2000 Honda CR-V

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Under $25,000
Welcome to the entry level of sport/utilities. If this is the first time you've considered buying one, you'll be happy to learn many of the vehicles in this price range offer more real-world versatility than others costing thousands more. Vehicles in this so-called sport/cute realm are often required to perform myriad duties including, but not limited to, economical commuting chores, standard weekend dashes to the home improvement center, and occasional camping trips.

Some SUVs are built from existing passenger car or pickup truck platforms and some are unique vehicles unto themselves. We've selected three that fit just about anybody's budget and demands.

MT Picks
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is all about convenience. This user-friendly mini/ute is built from a Civic platform and is available in LX or EX trim, front-drive with either five-speed manual or four-speed auto shifter or as a clever real-time all-wheel-driver with an auto transmission. The only complaint we've ever heard of the CR-V has been that it lacks power, but no more. For '99, Honda upgraded its horsepower by 20, bringing it up to a respectable 146. You won't win any drag races, but the CR-V will likely satisfy all your commuting, home-improvement, and light off-roading needs.

{{{Nissan Xterra}}} The 2000-model Xterra will be about the best deal going in the coming year. It's Nissan's masterful blending of its body-on-frame Frontier pickup and Pathfinder V-6, but at an entry-level price. For around $20,000, you'll be able to outfit an Xterra with a 170-horsepower V-6, 4WD, air conditioning, tubular roof rack, and step rails-unbelievable. It's available in either base XE or top-line SE trim with 2.4-liter/143-horsepower I-4 or the V-6, 4x2 or low-range 4x4 drivetrains, and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.