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2007 Honda CR-V
There's a lot of talk about the new CR-V and the spy shots. Here's the place to chat about it.
We're going to move some threads over from the CR-V discussion to help seed this one, so some of the initial posts may wind up out of sequence.
Steve, Host
We're going to move some threads over from the CR-V discussion to help seed this one, so some of the initial posts may wind up out of sequence.
Steve, Host
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This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I can't imagine why Honda does this for the first couple of years when introducing a new CR-V.
LOL, but the "hearse like" Landau emblems on the back window are actually tape and not part of the vehicle.
stevedebi, "Honda CR-V" #15889, 21 Jun 2006 3:44 pm
I guess since the RDX has a turbo engine, they don't have to worry about them overlapping too much.
-juice
Otherwise, it's pretty much the same thing we are getting.
The reason why that pic looks so much better than the white CR-V is mostly optical illusion. The vehicle has a better disguise over the grill, making it look more like the Pilot. And the vehicle is back lit, which puts the nose in shadow.
If you read what Miamicrv1 is writing, his description is exactly what we've seen before.
"the bumper had these evenly spaced bulges throughout."
These can be seen clearly - poking up from under the plastic in the photo below. (Note, they also appear on the panel below the doors.)
"...the metal portion of the hood coming over the edge and surrounding the very prominent logo."
Which can be seen under the plastic, as well. This forms the upper half of the infamous "double grill" so many people hate.
Miami's comments about the roof line and other exterior features also match up with what we've seen before.
Canada originally got an LE trim, which was more or less the same as our SE. They never had to wait for it. With the second generation, they got an EX-L model (EX with leather) which also included painted bumpers, IIRC.
Here in the US, the CR-V will follow a model pattern similar to the Pilot.
LX - Base model
EX - Alloys, sunroof, stereo upgrade, etc.
EX-L - Adds leather and painted bumpers
EX-L NAV - Adds Navigation and maybe a few other technology-related features.
Here are some of the rumored content changes...
"The 2007 CR-V on the 3rd generation will have the following features which were not available on the 2nd generation: Telescopic Steering Wheel, Bi-Level Digital Readout Instrument Panel, Center Console with: Floor Shifter, Extra Large Storage Compartment and Cupholders, Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Automatic Climate Control System on EX and EX-L and Daytime Running Lights!!! This info comes from a Dealership Pre-Order Fact Sheet!!! Enjoy!!! " - Bluewho
Floor shifter means no more walk-through.
Telescoping wheel is new, and rare in this class.
NAV is new to this class, RAV4 doesn't have it yet, I'm not sure any economical compact SUV does. Mazda5 is the closest thing I can think of that offers NAV.
Bi-level instruments - is that like the Civic's?
Auto climate - uh-oh, HAL strikes again. The Subaru folks hate it. Maybe they'll design it better.
-juice
juice - the Honda auto systems I've used have been great - truly set and forget.
Alas, again no pix. It certainly seems like Honda may be doing a ride & drive for journalists (or Honda dealers) in the Vancouver/Whistler area. Folks in those parts, keep your cameras handy!
That front it gonna take some getting used to. And I'm being nice.
The tails actually look good, but the rear window is really raked and gives up space, plus the window is very high so rear visibility might be worse than the old model, even though the spare moved out of the way. Why? :confuse:
-juice
I like the profile and rear views, but the nose is exactly what I was expecting. And it looks hideous. The nicest thing I can say is that the chrome strip almost takes your attention away from the whale shark's maw underneath it.
Juice, I'm not so sure the rear window is higher. I think the roof line at the rear is lower, which makes it seem proportionally higher. But in reality it's about the same.
-juice
I can't find the pictures on Autoweek. If anybody gets some pictures please post them. With all the new competition now I am surprised Honda did not come up with a nice looking new model.
Typically whenever a model changes people complain because it's different. I think it looks fine and will sell very well.
My reaction has nothing to do with this model being something different. This CR-V turns my stomach. The front facade is an example of bad styling.
Whatever, it will sell.
I'm surprised, but the D-pillar actually looks better than I expected. I don't mind it like I thought it would. It doesn't look saggy like some of the sketches did early on. It actually reminds me of the Infiniti FX, and I'm sure Honda doesn't mind that at all.
The front looks wrecked, literally. It looks like the front broke in half and the two halves are separated by that wide opening.
Or, perhaps you could say it looks like the hood is not closed all the way, but that's a huge gap.
The way the front bumper comes up to meet the headlight (sharp, straight) does not match with the way the grille dips down in to the grille (soft, rounded).
It does create a smiley face, perhaps they're targeting women and thought that demographic would find it "cute". The shape reminds me a bit of the Fast character from the VW GTI.
-juice
A face-lift can do it, I'm sure. The profile and rear view look fine.
-juice
Honda is borrowing heavily from the Pilot for the front end of the new CR-V.
-juice
This is an automotive forum... essentially, a silly place.
I think it's fair to assume anything written here may be taken from that perspective.
But, to answer your question, yes, the design of the front clip is one of the worst I've seen. I'd put it on par with the Tribeca, though not quite as bad as the Aztek. Pick whatever words you associate with strong dislike, enmity, distaste, disgust, or aversion and you've got something close to my opinion on the subject.
