Looked at '07 V today

[Robert]

Since we are visiting my wife's parents up here in north Fort Worth, I figured I would get over to Huggins Honda and check out the new V. I must say that it is definitely better looking in person. From the front it reminds me of the Pilot and from the side it reminds me of the MDX. In real life the front is certainly not as bad looking as in the pics. Of course I remember when the '02 came out many hated the front end but it seems commonplace now. The interior seems really nice with a great dash design and materials. The design of and trim on the doors is really nice and modern looking. The seats were quite comfortable as well. I was especially impressed with the black dash/beige interior color scheme as it made me think I was looking at an Acura. I got to put the key in and look at the dash display which was really cool. Especially the center portion which you have to see to know what I mean. I did think the sunroof was a little small but nothing most would care about. The 17" rims and tires on the EX look excellent and really add to the whole look. The overall feeling I get is that it is something I would rather not take offroad. It is not that it feels more fragile but that it feels classier and more refined than the 2nd and 1st Gens. Of course I never felt like I should take my dad's '05 CR-V SE offroad either. I think the biggest difference was when I was outside and looked at the exterior and interior of the '06 and '07 side by side. The '07 makes the '06 feel outdated and less refined. But that is just my opinion. I do feel it is less rugged looking and feeling than previous gens. But if I were in the market for a new CR-V I am pretty sure I would go with the '07 over the '06. This is also based on the assumption that it drives better and is quieter etc. I chose not to drive it for lack of time. But really, if I were to spend that kind of coin on a vehicle for my family, I would get the Odyssey LX instead. Much better suited to my family's needs.

Oh, the good news is that there is still a hidden well in the back. Bad news is that they put a spare tire in there. :wink: And for those who are put off by the decreased ground clearance, just get some 17" tires that are about 1" taller overall. That way you can add about .5" of ground clearance and you should be set. 8)

[sodakar]

I, too, went to the dealer to take a look, and if you'll forgive me, I'd like to ramble. :)

Exterior:
My first impression upon viewing it was that it "felt" like a CR-V, even though its look was different than the '06. This is good news indeed, as the 2D photos had me cringing at the front end. In person, the front end looks pretty decent. I think the major difference is that in 2D, you miss the delicate angles that change all so very slightly as your body moves in 3D-land. Speaking of perspective, the black/plastic bumper and lower panels don't look all that bad. Overall, I think the car's a pretty good looker with the 17" rims, and would agree with the OP that it feels very mini-MDX-ish, which is a nice compliment. YMMV, but I found that I cannot stand the plastic-black door handles and side mirrors on most colors, with the exception of Royal Blue and Black. Reserving those painted parts for the EX-L is pretty evil. I suppose you could paint them... The 90-degree-opening rear doors are more like 85 degrees, but still, a very nice improvement.

Interior:
The jury is out on the silver-ish door handles and steering wheel accents. I think it looks a bit silly, but it's not terrible. The instrument display is clean, very visible, and all business. I liked it a lot. The stereo and HVAC controls, while a bit further away from eye level, are better for me, as I prefer arm-height and smaller knobs. The shifter is a bit too shiny, which I can get used to, but I'm not too thrilled about the position. I find that the protrusion makes it harder for me to reach down below it, or to see what's down there. I do like the mesh-like look on the top of the dash, as well as the two compartments on the passenger side below the airbag. Very slick. I dislike how they partitioned the center console (EX-L); I would've kept it closer to the traditional 2 cup holders up-front, and the rest of it as storage. As it stands, I now have 1 small compartment and 1 medium-sized compartment instead of 1 large compartment. The seat's fabric pattern was a bit strange, while the leather was okay; not exactly supple. The rear seats and hatch area are more or less the same from the '06, except for the LATCH x 3 (instead of 2), which is slick. Most parents with infants would prefer to put the kid in the middle, it seems.

Other thoughts:
* Rear Hatch:
Pretty easy to lift, nice fit and finish, and doesn't require that much clearance. It would've been nicer if it had an ~80% open position that it could lock at, as it would help the shorter folks reach it to close.
* Dual-Deck Cargo Shelf
Seems like it can take more than 20lbs, but I fail to understand where I'm supposed to store this once I fold it up -- it's actually pretty darn big -- folded, it's ~2" thick, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere it'll "disappear" to. The dealer didn't seem to know... The install position is a tad high, and I have a hard time believing that if I put groceries up-top, that they wouldn't come flying at me in the front seat if I slam on the brakes... Maybe useful if all you buy are low clearance things with low inertia, like, er, bread. Also, taking it in and out can be a chore, as you have to angle it in and insert the forward portion first and lock it in, much like a battery cover. It's nice that you can put it in a half-folded position, where you fold it forward and the rear half has full clearance. Due to the bulk, I'm guessing this is something you'll have to keep installed until you need to remove it.

Umm, that's all for me.. I didn't actually test-drive it due to time constraints, but if it performs about the same or better as the '06, then it seems like you're getting a darn good car in the '07.

[4hondaowner]

Good comments and all of us appreciate your opinions. I'm going out early Sunday morning to see if Gwinnett Place Honda has one to look at.

