2007 Honda CR-V

bodble2

Well, actually, he didn't say the Gen1/2 handling was better. He just said it was not unstable.

richbrave

I have 2002 CRv. Love it! Saw the new '07 up close and personal today. NO THANKS!

Talk about blind spots with the new rear side windows.

I was looking forward to replacing my '02, but, I'll keep it going until the next new redesign or look at something different.

isellhondas

I disagree about the blind spots. No worse than our 2003.

People are funny. They want safety and extreme rollover protection but they complain about blind spots!

varmint

While I would tend to agree that a full-size spare isn't the kind of thing you need on a daily basis, it's one of the nicest insurance policies you can own. With the donut mounted on the car...

You can't tow anything at all.
You cannot haul as much inside the car.
Driving in the snow becomes nearly impossible.
Emergency handling goes out the window.

Personally, I don't feel comfortable heading 3 hours north to the family vacation spot without a good spare.

The "fish tub" under the cargo floor added approximately 3 cu.ft. of cargo space. Of course, it was fairly shallow and round. Not the most useful shape. But it did provide a place for wet and dirty items.

I didn't find the blind spots all that bad, but I didn't drive it either. Keep in mind, the spot that is blind is the upper half of the driver's field of vision. Most of the time, when using that window, you'd be looking for automobiles in your blind spot. Well, those are relatively low to the ground. There aren't many obstacles that hover four feet above the ground.

As has been proven time and time again in this market, "better than average handling" is not a high priority to the vast majority of buyers in this market. As long as the handling isn't poor, people buy these vehicles. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with Honda improving the handling of this model, I don't see it earning them a significant number of sales. It's probably like having a standard picnic table in the back... nice, but not really necessary.

c_hunter

Can the 07 spare tire well accomodate a full-sized spare? That would be an important distinction. I prefer having the spare under the floor, but it would be good if the donut could be replaced by a full size tire if the driver wanted (for instance, I take along a full size spare in my Outback if I am driving on the beach).

There is a downside to an under-floor spare of course -- when you need to get at the tire when the back of the vehicle is packed up with gear. Same issue on the Ridgeline but potentially worse if you have serious cargo. I believe the Ridgeline has a mounting point for the tire up in the bed if desired.

bsparks

I was told by dealer the shelf could only hold 20 lbs. That looked about right. It is more of a false floor allowing you to hide luggage or whatever you have there.

varmint

"Can the 07 spare tire well accomodate a full-sized spare?"

My assumption is that it cannot. The under-floor space on all prior CR-Vs (and the Element) have never been quite deep enough for a full-size tire. Since the beginning, Honda has offered CR-V's to other markets with the spare stashed under the picnic table. However, those were always donuts.

I can understand people wanting the spare off the back door for styling reasons, but that is the location which is the most functional.

drive62

I guess you would know, I find it hard to keep everything said straight. I do think you said the 2G sold at MSRP for several years even though I provided evidence to the contrary. But again, I could be wrong.

varmint

I'll sleep well knowing that I've given you a mission in life.

stevedebi

"I was quoting EPA numbers for total cargo volume; if that underfloor volume was substantial enough, it would have been included in the raw numbers for the 06."

No, it is under the cargo floor, and not included in the EPA numbers. Neither are the other cubby holes in the Gen 2 CR-V.

Lets see, about 30 inches around by about 12 inches deep (sloping, so this won't be completely accurate), that is 133 or so cubic inches under the Gen 2 floorboard. Quite useful space for those "extra items".

But don't look for it on the Gen 3

bsparks

The Honda Web site fact sheet link title

talks about an LX convenience package that added alloy wheels and rear cargo cover to the LX making it an EX without the moonroof. No where can I find how much that is or if such a thing exists. Neither Edmunds or Honda list it as an option or accessory.

Anyone have any thoughts?

thegraduate

I just read that the EX comes with 17" alloys, whereas the EX-L comes with ' 16" alloys including spare '

It also says it comes with 5-speed manual, but a 5-speed auto is available, and the price is $26,000...

Is this just an outdated page, because it even shows a picture of the 2007 model. It's confusing!

Here is the site:link title

What's up with that?

isellhondas

I have noticed that the older the customer, the more important having a full sized spare is.

The vast majority of people don't care and that includes me.

