EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2008 Red Honda CR-V LX

2008 Honda CR-V EX, Red, Crossover SUV, 56052 mi, $16,495 http://bit.ly/TspWh5 4WD, Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

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INTRODUCTION: “Once funky and cute, the Honda CR-V has grown up to look more like a high-dollar crossover. This latest-generation CR-V, completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2007 model year, is more powerful and more comfortable than the previous-generation models. Its new suspension geometry delivers an improved ride and better, more responsive handling. The four-cylinder engine employs variable intake valve timing to optimize horsepower and torque for acceleration and cruising speeds and it's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.”

FEATURES: “All Honda CR-V models come with a 166-hp four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.”

“The CR-V LX ($20,700) comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between the front seats, and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.

The EX ($22,950) adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof; intermittent rear window wiper/washer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer; dual-deck cargo shelf; lights-and-horn security system; rear privacy glass; and an outside ambient temperature gauge.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: “The Honda CR-V's four-cylinder engine delivers competitive power. While hitting the gas in the CR-V won't snap any necks like some in the class aspire to, it delivers what most drivers need, if not want. And it does so reasonably smoothly, too.”

“The CR-V handles well, with relatively little body lean in cornering. There's also relatively low head toss over rough and uneven pavement, helping to keep your passengers comfortable.”

SUMMARY: “The Honda CR-V is probably the best vehicle in this class. Its interior is packaged the best, with seats that fold down to provide a completely flat cargo area.”

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EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 12/18/2012

2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport w/VDC, Blue, Hatchback, 86555 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/S9Ushk AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/27
The Impreza is small, but it is perfect for the snow. Like most Subaru’s, it is all wheel drive and has a powerful engine.

2009 Nissan Versa 1.8S, Red, Sedan, 27369 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/TOU7yI Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 24/32
The Nissan Versa is affordable, efficient, and simple. This one has very low mileage.

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, Silver, Sedan, 105823 mi, $10,995 http://bit.ly/Qj28iq Compact, MPG = 40/45
A hybrid vehicle that is smaller than the Toyota Prius, but has similar a MPG rating.

2009 Toyota Tacoma, Black, Truck, 85392 mi, $13,995 http://bit.ly/XHq0Mt 4WD
Plenty of cargo space, but smaller than most pick-ups.

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: Silver 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Silver, Crossover SUV, 68313 mi, $14,995 http://bit.ly/TOUedz AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

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INTRO: The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that seats five, offers good cargo capability and excellent foul weather capability. The Forester competes with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, though the Forester offers better handling than those two, on dry pavement but especially on wet pavement, snow, ice or dirt.

Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard, gives the Forester outstanding traction and capability in foul weather and it's fully equipped with safety features. Forester achieved the best-possible five-star rating in all government crash tests, and a four-star rating for resistance to rolling over. Forester has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

FEATURES: Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with single overhead cam rated at 170 horsepower. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg City/Highway with automatic transmission.

Forester 2.5X ($20,295) comes with black or platinum cloth upholstery, air conditioning with rear vents and an air filtration system, a 60/40 split rear seat, sound system with single-disc CD, height and lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, cruise control, rear window wiper, and a trailer wiring connector, and 16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers.

DRIVING IMPRESSION: We found the Forester dazzling in its sure-footedness and comfortable ride, never once whimpering in the face of abuse. The suspension isn't firm but offers relatively long travel. There's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and good Yokohama Geolander tires with the 17-inch wheels.

The electronic stability control is programmed to allow the tires to spin a bit, under acceleration, so the throttle won't cut out on dirt roads. We tackled an awe-inspiring steep rutty hill, foot to the floor to climb the final 100 yards, and the Forester made it. A Honda CR-V couldn't come close on the same run.

SUMMARY: The Subaru Forester offers foul weather capability with its all-wheel-drive system and it excels on unpaved roads and in other less-than-perfect driving conditions. Forester is stable and rugged off road, while there are no harsh spots to the highway ride. Overall, the Forester compares favorably to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and other compact SUVs.

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