I currently own a 2006 CR-V, after a 2003 CR-V. I have to say it is a very safe car (after 2 accidents) and has good gas mileage, but is not a luxury car of anyone's dreams. I have in few cases driven in snow. If you are going to drive in snow, 4-wheel drive is a must. Alloy wheels will work in the snow. The back of the CR-V is amazingly large, and can even fir 50" plasma TVs with the rear seats folded. Handling is what you would expect of a SUV, not springy with wide turning angles. Acceleration is what you would expect from a 4-cylinder SUV, not fast but fast enough.