Living Naturally: The 2006 Honda CR-V

With a complete new re-design only a few monthsgeneric design, but this is changing as
away, the 2006 Honda CR-V is about to be vastlyemotionally-charged design is increasingly becoming
improved. The new model is scheduled for arrival inthe holy grail of Honda design. For example, if you
December and should follow design cues from thewalk around the second generation CR-V, you can't
more vibrant Acura RDX. As such, the current CR-Vhelp but notice the new front grill, larger headlights,
provides excellent maneuverability, solid build quality,and the clean-cut look of the integrated bumpers.
and a superior interior to the Mitsubishi Outlander,The front has a full-body appearance that is much
Toyota RAV4, and the Jeep Liberty. The downsidebolder than the predecessor. The crisp hood lines
to the CR-V is the road noise and the so-so gashave been tweaked for a subtle masculine feel. The
mileage of 23 mpg, but overall the 2006 CR-V excelslonger wheel base provides better stability and a
in a field of mini-SUVs. It's well suited for themore aggressive stance. Look at it from the side,
outdoorsy types who crave a more compact SUVand the CR-V looks like a tight version of the popular
encompassing a witty design, a reasonable costJeep Liberty. And the tail, with its lights placed higher
(MSRP $20,395 - $25,450), and a reliable reputation toon the panel, functions aesthetically well while
drive in mountain terrain.enhancing safety.
The secret of success for the 2006 Honda CR-V isAccidents happen. In researching this article, I came
the superior handling. It shares the same chassis asacross a number of people who were in serious, life
the new Honda Civic. It also shares the samethreatening accidents and claim they lived due to their
double-wishbone, four-wheel independent suspension,CR-V. Improved safety innovations are standard on
with front and rear stabilizers that give it a softer,all 2006 Honda CR-V's. Every CR-V comes complete
more car like ride. You can feel the difference of thewith side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and
2006 CR-V to conventional truck based SUV's whenVehicle Stability Assist (VSA). A rigid safety cage
you round a corner. The 2006 CR-V is considerablymade from reinforced steel has helped the new
less squishy. Press on the accelerator and the peppyCR-V earn the 5-Star (the highest) Safety Rating for
2.4-liter, iVTEC engine, quickly accelerates pumpingfront and side crash collision.
out 156 horsepower (at 160 pound-feet of torque)The power to personalize your vehicle is an integral
with a potent kick at 3,500 rpm - when the butterflyaspect of Honda ownership. The 2006 Honda CR-V
valves open up, making the CR-V an immensely funoffers three trims to choose from to facilitate
and sporty vehicle to drive.customization: the LX, EX and SE (Special Edition).
Many people have difficulty climbing into the highThe base LX features many luxurious amenities as
cockpit of most SUVs. This is not the case with thestandard features such as power windows, locks,
2006 CR-V. There's no need for a step-upmirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, front and rear
mechanism as required for larger SUVs (groundpower outlets, 16" wheels, and a removable folding
clearance is at 8.1 inches, ample for off-roadpicnic table. The EX features a premium sound
adventure, but not too high that you need a laddersystem, rear privacy glass, power sunroof and
to get in.) Once inside, you'll notice a familiar Hondaoutside temperature gauge. The SE offers the nicest
interior that has been modified for the compact SUV.interior featuring heated leather seats, and
The seats are supportive with much lower lumbarleather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
comfort for longer commutes, and theAdditionally, the SE includes body colored mirrors,
multi-functioning steering wheel is well contoured tobumpers, side molding and a spare wheel cover. It
accommodate a host of secondary features.seems Honda has been listening to what people want
However, two things that stand out in the cabin arein a compact SUV, more style, safety and choices to
the gear shift mechanism that protrudes from thebe an original.
dashboard (rather from the center), and the handWhen the CR-V was introduced in 1997, it was
brake that requires a saw mechanism to pull andHonda's answer to Toyota's RAV4, which was the
push to activate and switch off. The rest of thefirst mini-SUV of its kind starting the mini-SUV craze
cabin features unencumbered design and excellentthe year earlier. Although the CR-V is about to be
round dials for climate control. The cabin has beencompletely redesigned for 2007, the current model
well thought out and is ergonomically designed for lifeoffers razor sharp styling, excellent interior details,
on the go. There are also a number of bins and doorand the Honda's reliable 4WD system. Where it could
pockets for storing sun glasses, coins, maps, andbe improved is in its fuel efficiency, though as far as
beverage containers. Additionally, the 60/40 rearSUVs go, it is less thirsty than many. The CR-V
seats can tumble forward providing 72 cubic feet ofoffers reliability which has earned it loads of converts
cargo room, capable of holding two bicycles.in recent years. The 2007 CR-V will undoubtedly
Technology means nothing unless it makes you feeladdress the limitations of the current model and
something. Honda for some time has been known forundoubtedly build on the success of the marquee.