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2007 Honda CR-V Road Test

Is It Good Enough to Remain Number One in Global Sales?

If you happen to own a compact sport utility vehicle, chances are good that its a Honda CR-V. Its the best selling compact SUV in the world, after all, with more than two and a half million sold since it debuted in 1995.

Despite being in its final year of production, the current 2006 CR-V continued to sell well right up until the changeover to the 2007 model. If you combine general increased interest in the crossover market segment, expected to grow by 15 percent this coming year, most of which is focused on compact SUVs, its no wonder Honda is so bullish about the new models potential for success, despite the heavy competition in the compact crossover market segment.

Part of the reason I think Honda will meet its goals for the

The worlds best selling SUV has just gotten a whole lot better. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann American Auto Press)

new model is because of the current CR-Vs extremely high owner satisfaction index. More than 20 percent of the popular SUVs buyers repurchase it two or more times in a row, an astounding number.

Not taking the loyalties of its CR-V customers lightly, Honda has reinvented the popular model for 2007. Its wider than the old model, and longer bumper to bumper (although not when you factor in the old CR-Vs rear-mounted spare tire), plus its also roomier than its predecessor, while the

All-new CR-V is larger, roomier, better performing, more stylish and more convenient. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

interior has been refined, its driving dynamics upgraded and overall its much safer.

Before I delve too much further into what makes the 2007 CR-V a formidable player in the compact SUV segment, its probably best to take a look at why this type of vehicle is selling so well right now. Obviously, high fuel prices are causing consumers to take notice of smaller vehicles overall, and those that need to haul more people or stuff are looking to the compact and midsize crossover segments to fill the bill. Thats why were seeing more seven-seaters

Decent ground clearance and optional 4WD allows CR-V access to areas cars dare to tread. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

in these classes, like Toyotas RAV4 and Hyundais Santa Fe. Honda already has the midsize Pilot, however, and didnt see the need to stretch its CR-V to unwieldy proportions in order to fit in a third row, knowing full well that it would not only compromise second row roominess but would merely be useful for the pre-teen crowd anyway. The result is a new CR-V that bucks current trends and only seats five.

Personally, I like this new breed of crossover due to a general ease of use. Even getting inside of the CR-V, for instance, takes less effort than either sliding down into a low-slung

A more pleasing interior moves the CR-V up the desirability ladder a rung or two. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

car seat or climbing high into an off-road capable SUV, with the seating height near perfect for most peoples body types. Once inside, the taller seating position gives the driver greater command over the road and surrounding vehicles, with better visibility than conventional cars, just like with rival crossover SUVs. The CR-Vs abundance of glass makes sure such an advantage doesnt go wasted, and despite rear windows that are narrower than those of its predecessor, its fairly easy to see around the vehicle... and even easier thanks to a top-tier option that Ill get around to telling you about in a minute.
One of the things I liked about the outgoing CR-V was its unique

All switchgear is really nicely put together and conveniently laid out. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

sense of interior style, and the new one wont disappoint those who like solid reliability served up with a touch of individuality. It appears more Acura-like than any previous Honda, with more leather and bright metallic trim in top-line models, plus seriously high quality switchgear. Theres nothing particularly fancy about the HVAC system, but those in colder climates will appreciate the large primary knobs that can even be used while wearing thick gloves. The large buttons complement the design, and feel well made thanks to very little side-to-side play.

Base models get an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA-compatible audio head unit with an auxiliary plug for external devices like portable MP3 players or iPods, while a six-disc CD player integrated into

Under the hood is a more powerful four-cylinder for decent acceleration and excellent fuel economy. (Photo: Devin Lund, American Auto Press)

a much better looking interface can be had with upgraded trim levels. Top-of-the-line CR-Vs get an impressive 270-watt unit with all of the same features of the entry-level stereo plus that integrated 6-disc changer, a digital audio card reader, six speakers and a subwoofer. The system also includes navigation with voice recognition, a rearview camera (yes, the special option that I mentioned earlier) and steering wheel controls to manage it all.

And that steering wheel stands out in this class, not only due to the handy buttons that include switches for setting the cruise control at the right, but also because of its unique design. The indents for the thumbs are comfortable to grip, and its good solid construction made me feel like I was driving a sport sedan rather than an SUV.

Speaking of driving,

The CR-V handles pavement well... (Photo: Devin Lund, American Auto Press)

the new CR-V isnt quite a sports sedan, but it performs extremely well for a vehicle in this class. Still, if you were thinking that Honda would succumb to the pressure of adding its wonderful 3.5-liter V6 to the lineup, like it did with Saturns VUE, or another cog to the automatic gearbox, like archrival Toyota has with its new RAV4, you might be a bit disappointed. Once again the only engine is Hondas practical and fuel efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 166-hp and 161 lb-ft of torque, plus the transmission that puts power down to the road only gets five forward speeds. And incidentally, theres no manual transmission anymore, due to little interest from buyers.

Theres ample power for performing daily duties, in case you were wondering, while Hondas fuel economy estimate is 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway with front-wheel drive (22 and 28 respectively with AWD) - very good

.... although its all-wheel drive and traction control give it grip on slippery surfaces too. (Photo: Devin Lund, American Auto Press)

for this class. Still, during testing we only ever had two people on board and nothing more than camera equipment for cargo, so its difficult to say how it will accelerate when fully laden.

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