2007 Honda CR-V

At around 9000 miles, the CR-V and its Maintenance Minder system informed us that its first service was due, so technical editor Reynolds took it to Miller Honda in Culver City, which performed an oil change, full inspection, and tire rotation for $52.42.

With a fresh batch of 5W-20 motor oil, the CR-V, with its 166 horses and five-speed automatic, failed to knock the socks off of Truck Trend editor Mark Williams. "The engine has the oomph, but it's the transmission that made me the most aware of the 2.4-liter working hard -- it hunts a bit when in regular Drive mode, especially at slower neighborhood speeds."

Williams opines further: "I really don't like the drop from Drive to D3, which knocks you down two big gears to third. But if you can get used to the engine routinely spinning at 4000 or 5000 rpm -- and quite comfortably -- then you'll have no problem living with this powertrain."