View source for Honda CR-V

{{Infobox Automobile
|image        = [[Image:2007 Honda CR-V LX.JPG|250px|2007 Honda CR-V LX (US)]] 
|name         = Honda CR-V
|manufacturer = [[Honda]]
|production   = 1996—present
|class        = [[Compact SUV|Compact]] [[crossover SUV]]
|body_style   = 4-door [[SUV]]
|layout       = [[Front-engine design|Front-engine]], [[front-wheel drive]] / [[Four-wheel drive]]
}}

:''"Cr-V" redirects here. It is also a shorthand referring to chromium-vanadium alloy [[tool steel]]s.''

The '''Honda CR-V''' is a [[compact SUV|compact]] [[crossover SUV]] manufactured by the [[Japan]]ese [[automaker]] [[Honda]] since 1996. It was loosely derived from the [[Honda Civic]] to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets citing different meanings. Though Honda sales literature in UK reportedly makes references to "Compact Recreational Vehicle", other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/auto/CR-V/200610/01.html|title=Factbook: CR-V|work=Honda}}</ref> and Honda Worldwide<ref>{{cite web | url=http://world.honda.com/news/2001/4010918.html|title=Honda Announces a Full Model Change for the CR-V|work=Honda}}</ref>) cite "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle". It is produced in both [[all-wheel drive]] and [[front-wheel drive]], although in many markets such as the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Australia]], only [[all-wheel drive]] is offered.

Honda produces CR-Vs in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Japan]] for worldwide markets, and as of 2007, [[North America]]n CR-Vs are produced in [[East Liberty, Ohio]]. The CR-V is produced for the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] market by the [[Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company]], a [[joint venture]] with Honda. Starting in fall 2007, North American CR-Vs will also be produced in [[Jalisco]], [[Mexico]] in addition to the US, Japan, and Britain due to high demand. Honda executives considered making the CR-V as one of the first vehicles to be produced at Honda's new facility currently under construction in [[Greensburg, Indiana]] that will open in fall 2008; however, the facility will initially exclusively produce the [[Honda Civic|Civic]], which may free up space in East Liberty for CR-V production from the 2009 model year onward. Elsewhere, the CR-V is Honda's smallest SUV other than the related Element sold in the United States and [[Canada]], and the [[Honda HR-V|HR-V]] sold in [[Europe]]. In size, the CR-V slots between the [[Honda Element|Element]] and [[Honda Pilot|Pilot]].

==Overview==
Introduced in Japan in 1996, the CR-V was Honda's first in-house designed [[SUV]] and was originally intended to be a niche vehicle only. Honda was hesitant to market the vehicle, since many felt the car did not have potential to sell alongside the [[Honda Passport]] and to take over the role of Honda's entry-level SUV. In the [[United States]], it was displayed for the first time at the 1996 [[Chicago Auto Show]]. Citing strong sales from the comparable [[Toyota RAV4]] upon its release, the model was then brought stateside in February 1997. Shortly afterwards, CR-V sales outpaced those of the smaller RAV4, and the [[compact SUV]] has maintained strong sales and gained accolades ever since.

==First generation (1996&ndash;2001)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|image         = [[Image:1st-Honda-CRV .jpg|250px|Honda CR-V (US)]]
|name          = First generation
|production    = 1996—2001
|assembly      = [[Swindon]], [[England]]<br>[[Sayama]], [[Japan]]<br> 
|engine        = 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Honda B engine#B20B|B20B]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.0&nbsp;L ' '[[Honda B engine#B20Z|B20Z]]'' I4
|transmission  = 5-speed manual<br>4-speed automatic
|drivetrain    = FWD<br>Real Time 4WD 
|related       = [[Honda Civic]]<br>[[Honda Integra]]
|wheelbase     = {{convert|2620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|length        = {{convert|4510|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|width         = {{convert|1750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|height        = {{convert|1675|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|fuel_capacity = {{Convert|15.3|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on}}
}}

}}

The original CR-V's production lasted from 1996 to 2001. Upon introduction, the model had only one [[Trim package|trim level]], which would later be known as the '''LX''' model trim; it was powered by the 2.0&nbsp;[[Liter|L]] [[straight-4]] [[Honda B engine|B20B]] producing {{convert|126|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|133|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the [[Acura Integra|Integra's]] 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine had a larger 84mm bore to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine utilized a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine due to overlapping combustion chambers. The chassis 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 (automobile)|bumper]], rear bumper, and fender wells. In most countries, CR-Vs had a chrome grille; however, in the [[United States|US]], the grille was made out of the same black plastic as the bumpers. A major difference between the LX and EX trims was that the EX had [[anti-lock brakes]] and 15 inch alloy wheels while the LX did not. Drivetrain options were: [[front wheel drive]] or Honda's Real Time 4WD. 

