2006 Honda CR-V Review: Comfortable & Dependable SUV Buyers Can Count On

Alex Showalter

Apr 23, 2022

The 2006 CR-V can last over 300,000 miles with only some electrical problems. At $5,650 – $6,650, it’s more expensive than rivals, but well worth the cost for the reliability.

The Good

The engine lasts a very long time, interior materials are good for the price and the suspension is comfortable.

The Bad

The CR-V has less power than its rivals, there’s no third row and there’s a lot of road noise.

Is the 2006 Honda CR-V a Good Used SUV?

Yes, 2006 is a good year. Owners compliment the CR-V’s space, ability to hold its value, and affordable maintenance costs.
Reliability ratings are great. Avoid models from 2007–2008 which have significantly more complaints from owners.
Performance is weak from the single 4-cylinder engine.
The CR-V is a safe compact SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good at up to 23 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Littleton S

It is mechanically sound and very reliable and gets excellent mileage for an SUV.

It fits our family needs. Leather interior still in.. Good condition. Still gets 25 mpg on the and still going strong at 305,000 miles..

Tonya J

Reliable, if maintenance kept up you can get 300k miles out of it

Its a Honda, that should say enough.Very reliable, parts can be replaced easily and not expensive. As long as maintenance is kept up they can go up to 300k miles

Suzanne A

It is mine - it is good looking - not dated and absolutely no problems

Nothing - no complaints - would buy again and again

Julia W

Great, dependable car that has great gas mileage and easy to drive.

This car was actually a hand me down from my mother but I do not mind at all! It's a great car! I feel very safe driving my baby around in it. It is a decent sized car without being too big and it drives very well! It is also a sturdy car and the four wheel drive is great!

Michelle E

My car is very safe. It is also reliable and runs well

I like the silver color. I like that it gets me to and from work safely.

Kim M

The car is a great family car

My car fits my personality. It holds the amount of people who are in my family

Tanya A

It's a burgundy red color

It is a great car and I have had it for over 10 years. Still drives well. It's in excellent condition

Mary R

Very reliable and easy on gas. Hardly any major issues with engine. Other than normal wear and tear, it drives fine.

Very dependable and gets me where I need to go. I have had this vehicle for 12 years with no major issues. No complaints so far.

Negative Owner Reviews

Mary Morrison

Worst car ever owned

I dislike the whole rig. I've had nothing but problem after problem with this crv. Can't wait to sell it!!.

Katie A

The reliability of my car is decent. However, there are a lot of mechanical issues in regards to the lights and gadgets within the car. I wish the car didn't require so much time and effort to maintain.

It's overall a very reliable make. Honda has always been an amazing brand of car.

Barbara L

Very reliable and comfortable car

The car is very reliable, do not have any problems, is very comfortable, great on gas, very well maintained, the sunroof is a great assets makes the car look very nice, the way the trunk opens is very convenient and has lots of space, couldn't ask for a better car

Nancy R

It turns on a dime and handles great. It carries a lot I the back.

It runs great. Inexpensive to fix and good on gas.

Tony S

When you need a vehicle you can count on, the Honda CR-V will not let you down.

My Honda CR-V is a great compact SUV, ultra-reliable, comfortable with great visibility, and with the excellent ground clearance and all wheel drive, it is nearly unstoppable in the winter! It is a bit noisy inside at certain speeds and the suspension can be somewhat harsh compared to newer or higher-end vehicles on hard bumps and railroad tracks, but nothing unforgivable. The factory stereo is mediocre at best but sounds decent and is easy and intuitive to operate while driving. Cargo carrying is a breeze with the barn-door style rear door and our dog can jump right in, but because it opens to the side, be careful as it can get caught by the wind and be forced open or closed. Mine also came with a cargo roof rack which is extremely useful in hauling large items, skis, snowboards, bikes and even lumber from the home improvement store. Fuel economy is around 23 mpg and acceptable for my average day to day use, but if you rack up extensive miles, you may want to look at the front wheel drive version which gets slightly better mpg. Bottom line: the 2006 Honda CR-V is an over-achiever for daily tasks, hauling, commuting, sports and family events, and offers outstanding performance in adverse weather, but will remind you occasionally that it is definitely not a luxury sedan.

