Whitby04CRV
11-10-2006, 08:38 AM
My impression of the next gen CR-V...
We were invited to a so-called 'exclusive' preview of the '07 CR-V at our local Honda, so (being extremely happy with our '04 CR-V) we decided to check it out, for gits and shiggles.
I've checked out the '07 inside and out, online, but this was my first opportunity to see it up close and personal. To borrow words from other users - hats off to Honda! Overall, I wasn't impressed enough to make me giggly (the MDX would probably do that), however if we didn't already have a CR-V I would be more inclined to buy it.
Exterior Design (9.5 out of 10):
Cleaner lines and more refined (should be obvious to anyone that has frequented Honda.ca/com) - it actually reminds me a bit of the X3/X5 - I'm sure the 17" rubber has something to do with that.
The front end has a shrunken 'Pilot' feel to it, and with the spare removed from the tail, and shaved rear 1/4 window, it looks like a much more expensive vehicle (mind you, the EX-L Navi is expensive enough). The tailgate is super easy to open (one-finger operation - no lie), and the doors have a nice solid feel (and sound) when closing (due to ACE perhaps?).
My only quam is that fogs are optional on all models, and HIDs are not available.
Also, I love that they went with the roof mount antenna.
Interior Design (9.0 out of 10):
For the price, we were very happy with the interior on our '04 - especially the quality of materials used (not necessarily the layout). The '07 is even better (ESPECIALLY the layout) - I am a big fan of moving the shifter off the steering column and into the center stack. When I first looked at it, I wondered if it just moved the obstruction from the radio controls down to the climate controls, however when the vehicle is in drive, it's in the perfect position - may just get a little in the way when in Park.
Honda has also opted for a new (better) center console storage box for the EX (and up) model - this replaces the stupid (IMO) folding tray table, which most people probably never fold down. Additionally, they have added closed storage above the glove box, and a center pass-through in the rear seats.
Finally (I'm sure there are a lot more changes I won't cover), they have added the cargo tray (for EX models and up) in the back - seems like a novel idea, but I guess functionality will be dependent on the owner.
Handling/Performance (8.5 out of 10):
Everyone should take this review with a grain of salt - my test drive was relatively short - however I can say that handling was good, and it actually drives a little more like a sedan than the gen 2 CR-V does. This would most likely be a result of the 17" wheels and lowering of the vehicle.
The transmission was nice and smooth when hunting for gears, however the acceleration was just average. It almost felt like it was a little slower than the gen 2 - this may just be because of the break-in period, but also may be due to the weight factor.
Summary (9.0 out of 10):
Unfortunately our dealership did not have an EX-L Navi on the lot (was told Honda would not be providing any to ANY dealership in Canada until January). I would love to see the layout with the navigation system in place, and to hear the ugpraded sound system - maybe we'll have another look in the new year.
The new CR-V drives nice, handles well, looks great and is a good value (especially with some of the new features they have made available). If we didn't already have a CR-V we would most likely be signing the papers right now, however it's not worth the extra money to us just to upgrade (at least not at this point in time).
If you're looking for a compact SUV with outstanding safety features, good fuel economy, top-notch quality and sought-after reliability - go with the CR-V.
We were invited to a so-called 'exclusive' preview of the '07 CR-V at our local Honda, so (being extremely happy with our '04 CR-V) we decided to check it out, for gits and shiggles.
I've checked out the '07 inside and out, online, but this was my first opportunity to see it up close and personal. To borrow words from other users - hats off to Honda! Overall, I wasn't impressed enough to make me giggly (the MDX would probably do that), however if we didn't already have a CR-V I would be more inclined to buy it.
Exterior Design (9.5 out of 10):
Cleaner lines and more refined (should be obvious to anyone that has frequented Honda.ca/com) - it actually reminds me a bit of the X3/X5 - I'm sure the 17" rubber has something to do with that.
The front end has a shrunken 'Pilot' feel to it, and with the spare removed from the tail, and shaved rear 1/4 window, it looks like a much more expensive vehicle (mind you, the EX-L Navi is expensive enough). The tailgate is super easy to open (one-finger operation - no lie), and the doors have a nice solid feel (and sound) when closing (due to ACE perhaps?).
My only quam is that fogs are optional on all models, and HIDs are not available.
Also, I love that they went with the roof mount antenna.
Interior Design (9.0 out of 10):
For the price, we were very happy with the interior on our '04 - especially the quality of materials used (not necessarily the layout). The '07 is even better (ESPECIALLY the layout) - I am a big fan of moving the shifter off the steering column and into the center stack. When I first looked at it, I wondered if it just moved the obstruction from the radio controls down to the climate controls, however when the vehicle is in drive, it's in the perfect position - may just get a little in the way when in Park.
Honda has also opted for a new (better) center console storage box for the EX (and up) model - this replaces the stupid (IMO) folding tray table, which most people probably never fold down. Additionally, they have added closed storage above the glove box, and a center pass-through in the rear seats.
Finally (I'm sure there are a lot more changes I won't cover), they have added the cargo tray (for EX models and up) in the back - seems like a novel idea, but I guess functionality will be dependent on the owner.
Handling/Performance (8.5 out of 10):
Everyone should take this review with a grain of salt - my test drive was relatively short - however I can say that handling was good, and it actually drives a little more like a sedan than the gen 2 CR-V does. This would most likely be a result of the 17" wheels and lowering of the vehicle.
The transmission was nice and smooth when hunting for gears, however the acceleration was just average. It almost felt like it was a little slower than the gen 2 - this may just be because of the break-in period, but also may be due to the weight factor.
Summary (9.0 out of 10):
Unfortunately our dealership did not have an EX-L Navi on the lot (was told Honda would not be providing any to ANY dealership in Canada until January). I would love to see the layout with the navigation system in place, and to hear the ugpraded sound system - maybe we'll have another look in the new year.
The new CR-V drives nice, handles well, looks great and is a good value (especially with some of the new features they have made available). If we didn't already have a CR-V we would most likely be signing the papers right now, however it's not worth the extra money to us just to upgrade (at least not at this point in time).
If you're looking for a compact SUV with outstanding safety features, good fuel economy, top-notch quality and sought-after reliability - go with the CR-V.