===Real Time Four Wheel Drive System===

Honda's Real Time 4WD system on the CRV utilizes a Dual hydraulic Pump Rear Differential and 4WD Transfer case. The Dual Pump Rear Differental operates the front wheels during normal conditions then automatically transfers power to the rear wheels when needed, without the driver engaging the system. To allow the ABS braking system to work when the CRV is engaged in [[four-wheel drive]] operation the 4WD will turn off if the brakes are applied.

Later Model CRVs equipped with automatic transmissions also have a lockup torque converter and Grade Logic program which aids the CRV when climbing steep inclines by keeping the transmission in the lower gear. The 2007 and later Model [[Four-wheel drive|4WD]] system was improved and sends an additional 20% more torque to the rear tires than earlier models.

When driven off road, CRVs with the [[All-wheel drive|AWD]] System are typically used in the [[Green Laning]] or "Two-tracking" type of off roading.

===Facelift===
Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update for the CR-V made 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 [[pound (mass)|lb]] or 1,450 [[kilogram|kg]]). The engine was changed to the 2.0 L [[Honda B engine#B20Z|B20Z]] engine, producing {{convert|146|hp|abbr=on}} at 6,200 rpm and {{convert|133|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4,500 rpm of torque. Fuel economy of {{convert|22|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} City/{{convert|25|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} Highway (US) and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of 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 automatic transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in the first three gears to provide power for passing and climbing grades. The interior was also modified, as some consumers felt that the support provided by the seats was inadequate for longer trips. The pattern of the cloth on the seats was also redesigned.

The 1999 [[Europe]]an, [[Australia]]n, and [[Asia]]n 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 added to the list of paint choices, while the unpopular "Passion Orange" disappeared. A new, deeper blue pearl and red pearl replaced their old metallic and enamel equivalents. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain countries. 

In 2000, a Special Edition model was introduced in [[North America]]. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and [[side molding]]s, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass, and chrome grille accent. Until 2001, the CR-V sold more than any other vehicle in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colors including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace Submarine Blue Pearl, while Satin Silver Metallic replaced Sebring Silver Metallic in 2001. However, that year, sales of the [[Ford Escape]] and its clone, the [[Mazda Tribute]], surpassed the CR-V's.

The Australian higher spec model was called the 'Sport' and included body coloured bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and hard rear spare wheel cover. It also included alloy wheels, roof rails, and a large glass sunroof. This variant was available for the entire span of the First Gen CR-V in Australia. The CR-V became the country's best-selling SUV in 2000, outselling the [[Toyota Land Cruiser]] for the very first time.
{{clear}}

==Second generation (2002&ndash;2006)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|image         = [[Image:02-04 Honda CR-V EX.jpg|250px|2002&ndash;2004 Honda CR-V EX]]
|name          = Second generation
|production    = 2002—2006
|assembly      = [[Swindon]], [[England]]<br>[[Suzuka]], [[Japan]]<br>
|engine        = 2.0&nbsp;L I4<br>2.2 L [[turbo]][[diesel]] I4<br>2.4 L I4
|transmission  = 5-speed manual<br>4-speed automatic<br>5-speed automatic
|wheelbase     = {{convert|2620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|2625|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (post-facelift)
|length        = {{convert|4535|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|4600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (post-facelift)
|width         = {{convert|1785|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}  
|height        = {{convert|1680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|fuel_capacity = {{Convert|15.3|usgal|L impgal|0|abbr=on}}
|related       = [[Honda Civic]]<br>[[Honda Element]]<br>[[Honda Integra]]
}}

