In the 1990s and early 2000s it was an understatement to suggest that Americans had a love affair with the type of automobile refereed to as an SUV, or sport utility vehicle for those who are not auto aficionados. While these vehicles have been typified by famous models such as the nearly ubiquitous Ford Explorer, the burly Dodge Dakota or the blingtastic Cadillac Escalade, a smaller more fuel efficient crop of vehicles rose up in the shadows. With fuel prices fluctuating and an uncertain economic future as globalization continues to progress, small SUVs might soon supplant their bigger brethren as America’s automobile of choice.

Notable small SUVs for sale in America include the Hyundai Tucson, Scion xB, Ford Escape and its variants from Mazda and Mercury as well as Honda’s CRV. Together, these small SUVs have made a significant impact for their collective and individual contribution to the automotive landscape in modern America.

The Hyundai Tucson is perhaps one of the most amazing comeback stories of modern industry. Hyundai was once a much criticized brand that had serious recognition issues in America, but their small SUV continues to receive accolades from the press and owners alike. Offering a 10 year warranty certainly helped bring consumers back to showrooms, but excellent looks and marvelous engineering are what moves units off lots. If sales figures are any indication, the Tucson has those in spades.

The Scion xB is a very distinct looking vehicle from Toyota’s youth oriented division. Featuring a stunning degree of customization options, each xB can be truly unique right off the showroom floor. In only its second generation, the xB has gained a more up-market feel to compete with the likes of Honda and Hyundai while offering a distinct ownership experience that is truly unrivaled by any other brand.

Another unique family of small SUVs are those offered by Ford Motor Company. In order to save money and development costs large auto manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company attempt to develop vehicles that can be adapted to multiple brands. This means that one vehicle with slight changes to its exterior or other components can be rebadged and sold under another brand name. This is the case with Ford’s small SUVs that come wearing Mercury, Mazda and Ford badges. The interiors and some of the mechanical components on the Mercury Mariner the Mazda Tribute an the Ford Escape may be different from one another but there is no mistaking the core similarities.

These three vehicles share power trains, including the all-new hybrid power train, as general dimensions and curb weights. Due to the number of units sold under different names, Ford has been able to offer their Escape, the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute are very competitive prices that continue to draw consumers to showrooms