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But anyway, the reason why I complain about the tailgate opening towards the street is because I live in tight quarters. This means that I parallel park on a daily basis, and most likely there's a car behind me. So when I open up the tailgate the way that it's hinged on the current CR-V, it would strike with the front bumper of the car behind me. In order to get my things out, I could either use the little window, or I would have to walk to the side of the street, open up the tailgate, get my stuff out, close the tailgate, move to the side of the curb and put my things down on the sidewalk, then close the tailgate & the glass (cause you have to open it first in order to open the tailgate).
Now if the tailgate were hinged to open in the other direction, all I would have to do is open up the tailgate, get my things out, put it on the sidewalk and then close the tailgate. This saves me an extra step and doesn't put me anywhere near the street where I could get hit by some teenager or some drunk. Considering that Japan isn't all that big, I'm surprised that Honda couldn't sympathize with the North American market on this issue.
But the one thing that I really like from those teaser pictures is the low hanging spare and what seems to be a bigger cargo window.
It's there, partially.
Looks like there's 2 models in Japan, 1 with the spare at the back and one without.
Now does anyone know how to translate the Japanese site to something more understandable?
Wow, you guys really think it'll have a dash mounted shifter? The Civic Si has it, but that's based on the Euro Civic. The US Civics are floor mounted.
I doubt a 5 speed auto/6 speed manual would appear, but it would be a very nice addition.
I also think 225/60R16 is a bit big. Honda tends to have relatively small wheel sizes to keep unsprung weight down.
The Liberty's gate in ingenious. You have to try one out to see what I mean. Pop the handle and the glass pops up by itself automatically, and it feels like a million bucks. Honda would be smart to copy them, because even though Chrysler may not have quality, they do have a lot of great ideas.
-juice
tailgate set-up. I fully agree with diploid that in close quarters/curbside loading the current design (same as my Sidekick save for the flip-up glass) is a pain in the butt. It also blocks your view to the rear (and the lower they mount the spare, the less effective the bumper is), offers no protection from inclement weather when loading/unloading (a hatch does) and unless you're lucky enough to be rear-ended by a car with a low front end, causes far too much damage in any kind of rear end crash. You'd think Honda would like to replicate the excellent result the rear bumper of the MDX got. As for "macho looks", you can't get much more macho than an xterra and i don't see any rear-mounted spare on it. As the current JDM cr-v is available without a rear-mounted spare (and they even went so far as to tool-up a new tailgate with the licence plate in the middle!), i guess there's always hope that we might get a proper hatch for North America, but I'm not holding my breathe. It WOULD make better sense to have ONE properly designed, upward-opening hatch that would work in ALL markets and then offer an externally-mounted spare holder as an option for those that need a testosterone boost.
Anyway, the rest of the new cr-v looks awesome. I'm hoping for a 5-speed auto (same as in the Stream) as well. But unless we get a hatch, I may be shopping for a VUE, Santa Fe or Escape-Tribute
(although no one can touch Honda for economical, trouble-free operation...especially the Ford -
Factory-Ordered-Recalls&Defects). Too bad Nissan won't bring their Cr-V-like X-Trail over here.
I, too, am doubtful that a 5 speed auto tranny will be introduced - too upscale???
Apparently there are people out there who prefer to shift, change CDs, hold the steering wheel, accelerate/deccelerate, use turn signals, drink a cup of coffe and eat a bagel all at the same time. I, on the other hand, choose to do other things with my hands while driving.
So having a 5-speed automatic is risky; people may buy it, they may not. But with the manual, they know people who are so-called driving enthusiasts would buy a 6-speed manual.
Back to the new CR-V= It never occurred to me about the spare tire being easily damaged. I was even watching the news when they aired the bumper test results! But unlike the Suzuki, the new CR-V's spare hangs low, so hopefully the glass doesn't shatter when the car gets rear ended. Although that really doesn't help much since the tailgate would have to be replaced anyway...
louie- How did you find out about the 2 models of the upcoming CR-V?
Doesn't sound like you'll buy a Ford, and I can't blame you. Check out a Santa Fe, for the most part they are under-rated, just a bit slow. The Vue looks good on paper, but my guess is the price will be a little higher than the Forester/CR-V/RAV4 crowd.
Actually, the next-gen Sidekick (Tracker) replacement will be based on the Vue platform, too.
It's a competitive segment, so the pressure is on for the 2002 CR-V and the 2003 Forester redesigns.
-juice
Who cares about the tire in back? I figure, the more between me and them, the better! I'd rather have the clearance underneath and the room inside.
As far as door opening, I never really thought about it in a city setting, I guess. At my house, you can either pull in the driveway regular, or back in. Never had a problem. Some houses in the country you just drive around to the other side!
Remember the old station wagons (were they Oldsmobiles?) where the entire rear liftgate goes down into the floor? First you retract the window into the gate, then the gate into the floor. Those made it real easy to get the ice fishing gear in and out.
