The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV
manufactured by
Honda. It was derived from the
Honda Civic platform to satisfy a public demand for an
SUV
from Honda. The name CR-V stands for "Compact Recreational
Vehicle". It is available in both
all wheel drive and
front wheel drive.
Honda produces CR-Vs in the
United Kingdom and
Japan for the American market. 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.
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Contents
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1
Overview
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2
First generation
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3
First generation, version 2
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4
Second generation
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5
Second generation, version 2
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6
External links
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Overview
The CR-V was Honda's first in-house
designed SUV and was originally intended only to be a niche
vehicle. It was introduced in
Japan in
1996. There was hesitant effort to market the vehicle
since many felt the car did not have potential to sell
alongside its predecessor the
Honda Passport. It was displayed for the first time on
American soil at the
1996
Chicago Auto Show. Citing strong sales from the
comparable
Toyota RAV4 upon its release, it was then brought to the
American market in February
1997. Shortly afterwards, CR-V sales outpaced those of
the RAV4, and has maintained strong sales and accolades ever
since.
First generation
The original CR-V design spanned from
1997 to
1998. Its introduction had only one model trim which
would later be known as the LX model trim. The engine
for the original CR-V would be 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 1.6 L Civic engine, but with a one piece cylinder
liner to increase displacement. Body 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, but the US model
lacked this. A major difference between the LX and EX trims
was that the EX had
anti-lock brakes and 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. The fuel economy and price of the overall
vehicle were not affected by this increase. The increase in
power was due to 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
auto transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that
allowed the driver to lock the transmission in 3rd gear to
provide power for passing and/or merging. The interior
upholstery was improved for longer trips in the CR-V; as
some consumers felt that the support provided by the seats
was inadequate for longer trips. The cloth on the seats were
redesigned to have a much more attractive pattern.
The 1999 European and Australian 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 finally added to the list of paint
choices, while the unpopular "Passion Orange" disappeared. A
new deeper blue and red replaced their old equivalents.
European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the
front grille, and the addition of a metallic yellow paint
color in certain countries. Upscale "Sport" models featured
body-colored bumpers and fittings, an electric sunroof, ABS
brakes, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, and hard spare tire
cover.
In 2000, an SE (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 recieved new exterior colours including
the introduction of the Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta
White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace the
Submarine Blue Pearl and the Satin Silver Metallic in 2001,
replacing the Sebring Silver Metallic. However, in 2001,
sales of the
Ford Escape and its clone the
Mazda Tribute were higher than the CR-V.
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, and was now based on the 7th generation Civic.
Since
2002, the Honda CR-V has come with the
K24 engine. The new engine produces 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. The engine uses
i-VTEC to implement variable engine timings over the
complete range of engine throttle. This improves power and
torque at lower engine revolutions as well at higher
revolutions. The engine still retains the same fuel economy
of previous CR-V engines. Suspension for the next generation
CR-V was changed to 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 CR-V
features a newly developed chassis with increased torsional
rigidity and bending rigidity. The second generation CR-V
was
Car and Driver magazine's
Best Small SUV for 2002 and 2003.
Changes between model years were very
minor. ABS brakes finally became standard on the 2003 model
CR-V, and a new color - Zircon Blue (a light metallic blue)
was added. 2004 model CR-Vs added cruise control to the list
of equipment, while Zircon Blue was dropped.
In Australia, the second generation CR-V
again became the country's best-selling SUV in 2002, however
in recent years its popularity has decreased due to fierce
competition from Nissan, Toyota, and Subaru.
Second generation, version 2
Image:Hondacr-vfront.jpg
For 2005, the CR-V received a minor
update. 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 have amber for the
turn signals; they are now red and white in color. The rear
bumper reflectors were also changed; they became more narrow
and longer. The grille has also been changed; it has 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 was also
satellite radio-ready. All CR-Vs also have revised rear
seat headrests, which have been redesigned to reduce blind
spots.
Mechanically, the 2005 CR-V has also
changed. A major change includes a drive-by-wire throttle
for all CR-Vs. The four wheel drive system has been
improved; it has been tuned to activate faster in low
traction situations. Also, a new five-speed
automatic transmission was added, for improved fuel
economy.
In the United States, in accordance with
Honda's "Safety for Everyone" campaign, every 2005 CR-V has
anti-lock brakes, front airbags, side airbags for front
passengers, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors
for all outboard occupants. Also, electronic brake
distribution, and stability control have been added and are
equipped on all CR-Vs. 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, Honda added the SE trim level for the
2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE has body-colored bumpers, body side
molding, and spare tire cover. Honda also added a leather
interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side
mirrors, and heated front seats. A new color, Pewter Pearl
is only available on the SE model.
In late 2005, Honda Australia reduced
retail pricing on the entry-level CR-V by $2,000, due to an
"improved exchange rate with the Japanese Yen", according to
a press release. In reality, however, it is most likely due
to decreasing sales. This is the first official price drop
on the CR-V since its 1997 introduction.
For 2006 model, 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.
Honda CR-V
