It seems that looks had a lot to do with our editors’ choices (we’re in Southern California where even the cars need to be attractive), so despite a second place ranking, even the 2006 Honda CR-V got its share of jabs. Comments like “B-o-r-i-n-g” and “quirky styling” and “I’m no fan of the styling” are good representations of the staff’s opinion. However, that criticism was tempered with: “The CR-V delivers what most people really need in a utility vehicle, and does so efficiently.” Another editor complimented the CR-V thusly: “This is a terrific all-around SUV – safe, roomy, efficient, and reliable.” And while the CR-V may not draw the praise of a svelte Ferrari, it’s leagues more appealing than the Frankenstein-ish Honda Element.

Underneath the five-passenger Honda CR-V’s skin is a comfortable, versatile cabin and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 156 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque. Two transmissions are available, including a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic, though the manual returns only 23 mpg combined. The automatic, on the other hand, achieves an estimated 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive models, while the four-wheel-drive CR-V is expected to travel 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg in mixed driving. Prices start at a little over $21,000 for a front-wheel-drive LX and rise to about $25,500 for a loaded SE model with four-wheel drive.