1998 Dodge Durango Big, bold and just right. By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, New Car Test Drive .com

We could not have attracted more attention if we'd been in a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz. The well-dressed group was shivering in the damp Washington weather, waiting at the valet booth after seeing a musical at the Kennedy Center. BMWs, Audis, Grand Cherokees and other fine cars attracted nary a glance as they were delivered to their owners.

Then the valet rolled forward in our freshly washed flame red Dodge Durango. Its big Ram grille and broad Freightliner fenders loomed out of the darkness and into the flood lights accompanied by the burbling V8. We had to smile at the soft "wows" and "ohs" from the upscale crowd as we tipped the attendant, climbed in and drove away.

With its big-rig look, the Durango always looks ready, whether it's heading down a primitive road or parked at the shopping center. Based on the recently introduced Dodge Dakota pickup, the Durango is a totally new sport-utility vehicle. It's bigger than the Ford Explorer, but not as big as the Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe. So if you're like Goldilocks, then you might find the Durango just right.