Mackenzie L

You can put the back row down so your available space for stuff increases.

The car itself is great very comfortable and reliable. The seats are cloth and are easy to keep clean. Very great for storage in the back! However, it does not accelerate very quickly so getting onto the freeway and making quick movements is not very good.

Lesly E

It's very reliable despise how basic and simple it is .

My car is very basic and it's an older model so it doesn't have any upgraded technology but it's amazing in all types of weather. The size of my car is the perfect size for my family size. The only thing that sucks is the MPG but that's with any SUV compared to an sedan. Apart from that no complaints it's a very reliable car if car is well taking car of .

Nicole G

Lots of storage space under seat.

The vehicle has plenty of leg and storage room; and gets great gas mileage, it is just not that pretty or luxurious.

What Do Critics Say About the CR-V?

Consumer Reports says the CR-V is a spacious and responsive SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the CR-V a 4.6/5 liking the comfortable ride, but disliking the lack of a V6 engine.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the CR-V 4.6/5 and enjoy the low ownership costs, but do not like the loose handling.

What Common Problems Does the 2006 Honda CR-V Have?

Problems with the CR-V are not very serious and include the headlights, stability control system, and noise from the transmission.

Burnt-out headlights are the most common complaint from owners with bulbs that only last about 40,000 miles. Replacing the bulbs costs about $30. Some higher quality bulbs last longer and cost about $60.

Vehicle stability control system failures are not widespread, but are brought up by some owners at around 60,000 miles. Replacing the module fixes the problem, but costs about $1,400.

Excessive noise from the transmission show up on some CR-Vs at around 83,000 miles. Flushing the transmission for about $300 usually solves the noise issues.

There are 13 relatively minor recalls and the majority are for various air bag modules. The most serious recall is for the accelerator pedal, which may get stuck , increasing the risk of a crash.

How Long Will the 2006 Honda CR-V Last?

A properly maintained 2006 CR-V can last over 300,000 miles, which is over 100,000 miles longer than the popular Jeep Liberty. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average according to Repair Pal, at only $325 per year.

Most CR-Vs from 2006 will have over 100,000 miles so prospective buyers should prepare to replace starters for $700, mass air pressure sensors costing $120, and transmission shift cables which cost $200.

Joann M

Have had a problem with rear suspension and brakes, but no other problems since repair. Make sure oil is changed as needed. Have a mechanic that checks everything when oil is changed.

Karen L

Small problems in the big scheme of things. I feel it lacks storage space in the driver's area. Ex there is a shelf in between the two front seats. There is significant empty room there. A drawer or a compartment in this space would hold a lot of essentials. Also directly over the glove box there is a strange open compartment type thing. If you put anything in there it tends to fly out when you turn the corner.

ALEX V

Very reliable Honda have always been good to me not too many problems come up and most repairs are reasonably priced.

aracely g

This is a very reliable car and a convenient car which has given me no problems. The gas in this car is really good.

Jonathan S

I haven't had any problems out of it I would recommend this car to anyone. It drives great really smooth no jerkiness or anything.

Wendy H

Very reliable. I haven't had any issues. I do the regular maintenance, have replaced the battery, new tires, etc. It treats me right.

Olya M

Honda CR-V lx is very reliable. Hardly ever has any problems. Just need to do maintenance regularly.

Cheryl H

It is extremely reliable. The only issue I have ever had is with headlight lamps burning out more frequently than they should, but I think that is because they were replaced when they first burned out with inferior bulbs that burned out again too soon. But the mechanics of the car are very solid!

How Much Is the 2006 Honda CR-V Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,650 – $6,650, making the CR-V about $1,500 more expensive than a Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox. When new, the price range was $20,395 to $25,450. Depreciation is better than average, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the CR-V?

There are three models of the 2006 CR-V available. Technology was last updated in 2005, but there’s a complete redesign with a new infotainment system for 2007.

