2006 Honda CR-V Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Honda CR-V from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Honda CR-V, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Honda CR-V help you decide if a 2006 Honda CR-V is right for you.

2006 Honda CR-V Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Road noise

Maneuverability

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
4	5	4	4	4.5

Not as peppy as V6 rivals, but brisk enough on takeoff and adequate up steep hills. Test manual-transmission AWD EX did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.9

Test AWD CR-Vs with automatic transmission averaged 19.7-19.8 mpg. Test AWD with manual averaged 18.6, including gas-eating performance tests.

Ride Quality

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.7

Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.7

CR-V is compact car maneuverable and never feels tippy, but even mildly exuberant cornering induces fair body lean, plus tire squeal and scrub. Steering nicely weighted in turns, somewhat inert on-center. Test AWD SE coped ably with 5 inches of fresh snow, but suffered shudder through the steering wheel, pulling to the side on patchy combination of ice, snow, bare pavement.

Quietness

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.1

Refined for a 4-cyl compact SUV. Engine intrudes only above 5500 rpm, but most rivals offer quieter, smoother V6s. Road/tire noise noticeable except on glassy pavement, but wind rush modest.

Controls

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.6

Automatic-transmission shifter sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel, and gives a clear reach to controls and a passageway to rear seat. Large, legible gauges. Some testers say audio unit is a stretch and that the three big knobs for most climate functions are set too low.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.8

Airy cabin with adult-size head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	4.6

Great head room, despite chair-height positioning. Supportive seat has reclining backrest and slides fore/aft 6.7 inches for more leg room than in many larger vehicles. No-strain step-in, generous door openings.

Cargo Room

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.3

Impressively wide, tall space even with rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold for even more room. Rear cargo door should open to the curbside, not the streetside, but has opening glass. Load floor/picnic table a fun touch, and covers a useful waterproof storage bin. Outstanding interior storage includes handy flip-up tray between front seats.

Value within Class

2WD LX, auto.	AWD EX, man.	AWD EX, auto.	AWD SE, auto.	Class Average
10	10	10	8	6.3

Efficient and well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. Some small SUVs offer more muscle, but none beats this Honda for thoughtful design, proven reliability, and resale value. Standard head protecting curtain side airbags, ABS, and antiskid system only enhance its Best Buy credentials.

Total Score