Globe and Mail: CR-V an SUV you can count on

Here's a nice look at the 2007 Honda CRV, (not much has changed from this to 2010) ....
Since its introduction to the North American market in 1996, the Honda CR-V has been a consistently strong seller for the Japanese company and, as things turned out, one of the most reliable cars on the road. In 2007, Consumer Reports ranked it as the second-most-dependable compact SUV on the market, and it is sold in countries around the world.

Not hard to understand why. The CR-V was, and is, the epitome of driver-friendliness. Easy to drive, comfortable, dependable, affordable, thrifty and versatile. It’s not the kind of vehicle that makes you sit up and bark, but for mainstream buyers, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.

In 2007, the CR-V underwent some changes. It became more powerful and larger, got a restyling job and was more refined than before. It was offered with 2WD or AWD, and fuel consumption on the AWD was only a titch higher than the FWD version.

Engine output was now up some six hp over 2006, and transmission choice was a five-speed automatic only. Honda called the AWD system on the CR-V “Real Time” 4WD and it was about as unobtrusive as these arrangements get, with a front-drive bias until the wheels need more traction, at which point a power takeoff unit located adjacent to the transmission sends more torque to the back wheels via a driveshaft. This was definitely not a heavy-duty 4WD setup, but it has always done the job.

Aside from its almost ironclad dependability, one of the CR-V’s strongest selling points has been its drivability and user-friendliness. From the beginning, this has been one of the most car-like SUVs on the market, and it is no surprise that a sizable proportion of CR-V buyers are female.

It’s also safe to say that most typical CR-V buyers place reliability and value for money over things like engine displacement, towing capacity, or how quickly you can get from zero to 100 km. Then, as now, the CR-V is the compact-ute for people who don’t really care about cars. Coincidentally, one of my neighbours bought a CR-V new in 1997 and sold it last year, with almost 400,000 trouble-free kilometres on the odometer. “It was still running like a clock when I sold it,” she said.

The CR-V came in two basic trim levels in 2007: LX and EX. Equipment level was reasonably high on the LX, and you got air conditioning, power door locks, power seats, tilt/telescoping steering, remote keyless entry, 60/40-folding rear seats and a full roster of safety features for its $27,700 base price. You could also order things like leather interior, heated front seats and a DVD-based navi system with the top-of-the-line EX-L model. One handy little feature: front-seat armrests.

With the rear sets folded down, the CR-V provided some 2,064 litres of total cargo space. This was less than the same vintage of Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Santa Fe, but for most people in this market, it was all they needed. Honda has known from the beginning what compact SUV buyers look for and the CR-V has always given it to them.

No safety recalls to report either from Transport Canada or the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA, however, does list 12 technical service bulletins for this vintage of CR-V. These include windshield wipers that won’t “park” correctly, front-seat issues and incorrect labelling. There was also that false odometer reading class action suit with some vehicles, but Honda dealt with it.

Tagging the 2007 CR-V as a “Best Bet,” Consumer Reports has good things to say about this compact SUV virtually right across the board. It gets the magazine’s highest marks for predicted reliability, although road noise is a common complaint from owners. Comments include: “rough ride,” “body trim is fragile” and “uncomfortable front seats.”

Aside from some minor gripes regarding lacklustre performance, market research firm J.D. Power gives the 2007 CR-V high marks in virtually all categories. As well as garnering this organization’s awards for “Most Dependable Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle,” “Highest Ranked Multi-Activity Vehicle In Initial Quality” and “Most Appealing Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle,” the 2007 CR-V get top marks from J.D. Power for overall dependability.

No great surprise then to learn that the CR-V has held its value well. You’ll be lucky to find a base 2WD model for less than $16,000 these days, and a well-appointed EX-L fetches at least $20,000.

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/used-cars/used-cars-archive/cr-v-an-suv-you-can-count-on/article1669343/

Canadian Driver: Inside Story: 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L

Inside Story is a review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility based on a seven-day evaluation.

Review and photos by Michael Clark
Sniff! Sniff! I smell mini-van.

Something wickedly interesting has been coming this way for ‘utes, be they cute, brute, or otherwise. Hang on to your hats; we are witnessing the next evolution of the family truckster. It may not seem like much of a news flash for the latest incarnation of the Honda CR-V, until you start poking around inside, and poking around the primordial soup pond at other makes. Four-cylinder mills are becoming respectable choices. Second-row sunroofs? Power tailgates? “Station Wagon: The Next Generation” with a much-needed dash of mini-van sensibility. The Omni-ute?
While you wrestle with the philosophy, I’ll assess the CR-V EX-L edition, with an MSRP of $35,190. (Prices shown do not include freight, taxes, regional or promotional incentives.)