LX is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Locks & Windows
Cruise Control
AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 4 Speakers

EX is a step up adding:

16-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Keyless Entry
6-CD Changer With Satellite Radio & 6 Speakers
Sunroof

SE is the flagship model and has:

Leather Seating
Body-Colored Bumpers
Heated Front Seats

156 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

156 HP 26-26 MPG

View Details

EX SE

156 HP 25-25 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the CR-V?

The 2006 CR-V comes with only one weak 2.4L 4-cylinder engine which produces 156 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG combined. Performance is below average, taking 10.5 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the CR-V Come In?

How Big Is the CR-V?

The 2006 CR-V is an average sized compact SUV similar in size to other SUVs including the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda Tribute. Passenger room is very good throughout the cabin and easily fits adults in both rows with comfortable seats.

Cargo space is better than rivals, with 33.5 cubic feet of room behind the back seats, increasing to 72 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

How Does the CR-V Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota RAV4 is a very close competitor costing about $1,200 more. Where the RAV4 stands out is with an optional third row and V6 engine, but the CR-V has more passenger room. We recommend the RAV4 for the more powerful V6, but both are excellent reliable choices.

The Ford Escape is another rival, which costs about $1,500 less. Performance is a bit better in the Escape, but the CR-V is a more reliable vehicle. We recommend the CR-V since they last longer and are more affordable to own.

Ranks #1 Compact SUV by Owners

2006 Honda CR-V

4.54

2006 Scion xA

4.52

2006 Toyota RAV4

4.41

Do Owners Recommend the Honda CR-V?

Joann M

Yes, it is reliable and sturdy and handles easily. Wind does not affect and rides well in rain. Ac is excellent for Florida summers.

Karen L

Yes it is reliable. It has not had too many trips to the shop except for scheduled servicing. I love my seat warmers. It is not too high to get into. The key fob helps me know which SUV is mine in the parking lot.

ALEX V

Yes great vehicle because it is good for all weather and terrain, has decent gas mileage and is user friendly.

aracely g

This car is very reliable and convenient because the gas is good. This car has lasted me a on time and it is very trustworthy to drive.

Jonathan S

It is a great vehicle. I haven't had any problems out of it at all since I have had it. I would recommend it to anybody.

Wendy H

Honda's are fabulous vehicles. They are very reliable if you take care of them and do your regular oil changes and check ups.

Olya M

Good, reliable, has more than 150k miles and working great. Very comfortable, good for traveling, has lots of room for luggage and plenty of room in the salon.

Cheryl H

Absolutely! It is very reliable, very comfortable, and a great car all in all! It rarely if ever has any mechanical issues -- change the oil every so often and it is good to go. It even started after sitting outside last winter during an extreme cold snap for 3 days. I was amazed!

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Chet on June 6, 2023

220,000 miles and still purring

Bought the LX model brand new in Feb 2006; it has survived numerous jaunts to kids' college dorms and back, New England winters, ice/salt road conditions. Its engine was built in Japan. Regular oil changes and following other maintenance schedules as per the owner's manual and keeping the interior clean have been vital to it's longevity, I feel. Most of all, I like the some of the old school features (cassette tape deck, for instance). I see some rust build-up along one of the rear fenders but the rest of the body is great. Large windows and expansive cargo room (especially with the rear seats folded down). Rear seats recline. The 2.4L engine rocks!!

maria K on April 1, 2021

It's a very reliable car and makes me feel safe

It's a great running car very roomy and spacey great on gas minimal problems

Melody S on March 27, 2021

It is a very dependable car.

I like that it is higher in the air for better visibility. I also like the versatility of the vehicle.. What I do not like is the chargers do not work and I cannot charge my phone.

Sal R on March 19, 2021

My Honda keeps on ticking.

My CR-V has had relatively few problems throughout the twelve years that I have had it. It is the perfect size for the things I need to carry - luggage for trips, a drum kit, etc. I highly recommend it. My older model also included a table that I use for tailgating and other events all the time.

