Honda CRV History

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a Crossover SUV, a type of automobile, 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 "Comfortable Runabout 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 United States market. Production will move to one of its Ohio plants in 2006.

Overview

The CR-V was Honda's first in-house designed sport utility vehicle. It 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 US soil at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show. Citing strong sales from the comparable Toyota RAV4 upon its release, it was then brought to the US market in February of 1997. Shortly afterwards CR-V sales outpaced those of the RAV4, and has maintained strong sales and accolades ever since.

Generation 1

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. Powerplant for the original CR-V would be the 2.0 liter B20B engine producing 126 hp (94 kW) and 133 ft·lbf (180 N·m) of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the 1.6 liter Civic engine, but with a one piece cylinder liner to increase displacement. Body was a unit body design with 4-wheel double wishbone suspension. Internal trim was upholstry for all models. Rear seats of the vehicle were able to fold down. A picnic table was stowed in the rear floor area. Common external trait that was visible with this generation was plastic cladding covering the front bumper, rear bumper, and fender wells. A major difference between the LX and EX trim was that the EX had ABS and the LX trim did not.

Generation 1.5

Although the body style remained the same as Generation 1, an update for the CR-V from 1998 to 2001 was in response to criticism of the original engine lacking enough power for a vehicle of about 3200 pounds (1450 kg). The engine was changed to the 2.0 liter B20Z engine producing 146 hp (108 kW) and 133 ft·lbf (180 N·m) of torque. The fuel economy and price of the overall vehicle were not affected by this increase. The increase in power is 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. The interior cloth was improved for longer trips in the CR-V. Some consumers felt that the support provided by the seats was inadequate for longer trips. Up to 2001, the CR-V sold more than other vehicles in its class. However in 2001 sales of the Ford Escape and its clone the Mazda Tribute had sold more.

Generation 2

The second generation of the CR-V was a full restyle of the small truck based on the latest Civic chassis. Since 2002, the Honda CR-V has come with the next evolution in Honda engines, the K24 engine. The new engine produces 160 hp (119 kW) and 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) of torque. 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 rear reactive link double wishbone. The compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 cubic feet (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.

Generation 2.5

For 2005, the CR-V received its Minor Model Change. The 2005 CR-V also comes with 16 inch (406 mm) wheels; earlier models had 15 inch (381 mm) wheels. Another visual change are the tailights, which no longer have amber for the turn signals. They are now red and white in color. The grill has also been changed, it has 3 horizontal bars instead of one. Lastly, the low beams and high beams use dedicated bulbs, as opposed to a shared bulb in the prior setup. Following Honda's Safety for Everyone campaign, every 2005 CR-V has ABS, front airbags, side airbags for front passengers, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. Also, Electronic Brake Distribution, and Vehicle Stability Assist is equipped on all trims of the car.

Following the tradition of adding a higher trim level at the Minor Model Change like the 1st generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The SE CR-V has painted bumpers and molding, as well as a leather interior, heated front seats, and outside temperature monitor. A new color, Pewter Pearl can only be found on the SE model.

For the 2006 model year, two new colors are being added, which are Royal Blue Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic. These colors are available on the LX and EX CR-Vs only.

Speculation for Generation 3

1) More power. There is speculation that a V6 will be offered. The new Rav4 will be offered with a 3.5 V6 with 268hp.

2) Navigation system offered.