2009 Honda CR-V Review
Cute-utes for all! - The CR-V is popular for a reason
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I know the world isn’t a popularity contest, but jeez.
If you’re shopping for a compact sport utility vehicle (automakers call them CUVs), the default choice is usually between Honda’s CR-V or Toyota’s RAV4. Sure, the segment includes vehicles from nearly every manufacturer, including hybrid models (the Ford Escape Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid spring to mind) — but customers still see the CR-V and RAV4 as the benchmarks.
And why shouldn’t they?
HISTORY OF THE CUV
Introduced in North America back in 1996, both the CR-V and RAV4 were almost a decade ahead of the current shift to crossover vehicles and the demand for greater fuel efficiency. Both are still available with a 4-cylinder engine, but unlike Honda, Toyota now offers a high-powered V6 model.
Honda’s philosophy is simple: give people what they need in a vehicle. The CR-V comes with a 166 horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine; seating (and luggage space) for five; a choice of drivetrains, including all-wheel-drive; and just about any comfort and convenience feature you could imagine using on a daily basis.
Fuel economy? The 2WD model is rated for 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive versions lose 1mpg on the highway.
Prices start at $21,245, but can climb to $30,000 if you get wild with the salesman.
More: 2009 Honda CR-V Review on AutoGuide.com
I know the world isn’t a popularity contest, but jeez.
If you’re shopping for a compact sport utility vehicle (automakers call them CUVs), the default choice is usually between Honda’s CR-V or Toyota’s RAV4. Sure, the segment includes vehicles from nearly every manufacturer, including hybrid models (the Ford Escape Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid spring to mind) — but customers still see the CR-V and RAV4 as the benchmarks.
And why shouldn’t they?
HISTORY OF THE CUV
Introduced in North America back in 1996, both the CR-V and RAV4 were almost a decade ahead of the current shift to crossover vehicles and the demand for greater fuel efficiency. Both are still available with a 4-cylinder engine, but unlike Honda, Toyota now offers a high-powered V6 model.
Honda’s philosophy is simple: give people what they need in a vehicle. The CR-V comes with a 166 horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine; seating (and luggage space) for five; a choice of drivetrains, including all-wheel-drive; and just about any comfort and convenience feature you could imagine using on a daily basis.
Fuel economy? The 2WD model is rated for 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive versions lose 1mpg on the highway.
Prices start at $21,245, but can climb to $30,000 if you get wild with the salesman.
More: 2009 Honda CR-V Review on AutoGuide.com