Lesly E on March 17, 2021

It's very reliable despise how basic and simple it is .

Linda S on March 15, 2021

Very spacious, reliable and easy to maintain.

Very reliable, only needs its regular maintenance, has over 170, 000 miles and running well, very spacious.

Dianne J on March 12, 2021

Best car I have ever owned!

Love my CR-V! It is roomy, reliable and fun to drive. No mechanical problems in 13 years! I have all services done on time and it is going on 198, 000 miles and my mechanic says it can easily go another 200, 000 miles with minimal maintenance. I wish they would bring back the old body style that had the spare tire on the back.

Tanya A on March 11, 2021

It's a burgundy red color

It is a great car and I have had it for over 10 years. Still drives well. It's in excellent condition

Joann M on March 9, 2021

The back seats fold down giving you lots of cargo room.

Honda is a reliable car that maintains a high valuable sale cost. The seats are leather in a light tan color. My car only had 40,000 miles on it and only one previous owner. I get good mileage in town. I have seat warmers, which were appreciated when I spent 4 months up north. It handles easily, but the steering is too sensitive to any movement of my arms.

Mark W on March 9, 2021

Perfect camping rover wow.

Perfect size for hauling materials and groceries. Versatile out in the woods for camping as well. There are enough seating for about 5 people comfortably, but I am sure several more can fit in the back. There's even a fold out table that can be pulled out from the trunk and used externally, perfect for camping.

Dawn I on March 6, 2021

It is smaller than you think and will make you feel small on the road.

The car is very reliable and runs well. It is old and i'd like a new vehicle. I would definitely recommend a Honda to others.

Alyssa B on March 4, 2021

Trustworthy vehicle that is fun to drive and offers decent gas mileage.

It is making an undetectable screeching sound during acceleration. It is fun to drive around, good gas mileage, good for camping, and I have a dog so it is good car to travel around with him. I like the idea of a smaller but gas efficient SUV that has the options of storage.

Elaine g on February 27, 2021

I love my car and I don't plan on buying a different kind ever!

It goes anywhere no matter the weather. The height and visibility is perfect as I'm rather short; but, it isn't too high to climb into it either.

Leslie L on February 27, 2021

The car is reliable and comfortable.

No major repairs needed with 137, 000 miles. Has excellent sound system. The brakes do. Require replacement every 2 to 3 years.

Aly L on February 19, 2021

Great car!! Very realizable and safe!

Car has lasted several years and has not have too many issues. Love the car can fit lots of luggage for traveling. There is plenty of room for passengers. Gas mileage is good. Would purchase a Honda CR-V in the future. The car is extremely reliable and the performance is great.

Tony S on February 19, 2021

When you need a vehicle you can count on, the Honda CR-V will not let you down.

Donald M on February 4, 2021

It has a decently large amount of storage capacity.

I like the height on the road. I also like the storage space in the back. Though the passenger seat is not as roomy as the driver's seat. The ride is not as smooth has I'd like it.

Katie B on February 1, 2021

Very reliable car, has lasted over 10 years and shows few signs of wear.

Very trusty car, very minimalistic interior, has problems with the tire monitoring system and had to replace the headlight covers. Very easy and comfortable to drive and would definitely recommend Honda to a friend. The car gets good gas mileage, usually around 20 miles per gallon and is small enough I can easily maneuver it. The radio does not really work, I get minimal channels and they have a lot of static. Not the best looking car since it is the most basic model.

Jack F on January 25, 2021

It is reliable. It's fuel efficiency is really good for my purposes.

My car is absolutely amazing. I've had it for a few years and it has a lot of miles on it but it has always been reliable.

Katrina M on January 14, 2021

The reason why I love my car and why I would recommend others purchasing as well.

I have never had any real issues with this vehicle. I have only had to keep up with the normal maintenance such as oil changes, brakes, tune ups, etc. This vehicle has never let me down. I have never been stuck on the side of the road, it's great on gas, and has made it on several long distance trips. I absolutely love it.

