The name explains Honda's compact SUV -- Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It's a five-door crossover wagon with the cabin containing front buckets and a folding bench in back for three. There are four trims this year. Entry point comes with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) LX that piles on convenience features. LX trim also works with AWD, as does deluxe EX. Then SE (Special Edition) has heated leather seats and door mirrors, leather on the steering wheel, and a hard cover for the spare tire on the tailgate. All CR-Vs pull from the same engine, a 2.4-liter in-line-four that in 2006 musters 156 hp. A five-speed automatic is standard, but a manual five-speed is available with AWD. Safety items on all models include an anti-lock brake system (ABS), VSA and side air bags. New body colors also emerge, like Royal Blue Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

Honda's minivan, redesigned in 2005 with new structure and powertrain plus substantial on-board safety gear, adds equipment options for 2006 such as a DVD video entertainment system for the deluxe Touring edition. Odyssey carries responsive handling systems and a powerful V6 engine, which this year nets 244 hp. The top two trim grades apply Honda's VCM to decrease cylinder firing to conserve on fuel. Safety devices on Odyssey extend to a traction control system (TCS) and vehicle stability assist (VSA), plus curtain-style air bags above all outboard seats. Honda offers Odyssey in four trims -- LX, EX, EX Leather and top Touring. Inside, there are up to three tiers of seats in place with options for folding or removing the second-row seats and a 'Magic Seat' in back that folds into the floor. Slate Green is one of several new shades of body paint for Odyssey. (...BACK)