My feeling is that the new Passport will get a version of the MDX engine. I also suspect the MDX will get a version of the new V8 that's slated for the RL.
So, that leaves plenty of room at the bottom for the CRV. If the CRV is going to compete with the new Forester, Escape, etc., I think they will need a 2.4 engine. Who knows, I could be wrong.
Bob
Bob
Diploid - You are one of those people with a legitimate beef about the tailgate design. However, I don't see how changing the side where it's hinged will make life better for you. The gate will still swing backward the same distance. It'll just do it from a different side. The lift up gate would be best for you.
Juice - The dash mounted shifter would satisfy those who don't like the column mounting and also leave room for them to make use of the pass-through to the rear seats.
So even modern SUVs could learn a thing or two from the past. Just don't emulate the 10mpg, terrible tracking, and severe gas fumes, please! :-)
Will they actually keep the Passport name? I'd be surprised. It's supposed to come with a 4 banger standard, V6 optional. That likely means the CR-V will not get a V6, to avoid overlap.
-juice
I think the dash mounted shifter look goofy, but I can see their function.
I may feel that way because I own a Miata and not an Alfa, though. ;-)
-juice
The column mounted shifter of the CRV has been criticized in the past because its easy to overshoot gears when selecting them. CRV owners here may disagree, but I've read that in several road tests.
Bob
I hope they don't intend to jack up the price too much.
Varmit- true, even if the hinges were to be changed, opening up the tailgate would still be a problem if someone else's car (more problematic if it's another SUV or van) is parked right behind yours yours. However, having the hinges changed would still be rewarding because it saves you an extra step. Can you just imagine trying to move large items from the back of the current CR-V while paralleled park? The gate's window would be too small. You would have to open the tailgate, take out the large package, close the tailgate to squeeze yourself through onto the curb, lay the item on the sidewalk,THEN walk back to open the tailgate again and repeat the process as many times as necessary to get all your things out.
That doesn't happen often, but I'll tell you, it's not rare, either. Maybe it's just my neighborhood. But I do see your point that having a lift up tailgate might be even worse in a case like this since it may not be able to lift up at all without striking the car behind it.
Regarding the redesigned Passport- I'd be very happy if it basically looks like a large CR-V with a 3rd row, and without the rear mounted spare. I really don't like the headlights on the MDX at all. It just looks too "cheeky," and depending on the color of the vehicle, it can look cynical as well.
... or make them out of recycled plastic!
A tailgate hinged at the very back of the vehicle will give back that space, but the arc of travel will extend farther back. You'd have to step back when opening it. You'd also have to duck to get under it.
How about sliding doors? Maybe a door with hinges in the middle like a french four panel door? :-)
The 2 engines used in the RSX are the same basic block as the one used in the Civic Si, the Honda Stream, and the Honda Step Wagon (and probably the Model X concept as well). All are tuned differently, of course. I actually do expect to see that engine; just tuned for more torque and less hp. That's why I'm guessing about 160 hp and 150 ft lbs.
Sasquatch - LOL Maybe Honda could use recylced plastics from all those Ford door handles.
As long as we're talking recycling... that's another things that Honda has been focusing on. Along with emissions and fuel efficiency, most new models are at 90% recyclable. Makes me wonder about interior material quality.
I hate the sloping rear roofline like those on the MDX. It looks nice, but I'm more biased towards utility than aesthetics.
If the shifter is going to located on the dash, you think there'll be a possibility of a Tahoe-ish bench in the front? 3 across, but the middle section folds down and doubles up as a huge center console.
As a current owner, there are really only three significant changes I want to see:
(1) a more fuel-efficient engine -- you can never really complain about having too much power, of course, but in real life, what I'd like to be able to do is go closer to 400 miles between stops before seeing that fuel light on road trips. Right now, it comes on pretty soon after 300. This may mean bumping up the tank capacity by a few gallons too.
(2) better sound insulation -- this is a great car around town, but the road and wind noise can get annoying on the highway. I'm not expecting a Lexus, but I think an improvement here isn't too much to request.
(3) five-speed automatic transmission -- an extra top gear might make attaining #1 and #2 easier
And that's really about it. I hope Honda doesn't change the mission of this vehicle or raise the price too much. Look at Honda's vehicle lineup right now, and you'll see that they have two compelling choices at this very same price point. (Compare Edmunds TMV for the 4-cyl Accord LX sedan and 2WD CR-V LX -- then do the same for the 4-cyl Accord EX sedan and CR-V EX.) I've been told by several people that they were cross-shopping the Accord and the CR-V. One coddles people, and the other favors cargo. One of the strengths of the CR-V is the very affordable price; I really don't want to see EX-level cars going for $25K. Another strength that drew me to the CR-V in the first place is the compact form factor, a great bonus in the city.
affordable price, passenger and cargo space.
