CRV questions

Greetings all.
I am new to this group. I am considering buying a 2008 Honda CRV when
the new models come out in the fall.
I bought a 2000 Toyota Echo in the fall of 1999. It is a good little
car with good gas mileage,but when I bought it I was commuting to work
in New York City by train, and didn't do very much driving. Now,
however, I work much closer to home and have to drive to work every
day.
I average driving around 150 miles a week, and have to drive on one of
Long Island's busiest highways. The Echo doesn't have much "pick-up"
and I sort of don't feel that safe in it while driving amid all the
trucks and SUVs. So, I kind of want to upgrade to a larger, sturdier
and driver-friendly vehicle. I have narrowed down my choices to the
Toyota Rav 4 and the Honda CRV. They both get excellent ratings all
around, but I like the design of the CRV better.
I will test drive one of each.
My questions relate to the AWD(all wheel drive).
First, for what drving conditions is it for? Off road? Icy, snowy
conditions? Driving in a hilly setting?
Is it crazy to get a CRV without it?
I just wanted to hear some thoughts on it before I buy.
Thanks in advance.

Darren

 

Let us know how it works out for you. I'm looking at the same two choices,
come Jauary.

We currently have a 2005 Pilot, but it's larger and more vehicle than what we
need.

 

That all sounds good in principle, but I think when you test
drive a larger vehicle you might find that the Echo is much
more maneuverable. You might actually feel safer in it.

Indeed one of the reasons many SUVs are involved in crashes
is because the high center of gravity, among other things,
makes it less maneuverable.

Lately I have been switching driving a bit between my little
1991 Honda Civic sedan and a friend's quite long Toyota
Tundra. The height and interior of the Tundra make it a
comfortable ride, but I far prefer how quickly I can
maneuver my little Civic to make turns.

 

Both the RAV4 and CRV are on-road vehicles. AWD will help in
slippery conditions, especially in climbing a snow-covered hill.
However, proper tires will help more.

AWD reduces mpg and increases maintenance costs.

A 4-cyl 2008 Accord or Camry will have plenty of power
for rush hour commuting and will get better mpg than
the cute utes you are considering.

Both the CRV and RAV4 are good vehicles but unless you
need a station wagon's room, you will save a bunch of
mpg with a sedan.

I own both Honda and Toyota vehicles. IMHO, Honda's
drive better but Toyota's are much less expensive to
keep over the long haul. Toyota consistently puts
crappy tires on their cars, often a major factor in how
badly they seem to feel on the road.

Good luck.

 

A lot of manufacturers put crappy tires on their cars, including Honda.

 

I have a 2007 CRV 2WD and live in MN. After driving 2WD cars for years I
couldn't justify the added purchase price, maintenance and lower mpg that
comes with AWD.

 

You've gotten some good answers so far. Stop by CR-V Owners Club too when
you get a chance. You may be able to get some more good advice there.