2008 Honda CR-V EX

The CR-V is Honda's compact SUV, the one families cross-shop against the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. It's easy to drive around town, with light steering and a ride that soaks up most bumps without fuss. The cabin is genuinely roomy, and the rear seats fold flat to open up a big, useful cargo area. Owners report these run well past 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance, though some mention the A/C and headlights can act up. The EX is the mid-grade pick that adds alloy wheels and a power moonroof over the LX, without the leather of the EX-L. Its 2.4L I4 makes 166 horsepower and pairs with a five-speed automatic, which is enough for daily driving but can feel strained on steep highway grades.