The second generation CR-V was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the [[Honda K engine#K24A1|K24A1 engine]]. North American versions of the new [[Internal combustion engine|engine]] produced {{convert|160|hp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|162|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. Per new [[Society of Automotive Engineers|SAE]] regulations, the same engine is now rated at 156 hp and 160 ft·lb. Despite the power increase, the new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model, thanks in part to the engine's [[i-VTEC]] system. The newly developed chassis had increased torsional and bending rigidity, while the new suspension possessed front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to {{convert|72|ft3|m3|abbr=on}}. The second generation CR-V was ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine's [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Best Small SUV]] for 2002 and 2003. Second generation CR-Vs in countries outside of North America were again offered in both 'low spec' and 'high spec' variants, with the latter featuring body-colored bumpers and fittings. It also now did not require the glass hatch to be opened before the swinging door. Changes between model years 2002, 2003, and 2004 were very minor. Success of the Honda CR-V created an entry-level SUV for Honda, called the [[Honda Element|Element]]. 

[[Image:2005–2007 Honda CR-V Sport.jpg|left|thumb|200px|2005–2006 Honda CR-V Sport]]

In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-model refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16 inch wheels; earlier models had 15 inch wheels. Another visual change included the taillights, which no longer had amber for the turn signals. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower. The [[grille]] was also changed; it had 2 horizontal bars instead of one. Lastly, the low beams and high beams used dedicated bulbs, as opposed to a shared bulb in the prior setup. 

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an outside temperature monitor. The stereo system was also [[XM Satellite Radio]] ready. All CR-Vs also had revised rear seat headrests, which had been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage. 

Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The four-wheel drive system was improved; it had been tuned to activate faster in low traction situations. Also, the automatic transmission for the CR-V now had one extra gear (total of 5), for improved highway fuel efficiency. 

In the United States and Canada, in accordance with Honda's Safety for Everyone campaign, all 2005 and later CR-V's have [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]], [[Electronic brake force distribution]], front seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all outboard occupants. Also, [[Traction Control]] and Vehicle Stability Assist were added as standard equipment on all trim levels for increased rollover protection. CR-Vs in other countries such as Australia continued with only dual [[airbag]]s and ABS as standard equipment. Side airbags were optional, while curtain airbags were unavailable.

In October-November 2005, Honda offered the CR-V Limited Edition which was previewed at the [[Australian International Motor Show]], along with an [[Honda Accord|Accord]] Limited Edition model, also on sale until November 2005. It was a base model, only available in black metallic, with optional extras such as alloy wheels, body-colored side molding and a number of other features.

Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the '''SE''' trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE had painted bumpers, body side molding, and spare tire cover. For a more luxurious experience, Honda added a leather interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated side mirrors and front seats. A new color, Pewter Pearl, could only be found on the SE. The SE also included a hard body-colored cover for the spare tire on the back.

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

In [[China]], a clone from [[Dongfeng Motor Corporation]], called the SR-V, became a center of a design rights controversy, due to the fact that the latter was alleged to be a blatant copy of Honda's.<ref>[http://www.motorauthority.com/attack-of-the-clones-chinese-copies-of-the-honda-cr-v.html Attack of the Clones: Chinese copies of the Honda CR-V]</ref>

==Third generation (2007&ndash;present)==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|image = [[Image:3rd Honda CR-V EX.jpg|250px|Honda CR-V EX (US)]]
|name = Third generation
|production = 2007—present
|related = [[Honda Civic]]<br />[[Honda Element]]<br / >[[Acura RDX]]
|wheelbase = {{convert|2620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|length = {{convert|4518|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|assembly = [[East Liberty, Ohio]], [[United States]] ([[North America]])<br />[[El Salto, Jalisco]], [[Mexico]] ([[North America]] and [[Latin America]])<br />[[Swindon]], [[England]] ([[Europe]])<br />[[Sayama, Saitama]], [[Japan]] (International Markets)<br /> [[Ayutthaya, Thailand]] (Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets)<br />[[Wuhan, China]] (Chinese market only)
|width = {{convert|1820|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|height = {{convert|1680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} 
|engine = 2.0 L ''[[Honda R engine|R20A]]'' I4<br/>2.2 L [[turbo]][[diesel]] I4<br/>2.4&nbsp;L [[Honda_K_engine|K24Z]] I4
|transmission = 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br/>5-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
}}

