After being in a car accident in our Honda Accord (1992) two years ago, we went to a Honda CR-V (we don't consider it an SUV or a van or anything. We get 23 mpg or more (even with the heater or AC on), we sit higher up and my husband feels comfortable with me driving it and I feel very safe driving it. My husband is 6'5" and is comfortable driving, legroomwise). We were sideswiped by an 18 wheeler and dragged for a block (he didn't know we were attached to his front wheel well). So the heavier (which the CR-V is not that heavy) the car, the higher up you sit (so you can see what is going on around you), the safer you or your family will feel. Hang the looks, I say, concentrate on safety, comfort and reliability and Honda has that. We have a 2002 and we are over 150,000 miles and it is still just like new. (We bought it used from my sister and her husband). The neatest thing is the AM/FM radio, which has a CD player and a tape player. I really like that. The back end is high enough. You don't have to bend down into a trunk to get stuff out, it is right there - good on the back. I don't think we will ever get a sedan/coupe again. It will always be a CR-V, just because of its safety factor, reliability and ease of handling both inside the car and outside the car. It is great for an old broad like me!!!!!!! And, I think it really looks neat!!! Edie