HONDA CR_V 2007

Starting MSRP $20,600 – $26,000
By Bill Jackson
Cars.com
September 6, 2006
Vehicle Overview
Many newcomers have entered the compact sport utility vehicle market since Honda launched its car-based CR-V as a 1997 model. For 2007, the CR-V comes in three trim levels: base LX; EX, which has a standard moonroof and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; and the EX-L, which adds leather seats, heated front seats and an optional navigation system.



Exterior
The boxy shape of past CR-Vs has given way to a rounder appearance, particularly in the rear, sloping windows. Subtle creases on the bodyside and around the wheel wells also help the 2007 avoid the slab-sided look of early-generation SUVs. Up front, a distinctive grille has an upper opening holding the Honda badge, and a lower, wider opening below. The twin grille is combined with a wide, jutting bumper and bodywork.

The door handles and mirrors are body-colored, and the brake lights maintain their slim, vertical design.

The 2007 model is about three inches shorter than the previous generation — mostly because the spare tire no longer hangs at the rear bumper — an inch wider and roughly the same height. It loses almost an inch of ground clearance, but given the CR-V is a car-based crossover, it's doubtful the average buyer will be concerned with its off-road prowess. It rides on 17-inch steel wheels in LX trim and 17-inch alloy wheels in EX and EX-L trims.

Interior
Just as the exterior dimensions grow, so does the interior. Honda says the CR-V's seats are wider, and the center tray table has been redesigned.

A picnic table, which was included in earlier models, has been dropped. The optional navigation system now includes voice-recognition software.

Under the Hood
The CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that turns out 166 horsepower and 161 pounds-feet of torque. It uses a standard five-speed automatic transmission and a drive-by-wire throttle system. A Real Time 4WD system is optional. Real Time 4WD transfers more torque to the rear wheels when more traction is needed. The CR-V is no longer available with a manual transmission.

Safety
Side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, active front head restraints, stability control, electronic brake distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the CR-V's standard safety equipment.

Driving Impressions
The CR-V shines in handling. The steering is tightly sprung — move the wheel slightly and the CR-V reacts with an intuitive feel that's rare in non-luxury cars. The cabin is quiet, totally blocking out road and wind noise.