The CR-V’s three-spoke wheel provides tilt and telescoping positioning, with spoke-mounted tabs for audio and cruise control. The gauge pod is a crisp read, with average fuel economy metering, outside temperature, and digital bar sweeps for engine temperature and fuel level.

The driver’s door pod houses an auto Up/Down switch for the driver pane. Power mirrors and Vehicle Stability Assist controls are dash-mounted, to the left of the driver. The exterior mirrors are heated, when the electric defrost switch is engaged. EX-L trim adds the auto dual zone HVAC system. The audio head unit includes a six-CD stacker. The parking brake is a floor pedal mount, with no snag issues encountered, even with the positioning to the right-hand of the dead pedal support. The five-speed automatic is without a manu-gate, though the upper ranges can be locked out as required.

In the “Scratching Fingers Down Blackboard Department”, the sound of the rear wiper in heavy rain mimics the aural quality of the Tripods in the latest War of the Worlds rendering. This would be the sound that occurs right before unsuspecting humanoids are turned into instant coffee. Another continuing Honda sniggle is the omission of an auto detent for the headlamp switch.

Cubbies!
You know those gloveboxes that are like, two gloveboxes? The non-locking top unit includes a rubber anti-rattle pad, with the bottom locking storage overwhelmed by the owner’s lit. Note the handy Quick Start Guide, which every vehicle should possess. There is an abundance of storage portals, though many are open to prybar eyes. The front doors have a smaller coin-sized gully, which steps down to a larger pocket, next to a bottle-specific cavity. The rear doors have a Hot Wheels-sized gully, and a bottle holder. Below the HVAC controls are two open cubbies, plus a 12-volt DC powerpoint. An open flock-lined dash-mount cubby is found to the left of the driver.

The centre console has a definite van feel, separated from the centre stack. Cinchless cupholders draw redemption with good depth. A flip-top cubby next to the cups is perfect for cell phone stow. The rear compartment has a roll-top style door, with a rubber floor pad, 12-volt DC powerpoint, and the auxiliary audio input. Rear seatbacks are fitted with storage pockets, while the rear centre armrest reveals two cinchless cupholders.

Seat Treat
The driver’s seat gets eight-way power adjustment, plus a power lumbar bladder. Front seats enjoy two-step heating. Comfort is assured for rear seat passengers, with reclination available for all three seating positions. Fore and aft travel can make the difference for cargo conundrums that occur with a full suite of passengers.

The Overhead
Dim is the term best used to describe the omission of an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror at this price level. The sunglasses holder does double duty, with a conversation mirror detent. The darkness continues, with unlit vanity mirrors on no-slide visors. The auto sunroof uses a robust deflector. Future racking systems have plenty of attachment points.

Cargo Embargo
It would be easy to jump on the exclusion of a retractable cargo cover, until you discover the dual-deck cargo shelf system. When in place, the shelf provides additional top shelf stacking, and/or security for valuables. The shelf is simply stowed on top of the existing cargo floor footprint when not in use. Rear seatbacks can fold forward, or flip the entire seat as cargo requires. A third 12-volt DC powerpoint is found on the cargo area wall.

Spare Care
A full-sized temporary spare tire is housed below the cargo area floor, which needs to removed completely for access. Honda will change it for you, during the first three years of ownership, with no mileage limit.

The Mill
As most readers of this column know, engine placement and accessibility is a favourite topic. Not only is the 2.4-litre 166-horsepower four an accessibility treat for failure components, Honda will even let you check the automatic transmission fluid! Fuel consumption ratings are pegged at 10.7 litres per 100 km City, and 7.8 litres per 100 km Highway. During my test, which was Urban heavy, fuel economy settled in at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Not bad, considering the Real Time 4WD system underfoot.

The Verdict
When a vehicle has had a chance to shuffle through press fleets over a few years, it’s only proper that each and every auto scribe identify and assess the areas for improvement, which usually end up being addressed on the next gen. It can sometimes be a double-edged sword, when our favs are omitted on the next go-round. Note to the Honda CR-V “What’s Next Team”; sound-deadening material, and maybe a few more cubby covers is all that’s really needed, plus throw in features that are now expectations on higher-end models, such as the auto-dim mirror and Bluetooth. (Hey; why not put them together?) And pay close attention to the Omni-ute models now making a play for your market share, such as next week’s subject, the Toyota Venza.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/08/06/inside-story-2009-honda-cr-v-ex-l.htm

Road Test: 2009 Honda CR-V EX

When the compact sport-utility vehicle (a.k.a. cute-ute) craze began, Honda and its compact CR-V was one of the first players to market. Back in 1997, it was an ungainly looking box that arrived with an anemic 128-horsepower engine, four-speed automatic transmission and the bare basics in terms of standard equipment. Since those early days, the CR-V has evolved into a comfortable crossover that is offered with as many or as few amenities as any potential owner might want or need.