I first wanted the subaru for the boxer engine
layout and the awd feature... but the passenger
space was too small (I'm less than 6' tall).
come to think of it, CR-V has a reputation for
being a very reliable vehicle.
'tho I do not go off road, who knows... if I need
the real-time 4wd feature to get out of a bad
winter storm. I feel more comfortable driving
the rt4wd instead of the most sophisticated
traction control in 2wd vehicles.
I just installed my passenger side armrest, etc.
i feel really comfortable installing aftermarket
accessories myself rather than the overpriced
dealer. imagine.. they quoted me $99 for the
front splash guard! gheez! purchasing over the
internet vs dealer saved me around 80% in
expenses
i'm still not used to the power window and
door lock switch... *LOL*
michael
the only solution that will satisfy every one is dutch doors, like on ford excursion and lincoln northwood.
when i asked about the v6 fitting in the crv i meant the current cr-v.
Funny thing about the price. When the CR-V was introduced here in the states, the media reported that it was a bit on the pricey side. Look at how the market has changed.
Barnone - $99 for front splash guards! Geez, those have been given out as a free door prize at some our the CR-V meets.
Bob
Please don't make it into another Pontiac Aztec!
How about some funky new hinges (double hinges which lift up and tilt it in at the same time?
(or one which disappears into the floor, as mentioned before?)
If you get a high-powered headunit, but don't upgrade the speakers, get ready for a "muddy buzz" when you want to turn up anything "thumping." If you can only change one thing, swap out the front speakers like Varmit suggested. Then, at least, the low power signal is at least being more faithfully rendered.
However, thanks to the amount of ambient noise at highway speeds, there are definitely diminishing returns to overspending on speaker quality after a certain point. If you're into music that will make use of it, an amp and subwoofer upgrade will shine through under all conditions.
1) it has to be able to tow 2000 lbs
2) it has to have FWD
3) it must be under $23,000
Some other considerations will be road noise, cargo capacity and fuel economy. I think the biggest advantage Honda has is their reputation for quality and vehicles that "run forever".
There's a bit more information about the Midwest Meet over in the Events thread. Check the "additional resources" side bar for information about the upcoming meets in Florida and California.
Anyone think there might be a possibility of a 3rd row seat in the new CR-V?
Bob
With an all-new CRV just around the corner, I would think (hope) dealers are "dealing."
Bob
The main complaint is the one that Bob describes; the door opens to the curb making it difficult to load if parallel parked. Another less irksome one is the fact that the tail gate is a two part operation (lift glass then open the gate). The third is the fact that the gate swings wide and extends far enough that it might hit a vehicle parked behind you.
These are the "pros":
The lift glass is very convenient for small items and when someone parks right up against your bumper. The wrong-side hinge is very easy to get to for the driver. Get out, walk to the back, and swing open the gate. No problem. If it were hinged on the other side, you'd have to walk around the back of the car and side step the gate as you swing it open.
Basically, if you have to park on the street, the CR-V's gate can be a problem. If not, then it could actually be a blessing. I'm one of those few who actually find the design very useful, but I can see why it's a pain for folks in the city.
$20,447 Edmunds TMV + $dest. EX with 4A.
695.00 Leather interior
199.64 Roof rack
147.60 Cassette
255.85 Side sport trim
29.80 Mud guards
39.60 Door guards
I don't have a price on a sunroof since I dunno what type you are getting.
21,814.49 Total (without sunroof)
If you are not getting the automatic or have a better deal than the Edmunds TMV, you'll have to adjust accordingly. Accessory prices come from H and A Accessories except for the leather seats which come from Auto Leather Interiors. Prices do not include tax or shipping charges, though Mark at Auto Leather includes installation in that price. Nice guy. He did mine and he's in the Baltimore area. Be sure to come to next year's Mid Atlantic CR-V Meet.
I think Consumer Reports described the back door opening as a "3 step process", but by varmits description it sounds like a painless two step.
On a related topic, is there a rear area cargo cover available to hide belongings? That's one thing I like about the RAV4, the Toneuau cover option in the back.
Scottdude -
Retractable?
Or
Not retractable?
You can find either type at most Honda accessory retailers. These pics come from H and A Accessories
However, you are far smarter than they. Because you visited here at Edmunds, you now know that the hardware for keyless remote entry is standard on ALL CR-Vs (yep, even the LX). All you need to do is buy the key fobs that trigger the system. Purchase a few key fobs, push the buttons in a fancy sequence, and eureka! You've got access to the back with the push of a button.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I just got my windows tinted, but the tint shop left like an inch off the top untinted. it is perfect when the window is up, but it really bothers me when the window is half open. he said that if he tinted all the way up to the edge it would peel the film from rubbing against the seal. did anyone have similar problem?