2007 Honda CR-V: My Take

When David Thomas and I drove the redesigned Honda CR-V, my overall impression was that it's a richer vehicle than the model it replaces. The interior is, as David says in his review, more along the lines of the Civic, and the decrease in noise does more for one's perception of quality than most people realize. This hasn't always been Honda's strongest suit, because soundproofing generally adds weight, be it a metal coating or thicker windows. Given a choice between higher mileage and a quieter cabin, Honda almost always errs on the side of efficiency.

The materials in the CR-V are good overall but not consistent. I think the metal-look trim is effective, but the inside door handles are the all-too-familiar plastic trying to imitate aluminum — and failing miserably.

Comments

We like my wife's '99 CR-V EX and our Honda dealership is full of nice people. But I have been complaining for seven years about the lack of power and now even the wife is sick and tired of being nearly run over. Two generations later, it's heavier and has gained -- wait for it -- twenty horsepower! The new RAV4 V6 has 100 more horsepower than even the latest CR-V, and only a VERY slight mpg loss. Sorry Honda. Reliability can only take you so far, and won't prevent us from getting smacked trying to pull into traffic. You need to get over your hatred of cubic inches, listen to the customer, and put a V6 in there.

I ENJOYED THE ARTICLE ON THE HONDA CR-V. VERY WELL WRITTEN WITHOUT TOO MUCH DRY TECHNICAL INFORMATION. THE STYLING OF THIS VEHICLE IS FANTASTIC! A FEW PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIOR WOULD HAVE BEEN APPRECIATED THOUGH.
JOHN R. KOVACH
DETROIT, MICHIGAN

I was considering an Acura RDX, but it seems like the CR-V EX-L model gives you everything but the (premium-required)turbo... would love to see a side by side comparo of these two stablemates....

David is not particularly bright. Honda doesn't need to add a V-6. They've already proven that they can do more with less. Honda has stayed true to the CR-V's mission of an entry level SUV in size, value and economy. The RAV4 is moving out of this segment and bumping up against the Highlander. Our 2000 CR-V is quite adequete. Kudos to Honda for not bloating up the new CR-V.

What is the problem? If Honda could add a V6 from the accord line, we could solve the problem of customer choice... People who want fuel economy can choose the four banger, while people who need V6 in highway acceleration, etc, can just choose the V6.
In either case, the CR-V looks really nice, in a suburban sense. The RAV4 looks really sporty, but that's reallly biased since I own the new one, I think both SUVs are practical for most people. It now boils down to styling.
Does GM have anything competent to counter these two light SUVs?

uh yeah, its called the equinox, and its been a sales hit

Hi
We have had all the CRV models and while the current model has many improvements, 5 speed auto being one, the ride is not as comfortable as in the 04 model.

When my current lease comes due in a year, the 07 crv will be I hope be in our garage. Safety features alone.. DRL's, VSC and turning lights make it a plus.
Robert Knowles

I have the 2006 EX-L: 5 spd auto, VSC, DRL, 8 airbags (2xfront, 2 x side, 4 x curtain), moonroof, 6 disc changer with steering wheel controls.
2007 adds lift gate (yay!), loss of (potential since spare is there)internal storage, 1 mpg, 10hp, 17" wheels... 1" less gound clearance.

So far (depending on price) not really worth upgrading. Styling I am not sure about: the grill doesn't do it for me, and the window line vs roofline... welll.... not sure.

From 2004 version (my last one) it would be a definite upgrade, from the '06 not so much.

as mentioned in the other post
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2006/09/2007_honda_crv_.html

the 07 has slightly more cargo room than the 2006 despite the spare being underneath the cargo area.

To David who bemaons the lack of a large HP increase since '99 - It's the Torque Curve, man! I had and loved a '99 EX. It was so much fun to drive. Practiality had forced me into a larger vehcle. But the 2nd generation and now the 3rd all have performance increases that are missed by any reading of mere numbers. All that the HP and Torque numbers tell you is the peak vlaue. The iVTEC gives you lots of the Peak Torque, lower in the RPM range; and THAT makes the vehicle much quicker than the '99. Now that I can have a smaller vehicle again, it's 2007 CR-V, here I come.

if honda want to compete with toyota rav4, put v6 engine in new crv. otherwise, it will not be the best seller car