A redesigned CR-V was launched for the 2007 model year. The third generation CR-V is powered by the latest version of Honda's standard [[Honda K engine|K-series]] 2.4&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|4-cylinder]] engine, similar variants of which can also be found in the current-generation [[Honda Accord]] and [[Honda Element]]. In North American markets, this engine's power is rated at {{convert|166|hp|abbr=on}} at 5,800 rpm and {{convert|161|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4,200 rpm<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/honda/crv/2007/specs/|title=2007 Honda CRV Specs|work=JB car pages|accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref>. A 2.2&nbsp;L i-CTDI diesel is offered in the [[Europe]]an and [[Asia]]n markets. The European market Honda CR-V offers a new [[Honda R engine|R20A]] 2.0 L engine, based on the Honda [[Honda R engine|R-series]] i-VTEC SOHC engine found in the [[Honda Civic]], as opposed to the previous CR-V offering the [[Honda K engine|K20A]]. The [[manual transmission]] has been dropped from the US market, leaving the five speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]] as the sole unit.

The 2007 CR-V features a rear liftgate, unlike previous models. There is no longer a spare wheel attached to the back door. The new CR-V is lower, wider, and shorter than the previous models; the length decrease stems mostly from the fact that the spare wheel no longer adds length to the back of the vehicle. A lowering of the center of gravity is another benefit of the spare wheel being located underneath the rear floor. A feature unique amongst SUVs is the center rear seat pass-through.

Honda is also offering an integrated Navigation option on the EX-L model. The navigation unit is made for Honda by Alpine and includes voice activated control, XM radio, in dash CD player that can play MP3's and WMA's. It also has a 6 Disc CD changer in the center console and a PC Card (PCMCIA) slot in the Nav unit for flash memory MP3 or WMA files. A second CD player is behind the navigation screen, this CD player plays MP3/WMA cds. A rear backup camera is also included.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/honda/crv/2007/|title=2007 Honda CRV Review|work=JB car pages|accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref>

An [[iPod]] adapter was to be an available option on US models, but is currently only available as an add-on accessory. Even so, all CR-V models still have the auxiliary audio input jack, which is either on the head unit itself (LX) or on central tray (EX) or inside the center console (all versions of the EX-L, with or without navigation).

In the United States, the Honda CR-V became the number-one selling SUV in the US for 2007, a title previously held for fifteen years (1991&ndash;2006) by the [[Ford Explorer]]. To meet the high demand, Honda shifted some [[Honda Civic|Civic]] production from East Liberty, Ohio to Alliston Plant #2, Ontario (where some Pilot, [[Honda Ridgeline|Ridgeline]], and [[Honda Odyssey|Odyssey]] production was located until production was consolidated at Honda's Lincoln, Alabama facility) to free up space for additional CR-V production. Currently, the East Liberty plant is building 400+ CR-Vs a day for the Canadian and US markets. US market CR-V's are imported primarily from Sayama, Saitama, Japan and El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico in increasing numbers.

'''[[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.db847bd57e3dc1f885dfc38c35a67789/|title=Honda CRV Crash Test Ratings|work=NHTSA|accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref>

Frontal Impact: [[Image:5 stars.svg|80px]]

Side Impact: [[Image:5 stars.svg|80px]]

Rollover: [[Image:5 stars.svg|80px]]

The Honda CR-V is rated '''GOOD''' in frontal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=736|title=Honda CRV Frontal Impact Crash Test Ratings|work=IIHS|accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref> and side-impact<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=738|title=Honda CRV Side Impact Crash Test Ratings|work=IIHS|accessdate=2008-07-24}}</ref> crash tests by the [[IIHS]].

Chassis code: RE1 (2WD), RE2 (4WD), RE3 (2WD), RE4 (4WD) RE5 (4WD), RE7 (4WD)
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==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/ Honda CR-V] official U.S. site
* [http://honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/CR-V/2008/default.asp?L=E Honda CR-V] official Canadian site
* [http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/cr-v/ Honda CR-V] official UK site
* {{dmoz|Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Honda/CR-V/|Honda CR-V}}
* [http://www.edmunds.com/honda/crv/2008/consumerreview.html Edmunds: 2008 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews]
* [http://www.jbcarpages.com/honda/crv/ JB car pages: Honda CRV]
* [http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=78095 Paddocktalk.com: 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L Road Test]
* [http://www.suvspecs.info/honda-cr-v Honda CR-V Information]


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[[Category:Honda vehicles|CR-V]]
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