Swing the CR-V's door open and there's a mechanical theme to the interior - the door pulls look like oversized con rods and there's some brushed metal-like trim on the doors, dash fascia and centre stack. The EX tester also came with most of the modern conveniences, everything from the usual power toys and air conditioning to a power sunroof and a 160-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD audio system. Mind you, if you want to plug in your iPod, it will cost $340 for the i-Linc accessory, not a bright idea when most other manufacturers offer it - along with Bluetooth - as standard equipment.

The CR-V driver's lot in life is hunky-dory. The manual seat height and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments make it a snap to establish a comfortable driving position. The large side mirrors then eliminate the usual blind spots, which give the CR-V better than average sightlines. The combination makes piloting a CR-V through today's cramped urban environment a painless venture.

One of the most significant improvements in the new CR-V - and there are plenty of noteworthy upgrades - is the fact that the cargo door (which was hinged on the wrong side of the vehicle on the last- generation version) has been replaced by a proper liftgate that comes with a much needed washer and wiper. That might not seem like much, but not having to negotiate that dumb door whenever loading or unloading the vehicle curbside makes a big difference. The unspoken benefit is that when the liftgate is open it provides some welcome shelter from the elements.

The rest of the back end has been equally thought through. There's plenty of space - 35.7 cubic feet with the 60/40-split/folding rear seats upright and 72.9 cu. ft. with them flat - a flat floor, tie-downs to secure cargo and a handy privacy cover-cum-tray. The latter is a privacy cover when put in one position, and it allows two-tier storage when put in another. The CR-V would greatly benefit from an independently opening back glass and a fold-forward front passenger seat.

The CR-V comes with an invigorated 2.4-litre four- cylinder engine. Using Honda's i-VTEC system, it puts 166 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque at the driver's disposal. When fired through the five-speed automatic transmission, there's more than enough power to deliver a decent turn of speed. The CR-V clips off 100 kilometres an hour in 10.3 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h passing move in 8.7 seconds. The transmission certainly helps matters as it keeps the free-revving engine in its sweet spot where it is happy to dish out its all. The fact the shifts are impeccable is a bonus.

From here, power reaches the road through Honda's optional Real Time four-wheel-drive system ($2,000), the one item in the CR-V that would benefit from an upgrade. While it is reasonably proficient at divvying up the power and sending it to where it can best be put to use, the initial wheelspin needed to initiate the transfer of power means the electronic traction/stability control system steps in too often.

Ride and handling in the CR-V is about as good as it gets in its segment. The amount of body roll is limited to a few degrees and, as soon as the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspensions take a set, the CR-V rides out a fast on-ramp with little drama. Likewise, the feel and feedback afforded by the steering is very good. At slow speeds, its light effort makes it easy to get into a tight spot, while at speed it delivers the right sort of feel and feedback.

The same applies to the anti-lock brakes. In the past, Honda's system has tended to dive in way too early. Now, the system only steps to the fore when needed. The system also provides short 41.8-metre stops from 100 km/h. The oversized P225/65R17 tires and the grip they deliver rounds out a decent package.

If capacity, comfort and utility are the prime drivers behind a potential purchase, the CR-V EX nicely fits the bill. There is a ton of usable space, plenty of comfort and most of the right toys. It also handles well, has plenty of pep and delivers surprisingly good fuel economy - my test average for the week averaged 10.2 litres per 100 km.

The Specs:
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel-drive compact SUV
Engine: 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder
Power: 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 161 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/65R17
Price: base/as tested: $27,790/$32,690
Destination charge $1,560
Transport Canada :fuel economy L/100 km: 10.7 city, 7.8 hwy.
Standard features: Manual air conditioning with filtration, power locks,

windows and heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, cloth upholstery, manual driver's seat height adjustment, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power sunroof, rear washer/wiper, trip computer, outside temperature and average fuel consumption readouts, privacy glass, retractable centre tray table, under-seat storage bin, remote entry, engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control system.

Source;
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1596278