Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Small SUV

Winners: Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute
"Powerful, spacious and ruggedly handsome, this duo define their class."

Last year, we picked the Mazda Tribute as our winner in this category, and in subsequent months, we welcomed a four-wheel-drive Tribute ES-V6 into our long-term fleet. Then we gave top honors to a similarly equipped Ford Escape in our Mini-SUV Comparison Test. Yes, after much seat time, on-road and off, we still think the Escape and Tribute offer an unbeatable package to the mini-ute buyer (especially now that early recall concerns have been addressed). Regardless of which trim level you select, you get a roomy SUV with a generous list of standard equipment. Even the base models come with air conditioning; a 100-watt stereo with CD player; rear heating ducts; and power windows, door locks and mirrors. And loaded models — replete with four-wheel drive, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a power sunroof, foglights, ABS and side airbags — still come in around 25 grand. Of the two available engines, we prefer the 3.0-liter V6, which produces 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque. Other manufacturers have come up with more powerful engines, but with their favorable power-to-weight ratios, the Escape and Tribute feel as vigorous as any of their competitors. A four-speed automatic is standard with the V6. For those concerned about fuel costs, Ford and Mazda offer their base models with a manual transmission and a 127-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four that delivers 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, if you stick with front-wheel drive. While interior materials are rather low-grade, Escapes and Tributes come with enough power (in V6 form) and features to make you feel as though spent more than you did.