Olga M on January 13, 2021

Great on gas mileage and a lot of space. Drives smooth and fits 5 people.

I do not dislike anything about my car, no complaints. Works great, looks good and I hope to be driving for another 5+ years.

Martin V on January 10, 2021

It is Very dependable and reliable. It is a joy to own.

It is Very reliable and inexpensive to own.

Kaitlyn B on January 1, 2021

Spacious CR-V, with plenty of room for a family of 5.

My vehicle is comfortable and has the space I need for two children. It gets me where I need to go and has not had too many problems for being previously owned. If I were to get another car I would probably get another CR-V like the one I have except a newer edition.

Jason P on December 30, 2020

It is a very dependable car.

I like that I have not had any major issues with my car. It rides very smooth. I do not like how the headlights fog up.

Valerie G on December 25, 2020

The one most important thing that people should know about my car is it's too safety features. I had an accident back 11 years ago about a year after I bought the car and it kept all 4 of us riding in the car safe and uninjured.

I have been lucky to have such a great car. I have had it since 2006 and it has been a very reliable vehicle. It has kept me safe in an accident and it is easy to maintain. There is tons of storage space and it fits my needs perfectly.

Odette M on December 24, 2020

Low mileage, does not break down easily, sturdy and trustworthy

Reliable, efficient, wish it were more sporty (sunroof).

Shannon H on November 29, 2020

It is a great efficient car that has a lot of safety features for a great price.

My Honda is a very reliable car. It has all-wheel-drive and is fuel efficient. It is a perfect compact SUV for my daily errands.

Anna D on November 24, 2020

That it is been a very dependable vehicle.

It is very dependable. I have had a Honda for the last 40 years. My present car has 125,000 miles on it.

Jody R on November 18, 2020

It may be old but it runs great and I haven't had to put much work into it other than routine maintenance.

My vehicle is just perfect for me. I have plenty of room to load oversized items as well as groceries. The vehicle gets great gas mileage. It is a sturdy vehicle that just lasts and lasts.

Matthew G on November 16, 2020

A great all purpose vehicle.

I love the all wheel drive, spaciousness, reliability, and versatility. Handling, acceleration, braking, and overall driving are smooth. It's great for use in city where I live, or to take out for camping and hiking trips. Main concern is that I wish it got better gas mileage.

Joanna M on November 13, 2020

It is spacious, comfortable, and smooth to drive.

Honda CR-V is good for families. Has a good trunk to fill with groceries for the family. Enough space to sit comfortably for long road trips with friends or family. All in all, a Honda CR-V is a good car for anyone who is looking for a spacious, comfortable, car to carry friends and family up and down.

Beth B on November 13, 2020

Take care of it with tune ups and oil changes and you'll never have problems!

Good-Very dependable. I like the dark blue color. It's good in the snow. I wish it had better pick up. It's getting a little old.

Michelle G on November 11, 2020

Honda CRV - Great Family Vehicle

I have no complaints! Works great and is a very reliable vehicle for me and my family! It runs very well and has not had any problems.

Nicole G on October 27, 2020

Lots of storage space under seat.

The vehicle has plenty of leg and storage room; and gets great gas mileage, it is just not that pretty or luxurious.

Sue M on October 23, 2020

It is reliable for many years.

I like how it drives in the snow and it is reliability. It could be a smoother ride and be more efficient on gas.

Jennifer G on October 21, 2020

No major problems after 200, 000 miles.

The only problem I had in the first 10 years and 200, 000 miles of ownership was that the CD player broke. Otherwise my Honda CR-V has been reliable, easy to maintain, gets great gas mileage, and is safe and easy to drive. The parts and labor can be somewhat expensive as it is a foreign car, but since there have been many issues, the cost of repairs is not enough to dissuade me from buying another Honda in the future.

Harold L on October 13, 2020

Vehicle will treat you right, provided you are consistent with maintenance.

Vehicle has been incredibly reliable since I started driving - never broken down, always handles smoothly as long as oil is changed consistently. Acceleration is a bit slower compared to modern vehicles, however I find modern acceleration to be too touch and go for my taste. Seats are adequately comfortable.

