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SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: My second of two drives in first-generation Saturn Vue-based compact utes in as many nights, this one reminded me of all the negatives associated with the vehicle (I drove a $31,000 top-end awd Chevy Equinox the day before, with the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed trans). I'm not sure why, if someone wasn't going to buy the all-new Vue, they wouldn't opt for the Chevy for $3,000 more to get the more powerful engine (264 hp, 250 lb-ft) and six-speed trans, awd and direct access to Mr. Goodwrench.

There are some upsides--seven seats (at least theoretically), nav system, 100,000-mile warranty--but otherwise this is a creakier, less capable example of a vehicle that wasn't that good to start with.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: One thing always strikes me about Suzukis: the engine noise. Unfortunately, that racket from the engine doesn't translate into thunderous performance. In this front-wheel-drive example, power is just adequate and would only be bogged down more with the extra heft of an all-wheel-drive system.

It was hard to get comfortable behind the wheel. The seats seem to have been an afterthought, with almost no side bolstering.

There is an overall feeling of cheapness, from the hollow sound of the doors when you shut them to the uncomfortable seats and the raspy engine.

Yet as far as budget-minded seven-passenger SUVs go, this seems to be the only game in town. You can appreciate its affordable price point and attractive warranty, but that's about it.


2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited Navi
IN FLEET: Dec. 26-Jan. 11

AS-TESTED PRICE: $27,944

DRIVETRAIN: 3.6-liter V6; fwd, five-speed automatic

OUTPUT: 252 hp @ 6400 rpm, 243 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm

FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW: 18/18.0 mpg