Well, today I went to the dealer and spent some time with the new CRV. I bought my 2005 CRV new 13 months ago and I think it is a great vehicle. What I noticed comparing the two is that most of the interior materials are quality improved. It looks smaller parked next to my '05 SE and it is closer to the ground. The front end is odd looking.but the side view is better than the older squarish look. When I got home and looked at the specs I was surprised to find that the older one has more interior space and takes some space from the rear seat area to increase the cargo area. From a loading perpective it seems that the curved back takes away from space. I wonder if the cargo shelf is helping to make up for space lost. I like the bigger wheels and upgraded interior but I do not see improvement in utility. The Car and Driver test of 0-60 acceleration on a previous version CRV show 8.5 seconds while the new one is indicating 9.0 seconds. Although the sources are different, I expect the outcome to be similar between the two models given that the engines specs are about the same and vehicle weight is similar. At best I think the new CRV is more update than improvement. Regardless of that fact, the CRV is a terrific vehicle.

I RECENTLY WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE IN THE NEW 2007 HONDA CRV. IT WAS AN EX-L MODEL AND VERY ATTRACTIVE IN MANY ASPECTS. HOWEVER, THE FACT THAT THE LOADED UP EX MODEL HAD A MANUAL HAND PUMP TO MOVE THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS A DEFINITE TURN OFF. I DRIVE AN ACCORD EX V6 PRESENTLY AND LOVE THE LUXURY FEATURES IT HAS, INCLUDING POWER SEATS. THE CRV HAD ALL THE SAME FEATURES THAT MY ACCORD DOES, EXCEPT FOR THAT DARN MANUAL PUMP. WHY DID THE DESIGNERS OVERLOOK THIS DETAIL? OTHERWISE, I REALLY LIKED THE 07 CRV. IT HAD GOOD PICKUP ON ACCELERATION AND HANDLED WELL ON THE ROAD. TEH CUTE CURVED REAR END LOOKS MUCH BETTER AND STYLISH.

good stuff,keep it going

I just got my 07 CR-V. Just got meaning as of 10-02-06. So far I LOVE it. I think personally it's better than the 06. The 06 Drives too much like a truck and seems smaller on the inside. they really did a nice job on the 07. After 1 day and almost 200 miles I'm not regretting buying this at all.

I bought an '07 EX-L for my wife on 9/29. Previously, we owned an `04 Accord EX-L V6.

We took our new CRV on vacation last week to the mountains and it performed beautifully. The grade logic feature worked great in the mountains. Handling was very smooth on curvey mountain switchbacks. MPG average was around 25 over 1800 miles of interstate, secondary, and twisting mountain roads.

The biggest plus was increased cargo area over the Accord. We have a one year old daughter and the extra space came in handy.

Overall, we are very pleased.

We brought home our 2007 CRV LX a few days ago, and like it very much. High quality throughout, getting 24 mpg around town, good ride. We love it.

I traded in a 2005 Mazda MPV Van. We liked that van very much but we alway trade every two years. I took a big hit on depreciation, and look forward to much lower depreciation on the CRV.

Many are convinced with this vehicle. The 2007 CR-V comes in one available powertrain option, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Other new features include Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body work, Dual-deck cargo shelf, optional Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition etc. The price is all worth it!

We just bought a 2007 CR-V 4WD EX-L. It a bit pricey, but we decided to purchase the CR-V rather than the Rav4 2WD Sport with the v6 for the same price.

The CR-V is definitely only a four seater, with the seats slightly cramped. The seats and interior seem plain at first, but with the upgrade to leather seats, the interior is great. The more I am in the vehicle, the more, small but quality attention to details I notice inside. The quality is just not over done! The details are not brash! They seem just right.

I was Choosing between an RDX and CRV but i settled on CRV. CRV's appearance is more vibrant than the RDX. Though it has bluetooth or handfree for cellphone, home link, & with the turbo powered engine. CRV for me is still better inside-out. especially when i test drived it... Turbo? it's ok... i wont be spending much on gas and speeding ticket... =) can't wait for my order to arrive! EX-L w/Navi

I drove the '07 CRV EX-L the week they came out. I really liked the vehicle, Honda perfect in every respect...EXCEPT.....why no power driver seat on the top-of-the-line model? This is crazy! I currently drive a Honda Accord EX V6 coupe..the second V6, and the third new Accord coupe I have owned. I love the Accord, but would like a 4WD for the harsh snowy winters I live in. I've decided to keep this Accord until the '08 models come out. Either Honda will get smart and put an optional V6 AND a power driver's seat in the '08 CRV, or I'll look at another (redesigned?) Accord in '08.

