2002 Chevrolet Avalanche

With its polarizing style, the Avalanche might not attract a huge number of buyers its first year. The vehicle appears to be aimed at a somewhat-affluent owner who has an active lifestyle, yet at the spur of the moment needs to utilize a versatile and changeable cargo space. For those of us who can't get past the composite-plastic cladding (available in gray only), the Avalanche-based Cadillac Escalade EXT will offer less-controversial bodylines. (www.chevrolet.com)