Re: Appearance Skid Plates
XTerras have plastic fake skid plates, too. For serious off-roading, METAL skid plates obviously the underbody "catchy bits" as you approach (so you don't stop) and depart (so you don't get stuck with a 4" stump catching your bumper).

Appearance skid plates are plastic bits that make it look like you can off-road seriously, but will actually just hang low so they can be seen, then rip off on the first hard object the meet. They're in the same class as brush guards for tail lights....for people who only drive forward on highways.

Re: Head Clearance I've heard the best head clearance has been in the shortest vehicle: Subaru Forester. Apparently it's a dirty little secret in the "tall people" Bulletin Boards. (See "Baja Engine" as to why I didnÆt look closer at one of these...good when turbocharged, not good for towing.) VolvoÆs also have great headroom for tall people as my friends are 6Æ3" and 6Æ7"

Thanks for the compliments. If I could drive as well as I review....