We bought a 2007 CRV two weeks ago and we really like it. It's got a very solid, nice feel to it. I had a '98 Accord before this, and this feels like a funner Accord. The CRV definitely feels like a car, not a truck, it's quiet. A lot's been made about the lack of power, particularly in blogs. I'm not past the break in period so I haven't exactly tested it. It feels plenty quick enough around town and getting on and off the highway, althought I think it does lack a little power in the way that you sometimes want it, like if you just all of a sudden feel like you have to go 80 up a hill (I would imagine.) It's nice to have more power than you actually really need. But that said, it just feels like a very well put together car with good handling and quiet.

I wish they also had a sport model CR-V with a 6 speed manual transmission with center console. The interior of the CR-V reminds me more of a mini-van -- it's not very sporty. Also, a manual tranmission makes driving more fun. Because of this, I'm passing on both the CR-V and RAV4 since neither offers manual transmissions. Possibly the new Nissan Rogue, which will be introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show will offer a greater variety of transmission options.

I've driven the new 07 CRV-EXL for a week and 450 miles now. It runs great and looks good inside and out. The interior is carefully thought out and user friendly. The heated leather seats are nice on these cold Michigan mornings. I traded in my 02 CRV which never gave me a problem. I felt like I was losing an old friend when I left the lot with the new one. I hope the new CRV will be as reliable and I believe it will. There is nothing I don't like about this vehicle so far.

Hi,

I'm reading from Norway. Interested in the new CR-V. I've not tried the former version, but the new one seems good. Here in Europe the CR-V will also be delivered with a 2.2litre diesel engine, 103kW (140Hp) and 350 Nm (torque - lbf is not my unit :-) ).
In Norway this wil probably be the most sold version. It is then able to tow 2000kg - which is good for caravan-drivers here.

I'm looking forward to try it in December - when it arrives in the store....

The heated seats on my new 2007 Honda CRV do not work. I can turn them on high and drive for an hour and you sit there wondering if they are even on. It might be slightly warmer than what is generated by normal body heat... but just maybe slightly. Is this the same others are evxperiencing? Honda is telling me this is "normal". As the 3rd car I've personally owned with heated seats this isn't normal.

thats a honda for you! very reliable....hehe

Hi
I haven't yet driven the new 2007 CR-V, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to go to the dealership and drive one in a few days.
I've driven a Mercedes SL-500 since 1991 and becoming older I'm ready to get something easier to get in and out of. For some reason the new CR-V is very appealing to me. I have looked at the new ML 350 and I just can't any longer justify having a vehille like this any longer. I like the new style and hope I am just as pleased when I drive one.
Looking forward to driving one and seeing how well it drives. I think it's really going to fit my needs and wants now.
Hope to be pleasantly surprised with the CR-V.
Have a good day
Steve

Question: I plan to carry delicate cargo in whatever small SUV I buy. I'm concerned that when the CR-V's rear seats are tumbled forward and I accelerate up a hill, they might fall backward. The spring that holds them in the forward position doesn't seem all that strong. Has anyone had this happen?

Mike,
No you're right on the rear seats they can fall back into place a bit too easily. However, Honda has security straps you use that will keep them in place. Not ideal I agree but they work.

My wife and I just put down a deposit on a 2007 AWD EX CR-V. We wanted glacier blue, but there were none to be had here in Colorado so we have to wait a couple of weeks while the vehicle ships across the pacific. I hope I'm not breaching etiquette, but we paid 24,100 (incl. roof rack & delivery). Is this about what others are paying?

If the Honda CRV offered a hybrid version with the torque increase provided by an electric motor, that would probably solve the lack of power offered in the 2007 CRV.
I own a 2004 Honda Accord EX V-6. I was going to buy a 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid but have decided to get the Toyota Camry Hybrid which offers superior city/highway fuel economy for less money than a Honda Accord Hybrid. Why doesn't Honda offer a "full" hybrid like Toyota does? One that is able to run purely in the electric motor mode until it reaches 30-35 mph? Then Honda would blow away the competition!