Iris R on October 4, 2020

Spacious, Economical, Great

It's a wonderful car. Spacious since we have a toddler. Works great in the snow. Only defect it has is that if you turn the A/C on it sucks up the gas and if you have a full tank in the morning it will be half way by the end of the day if you've only used it for 1 hour

Cindy P on September 14, 2020

It has a lot of cargo space and makes those family road trips a breeze!.

It rides higher than a sedan - great view. Very dependable. I get good mileage. I have owned this car for eight years sniff have never had any large repair bills. Very reliable.

Michael R on September 11, 2020

The unique color of my Honda is the most interesting detail.

I love my Honda CR-V it sits me up high enough so I can get in and out of the car easily. The back area suits my needs in transferring purchases etc. The car runs good always starts and meets my needs for a car. The car is easy for me to keep clean. Maintaining basic care such as oil changes offers me to keep the Honda CR-V indefinite.

Andrea H on September 9, 2020

This is a Honda-- quality and dependability.

This vehicle is reliable, always starts. We like the roominess, ride, and the seat height to see the road. We have no complaints

JOAN H on September 7, 2020

The BEST car I've ever owned!

This is my favorite car of all time. The size, dependability, ease of maneuvering, durability (still like new, after 112,000 miles), value, and comfort are all great! Although I would enjoy the technological improvement provided in the new cars, I am still very happy driving this 13 year old car!

James Y on September 6, 2020

Totally safe and reliable.

Reliability, is excellent. Appearance is great. , 4 wheel drive makes winter driving a snap. Mileage is decent. No major complaints. Heater and ac work great.

Sta H on August 31, 2020

Love my Honda CR-V so much but hate having to write a minimum word review. :(

Love my CR-V. It's a 2006 and still runs great. I haven't had any major issues... Just the usual brakes, tires, etc. It's had a few recalls due to air bags. Handles our cold snowy winters. I love it so much that my next car will probably be a CR-V as well.

David R on August 30, 2020

Good fuel economy. Handles very well in snow and rain.

The fuel economy-the storage area. Good in snow. Easy to drive

Linda G on August 28, 2020

The best vehicle there is to drive and be comfortable it is a very classy looking.

Love my CR-V it is very dependable. I love how it handles on the road when you're driving. Love the picnic table in the back compart. The car is just the right size if you are looking for a vehicle that is not too small or not to large then this is the vehicle for you. The CR-V has plenty of storage. I actually moved in mt CR-V my husband has loaded a washer or a dryer in the back with no problem. It is a very comfortable vehicle we have driven from New Hampshire to Tennessee and back in the same weekend and the ride was nice we had room to stretch out and relax when we stopped for a rest.

Jamey K on August 7, 2020

Off roading and camping car

Drives over bumps and holes nicely, great for going outdoors and in nature, has an attached table in the back for car camping! It does have a front seat passenger recall for the airbag but after getting that fixed, it's a great running car. The parts are easy to find and it's comfortable and spacious

Katie M on August 5, 2020

The honda crv is the perfect size car for me and my needs and I love it.

I love my car. It's very reliable. It's the perfect size car for kids.

Tonya J on July 31, 2020

Reliable, if maintenance kept up you can get 300k miles out of it

Its a Honda, that should say enough.Very reliable, parts can be replaced easily and not expensive. As long as maintenance is kept up they can go up to 300k miles

ray H on July 28, 2020

It is mechanically sound. Very dependable.

What I like most about my crv is the great gas mileage I get. Also, very dependable. Only major repair that has ever been done was the a/c. Everything else is original. My only complaint is that it is rusting around the windows and has been for several years

Erika B on July 28, 2020

An outdoor enthusiasts dream.

I have a Honda CR-V and I absolutely love it. With good snow tires it drives really well in snowy conditions. Similarly, as I am an outdoors enthusiast, I do a bit of off-roading and my CR-V has no problem. I will say with the v4 engine, steep hills can give my CR-V a little bit of a slow down.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.