The scratches, dents and dings of last month are going to cost $660 to fix, according to the estimate we received in New York. We are not planning to have the work done in Gotham, however, since the Rodeo is scheduled to rotate to Detroit before we can get it scheduled for repairs.

This month, our drivers raved about the Rodeo's ample cargo space, noting, however, that accessing the cargo space can be a pain in the butt because it is difficult to open and close the two-piece hatchgate quickly. We've said before that we would prefer a traditional liftgate to the awkward hatchgate; in New York it has proven to be especially bothersome. On numerous occasions impatient cabbies have expressed their displeasure with us as we fumble with the hatchgate while loading the Rodeo on busy streets.

Other drivers have noted that the Rodeo has a dearth of usable storage spaces. We've found that there isn't a convenient place to put our cell phones, CD cases or chewing gum. The center storage compartment sits too far back in the console to be accessed easily while driving, the map pockets are too narrow to accept a cell phone, and the glove box is too far away to reach from behind the wheel. As an alternative, we have been placing things on the passenger seat or in the cupholders, but they invariably slide onto the floor the first time we hit the brakes.

As mentioned before, the Rodeo is leaving New York this month to spend a few months in Detroit. Our New York staff members are sorry to see it go, despite the trouble they've had during its short tenure there. The commanding view of the road, cavernous cargo area, and rugged good looks are a few of the things they will miss the most. We don't blame them; those are three of the main reasons that people buy SUVs in the first place.

Total Odometer Reading: 30,636
Best Fuel Economy: 16.5
Worst Fuel Economy: 16.2
Body Repair Cost: $0
Maintenance Cost: $0
Problems: None.