I guess the older people remember the days when flat tires were a common thing?

I'm trying to remember when I last had a flat tire and I can't.

kyfdx

I can remember.. It was July... in Arkansas.. 100 F.. and my elderly mother in the car..

But, it wouldn't have mattered if it was a donut or a full-size spare...

varmint

It will depend very much on where you live. When I had an apartment in the city, my tires picked up little shards of debris all the time. I think I had four flats in one year.

That was before I got the CR-V. In suburbia, I've had fewer problems. Even so, I had 4-5 flats over the seven years that I owned the V. Each time, I was thankful that I could fix it, drive away, and then get the tire fixed when I had time. The need became a priority, but not an emergency.

One of the first things I did when I traded up to an MDX was replace the donut with a real tire.

thegraduate

Knock on wood, I've never had a flat tire (which is impressive out of over 4 years of driving and probably 15,000 miles a year)...

I did recently check my donut in my 1996 Accord, it was low on air. I need to check and see if it held the air I put in or if it went flat again (it's been a month). If it went flat again, looks like I need to buy a new one.

stever

It's been well over a year now for me since my last flat. In fact, I sold my set of studded tires (I was using one for my spare) and went back to a donut in my wagon. I also got one of those magnetic bar things and swept my gravel drive and picked up about a half pound of nails, screws and brads.

c_hunter

Almost all of my flats (say one every couple of years) have been from nails/screws or other punctures and result in slow/med leaks. So I bought a plug kit a while back and do all the repairs on my own, sometimes on the spot. With practice, you can fix a puncture in a couple minutes, with the tire still on the car. Generally, I can ream and plug the leak without losing much more air. Then fill the tire all the way back up with a small 12V compressor I carry in the car and drive on. I've never had a problem with these plug repairs. I can't remember the last time I actually used a spare tire!

guest

Geeeeeez, didn't realize how lucky I've been.

First and last flat was in 1950.

robertsmx

Over last 15 years (since I started driving), I have had to deal with flats four times. One of them involved installation of incorrect tire size and that tire ended up a sizzler. Another time, it was a rental car, I simply pumped in some air, and got it replaced at the rental agency. The other two times, nails on the street were the culprits (in one case, I discovered three nails stuck on the bad tire, and one that hadn't lost pressure had one).

harvey44

I've used this system since 1998. Believe me it matters.

banjolaya1

I bought one of those tire inflators that you plug into the lighter in your car and the compressor starts working. You hook it up to the valve and it'll inflate your tire. Most of my flats were from screws. Usually the screws remain in the tire thus sealing the hole so it is leaking but very slowly. Unless your tire is totally destroyed and shreaded - you don't even need a spare. Like I said, I inflated the tire, drove about 15 min. to the next shop and they fixed it. Never needed to take off the blown tire and put the spare on.

ateixeira

I got a flat coming back from the beach, right in the middle of the trip. 90 miles or so in either direction, so if I'd had a donut I would have been stranded. This was Sunday night, about 10pm, good luck finding a tire shop.

My wife got a flat that shredded her tire. She also had a full sizer, in fact I had swapped it out! I was very thankful that I did, too.

While I'm a bit miffed that Subaru is using donuts all around now, and I agree that it's industry standard and most people won't care, I am glad that a full-size spare at least fits in the well of both the Forester and the Legacy.

Donuts are for cops, not cars.

Ducks and runs...

-juice

kyfdx

Why are you stranded with a donut?

ateixeira

I'm not sure I'd want to drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with a toy tire and rim. And it's the only way home. On Rt. 50 the speed limit is 65 and most people do at least 70.

The donut limits you to 50mph, and even then isn't there a distance limit?

Any how, I wouldn't consider it "safe" to drive on Rt. 50 at 50 mph, the recommended max speed for a donut.

Keep in mind the car was fully loaded with all our stuff, and both kids. Maybe if it were just me I wouldn't care.

-juice

ateixeira

Gorgeous bridge...

kyfdx

I'm pretty sure the donut would be okay under almost any circumstance (maybe not if overloaded, or towing a trailer)..

Seriously.. you could probably drive a week on it...

I'll take a donut any day, compared to runflats...

