Honda Crossroad
The Honda Crossroad refers to two specific types of SUVs made by Honda. One of them is a rebadged Land Rover Discovery Series I SUV[1] while the other is a completely different vehicle distinct from the rebadged Discovery Series I.
Honda Crossroad (Rebadged)
| Honda Crossroad (Rebadged) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Also called | Land Rover Discovery Series I |
| Production | October, 1993-1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | FR layout/All wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.9 L 180 hp V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,540 mm (100.0 in) |
| Length | 4,535 mm (178.5 in) |
| Width | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Height | 1,950 mm (76.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,970 kg (4,340 lb) |
http://web.archive.org/web/20040820204748/http://www.roverclub.se/lre.html
Honda rebadged and marketed the Crossroad when market research indicated that SUVs were becoming popular.[2][3] Honda bought the rights to the Discovery Series I from Land Rover and had it placed in the Japanese SUV market for a short time before the partnership ended when BMW bought Land Rover.[2] Some of them had been sold as well to New Zealand.[4]
With the end of the Crossroad in the Japanese SUV market due to the termination of Honda's partnership with Land Rover, Honda replaced the Crossroad with its CR-V.[5]
The Crossroad had been marketed for a short time in Japan from October, 1993[6] [7] to 1998.
Problems
Problems had emerged regarding the marketing of the Crossroad in Japan. For instance, Honda had threatened to end ties with Rover after it received news that it was sold to BMW.[8] In 1997, a recall was issued by Honda on the advise of Ministry of Transportation due to a malfunction locking mechanism on the SUV's driver-side front door that could make the vehicle open while driving.[9] Around 4,754 vehicles made from July 1995 to December 1996 were affected by the recall.[9]
Honda Crossroad (reintroduction)
| Honda Crossroad (reintroduction) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 2008-2010 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mini SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | FF layout/All wheel drive |
| Related | Honda Stream 2nd Gen |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8L 140 hp I4 2.0L 150 hp I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
The Honda Crossroad name was reused as a new crossover SUV, released for the Japanese market in February 2007 for the 2008 model year. The Crossroad features three rows of seats capable of accommodating up to 7 passengers. It replaces the Honda HR-V for the Japanese market.
Under the hood, the Crossroad sports one of two 4-cylinder engines of 1.8 and 2.0L in displacement. Both will be mated to the only available transmission: a 5-speed automatic. Honda's Real-Time AWD system has been thoroughly revised for the Crossroad. It now works in conjunction with stability and traction control as well as ABS brakes. For the first time in a Honda, the Crossroad will be equipped with Hill-Start Assist which temporarily maintains brake pressure after the brake pedal is released when starting on a hill. Under normal driving conditions, the Crossroad behaves as a FWD vehicle.
According to AutoWeek, Honda said it won't import the Crossroad to North America, since their similarly-sized Element takes its place.[10] Honda's crossover SUV lineup in the United States and Canada already has the smaller Element, the mid-priced CR-V and the larger Pilot, as all three models are made in North America.
As of August 2010 the Crossroad has been discontinued. [11]
References
- ^ "Unofficial Discovery Page". Retrieved 2009-04-20. [dead link]
- ^ a b "FIRST LOOKS: Honda Crossroad". Motor Trader. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ^ "Honda Crossroad: Top Nine Whacked-Out Automotive Rebadges Gallery". Retrieved 2009-04-20.[dead link]
- ^ "Land Rover". Archived from the original on 2004-08-20. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
- ^ "Crossroad" (in German). Archived from the original on 2007-02-25. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ Michael Harrison (1994-02-22). "Divorce will cost both partners dear". The Independent. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ Michael Harrison (1993-11-08). "Land-Rover on track to enter new pastures: Michael Harrison on a breakthrough that reverses the European trend of laying off workers". The Independent. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ Michael Harrison (1994-02-03). "Honda to decide next week if it will sever ties with Rover". The Independent. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ a b Paul Dever (1997-02-24). "Rover Japan Recalls Land Rover Discovery and Honda Crossroad". Kyodo News. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- ^ "Crossroad Won't Cross Over". AutoWeek. Retrieved February 27, 2007.
- ^ "Crossroad Discontinued". Honda Japan. Retrieved August 25, 2010.
