When the original Honda CR-V debuted in 1997, it had one simple objective: Do everything better than the RAV4, a mini SUV that had arrived just a year earlier. They shared similar design philosophies (four-cylinder engines, carlike rides), and although the two vehicles battled for the same customers, they both enjoyed incredibly strong sales numbers.
The mini-SUV segment has now grown to include over a dozen different models, each with its own idea of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. Some use larger V6 engines, while others boast real off-road capability. The Honda CR-V sticks with the philosophy of being a small carlike sport-ute first and foremost. There's still no V6 offered, and serious off-roading is out of the question, but in the all-important areas of drivability and practicality, the CR-V is hard to beat. One of the major advantages most mini SUVs have over their larger midsize counterparts is superior handling.
Since many mini-utes are built on small-car platforms, they're typically more agile than the average truck-based midsize SUV. The CR-V is no exception, as it uses the 2001-2005 Civic platform as its basis to deliver excellent ride and handling characteristics. Choosing a mini SUV is largely a matter of personal taste and lifestyle. Almost all of the currently available vehicles on the market are strong contenders worthy of consideration. The CR-V is perfect if you're looking for an alternative to a small car, and maybe some all-weather capability thrown in for good measure. Something that doesn't feel like it's about to get run over in traffic, but can still get decent gas mileage and be reliable long-term. For drivers like this, the 2006 Honda CR-V is a tough act to beat.