2006 Honda CR-V Review

Specifications

Frugality for an Active Lifestyle

While maximizing economy and practicality, the CR-V embodies many yearned-for features of the outdoorsy type, such as Hondas RealTime four-wheel drive (4WD) technology, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, sidestep bars, plenty of cargo space, trailer pre-wiring and a roof rack. The base CR-V is a front-wheel-drive unit (FWD), sans the alloy wheels, skid plates, sidestep bars, pre-wiring and roof rack of the LX. The extra traction of RealTime 4WD is available as an option on the base CR-V and as standard equipment further up the trim-level food chain. Except for the 16-inch alloy wheels, which also come as standard packaging with higher trim levels, a number of add-ons are available as dealer-installed accessories.

The only engine to power a 2006 CR-V is a peppy 2.4-liter 16 valve, DOHC inline 4-cylinder mill capable of 156 horsepower and 160 foot-pounds of torque. Those are decent figures for a 4-banger and are due in part to Hondas intelligent variable valve timing mechanism, known as i-VTEC. Albeit this isnt the quietest or most refined inline-4 to find its throttle under my right foot, it does rate high on the scale. Within normal operating parameters it demurely fulfilled its tasks, however when pushed hard, which was necessary to generate snappy acceleration or effective passing power, the engine exposed its roots with harmonics typical of a 4-cylinder powerplant. What heft it did manage, at least in my tester, flowed through a short-throw 5-speed manual gearbox, giving some advantage to the limited availability of torque; which peaks at 3,600 rpm - 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. On the flip side of the CR-Vs moderate on-ramp performance is its fuel efficiency.

The RealTime 4WD equipped CR-V with an automatic 5-speed transmission will travel 22 miles of city roadway on 1 gallon of fuel. A 29 mile highway stint will consume another gallon of the golden nectar. These are impressive figures for an SUV capable of carrying five adults and plenty of gear, and must be kept in mind when sinking the right foot in search of hustle.

Honda has maximized the CR-Vs cargo capacity by adhering to a “boxy” exterior design in its latest CR-V styling go-around. I was quite enthused with the huge opening and voluminous cargo bay waiting behind the CR-Vs rear door, which by the way is hinged on the passengers side. Although the unencumbered opening makes loading effortless, swinging the rear door wide open results in an obstruction to curbside. For the North American market it would have been preferable to hinge the door to the drivers side of the vehicle. Happily, Honda had the forethought to install a top-hinged rear window making it oft unnecessary to open the big rear portal.

The absence of a spare wheel within the cargo environ contributes to the illusory grandeur imparted by the CR-Vs cubed loading bay. Honda has mounted the vehicles spare wheel outside the cabin on the rear door, ala Land Rover. With its rear seat in place the CR-V renders 33.5 cu ft of cargo volume. Fold the 60/40 split rear seat forward and the volume jumps to an impressive 72 cu ft - that places the CR-V among the top in its compact SUV class for cargo capacity. The esteemed “top in its class” grouping is also where the CR-V finds itself when build quality is measured.

Like Honda products in general, the CR-V is solidly and accurately assembled. A few unique touches have been thrown in for good measure, such as the industrial-sized rotary HVAC controls and the parking brake lever, which appears, when not in use, to be a support column framing the center stack. Because the CR-V is a Honda, some of my expectations around design and content may be out of line. For instance I was disappointed to not find a center armrest in my base model tester. This minor omission can induce shoulder fatigue during extensive periods behind the wheel. But hey, remember my comment regarding expectations?

Like a spoiled child wanting sugarcoated cereal over basic Cheerios, I have also come to expect steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Due again to its entry-level trimmings my tester was devoid of this convenience, resulting in a long stretch to the audio unit situated atop the center stack. For compulsive button-punchers the “stretch” effect could result in momentary driver inattentiveness.

Despite the potential risk, remaining focused on the road is enhanced by excellent visibility through the CR-Vs expansive greenhouse and the generous helping of head and legroom the vehicle furnishes, especially in the rear where the seat slides fore and aft to maximize either legroom or cargo space. As much as I admire the CR-V for its versatility and practicality, it was its agreeable disposition and ease of operation that won me over.

The CR-V is perhaps the most effortless of SUVs to drive. Its rack-and-pinion steering is lightly weighted yet very responsive allowing this compact car-based unit to handle more like a wagon than an SUV. Its increased ride-height improves driver sightlines over those of a typical wagon. Combining the CR-Vs great outward visibility with its pocket-sized exterior dimensions makes it a delight to maneuver through tight areas such as parking lots. To put its diminutive girth into perspective, in overall length the CR-V is a substantive 10 inches shorter than Hondas mid-size Accord sedan - and slightly narrower as well. The CR-Vs compact size also contributes to its compact curb weight of 3,366 lbs; not many 4WD 5-seat SUVs can match that. They may also have difficulty matching the CR-Vs stopping power.

Regardless of trim level, all four CR-V wheels are bridled by antilock disc brakes that require very little effort to transform mobility into immobility. Due in part to Hondas Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and hydraulic Brake Assist (BA), emergency stops in my tester came off quickly, free of nosedive and unnecessary fanfare. Again the CR-Vs meager curb weight proved beneficial, yet CR-V safety doesnt cease with strong brake performance; Honda also takes occupant protection seriously.

The CR-V is fitted with front and side airbag protection for the driver and front seat passenger. All outboard occupants are protected with Hondas side curtain airbags with rollover detection technology. Quite commendably Honda has also supplied their Vehicle Stability Assist electronic anti-skid program with traction control as part of the CR-Vs standard-equipment outfitting. These installations add up to an impressive array of safety and occupant protection, supplied as standard equipment in a base model, low cost SUV. Of course moving up through CR-V trim levels quickly diminishes its “low cost” appeal.

Hondas  RealTime 4WD CR-V is available in three distinct trim levels. Along this continuum the CR-V gains pleasantries such as a power moonroof, leather upholstery and trim, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, AM/FM/XM 6-disc in-dash premium audio, heated front seats, exterior temperature and 16-inch alloy wheels along with body-colored bumpers and mirrors. Standard CR-V rigging includes keyless entry, power windows, power locks, AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio, intermittent wipers, rear wiper, cruise control, air conditioning with air filtration and rear heat ducts- the culmination of which is very gratifying. But thats not the only gratification.

In the same way that a well-worn pair of Bostonians fit every curve, protrusion and roll of an aging foot, the CR-V fits a frugal, active lifestyle. In the realm of SUVs, this one makes sense. It delivers plenty of comfort (despite my armrest complaint), versatility and practicality. It can hit the ski slopes today, move furniture tomorrow and pick-up the in-laws the following day - all without breaking a sweat or consuming vast quantities of over-priced fuel. As a family vehicle, the CR-V provides a level of protection more in common with premium-level SUVs than entry-level examples. And heres the real clincher for me: the CR-V is in the same price range as the Honda Accord, which is a remarkably fine car, but of far less utility. Given the choice, its CR-V for my garage.