Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV manufactured by Honda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic platform to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets citing different meanings. Though Honda sales literature in Europe and Australia makes references to "Compact Recreational Vehicle", other Honda references cite "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle". It is available in both all wheel drive and front wheel drive, although in many markets such as the United Kingdom only all wheel drive is offered due to higher consumer standards of expectations resulting in lack of demand for lower specification front wheel drive models.

Honda produces CR-Vs in the United Kingdom and Japan for worldwide markets. Production will move to one of its Ohio plants in 2006. The CR-V is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Honda.

Overview

Introduced in Japan in 1996, the CR-V was Honda's first in-house designed SUV and was originally intended only to be a niche vehicle. Honda was hesitant to market the vehicle since many felt the car did not have potential to sell alongside the Honda Passport and to take over the role of Honda's entry-level SUV.In the United States, it was displayed for the first time at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show. Citing strong sales from the comparable Toyota RAV4 upon its release, the model was then brought stateside in February 1997. Shortly afterwards, CR-V sales outpaced those of the smaller RAV4, and the compact SUV has maintained strong sales and gained accolades ever since.

First generation

The original CR-V design lasted from 1996 to 1998. Upon introduction, the model had only one trim level, which would later be known as the LX model trim; it was powered by the 2.0 L B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) and 133 ft·lb (180 N·m) of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8L engine, but internally the engine was bored out to add the extra displacement needed to produce torque for the mini-ute. The engine utilized a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine due to overlaping combustion chambers. The chassis was a unibody design with a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension. Inside, the rear seats were able to fold down, and a picnic table was stowed in the rear floor area. A common external trait that was visible with this generation was plastic cladding covering the front bumper, rear bumper, and fender wells. In most countries, CR-Vs had a chrome grille; however, in the US, the grille was made out of the same black plastic as the bumpers. A major difference between the LX and EX trims was that the EX had anti-lock brakes while the LX trim did not.

First generation, version 2

Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update for the CR-V from 1999 to 2001 was in response to criticism of the original engine lacking enough power for a vehicle of the CR-V's weight (3,200 lb or 1,450 kg). The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine producing 146 hp (108 kW) and 133 ft·lb (180 N·m) of torque. Fuel economy and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio (9.6:1 compared to the B20B's 8.8:1), a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves. Models equipped with an automatic transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in 3rd gear to provide power for passing and merging. The interior was also improved, as some consumers felt that the support provided by the seats was inadequate for longer trips. The cloth on the seats was also redesigned with a much more attractive pattern.

The 1999 European, Australian, and Asian model CR-Vs featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was added to the list of paint choices, while the unpopular "Passion Orange" disappeared. A new deeper blue pearl and red pearl replaced their old metallic and enamel equivalents. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain countries.

In 2000, a Special Edition model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass and chrome grille accent. Up to 2001, the CR-V sold more than other vehicles in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colours including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace Submarine Blue Pearl, while Satin Silver Metallic replaced Sebring Silver Metallic in 2001. However, that year, sales of the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute, surpassed the CR-V's.

In Australia, the CR-V became the country's best-selling SUV in 2000, outselling the Toyota Land Cruiser for the very first time.

Second generation

The second generation CR-V was a full redesign, based on the 7th generation Civic platform, and powered by the K24 engine. North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (119 kW) and 162 ft·lb (220 N·m) of torque. Per new 08/04 SAE regulations, the same engine is now rated at 155 hp and 160 ft·lb. Despite the power increase, the new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model, thanks in part to the engine's i-VTEC system. The newly developed chassis had increased torsional rigidity and bending rigidity, while the new suspension possessed front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 ft³ (2 m³). The second generation CR-V was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV for 2002 and 2003. Second generation CR-Vs in countries outside of North America were again offered in both 'low spec' and 'high spec' variants, with the latter featuring body-coloured bumpers and fittings. Changes between model years 2002, 2003, and 2004 were very minor.

Generation 2.5

For 2005, the CR-V received a minor refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16 inch wheels; earlier models had 15 in wheels. Another visual change includes the taillights, which no longer have amber for the turn signals. They are now red and white in color. The rear bumpers reflectors are longer and narrower. The grill has also been changed; it has 2 horizontal bars instead of one. Lastly, the low beams and high beams use dedicated bulbs, as opposed to a shared bulb in the prior setup.

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received upgrades which includes steering wheel mounted redundant audio controls and an outside temperature monitor. The stereo system was also XM satellite radio ready. All CR-Vs also had revised rear seat headrests, which have been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage.

Mechanically, the 2005 was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The RT4WD system was improved; it had been tuned to activate faster in low traction situations. Also, the automatic transmission for the CR-V now had one extra gear (total of 5), for improved highway fuel efficiency.

In the United States, in accordance with Honda's Safety for Everyone campaign, every 2005 CR-V and onwards have ABS, front airbags, side airbags for front passengers, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all outboard occupants. Also, Electronic Brake Distribution and Vehicle Stability Assist have been added and are standard equipment on all trim levels. CR-Vs in other countries such as Australia continue with only dual airbags and ABS as standard equipment. Side airbags are optional, while curtain airbags are unavailable.

Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE has painted bumpers, body side molding, and spare tire cover. For a more luxurious experience, Honda added a leather interior, leather steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated front seats. A new color, Pewter Pearl, can only be found on the SE. The SE also includes a hard body coloured cover for the spare tire on the back.

For the 2006 model year, two new colors have been added, Royal Blue Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic. These colors are available on the CR-V LX and EX only.

Third generation

A redesigned CR-V will be launched for the 2007 model year. It will share its chassis with the Acura RDX. Details remain scarce; however, Honda has a teaser website at ^* where users can request information as it becomes available.

Unlike the turbocharged RDX, the CR-V will be powered by the latest version of Honda's standard 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine. A 2.2 liter i-CTDI diesel will also be offered in the European and Asian markets and possibly in North America at a later date. Due to the success of the competing Toyota RAV4, a V6 engine may also be offered for the North American market.

For the first time, CR-V models for the North American market will be assembled locally at Honda's East Liberty, Ohio plant (the home of the Civic and Element). Previously, all CR-Vs produced for the North American market were imported from Honda's plants in Japan and the UK, where production will continue for those respective regions.

Spyshots have surfaced of the new Honda CR-V, without any disguise.

External links

Honda vehicles | Crossover SUVs | SUVs | Front wheel drive vehicles | All wheel drive vehicles