Honda CR-V

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Production	2001—2006
Body and chassis
Related	Honda Civic; Honda Element; Honda Integra
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L I4; 2.2 L turbodiesel I4; 2.4 L I4
Transmission	5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2620 mm (103.0 in); 2625 mm (103.3 in) (post-facelift)
Length	4535 mm (178.6 in); 4600 mm (181.1 in) (post-facelift)
Width	1785 mm (70.2 in)
Height	1680 mm (66.2 in)

First generation
First generation
Overview
Production	1996—2001
Body and chassis
Related	Honda Civic; Honda Integra
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L B20B I4; 2.0 L ' 'B20Z I4
Transmission	5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Hybrid drivetrain	FWD; Real Time™ 4WD
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2620 mm (103.2 in)
Length	4510 mm (177.6 in)
Width	1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1675 mm (65.9 in)

Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1996—present
Assembly	East Liberty, Ohio (North America); Jalisco, Mexico (North America starting Fall 2007); Swindon, England (Europe); Suzuka, Japan (International Markets), Thailand
Body and chassis
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1996. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic 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 UK reportedly makes references to "Compact Recreational Vehicle", other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book [1] and Honda Worldwide [2]) 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 lack of demand for lower specification vehicles and higher consumer expectations.

Honda produces CR-Vs in the United Kingdom and Japan for worldwide markets, and as of 2007, North American CR-Vs are produced in East Liberty, Ohio. The CR-V is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Honda. Starting in fall 2007, North American CR-Vs will also be produced in Jalisco, Mexico in addition to the US, Japan, and Britain due to high demand. Honda executives considered making the CR-V as one of the first vehicles to be produced at Honda's new facility currently under construction in Greensburg, Indiana that will open in fall 2008; however, the facility will initially exclusively produce the Civic, which may free up space in East Liberty for CR-V production from the 2009 model year onward. Elsewhere, the CR-V is Honda's smallest SUV other than the related Element sold in the United States and Canada, and the HR-V sold in Europe. In size, the CR-V slots between the Element and Pilot.

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 (1997-2001)

The original CR-V lasted from 1997 to 1998. In Japan, it would replace the Crossroad, which was based on the Land Rover Discovery. 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·lbf (180 N·m) of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine was bored out to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine utilized a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine due to overlapping 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 and 15 inch alloy wheels while the LX did not. Drive train options were: front wheel drive, or Honda's Real Time™ 4WD where the vehicle normally operates in front wheel drive with power tranfered to the rear wheels when front wheel slip is detected.

Facelift

Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update for the CR-V made 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) @ 6200 rpm and 133 ft·lbf (180 N·m) @ 4500 rpm of torque. Fuel economy of 22 mpg City/25 mpg Highway (US) 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 the first three gears to provide power for passing and climbing grades. 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 any other vehicle in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colors 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. The Hyundai Santa Fe (also introduced in 2001), one of the CR-V's competitors, had also become successful.

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 seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24 engine. North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (119 kW) and 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same engine is now rated at 156 hp and 160 ft·lbf. 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-colored bumpers and fittings. It also now did not require the glass hatch to be opened before the swinging door. Changes between model years 2002, 2003, and 2004 were very minor.

In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-model refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16 inch wheels; earlier models had 15 inch wheels. Another visual change included the taillights, which no longer had amber for the turn signals. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower. The grille was also changed; it had 2 horizontal bars instead of one. Lastly, the low beams and high beams used dedicated bulbs, as opposed to a shared bulb in the prior setup.

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted 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 had been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage.

Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The four-wheel drive 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 were added and were standard equipment on all trim levels. CR-Vs in other countries such as Australia continued with only dual airbags and ABS as standard equipment. Side airbags were optional, while curtain airbags were 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 had painted bumpers, body side molding, and spare tire cover. For a more luxurious experience, Honda added a leather interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated front seats. A new color, Pewter Pearl, could only be found on the SE. The SE also included a hard body-colored cover for the spare tire on the back.

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

Third generation

Third generation

Overview
Production	2007—present
Body and chassis
Related	Honda Civic Honda Element
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L I4 2.2 L turbo diesel I4 2.4 L I4
Transmission	6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2620 mm (103.1 in.)
Length	4520 mm (177.9 in.)
Width	1820 mm (71.6 in.)
Height	1680 mm (66.1 in.)

A redesigned CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. The redesigned CR-V made its auto show debut at the 2006 Paris Auto Show.

The third generation CR-V is powered by the latest version of Honda's standard K-series 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine, similar variants of which can also be found in the current-generation Honda Accord and Honda Element. A 2.4 L engine upgraded to 166 hp is used in the North American market. A 2.2 L i-CTDI diesel is offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market Honda CR-V offers a new R20A 2.0 L engine, based on the Honda R-series i-VTEC SOHC engine found in the Honda Civic, as opposed to the previous CR-V offering the K20A.

Previously, all CR-Vs produced for the North American market are imported from Honda's plants in Japan and the UK, where production will continue for those respective regions.

The 2007 CR-V features a real liftgate, unlike previous models. There is no longer a spare wheel attached to the back door. The new CR-V is lower, wider and shorter than the previous models; the length decrease stems mostly from the fact that the spare wheel no longer adds length to the back of the vehicle. A lowering of the center of gravity is another benefit of the spare wheel being located underneath the rear floor.

Honda is also offering an integrated Navigation option on the EX-L model. The navigation unit is made for Honda by Alpine and includes voice activated control, XM radio, in dash CD player that can play MP3's and WMA's. It also has a 6 Disc CD changer in the center console and a PC Card (PCMCIA) slot in the Nav unit for flash memory MP3 or WMA files. A rear backup camera is also included.

An iPod adapter was to be an available option on US models, but is currently only available as an add-on accessory. Even so, all CR-V models still have the auxiliary audio input jack, which is either on the head unit itself (on the LX and EX) or inside the center console (all versions of the EX-L, with or without navigation).

External links