Third generation
A redesigned CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. 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. In North American markets, this engine’s power is rated at 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb?ft (218 N?m) at 4,200 rpm.[4] A 2.2 L i-CTDI diesel engine is offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market CR-V offers a new R20A 2.0 L petrol 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. Since the introduction of a newer, 5-speed automatic transmission, which sports a higher MPG rating and smoother shifting, the manual transmission has been dropped from the US market. Fuel economy ratings from the EPA are 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) city, 26 mpg-US(9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) highway. Consumer Reports rates fuel economy as 19 mpg-US(12 L/100 km; 23 mpg-imp) city, 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) highway.
Unlike previous models, the 2007 CR-V features a rear liftgate and no longer has the spare wheel attached to the back door. The new CR-V is lower, wider, and shorter than the previous models; the length decrease is attributed mostly to 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 cargo area. A feature unique amongst SUVs is the center rear seat pass-through.
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 the USA and Canada), in dash CD player that can play MP3 and WMA media. It also has a six-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 second CD player is behind the navigation screen, this CD player plays MP3/WMA cds. A rear backup camera is also included.[5]
An iPod adapter was to be an available option on US models, but is currently only available as an add-on accessory. All CR-V models still have the auxiliary audio input jack, which is either on the head unit itself (LX), on the central tray (EX), or inside the center console (all versions of the EX-L, with or without navigation).
For 2007, Honda CR-V became one of the ten best selling vehicles of the year, outselling competitors like RAV4, Escape and Tahoe by tens of thousands.[6] It even overtook Ford Explorer, which had held the title for fifteen years (1991?2006), to be the number-one selling SUV in the US.[7] To meet the high demand, Honda shifted some Civic production from East Liberty, Ohio to Alliston Plant #2, Ontario[8] (where some Pilot, Ridgeline, andOdyssey production was located until production was consolidated at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama facility) to free up space for additional CR-V production. Currently, the East Liberty plant is building 400+ CR-Vs a day for the Canadian and US markets. US market CR-V models are imported primarily from Sayama, Saitama, Japan and El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico in increasing numbers. In 2008, CR-V continued to be top ten bestseller and best selling SUV of the year in the U.S.[9] Since its introduction in 1997, there were more than 215,000 CR-V sold in Canada.[10]
Honda CR-V (Philippine Spec)
For the 2010 model year, the CR-V receives modest style, powertrain, and equipment changes. The exterior changes include a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. The rear bumper is also redesigned, as well as new five split-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L models. The interior gains minor changes, such as improved seat fabrics, and wider driver & front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls are altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges is blue instead of the previous black. USB audio input is standard in the EX-L trim while hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is exclusive to the EX-L trim equipped with navigation system.
Horsepower is increased from 166 to 180 for 2010 and mileage is improved by 1 MPG for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. EPA ratings are now 21/28 MPG city/highway and 21/27 MPG city/highway respectively. Prices are increased between $300 and $900 depending on trim level. The 2010 model has gone on sale in the United States on September 10, 2009.
Second generation
The second generation CR-V was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24A1 engine. North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (120 kW) and 162 lb?ft (220 N?m) of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same engine is now rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 160 ft?lbf (220 N?m). 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 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 cu ft (2,000 l). The second generation CR-V was Car and Drivermagazine’s Best Small SUV for 2002 and 2003. Second generation CR-Vs in countries outside of North America were again offered in both ‘low specification’ and ‘high specification’ 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. The success of the CR-V prompted Honda to introduce an entry-level SUV, the Element.
It is reported that in late 2003, Honda took legal action against Shuanghuan of China accusing its Laibao SRV of copying CR-V’s exterior design.[3]
First generation
The original CR-V’s production lasted from 1996 to 2001. 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 straight-4 B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) and 133 lb?ft (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 had a larger 84 mm bore 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. Drivetrain options were: front-wheel drive or Honda’s Real Time 4WD.