The big complaint that most anti-SUV folk have about SUVs is that they never get used offroad, so what's the point?

I have to admit -- I don't go offroad with my SUV. Never. Even though I drive a very capable offroader, a Toyota 4Runner, as my daily driver, the closest my SUV comes to offroading is when I pull into the parking lot at Kmart. But there is a big offroading community out there, and a vibrant aftermarket that serves the vehicles that hit the dirt.

Jim Walczak, About's Guide to 4-Wheel Drive, has compiled a wide-ranging set of articles about the history of 4-Wheel Drive and other facts about the sport. Did you know that SUVs probably evolved from "Depot Hacks" -- modified taxis that were designed to transport passengers and cargo from train depots to remote locations in the early part of the 20th century? That's utility. The sport part came later, and Jim writes about that, too.

Check out About 4-Wheel Drive/Offroading to see what's happening beyond the pavement for 2007.

By the way, that's a picture of About Cars Guide Aaron Gold attempting to dig out of a sand pit during an offroad photo shoot last year -- much fun!

Photo © Jason Fogelson