2007 Honda CR-V Review
The CR-V was Honda’s first SUV and one of the first crossover vehicles on the market. When it debuted in the U.S. in 1997, the CR-V was a surprise hit. Honda addressed complaints about its weak engine and mediocre interior in 1999. The second generation debuted for 2002 and received a mild refresh in 2005. The 2005 CR-V earned a number of accolades, including Consumer Guide’s “Best Buy” and Intellichoice’s “Compact Sport Utility Class over $21,000.” The next generation of CR-V debuts for 2007, and has already been chosen as one of the IIHS’s top safety picks.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2007 Honda CR-V takes the old reliable underpinnings and grafts on a sleek new exterior. With its comfortable interior and improved, quieter ride, the CR-V is a good choice for urban SUV buyers. With perfect crash test scores and fully loaded safety features, you can’t go wrong.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The CR-V earned an impressive 5-star rating from J.D. Power in its initial reliability. Honda has an excellent reputation for reliability and has done a fair job upholding it with the CR-V. The original only had a few problems in its debut year, including failing brake sensors, cracking fog light housing, and wind noise. It was recalled once. The last CR-V had a few issues with brake noise, engine stalling, steering, and seats in its first two years. However, it was also recalled a total of eight times. Expect average reliability for the first year. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The CR-V earned perfect scores in both government and IIHS safety tests. It is one of the IIHS’s top safety picks for 2007. All CR-Vs come with anti-lock brakes, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, full side airbags, and stability and traction control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Outstanding safety
+ Honda reliability
+ Comfortable interior
Cons
– Number of recalls for the last generation
– First-year models tend to be problematic
– Somewhat weak engine
Head-To-Head Competition:
The CR-V easily outpaces its competition. It costs the same as the 2008 Ford Escape XLT and adds a standard five-speed automatic and slightly better gas mileage. If you want a bit more engine power and a fantastic warranty, the Hyundai Tucson is worth looking into, but it has the same drawbacks as the Ford. If you want 4WD at the same price point, the Jeep Patriot Limited has it, along with leather seats, but that’s only for a manual model.
What Others Are Saying:
“It’s always a big risk redesigning a successful model. Honda is a conservative car company, and yet they seem to be willing to rethink their vehicles every few years to adapt to changing tastes and technologies. CR-V has taken a huge leap with this new generation, and I am very impressed with the results.” – About.com
“Honda has taken the positive attributes that make the CR-V its perennial best-seller and added style, better handling, and a hint of cool.” – Motor Trend
“The new CR-V remains pretty much what a CR-V has always been: an inexpensive, reliable five-seat duffel bag on wheels.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2007 Honda CR-V at the Honda manufacturer web site.
