1997 Honda CR-V Practically small. By Tony Swan, New Car Test Drive .com

In addition to booming, the sport-utility market is also evolving, and the

new Honda CR-V is yet another proof.

Like a number of current sport-utility vehicles, this appealing little

four-door wagon wasn't designed to tackle tough terrain. That's because

most sport-utilities rarely leave the pavement, let alone venture into

tough terrain. For most of us, a little extra ground clearance and four-wheel

traction are enough to satisfy our SUV needs--a trek to a summer cabin,

battling winter slush and/or running family errands.

That's what the CR-V is all about--lots of utility, all-wheel drive

traction, car-like driveability. Do you hear minivan attributes here? Yes,

you do. The CR-V combines SUV style and image with minivan usefulness.

And it does so very effectively.