and in most Rodeos.Isuzu Trooper ($26,550 to $37,990): This sport/ute is plentyfast, roomy and comfortable, although it's gas-thirsty and its tallheight makes it hard to get in and out.Jeep Cherokee ($15,300 to $23,420): The Cherokee is muchimproved for 1997, with crisper styling and a new interior with dualairbags. But the basic design is old, and you need the extra-costsix-cylinder engine for lively performance.Jeep Grand Cherokee ($25,545 to $33,790): A 220-horsepower V-8makes it one of the hot rods in the mid-size sport/utility market.However, the standard, 185-horsepower six-cylinder is more thanadequate for most owners - although it's no fuel-miser. Thesharp-looking Grand Cherokee could use more cargo room, but generallydoes a fine job.Jeep Wrangler ($13,470 to $19,210): Its predecessor was horriblyuncomfortable. But improvements, such as a carlike suspension, havemade the new Wrangler easier to live with. Serious off-road drivingability remains a strong point.Mitsubishi Montero Sport ($21,820 to $31,110): The new Sportlacks a full-time four-wheel-drive system, but is one of the nimbler,smaller sport/utes - although it's larger than a Honda CR-V. Rideand handling are generally good, although the steering has too muchslack.Nissan Pathfinder ($22,899 to $32,849) and similar Infiniti QX4($35,550): The QX4 is a posh, equipment-loaded version of the popularPathfinder, with a more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system. ThePathfinder is more car-like than some sport/utes, although its168-horsepower V-6 should be more potent for such a fairly bigvehicle.Subaru Legacy Outback ($22,495 to $24,995): The wildlysuccessful, versatile four-wheel-drive Outback is a combinationsport/ute and station wagon, with items such as a high roof andraised suspension. More such hybrid vehicles are coming.Toyota RAV4 ($15,118 to $18,268): A runaway success, the newRAV4 sport/ute combines very carlike comfort and handling in a small,affordable package, with good passenger and cargo space. You can getfront- or four-wheel drive, although the "4WD" version isn't forserious off-roading.Toyota 4Runner ($19,888 to $26,578): The 4Runner has beenovershadowed by the RAV4, but is a sweet, smooth, user-friendlysport/ute that is capable of serious off-road driving. This solidlybuilt vehicle could use a bit more power and features for the moneybut wins you over with its overall competence.
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