CRV means "All-Purpose"

Author's Rating:

Pros: The combination of price, versatility, fuel economy, safety, attractiveness cannot be beat.

Cons: Some quirky controls as described below, no audio steering wheel controls.

The Bottom Line: 
If safety and price are primary concerns, you cannot find a more attractive vehicle.

Author's Review
6/8/07 Update: After owning this vehicle for over 1 year, I can testify that the value is truly evident in its versatility. Used mainly in city driving, we are getting about 20 mpg, not bad for an all wheel drive vehicle. Consider this vehicle for a good bet as a used truck due to its superior reliability.


My wife and I just purchased a 2006 LX AWD to replace our van (the lease was up). We decided we wanted something less expensive, with better fuel economy, that would comfortably fit our 3 children. We are very pleased that the CRV delivers on all counts.

Driving Impressions

I have never driven an SUV before, so my experience may be limited in this regard. Overall, I feel very sure and stable while driving. There is road noise one would expect from a truck but it is pleasing to me and not out of place (it kinda sounds like an engine on a sports car). This is NOT a problem. The steering is responsive and I really feel as if I am "in tune" with the vehicle (it has variable steering assist). Handling is above average, acceleration is smooth and competent. I feel very safe merging into traffic on the highway.

Interior

The front seats feel very comfortable. The lower back could use some additional support, but I heard it is better to customize lumbar support anyway. The view of the road from the driver's seat is expansive. The controls and gauges are clearly laid out. Note the emergency brake is integrated into the dashboard, making for a quirky but effective placement. The auto stick is also in the dash, not on the floor, to provide the driver with maximum storage space. This arrangement is also unusual, but not obtrusive. However, the AT knob sometimes interferes with your ability to access the radio, as it is in the "flightpath" of your hand as it travels from the wheel to the radio.

The rear seat is amazingly large for a vehicle in this class. I'm not sure Honda is marketing this advantage effectively. We can fit a carseat safely and securely in the middle, a booster on the right side, and my oldest son rides "shotgun" on the left side. In this configuration, everyone has plenty of room. The cargo area is also large. Can you believe there is a small picnic table that doubles as the floor in the cargo area? This will come in handy when tailgating.

Safety

Roominess, price, and safety were the main reasons why my wife and I bought this vehicle. Check out these standard safety features: ABS; Front, Side, AND Curtain airbags; All-wheel drive; Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control; and superlative crash tests.