This doesn't mean I wouldn't rather have a full-size spare.. I would... And, if they can cram a 225/45-17 on an 8" alloy wheel below the trunk floor on an '03 325i (with no hump), then surely they can find the room on a vehicle with as much interior space as a CR-V...

banjolaya1

Boy, that's a big bridge. But what are the odds you'd have a flat tire exactly while on the bridge?
Yeah, yeah, I know. Murphy's Law tells me you probably had one exactly on that bridge...

thegraduate

I have a Black and Decker Inflator in my trunk that is just like the one you are talking about. It plugs into the power outlet/lighter and has a long cord so you could even reach another car if need be. I used to use it to pump up my bike tires when I was a kid! We've had it for ages, and it comes in handy; along with being good insurance.

bcaptain78

I purchased my 07 CRV LX 2WD from GA for $ 22500.00 OTD. I think I got a great deal. Great dealership! I love this car.

banjolaya1

Well, enjoy your new car. Drive it hard, drive it good. And let us know whether that blind spot issue is really an issue...

ateixeira

You cross a lot of metal sections in that bridge. It transitions from pavement, to metal, to seams, etc. I'm not so confident about how a little bicycle tire is going to handle all that stuff.

It's a few miles long, 3 or 4 I think. It intimidates enough people that the state police actually have escorts that will drive your car across the bridge. The mother of one of my daughter's friends uses the service. Wild.

-juice

saabgirl

I also got one of those magnetic bar things and swept my gravel drive and picked up about a half pound of nails, screws and brads.

In my neighborhood, late summer and fall is home improvement season. Lots of contractors trucks. One thing I've noticed on my jogging route is the poundage of screws, nails and assorted sharp bits in neighborhood streets. I'm surprised there aren't more flats.

P.S. My last flat occured right across the intersection from a Goodyear store.

P.P.S. Someone mentioned that he'd gotten so good with roadside repairs he didn't think he needed a spare. I could be mistaken, but I don't think the Mini Cooper has a spare. Run flats are an option, though people tend to dislike the stiffness and road noise from what I read.

natenj1971

Found one in Morristown NJ. Beige with tan leather. MUCH roomier inside then the previous model for me. I'm tall (6'4')and couldn't get comfortable at all in the previous model. Too tight on my knees and side of my legs. Almost too roomy in the 07. Dash/buttons/knobs and materials seemed as nice as my Accord EX-L if not nicer. I prefer a higher center console/arm rest over the swing down arm rest they have on the seats. Enough room for me to fit behind driver with seat all the way back (with my knees touching the sides of the seat rear). Trunk is surprisingly spacious too. Everything was put together perfectly, no gaps, or the like.
I finally understand why everyone is talking about the donut spare versus full size. The tires on the CRV were HUGE! I couldn't imagine driving 10 minutes to get a new tire on a donut. It reminded me of a 05 Rav4 in over all exterior size. Sitting in the drivers seat I felt like I was in a car versus a truck - which is what they were going for I suppose. Over all pretty nice package.

cconwill

I also got one of those magnetic bar things and swept my gravel drive and picked up about a half pound of nails, screws and brads.

Is there a specific magnetic bar thing that is sold for picking up nails and screws? Where would I buy something like that? Our house is new construction with a gravel driveway and we've had three flats since we moved in six months ago!

stever

I basically ducktaped an 2' long magnetic knife holder that I had lying around to a 2x2 nailed to a broomstick and "swept" with that. They do make fancy ones that are mounted on wheels so you can roll them around the yard - most good roofers have them for the clean up phase of reroofing jobs.

This site has some examples, but I've seen cheap ones for around $15.

My last flat occured right across the intersection from a Goodyear store.

Gee, you don't suppose they are seeding the intersection to you? Nah... :P

banjolaya1

One would hope they are not that desperate. I should know. I left quite a few $$$ at their shop with my clunker... :sick:

atlantabenny

Hi folks, I'm hoping to pick up a few pointers from (and maybe share some with) the CR-V experts here while looking at replacement options for one of the family cars (two 03 Accords).

Had the chance to sit in and basically look over the 07 CR-V (a silver EX-L) last week, and was impressed. The dash presentation and other interior appointments were, to me, smartly simple with the exception of the silver grab-handles on the door that appeared scratch-prone.

Back in the cargo area, I lifted the floor panel and saw what looked like a full spare (huge!). Maybe the EX-L doesn't have the donut ?

