In a world overrun by minivans posing as sport-utilities, the Land Rover Discovery is the real thing, the Swiss Army knife. It is the authentic 4x4. Few SUVs can venture as far off road, into the backcountry as the Discovery can go. Its suspension articulation and permanent four-wheel-drive system must be experienced in extreme conditions to truly be appreciated.

With its distinctive Land Rover styling and heritage, the Discovery is often thought to be expensive, yet it starts at just $33,350.

The Discovery was a winner out of the box. After it was introduced to North America in 1994, Land Rover's total sales climbed from 4906 to 23,826 by 1997. For 1999, the Discovery was redesigned and re-engineered (with some 13,000 new parts); the changes were dramatic enough that Land Rover dubbed it the Discovery Series II. With no price increase, it boosted overall Land Rover sales another 30 percent. The new chassis and suspension made it easier to drive on the highway without sacrificing any of the legendary off-road capability. Refinements to the interior reduced some of the quirkiness without losing that Land Rover charm. Freshened styling made it look more confident without losing its distinctive appearance.