Editors' Choice, SUV of the Year: 2004 Lexus RX 330
Most significant SUV of 2004

With the luxo-hauler market growing and spawning new markets almost daily, we think the best is still one of the first -- the 2004 Lexus RX 330 -- for significantly upgrading its features, improving its performance character and expanding its interior space -- all at a starting price of $35,025, fully loaded in the mid-40s. For that money, you get an SUV equipped with all of the luxury equipment you want and little that you don't need. The RX 330 drives more like a car than a truck, and is chock full of safety innovations, such as vehicle stability control, side curtain airbags, reverse sensing and an available camera. In building such a daily driver-friendly SUV, Lexus has not sacrificed utility, with bigger seats front and rear, more legroom, quick-fold seats, and a big cargo space in back. And though you really can't go off-road with the RX, it is equipped with enough power - a 3.3-liter V6 engine that offers sprightly acceleration and decent fuel economy. Fact is, SUVs used to be valuable for off-road application - but now that they have a road that goes to the grocery store, the need has faded.