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Honda CR-V History
Honda CR-V
A whole new breed of compact sport utility vehicles has hit the market over the past decade thanks to the success of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. In reality, both of these models and others like them are crossovers, car-based utility vehicles that are lighter and more fuel efficient than truck-based vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler.
For Honda, the CR-V represents the logical response to the Toyota RAV4 a model which arrived in 1994. In 1996, the CR-V rolled out, the first time Honda ventured into the sport/utility market. Initially, Honda perceived that its compact crossover would serve a limited segment of the Honda family, but it soon became the entry level family vehicle prized by many buyers, providing a segue to those Honda shoppers who might also eventually upgrade to the larger Odyssey van.
The first generation Honda CR-V was based on a modified Civic platform and has always been available in either front- or all-wheel-drive. The CRV lettering means compact recreational vehicle to emphasize the car's on and off-road capabilities. As far as off-roading goes, the CR-V can handle light duty work with ease, but the heavy duty work is best left for its truck based competitors.
Depending on the market where the CR-V is sold, either 2.0L or 2.4L I4 engines are offered with a 2.2L diesel engine sold outside of the United States. Both gas engines now come paired with a six-speed manual transmission standard with a five-speed automatic optional.
As demand has increased for the CR-V, Honda has shifted some of its production to the US, beginning in 2007. That year, the CR-V won the best selling SUV award, knocking off the perennial champion, the Ford Explorer. Sales remain strong today with the CR-V battling the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape for top compact crossover honors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has consistently rated the Honda CR-V at the top of its segment in both frontal and side impacts. Roof impact results are marginal, which is a typical grade for vehicles of this kind.
Because of the strength of this model, an entire industry of aftermarket parts and accessories developers has emerged in order to help CR-V owners maintain and customize their rides, inside and out. For instance, drivers who want to enhance the sporty side of their Honda can upgrade to a Mugen steering wheel, the same one favored by enthusiasts in Japan. Outside enhancements can include Weathertech rear or side window deflectors or body graphics by Modern Image or Chroma. For added performance, enthusiasts can select intakes, exhaust systems, super chargers even nitrous oxide to boost power, just the kind of options to make any CR-V a beast.
Honda remains committed to its CR-V line, a model that is only getting better over time. Offering excellent interior room, high profile visibility, Honda quality and reliability as well as overall utility and fuel efficiency, your CR-V is sure to bring to you many years of driving satisfaction.
A whole new breed of compact sport utility vehicles has hit the market over the past decade thanks to the success of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. In reality, both of these models and others like them are crossovers, car-based utility vehicles that are lighter and more fuel efficient than truck-based vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler.
For Honda, the CR-V represents the logical response to the Toyota RAV4 a model which arrived in 1994. In 1996, the CR-V rolled out, the first time Honda ventured into the sport/utility market. Initially, Honda perceived that its compact crossover would serve a limited segment of the Honda family, but it soon became the entry level family vehicle prized by many buyers, providing a segue to those Honda shoppers who might also eventually upgrade to the larger Odyssey van.
The first generation Honda CR-V was based on a modified Civic platform and has always been available in either front- or all-wheel-drive. The CRV lettering means compact recreational vehicle to emphasize the car's on and off-road capabilities. As far as off-roading goes, the CR-V can handle light duty work with ease, but the heavy duty work is best left for its truck based competitors.
Depending on the market where the CR-V is sold, either 2.0L or 2.4L I4 engines are offered with a 2.2L diesel engine sold outside of the United States. Both gas engines now come paired with a six-speed manual transmission standard with a five-speed automatic optional.
As demand has increased for the CR-V, Honda has shifted some of its production to the US, beginning in 2007. That year, the CR-V won the best selling SUV award, knocking off the perennial champion, the Ford Explorer. Sales remain strong today with the CR-V battling the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape for top compact crossover honors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has consistently rated the Honda CR-V at the top of its segment in both frontal and side impacts. Roof impact results are marginal, which is a typical grade for vehicles of this kind.
Because of the strength of this model, an entire industry of aftermarket parts and accessories developers has emerged in order to help CR-V owners maintain and customize their rides, inside and out. For instance, drivers who want to enhance the sporty side of their Honda can upgrade to a Mugen steering wheel, the same one favored by enthusiasts in Japan. Outside enhancements can include Weathertech rear or side window deflectors or body graphics by Modern Image or Chroma. For added performance, enthusiasts can select intakes, exhaust systems, super chargers even nitrous oxide to boost power, just the kind of options to make any CR-V a beast.
Honda remains committed to its CR-V line, a model that is only getting better over time. Offering excellent interior room, high profile visibility, Honda quality and reliability as well as overall utility and fuel efficiency, your CR-V is sure to bring to you many years of driving satisfaction.