[etc]

* Dual-Deck Cargo Shelf
Seems like it can take more than 20lbs, but I fail to understand where I'm supposed to store this once I fold it up -- it's actually pretty darn big -- folded, it's ~2" thick, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere it'll "disappear" to. ... Due to the bulk, I'm guessing this is something you'll have to keep installed until you need to remove it.

when you dont need it - it lies perfectly well unfolded ontop of the boot floor
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2180.JPG
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2179.JPG

[crvtx03]

Just a comment on the cargo area cover.....I really like the cover I have in the Gen2. It is high, so I can put taller bags, boxes, briefcases, etc in there and have them hidden (I am not sure how much will fit under this hard one in the Gen3. Travelling, you can store a lot and keep it covered, and open the sliding covers from the back seat to get to stuff (not sure about this in the Gen3). And it collapses and stores pretty easily. The hard shelf might be ok, but it should at least have a low and high position (there was a Renault in Europe that used to have a hard 2 position shelf that was pretty neat).

[Visiting_Guest]

the cloth fabric looks extremely tacky

[Dragonfly]

the cloth fabric looks extremely tacky

The cloth fabric on the Gen 2 is not one of the vehicle's strong points, either. Why Honda can't deliver a better seat is a mystery to me. The best seats I ever had were in my '79 Volvo and the wife's '94 Quest. Both quality fabric and both extremely comfortable.

[Robert]

I wasn't too impressed with the cloth but I wasn't put off by it either. IMO, the best cloth Honda has made was on the early 90's Accords. The material of the seats on my old '92 Accord EX was awesome and held up extremely well.

[bluewho25]

the cloth fabric looks extremely tacky

The cloth fabric on the Gen 2 is not one of the vehicle's strong points, either. Why Honda can't deliver a better seat is a mystery to me. The best seats I ever had were in my '79 Volvo and the wife's '94 Quest. Both quality fabric and both extremely comfortable.

Why Honda won't use the seat material used on the Element (all weather proof) that is so cool looking and easy to clean. I have kids d@mmit!
Can they give you the freakin option?
The cloth used on my 2006 Accord SE sucks and it is my only complaint on that car.

Same thing the the RAV4. Toyota, use the Matrix interior in it!!!!!!!
The Rav4's interior sucks.

Guys, I may be shooting for the 2007 Element EX-AWD-Auto


Galaxy Gray Metallic
So darn sexyyyyyyy... :wink:

http://automobiles.honda.com/assets/images/2007/element/customize/base_car/GY_ex4wd_34FRONT.jpg

El Guapo

[CollegeProf]

BlueWho,
Glad you also brought up the Rav4 because when I test drove it a few weeks ago-that's one of the FIRST things I noticed! Their cloth is MUCH worse (IMO) than the cloth in the CRV! Yikes! I looked at the seams and the finish of it and it did not look well made at all. It screamed "cheap" to me.

[sodakar]

when you dont need it - it lies perfectly well unfolded ontop of the boot floor
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2180.JPG
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2179.JPG
[/quote]

Very helpful -- thank you! For some reason, we had difficultly angling it in, despite the fact that we could see that it "ought to" go in there... :)

Glad to see that I wasn't the only one who thought the cloth fabric, with its (what I refer to as) "rainbow sprinkled donut look" + mesh in random location was questionable... I never considered leather in an SU-V, but the CR-V's seats have me thinking leather. That's pretty funny and sad. :)

[Visiting_Guest]

this IS NOT a plug for mazda, but if u want to feel nice cloth, almost like a cross between suede and lether, go check out the CX-7's cloth, i wish that stuff made its way into the Honda parts bin

[bluewho25]

this IS NOT a plug for mazda, but if u want to feel nice cloth, almost like a cross between suede and lether, go check out the CX-7's cloth, i wish that stuff made its way into the Honda parts bin

What about the material used on the Honda Elements?
Anyone?
They are like stadium size too. :mrgreen:


http://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2007/element/interior_gallery/large6.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2007/element/com145_img5.jpg

http://www.mlimages.net/images/element/3.jpg

[Visiting_Guest]

ive only seen them in the showroom , but they really did a nice job on the 07, it has a ton of utilit, not bad i must say!

[pahns5]

I test drove a new EXL today and found it ok but not what I expected. First of all I have owned a 97 and 02 CRV. I currently have a 06 Accord LX and a 05 Odyssey.

The positive:- Well put together inside and out. A couple notches above the current model. Quieter than the current model but less than my Accord


The negative:- For me, the power was just adequate. And that was with 2 people in the car with the AC off. The engine noise at part to full throttle was loud and intrusive. The emeregency brake pedal is directly above the dead pedal. Way to much plastic inside for a 27k car

Overall : If your comming from a 97-01 CRV you will be impressed. Comming from a 06 SE you could have second thoughts. No doubt it is a step up but how much I'am not sure. Wait until it gets a power boost in it's mid model change. I hear 185hp and a Diesel option with plenty of torque

[bluewho25]

I test drove a new EXL today and found it ok but not what I expected. First of all I have owned a 97 and 02 CRV. I currently have a 06 Accord LX and a 05 Odyssey.

