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2009 Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Rondo: 7-Seaters with Great Gas Mileage
Some families simply need to carry seven or eight people at a time. How can you do it... Read More
2009 Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Rondo: 7-Seaters with Great Gas Mileage
Some families simply need to carry seven or eight people at a time. How can you do it... Read More
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In my daily wanderings on Twitter, I asked for feedback on family vehicles that just didn't work out for families. It was surprising how many people came back with vehicles that they love instead.
Families are taking a new look at the vehicles they trust on an everyday basis, and the 2009 Honda CR-V was an overwhelming newcomer to the "family car" list that day. I've mostly heard from people who drive CR-Vs to haul a moderate amount of gear to go camping or trek "Up North" (as we say in Michigan, complete with the capital letters) for the weekend. Socially, this has been a vehicle for singles or couples.
With both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models available, this small SUV can handle highway hauling and even a run up into the mountains without a blink. That's why I was surprised when my neighbor, with two daughters, piped up first and suggested the CR-V. He likes how three real people can fit in the back seat, making this a very capable five-seat vehicle. Plenty of luggage fits in back for weekend trips, as proven by people who have been trekking with the CR-V for years. Heck, he's even happy with the 17 mpg city he gets while idling in all the car lines and waiting for his teenage daughter to finish chatting before acknowledging his presence. (TheCarConnection lists the city mpg as 20 mpg, but in our town, idling is a way of life. We automatically subtract 5 mpg from any rating in my house.) And the 27 mpg highway rating is certainly appreciated when the poor vehicle can finally leave town for the weekend.
Two more friends piped up with raves for the back seat, ample for adults and the occasional car seat. Heck, if three adults can fit, then there's hope for that car seat strapped in the middle. If you don't need a third row, there's plenty of praise for this vehicle.
TheCarConnection.com gave the 2009 Honda CR-V an overall rating of 7.8, complete with an analysis of the safety features. (The full review for the 2008 model is posted, and the 2009 is essentially the same vehicle.)
Honda drivers are fiercely loyal. Maybe there's good reason. If you haven't looked into the CR-V, I would certainly advise it it. If you think just a bit differently about your driving habits, you can see some additional benefits that a traditional minivan or full-size SUV may not afford.
