We're calling the Suzuki Sidekick JLX 4WD small because it has the smallest wheelbase of any four-door on the market. We found it to be a great value-ours had a sticker price of $15,429 with standard features such as power steering, cruise control, rear wheel anti-lock brakes, a security system, a locking spare tire case and power windows and locks. It is one of the more complete four-door four wheelers we've sampled.

Another big advantage is its fuel economy, with EPA numbers of 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The downside here is performance. The 1.6-liter 95-hp four has to make man noisy revolutions to get this vehicle going. Even then, "go" seems on the meager side.