Personally, I don't have a problem with it. The few times I've been looking out the rear quarter window, I was looking for something near the ground. (Like checking a blind spot for another vehicle.) This window will still allow for that. Only the top portion is blocked. I don't prefer this design. But I don't have a real problem with it, either.
The grill is also something we've seen on JDM cars. Here it is on the Stepwgn.
This part I mind.
I'm not predicting the same drop as varmint, but I do think sales will drop slightly and the RAV4 is going to pick up most of the slack. The Sante Fe and Outlander might pick up a few sales, too.
-juice
That would be something like 100-120K units for the 2007 model. Some people will buy it because of the H on the hood. Some will like it for all the strong qualities I'm sure it will have. But it will lose customers due to the styling and smaller interior. It will sell at MSRP for about 2-4 months, then they'll start dealing on them (like the Ridgeline).
For the 2008 MY, it'll probably sell 80-90K units. The newness will have worn off. Significant incentives will be available. Honda will cut production back.
By 2009, it'll be on life support. Most of the competitors will be new and improved. Anything good that the CR-V brings in 2007 will have been copied by others. Maybe 70K units sold this year.
2010 will see a mid-model redesign. Extra content and styling fixes will be put in place. Incentives will remain. That'll earn a few buyers despite the vehicle's age. Figure about 60-70K units for 2010.
2011 will see another 60-70K units as we anxiously await a redesign and dealers try to get this one off their lots once and for all.
The good thing is the 2010 will probably see a new snout.
I've warmed up the the Tribeca because at least the styling cues flow together. Nothing flows at the nose of the CRV.
Where's Bob for his critique??
By 2009, it'll be on life support.
Usually I respect your posts. This time I think your way off on this one. I guess it may depend on the definition of "significant".
Since you seem to be in to predictions. How about something of value. Do you have the winning lottery numbers for this weekend??
I'll be bookmarking this one. Will love to see the varmint eat his words.
I never liked to drive a car with a Jay Leno bumper, especially in mall parking lots.
CR-V styling seems to have slipped over into mini-van territory. Women buyers may prefer this look to the less styled look of the predecessor. There's something about it that says, "This vehicle is used to drive kids to soccer practice."
Maybe it will look better in person. But right now I prefer the look of my '05. Yes, I know it's all personal preference.
No vehicle with an ugly front end has averaged more than 60-70K units in this segment.
No small SUV short on cargo and passenger space has averaged more than 60-70K sales.
This CR-V is ugly. All rumors (until moments ago) stated that it lacked cargo space. With those two strikes against it, why would I think this CR-V is going to be a success? Blind loyalty to the brand? Sorry. I like Hondas because I think they make good products, not because I have some need to be a fanboy of one brand.
Having said all that... I just read some good news from a reliable source. For the past few weeks, we've been reading rumors about the interior specs of the CR-V. The number for cargo space was listed as a measly 61 cu.ft. Other statements from that source seemed credible, and that number pretty well matches the number for the RDX (which we know is similar). However, another proven source is stating that figure is incorrect. They are claiming this new CR-V has not lost a significant amount of cargo space.
If this new rumor is true, then the new CR-V hasn't gone the way of the old RAV4 and Forester. It has only one strike against it, not two. And (if this new rumor is true) it should do much better than my forecast from earlier today.
As a side note, the source who is supposedly incorrect about the cargo space is the same one who provided the information about the telescopic wheel, intermittent wipers, center console, and other interior features. So, now those details are suspect, as well.
http://07hondacrv.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?full=1&set_albumName=album01&i- d=IMG_0267
http://07hondacrv.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?full=1&set_albumName=album01&i- d=IMG_0266
No external spare.. It has a do-nut spare, right?
I wonder how much that front end has to do with new Euro pedestrian safety regulations?
Also, it seems the front end is less offensive in colors other than white...
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Although the front is still a bit busy for my liking, in those shots, the new CR-V actually looks pretty good. I'm wondering about the bulge in the tailgate now...would they mount the donut internally on the inside of the hatch? Or are they trying to eek out a bit more cargo space (as referenced by varmint)...or trying to accomodate a third row? Now I see why miamicrv1 was impressed.
It looks like there are pop-out panels on the rear of the roof rails where a rack footing might be installed.
The design of the rear glass does not look like it opens.
The tires appear to be Dueler H/Ts.
Wish we could see more of the interior, but those shots are the best to date. Thanks.
(and longer than alot of the rest of us as well!)... I wouldn't question your opinion....+ it's a free country, right? anyway, good to hear your source is more positive on the cargo space. Any possibility of a third row, or am I just dreaming? I know most reports to date have said it will strictly be a 5 seater.
• The bottom of the rear liftgate is right at the very edge of the rear bumper, so expect damage even with a slight rear-ender.
• I suspect that since there is no door-mounted spare, that it will get a temp spare tire, and it will reside in the under the floor storage compartment. So you will lose that nifty storage area.
As to styling, it looks better than the masked photos were showing.
Bob