Been waiting over a month for a Honda EX-L w/navigation Glacier Blue here near Baltimore. Wrote a $500 check that they are holding for deposit. I am buying it for my wife who drives a 2004 with only 18000 miles on it and hope they give me a good tradein. If it performs as well as her 04, she will be happy. We trade every 3 years. She says she will be glad to get rid of the "Jeep" look meaning the spare tire on the back.

I just purchased a 2007 Honda CR-V EX AWD. When I started it on the first morning after the purchase I noticed a "Whining Sound" coming the engine. It appeared to be from the area of the alternator or power steering. The temperature was approximately 15 degrees F. When the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature, the noise subsides. I dropped the vehicle off at a Honda for service. results are pending.

I have to agree with wade about david. I went from a V6 with 240 hp to the CRV with 160. I was afraid that I would be disapointed but 2 months later I still love it. The car can go. I pass people no problem. And the best part I get the gas milage of a 4cilender

For all of you Honda apologists and fanboys; you need to get a life. Honda would have long ago put the accord V6 into the CRV but for you all always letting them off the hook, trying to justify your purchases.

Just turn on the AC and then attempt to get on an on-ramp with an 18 wheeler baring down on you at 55 - 65 mph. Oh, I'm sorry, you rural dwellers rarely drive on interstates in congested high traffic areas at 60+ mph. 'SLAP', my bad.

Stop making excuses for Honda, people. They stick a 4 cyl engine into a 3600+ lb vehicle and then pass it off as a "fuel efficient SUV". Some of you actually fall for the joke too.

Don't get me wrong, I like Hondas. Their quality and reliability are always at the top but their CRVs, Elements and Fits are dangerously underpowered.

DaddiOH,
166 HP 4 cylinder is no slacker on acceleration. Had our'07 since they cam out with 5K on it now. Not a problem and great gas mileage. Also hold 5 adults without a problem. Even I enjoy the ride, and I normally drive a Suburban. Plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time as I sold my '90 Accord when I purchased this vehicle. Honda dealerships are doing all they can to provide add-ons to increase the price. I bought mine on a Monday in a thunderstorm and sales were flat.
Stingray

Does anyone else have this problem? I bought a new 2007 CRV a couple of weeks ago (4/07) and love it. But two days ago and today, when I park and pull from "drive" to "park" it gets stuck in the "reverse" and refuses to go to "park." It won't go to "park" unless I shift back into "drive" and then put it all the way back to "park" quickly, bypassing the "reverse." I want to know if others have this problem or will this go away. Any input is appreciated.

to DAVID,, the first post,, FYI,, do not expect much power to Honda CRV.. first,, know the meaning of the word CRV!! try these links OK! >>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-V
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossover_SUV

>> it is built for more fuel economy,, so how can you expect power to an economized vehicle?? think again...

Daddioh,

Not everyone drives thier vehicle like they stole it. 166hp in that vehicle is plenty. You just have to wind it up a bit.

Ok, here are my thoughts on the CR-V. I own a 2005 CR-V with a manual transmission and absolutley love the way it handles, accelerates, and rides. I am very disappointed that Honda has dropped the manual transmission for the '07 model. I have never owned an automatic in my entire life and have no intention of owning one anytime soon. I am also not crazy about the design of the new model. I think the rear quarter panel side windows, create blind spots. Looks like i might have to go to another brand when i am ready to trade. What a shame!

DOES ANYONE HAVEANY INFO ON AFTER MARKET BLUETOOTH APPLICATIONS FOR MY 2007 HONDA CR-V W/O NAVIGATION ???

Before purchasing my 2007 CR-V, I test drove many other comparable vehicles. This vehicle is all they promise. Driving in the Chicago area can be treacherous, but it handles well in all situations. I happened to park next to a Lexus the other day and could barely tell the difference. I'm sure the Lexus has some "bells and whistles" that the Honda does not have, but overall I am ecstatic over my purchase. It is the first time since my first auto purchase that I have been truly excited about the driving experience.

My wife and I bought our 2007 CRV EX the first week of June 07. Having relocated from the West coast to DC, and needing just one vehicle, we traded in our 02 Ranger 4x4 Off Road Pkg, and 98 Accord EXL...we fell in love with the CRV right away.

However, we are terribly irritated by the fact that we are getting 14-16 mpgs...not exactly the 22-28 as advertised. Even our 207hp, v6 Ranger got 19 mpg and the Accord got 32 mpg.

