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Honda CR-V sport-utility wagon acts more like a little sedan
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Don't be fooled by the latest new sport-utility wagon by Honda to land in America -- it thinks it's a car.
Whereby the typical rough-and-tumble sport-ute behaves like a truck because its chassis comes from one, Honda's new wagon begins with the platform of the compact-class Civic sedan, and many of its mechanical systems, such as the highly controllable double wishbone suspension, also show up on various products in Honda's car line.
And while some SUVs in the compact class skimp on interior fittings for passengers, the cabin of Honda's new wagon seems as comfortable and convenient as its minivan.
The name explains all: Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.
For simplicity, Honda shortens it to CR-V.
Concepts for this wagon that rides like a car and functions like a minivan came out of the Japanese market, where smallness for a vehicle on Japan's crowded streets is far better than bigness, and perks for comfort and convenience remain a paramount demand.
The CR-V became such a sales sensation in Honda's motherland during its debut year that the decision was made to ship ashore a single-trim LX version outfitted with left-hand drive for the American market.
Yet the arrival of CR-V means Honda now offers two sport-utility vehicles because American Honda will continue to market the 4-door Passport, which is built for Honda at an Indiana assembly plant shared by two other Japan-based automakers, Isuzu and Subaru.
To segment the new CR-V with its 4-cylinder powertrain from Passport, Honda deleted the entry-level Passport DX to focus solely on versions equipped with 6-cylinder engines, an act which pitches Passport into a range of prices well above those of CR-V.
Entry point for CR-V drops to $19,300.
For that sub-$20,000 sum, CR-V drives a competitive deal because the wagon stocks a number of mechanical measures like an automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system which typically become pricy add-on options.
It also piles on the conveniences, in the Honda manner, from air conditioning and power operation for windows and door locks to bonus items like a Micron Air Filtration system and extra 12-volt power port in the back bay.
The CR-V stands tall and looks tough, like a sport-ute should, and it applies protective cladding to the lower body so it seems like it's rooted to the earth. Boxy wagon lines have been softened by making curves in transitional corners, with B pillars blackened to de-emphasize the 4-door format.
At the back, a novel 2-piece gate provides access to the rear storage bay by opening in two ways. The top glass, hinged at the top, swings up for quick entry for items like groceries, while the lower metal door with side hinge swings out of the way to the side for loading larger objects.
The interior creates space for five people in a layout with twin front bucket seats separated by console and followed by a bench that's ideal for two riders but still functional for three in a pinch.
Front buckets provide high backs and look and feel like seats of a plush minivan.
That rear seatback folds to expand cargo space in the rear storage section, and an optional split folding seatback is also available.
With rear seatback raised, the storage section contains about 30 cubic feet of space, and there's a waterproof recess concealed below the floor level. The lid of this hidden section may be removed and, with fold-up legs deployed, used as an impromptu miniature picnic table.
Overall organization for CR-V begins on the platform borrowed from the Japanese version of Civic with wheelbase of 103.2 inches. A rigid car-like steel unibody forms a firm superstructure that varies from the typical body-on-frame construction of trucks and wagons with inherent squeaks and rattles.
Wheels stand at corners of the CR-V structure to set up its broad and stable stance.
Then attach fully independent A-arm suspension elements and the result becomes that car-like ride quality.
Honda's variable power assistance for the rack and pinion steering device means CR-V will turn easily with even a light touch to the wheel. It's also quick to cut so you may toss this wagon around a corner or squeeze it into a narrow parking spot without difficulty.
Unlike some complicated 4-wheel-drive systems which require a lot of switches and decisions from the driver, Honda's device functions as a no-brainer because it's always engaged and working to maximize traction.
Under normal road conditions, the mechanism directs the engine's power to front wheels, so CR-V behaves like a front-wheel-drive car with sticky front tires pulling the vehicle through a curve.
However, when pavement conditions become slippery, such as during a puddle-producing rain storm or when coated with snow or ice, the on-board hydraulic system may automatically redistribute power from front to rear wheels if sensors detect that front tires are turning at a faster rate than the rear ones.
The 4-wheel-drive system also enables CR-V to venture off-pavement with traction confidence, and a ground clearance of more than eight inches enables the wagon to clear small rocks and trail debris.
Note, though, that the absence of protective undercarriage plates and a lockable differential with low-gear range signify that CR-V's 4x4 intent is to improve traction on pavement.
To propel the CR-V, Honda created a new 2.0-liter in-line-4 engine expanded from the Acura Integra 1.8-liter version. This application, outfitted with dual overhead cams, produces 126 horsepower.
It feels lively with stop-light acceleration but still musters muscle at speed to instill confidence for passing.
The 4-speed automatic transmission behaves like a smooth Civic shifter and adds a "grade logic" shift point governor which selects third and fourth gear settings after measuring such variables as throttle position, road speed and rates of acceleration and deceleration.
With automatic shifting and 4-wheeling, the car-like ride quality and power controls for all functions, CR-V performs all tasks nice and easy -- like any other Honda.
1997 HONDA CR-V
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 HONDA CRV Specs |
| Description: |
Compact 4-door SUV |
| Model Options: |
Compact 4-door SUV |
| Wheelbase: |
103.2 inches |
| Overall Length: |
176.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.0-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
AWD |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum, opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/25 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 19,300 to $ 21,000 |
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