Looking at the spec sheet, all safety features like EBD, VSA and ABS are standard across all models, including a tire pressure monitor system. Nice.

I guess the lack of auto-climate control and power seats are potential deal-breakers for some folks, especially those used to the set-and-forget HVAC systems. Otherwise, the package is quite compelling.

My .02 thus far...

c_hunter

I saw a magnetic sweeper at Lowes the other day -- I think it was in the hardware / fasteners aisle. Looked like a quickie-mop but had a magnet instead of a sponge.

natenj1971

Pretty favorable review of 2007 CRV, except 19.6 mpg during the rest drive.....but then again I doubt the reviewer was even attempting to drive so as to get optimal mpg.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2006-10-06-cr-v_x.htm

c_hunter

I really like Healey's reviews -- he also had a thorough/fair review of the RDX. I think he's one of the better auto journalists out there (at least for newspapers). Be sure to look at the pictures which contain his audio comments.

I get the impression he is aware of many of the shortcomings we have discussed here, including some desirable features/options that are missing, but still rates the overall driving experience very highly.

fnamowicz

The spare looks full size in the wheel well it's the same dia. but not as wide, this goes for all models. Also notice that the valve stem is pointing down so that you have to remove the spare to check the air.

atlantabenny

Just came back from the dealer for a 2nd look. You're right in that the spare rim diameter is 17" but the tire width and aspect ratio are different (spare: 215/55/17, full: 225/65/17 - I might be a digit or two off here). Didn't note the valve stem position; Honda slipped there.

Also looked at the RDX at the nearby Acura dealer.

The RDX's luxury theme is obvious in its appointments and overall presentation. But being roughly $10k and 400 lbs more than the CR-V, the smart money is evidently in the CR-V. Over time, the CR-V will probably have more character too; RDX's style is pretty generic.

daryll44

What's so bad about 19.6 MPG? Sticker is 22 MPG city. My 2005 CR-V stickers at 22MPG city and I get 20-21, depending on use of A/C. 19.6 for a brand-spankin' new one is about right I would think.

daryll44

"Set and forget HVAC systems". Do they REALLY exist? While I love the controls in my Lexus LS430, the honest truth is that cars are different than buildings. They heat up and cool down. In other words, I find myself "cranking it up" (sometimes "it" is heat and soemtimes "it" is A/C) and futzing with the controls in my LS430 just as much as I do in my 2005 CR-V SE. I honestly don't see any difference in operation, even though IN THEORY "climate control" is supposed to be "set it and forget it". It's not because cars
don't work that way (unless, perhaps, if you live in San Diego or somewhere that the temp is relatively constant).

atlantabenny

I see what you're saying. My reference car is the 03 Accord whose CC system is, well, 90% set-&-forget at least in Atlanta and how I "cooperate" with it. 10% of the time, I'd move the temp from 70F to 65F or 70F to 75F during temperature extremes. Otherwise it's on 70F and figuring out by itself if it will 1) recirculate air or not, 2) open what vents to demist and push air onto the footwell, and 3) turn the A/C on or off. On those points, I'd much prefer a less-than-perfect CC system than a manual one.

daryll44

I lived in Hotlanta from '79 to '83. I remember cranking up the A/C on my 1979 Plymouth Volare' Station Wagon in August big time. And cranking up the heat in January. Climate Control or not! (Although, to be fair, the Volare was such a POS that even NASA master controls wouldn't have made it better!)

atlantabenny

"(...even NASA master controls wouldn't have made it better!)"

I guess CC systems have come a long way. That said, its sense of "clean air" still can't match my wife's sensitivity to 1 ppm of diesel smoke. Her Accord's CC system is therefore on override, with "recirculate air" more often on not off.

cconwill

I wonder if perhaps Mr. Healy took a look at our discussions. Last week I wrote in message 1098:

We took a test drive yesterday, and it was fine, but no wow factor.

His article is titled "Revamped CR-V has wow factor"

gunga64

Lets see, Honda states 21 city and 29 highway. I guess thats what I see wrong with 19.6. At the current size it needs to be in the mid 20's. The competion does much better then 19.6.

Really disappointed in the new CRV. The price is high, it's kinda ugly, and it's smaller then the previous one.

It's a shame I don't like any of the new smaller SUV's that are offered by anyone. I don't like the new RAV4's either.