We are giving it a bit longer to "break-in" but after that, Honda is going to hear from us!

I'm having a problem similar to George above--the whining engine(?) sound. Possibly linked to the air conditioner/defog/acceleration. Mine has morphed into a full-blown scream which has made this vehicle extremely unpleasant to drive. It does it at all temps but is louder when there is windy weather. I was told the problem was known to Honda and that hopefully a solution would become evident. Surprised to see so few of this same distressing problem mentioned.

Re: whining sound - me too. 2007 AWD CRV EX-L w/Nav. I'm experimenting and I think it has to do with the fan. My whine lasts for several seconds and is intermittent. Although I think I have detected a pattern when accelerating uphill. Usually I keep the fan on at the first dot and if I turn it off when the whining starts, it stops. I'm going to try a full ride where I'd normally hear the whine with the fan turned off and see if that helps. Going for 5K service next week so if anyone knows anything specific about this problem it would be a great help. Thanks!

We got ours in June of 07 and I love the car. Initially we were getting an avg of 21MPG mixed city and HW. But now that I am getting close to the 5K mark the mileage is getting better as our dealer indicated it would. My last tank had an overall avg of 25 MPG. I was drafting a semi a few weeks ago and reset my odometer and I was getting 34MPG's while drafting a safe distance behind the semi. The dealer said that he can practically guarantee in a few more thousand miles I will get averages of 28. I am looking forward to that, in any event this vehicle is getting better milage than the 150K tiny saturn SL2 that I traded in for this vehicle.

I had no question that when my car died I wanted the new '08 Honda CR-V EX-L 4WD. Two months ago up till today I LOVED my car until I ran into this minor hickup.

- Towing Capacity

Not something anyone really thinks about especially when you are buying an SUV. . . actually I pondered having a trailer hitch installed by the dealer upon buying my car and he convinced me to go to my local U-haul and get it done for half the price. Well today we looked into buying a boat and realized max towing capacity on the CR-V is 1500lb total with no option to upgrade. There is not a ski boat out there forget the trailer weight that falls in that category. The RAV-4 comes standard 2000 lb and 3500 lb with the tow package. Now that is something you can work with. Guess I will kiss goodbye the boat idea for now.

Lora,

You may be better served by the Pilot or Ridgeline if towing capacity is what you need. The CR-V was never designed for any medium or heavy towing.

Having loved our '04 CR-V, I was excited about getting another one, but the new model has been a disappointment. I've had drive-train problems and the mileage was poor. Honda's designers made a lot of unnecessary and annoying changes to the interior that have made the car worse, not better than previous models. The rear windows don't roll all the way down and legroom is tighter in the back. The grocery bag hooks are gone, the shifter takes up too much room, the interior door handles stick out too far, and it's harder to pack with that stupid lift gate with the fused window. The swing gate was a better design. We ended up taking the car back to the dealer and trading it for an '06 and couldn't be happier.

Hopefully Honda will redesign the next CR-V and make it more useful for families and recreational drivers.

I just want to say i have had an 07 CRV for about 18 months now and i love it. I was in the market for a used CRV 04-06, however i could not fit in the drivers seat. In the 07 model i have plenty of room and i with some of my taller friends they have lots of room up front and are very comfortable in the back as well. My only problem is the change from the picnic table in the last model to the shelf in this model, oh well beggers cant be choosers.

I just bought an 08 and LOVE it. It looks and feels like a much more expensive car. And despite what people say, the BEST looking part of the car is the front!! That slight "underbite" gives it an aggressive look. And being a Design Director, I am paid well for knowing what looks good!!

I bought my '07 CRV a year ago because I had a new baby (safety. Since a month ago the CRV turns it self off while driving. It's very dangerous specially last time when I was getting across a busy intersection. I took the car to the dealer and still there. They don't know what the problem is. It has happen already three times and we don't want to drive it again. Does anyone knows what could be the problem or if has happen to anyone. please email me at selles88@yahoo.com Thank you!
John

I bought my '07 CRV a year ago because I had a new baby (safety. Since a month ago the CRV turns it self off while driving. It's very dangerous specially last time when I was getting across a busy intersection. I took the car to the dealer and still there. They don't know what the problem is. It has happen already three times and we don't want to drive it again. Does anyone knows what could be the problem or if has happen to anyone. please email me at selles88@yahoo.com Thank you!
John