1997 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4x4 Capably chic. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

Broadly speaking, there are two distinct markets for sport-utility vehicles. The

first, and oldest, demands functionality above all else. Customers in this

group routinely fill their vehicles with people and/or cargo, make regular

use of the inherent strengths of the breed, and will head for the great

outdoors as often as possible.

A second--and much larger--cadre of buyers are most interested in some

of the features shared by the majority of sport-utes. They consider a high

seating position and extra-strong construction as safety benefits for daily

use and are attracted to the rugged aura these machines exude. But they

also insist on big helpings of comfort and style. And they aren't likely

to exercise off-road capabilities.

There are innumerable sub-groups within this market, of course, each

with its own special needs. And there are fleet buyers who use sport-utilities

for farm labor, forest patrols and a thousand other workaday tasks.

The demands are many and diverse. Nevertheless, the trio of mid-size

sport-utilities from General Motors--Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and Oldsmobile

Bravada--are designed to appeal to everyone. Properly equipped, they can

be as rugged as you'd want, or can be given a veneer of civilization that

makes them suitable for everything from camping to an evening at the opera.

To meet competition from such stalwarts as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee

and Grand Cherokee, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Isuzu Rodeo, Nissan Pathfinder

and Toyota 4Runner, the three siblings from GM need to be very, very good.

And aside from a few rough edges, which may or may not matter to you, they

are.