Cars - Honda CR-V

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	Cars - Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV 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, although in some markets such as the United Kingdom only all wheel drive is offered.

Honda produces CR-Vs in the United Kingdom and Japan for the American market. Production will move to one of its Ohio plants in 2006. The CR-V is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Honda.

Overview

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

First generation

The original CR-V design spanned from 1996 to 1998. Its introduction had only one model trim which would later be known as the LX model trim. The engine for the original CR-V would be the 2.0 L B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) and 133 ft·lb (180 N·m) of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the 1.8L Integra engine, but internally the engine was bored out to add the extra displacement needed to produce torque for the mini-ute. The engine utilized a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine (due to overlaping chambers). Body 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, but the US model lacked this. A major difference between the LX and EX trims was that the EX had anti-lock brakes and the LX trim did not.

First generation, version 2

Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update for the CR-V from 1999 to 2001 was in response to criticism of the original engine lacking enough power for a vehicle of the CR-V's weight (3,200 lb or 1,450 kg). The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine producing 146 hp (108 kW) and 133 ft·lb (180 N·m) of torque. The fuel economy and price of the overall vehicle were not affected by this increase. The increase in power was 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. Models equipped with an auto transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in 3rd gear to provide power for passing and/or merging. The interior upholstery was improved for longer trips in the CR-V; as some consumers felt that the support provided by the seats was inadequate for longer trips. The cloth on the seats were redesigned with a much more attractive pattern.

The 1999 European and Australian model CR-Vs featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was finally added to the list of paint choices, while the unpopular "Passion Orange" disappeared. A new deeper blue and red (both pearl) replaced their old metallic/solid equivalents. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and the addition of a metallic yellow paint color in certain countries. Upscale "Sport" models featured body-colored bumpers and fittings, an electric sunroof, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, and hard spare tire cover.

In 2000, an SE (Special Edition) model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass and chrome grille accent. Up to 2001, the CR-V sold more than other vehicles in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colours including the introduction of the Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace the Submarine Blue Pearl and the Satin Silver Metallic in 2001, replacing the Sebring Silver Metallic. However, in 2001, sales of the Ford Escape and its clone the Mazda Tribute were higher than the CR-V.

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Cars - Honda CR-V

Overview

First generation

First generation, version 2

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