Top 10 SUVs of the Decade 2000-2009

This decade has certainly been quite remarkable for SUV's. We've seen them get bigger with the Ford Excursion and then smaller and more fuel efficient with the Nissan Murano. See what made my top ten list for this decade!

1. Ford Explorer--Ever since it's premier in 1991 these have been the best selling SUV around. They are tired and true, made by Ford and great looking. These are very capable 4x4's in the winter and off-road, while most people use them as regular transportation. Don't become too attached though, because they are going to be changing the Explorer for good in the next couple of years. It will be built on a car chassis instead of the Ranger chassis for starters. Keep an eye out for the redesign, I'm sure it will be great. Just not the Explorer we have known and loved for so long.

2. Jeep Wrangler--These have been the ultimate utilitarian machines ever since they came into existence as the original Jeeps. We've seen them come along and be redesigned from Willy's to CJ to YJ then TJ. Then in 2004 they reintroduced a longer wheelbase version, this time of the TJ. They called it a Wrangler Unlimited and that was fitting because it gave the Wrangler more edge for trails and space for luggage. Then, in 2007 the Wrangler got another face-lift when JK's were created. The JK has even more options than the TJ had with the Unlimited version. The JK can come in the usual 2 door short wheelbase or the longer Unlimited wheelbase with 4 doors. Thus opening up even more possibilities for Jeep lovers and the marketing for Wranglers.

3. Ford Escape--Since its introduction in 2001 these keep getting better and better. As a compact SUV these get better fuel economy than Explorers and Wranglers. These also still offer features of SUV's with a bit smaller price tag. Then in 2004, it all got even better with the Escape Hybrid that hit the market as the first Hybrid SUV. The Escapes do have less ground clearance than Explorers because these are built on a platforms based on the Mazda 626 instead of a truck. These are still capable SUV's though and won't disappoint. I just don't recommend taking it off-road much, if at all.

4. Chevy Blazer/Trailblazer--We fell in love with the styling of the S-10 Blazer that debuted in 1983 and couldn't help but enjoy all the changes throughout the years. They were solid machines and very capable vehicles all around. In 1999, a new trim level of the Blazers came out call "Trailblazer". Then in 2002 Trailblazers were introduced into the Chevy line. Trailblazers and Blazers were both produced until 2005 when Blazers were discontinued. Since the Trailblazers have been around they have proven worthy of the Chevy badge with the options of 5 or 7 passenger models. It will interesting to see what the Trailblazer has in store for us in the next decade.

5. Nissan Xterra--When this new compact SUV by Nissan was introduced in 2000 I fell in love with it. No only is it names after an off road triathlon that Nissan used to sponsor, but it has amazing styling. Either people love or hate the bump in the back end. It's there to hold a first aid kit. No more having to dig around to find it when you need it most. Other design features like a raised roof towards the back for stadium seating inside were ingenious. No wonder this was named SUV of the Year in 2009 by 4wheeler Magazine. This is another very capable and adventurous SUV on my list. Plus, they are just adorable.

6. Ford Edge--There have been a lot of great Crossover SUV's created in this decade and while I enjoy a lot of them, I chose the Edge for my top 10. The Ford Edge has the wonderful Ford styling that is smooth and flawless. It also shares the same platform as the Escape that it is built on. The Edge is a midsize crossover SUV and really have the best of both worlds. A sportier alternative for minivan but easier to get into than a typical SUV. Edge made its first appearance in 2006 and wowed us with all of the options. The standard transmission is a 6 speed automatic and it can come in all wheel drive or front wheel drive. Some models come with a panoramic vista roof that will enable your passengers to see the sky as you drive. This is one not to be missed. I look forward to what Ford adds to make this even better in the next decade.

7. Subaru Forester--Although I have never been a huge Subaru fan during this decade the Foresters have gotten better and better. Now they all come with 4wheel drive-more of an all wheel drive-but still that's great for Colorado especially. They are now marketing them as compact SUV crossovers, which is really what they are. They drive more like a car but have the functionality of an SUV. These do have more ground clearance than a typical car, but I don't recommending trying to off road. They were introduced in 1997 and have definitely improved a lot in this decade. I look forward to seeing what Subaru has up their sleeves for this vehicle.

8. Chevy Suburban--How could I not put this on the list? With three rows of seats this has been a favorite for families for years. This decade they have gotten some face lifts and sleeker styling. Even though they don't get the greatest gas mileage people love them. I have to admit that I do too, for some reason. According to Wikipedia "It is the longest-lived continuous automobile nameplate still in production, dating from 1935." Wow, that is quite a run and definitely says something about this SUV!

9. Jeep Cherokee/Liberty--We grew to love the sleeker styling of the Jeep Cherokee over the years. They were very capable off road vehicles and fun to drive around town. The Liberty then replaced them in the line up in 2002. Liberties are still trail rated but the majority of Liberty owners are soccer mom's--unlike the owners of the Cherokee. I do like the Liberty's and Jeeps in general but I don't understand how they could replace the Cherokee. Never the less, they did and at least it still has Jeep styling and is capable to go off road.

10. Hummer--People either seem to love or hate these vehicles. I do have to give it to them though. This decade they have made new models that are smaller but still true to Hummer styling. These models have made owning a Hummer more accessible than ever before. The Hummer based on the original Military Humvee was renamed H1 after 2000. Then the H2 was introduced in 2003 and was slightly taller, slightly longer and skinnier than the H1. The H3 was introduced in 2005 and is the smallest SUV made in the Hummer line. While these are very capable off-road vehicles, most people who own these will never take them off the pavement. GM will discontinue Hummers after 2010, so they really were their best in this decade.

You've read the list and maybe you want to check out some more about these great SUV's of the decade. I want to mention again there are many wonderful SUV's out there and it was hard to narrow it down to just 10 of this decade. Enjoy and drive safely!