2004 BMW X5

In 1999, many people thought that computers were about to crash and the world would end as we know it. But instead, the New Year brought us something different; the first SUV from BMW.

Now, it was by no means an off road vehicle, and the Utility part was subjective. The BMW X5 is really just a 5-series wagon with big tires. It handles great...for an SUV. But venturing off the pavement isn't recommended.

X5's get BMW's excellent AWD system, but it lacks low range. Add to that gigantic wheels with street tires, a 4,500lb curb weight and you get a suburban cruising machine that would get stuck in wet grass. Where the X5 shines is on the road. Curves are dispatched with ease and the throaty V8's provide satisfying acceleration. The manual transmission requires a heavy hand, but the 5-speed auto performs well.

The ride however, is dreadful. Bumps and pot holes are bone-jarring and a short trip down a dirt road will have you checking into the pain clinic. The Sport suspension is even more sadistic. Cargo room is a joke. Fold the seats down and you might be able to fit a 6-inch Subway sandwich in the back.

But most X5 drivers won't care about any of this. They just want an entertaining way to haul the kids to soccer practice. In that light, an X5 makes perfect sense. If considering an X5, check the recall and service history. X5's were plagued by problems early on, but most of these problems were covered by a recall. Problems not covered by recalls include electrical problems with accessories and gauges, water leaks in the windows and fluid leaks from the manual transmission.