The positive:- Well put together inside and out. A couple notches above the current model. Quieter than the current model but less than my Accord


The negative:- For me, the power was just adequate. And that was with 2 people in the car with the AC off. The engine noise at part to full throttle was loud and intrusive. The emeregency brake pedal is directly above the dead pedal. Way to much plastic inside for a 27k car

Overall : If your comming from a 97-01 CRV you will be impressed. Comming from a 06 SE you could have second thoughts. No doubt it is a step up but how much I'am not sure. Wait until it gets a power boost in it's mid model change. I hear 185hp and a Diesel option with plenty of torque

I agree with you 100% and I do feel your pain my brother :twisted:

Check out my thread about negatives points on it too at

http://www.hondasuv.com/stg/viewtopic.php?t=19015

El Guapo

[PoundPup]

I guess that shelf wouldn't be of much use to me since I take my two dogs in there so much of the time. What a pain to remove it. At least with the Tonneau cover it resmbles a window shade and retracts.

[quote="
* Dual-Deck Cargo Shelf
Seems like it can take more than 20lbs, but I fail to understand where I'm supposed to store this once I fold it up -- it's actually pretty darn big -- folded, it's ~2" thick, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere it'll "disappear" to. The dealer didn't seem to know... The install position is a tad high, and I have a hard time believing that if I put groceries up-top, that they wouldn't come flying at me in the front seat if I slam on the brakes... Maybe useful if all you buy are low clearance things with low inertia, like, er, bread. Also, taking it in and out can be a chore, as you have to angle it in and insert the forward portion first and lock it in, much like a battery cover. It's nice that you can put it in a half-folded position, where you fold it forward and the rear half has full clearance. Due to the bulk, I'm guessing this is something you'll have to keep installed until you need to remove it.

Umm, that's all for me.. I didn't actually test-drive it due to time constraints, but if it performs about the same or better as the '06, then it seems like you're getting a darn good car in the '07.[/quote]

[PoundPup]

Well THAT was easy.

* Dual-Deck Cargo Shelf
Seems like it can take more than 20lbs, but I fail to understand where I'm supposed to store this once I fold it up -- it's actually pretty darn big -- folded, it's ~2" thick, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere it'll "disappear" to. ... Due to the bulk, I'm guessing this is something you'll have to keep installed until you need to remove it.

when you dont need it - it lies perfectly well unfolded ontop of the boot floor
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2180.JPG
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2007_crv_images/DSCF2179.JPG

[PoundPup]

Do I see polka dots?


the cloth fabric looks extremely tacky

[PoundPup]

I have to agree with you. Aside from the fact that the black fabric shows every little piece of lint or stray animal hair, the material itself seems cheap, especially in certain areas like the middle back seat. I feel my Civic DX cloth seats are a bit more supple. I wish that my Silver Moss CRV came with a medium shade of gray seats. Dark enough to hide soiling, but light enough so every little thing didn't show up. Thank gawd I don't have dandruff!

the cloth fabric looks extremely tacky

The cloth fabric on the Gen 2 is not one of the vehicle's strong points, either. Why Honda can't deliver a better seat is a mystery to me. The best seats I ever had were in my '79 Volvo and the wife's '94 Quest. Both quality fabric and both extremely comfortable.

[ferg1018]

Hey! Help me decide! Do I really need the 'real time' 4wd? I do live in Boston which gets a fair amount of snow. Is 'real time 4wd' truly necessary?

[Dragonfly]

Hey! Help me decide! Do I really need the 'real time' 4wd? I do live in Boston which gets a fair amount of snow. Is 'real time 4wd' truly necessary?

If I lived where you do, I'd go for the 4WD. Luckily I'm in the South, where it's seldom needed. I had a Jeep Cherokee here for 7 years and used the 4WD exactly twice. Hence I bought a FWD V - cheaper, less mechanically complicated, and a skosh better gas mileage.

[Visiting_Guest]

Hey! Help me decide! Do I really need the 'real time' 4wd? I do live in Boston which gets a fair amount of snow. Is 'real time 4wd' truly necessary?

the real time awd is the difference of you staying on the highway in snow vs hitting a guard rail. its that simple

best thing about AWD is that it only engages when necessary, which, even tho it may happen only a few times, I live in new england too, and it has saved my ass every single time its engaged, ltierally one time a life saver

I was on my way to NH to go skiing, some IDIOT was going about 65 in a blizzard, i kept my distance and was going about 40 on a decently plowed rt 95. the guy MISSES HIS EXIT, but decides to slam on the breaks and cut from the highspeed lane and try n make the exit.

long story short the awd in the CRV saved me from having a major, serious, accident because it kept me on the road and regained control of my car

that is why you should get it

[Racoon]

So I was at the Honda dealer this morning to pick up my 1999 CR-V (it was in for the timing belt change). They had a 2007 CR-V EX-L in the lobby, so I went in to look at it.

I know others have said the front looks better than the pictures, but I'm going to disagree. IMO the front end looks horrible in person, even worse than the pictures.



The good news is that with the new timing belt my 1999 CR-V should last me until the 4th Gen CR-Vs arrive in 2012!

;)