This is absolutely the most fun car I've driven -- bar none. In the USA you get the 2.4 litre engine (same as the US market Accord). In India I believe you get the 2.0 litre engine which still plenty potent for the driving conditions. Mine has a 2.4 litre which gets 22 MPG+ on the Highway. The 2.0 litre according to my calculations should get about 28+ MPG. You get better mileage with Higher octane fuel.
The ergonomics are superb -- everything falls into your hands. The handbrake is unusual. Attention to detail is also exemplary. Fit and Finish and interior textures -- true as in all Hondas, are superb. The rear seats recline and they are in two parts. I drove an Accord too -- but this small SUV stole my heart. I like fun little cars which are practical and excellent errand-runners.
The neat thing about the CR-V is in how you can throw it into a corner at some reasonable speed and still not worry about how it may lose its composure (like overturn for example). Honda really did their homework on the suspension, which is tight but still compliant, composed but not overly harsh over road bumps. The US Model comes with disk brakes on all four corners. Don't know about the Indian model. However -- whatever the case maybe -- brakes and headlamps in a Honda are always very, very reliable.
The room inside is unbelievable. I took a look outside and then looked inside. It just did not seem doable. But Honda did it.
I believe in India they also offer Airbags as an option. It is well worth it if you value your life at all. This car has been designed with safety in mind -- from the high stoplights in the back to the ABS brakes and crash zones. I
In the US, you can get the CR-V with All wheel drive, six CD changer and sunroof. This is known as the EX model, which is what I had. I don't know if this trim level is available in India -- but this is the one to get if you're going to drive the SUV yourself. Plus a moonlit night with the full moon and the sunroof open can do wonderful things to your love life ;-)
Mind you -- this is NOT a pickup truck to carry your goods and help someone move their house furniture. That is left for your Tata trucks.
However -- if you want a commanding driving position, which is well above normal sedans -- yet still want a compliant, plush and luxurius ride -- this is the one to get. I'd compare this as a smaller cousin to Mercedes Benz ML 350. I myself would buy the CR-V over the MBZ any day. Hondas are the most reliable cars you can get. Bar None.
As far as Tata or or Mahindra SUV's go -- they're a lot bigger. But this small SUV is just the right size for most people. In fact in the USA -- it is extremely popular among women in their 30's -- who have growing families.
Two thumbs up -- as far as I'm concerned :-) !!
Comments added on 10/19-2004:
I see that some have taken issue to my choice of the CR-V as a fun SUV. To tell the truth -- this is not in the same class as a Mahindra Bolero or a Tata SUMO. I should've been more succinct...
The CR-V is not meant to be taken off-road every chance you get. It is a capable vehicle but not equal to your Mahindra on negotiating five feet deep streams. However, the AUTOMATIC All Wheel Drive is FAR SUPERIOR to anything currently available in India -- meaning it WILL prevent slippages in slippery roads. Read the following by the manufacturer,
https://hondacarindia.com/crv/performance/realtime_system.asp
In size it compares to the Maruti Jeep (which is actually a suzuki jeep of very antiquated vintage) as well as the Mahindra Scorpio. It beats the pants off of these cars in terms of
Horsepower
Torque
Advanced Technology
Firstly -the third point is worth explaining because the CR-V is a monocoque structure vehicle compared to the other two old designs -- hence a lot lighter and easier to handle with the steering.
The Scorpio and the Maruti as well as the other Indian SUV's are all ladder-frame vehicles. Handling in this type of SUV is atrocious to say the least ! These may be suitable for the potholes in the backroads areas but the CR-V owner typically won't frequent those areas. He/She is typically an urban dweller with occasional weekend jaunts to the countryside.
Two -- although the other two are heavier and the Scorpio even has a bigger engine, the smaller engine in the CR-V has much more power available than those former SUV's (typical Honda Trait -- their R&D experience is far superior to Mahindra's or Maruti's)
Three -- the torque sensing differential is far superior so handling in adverse conditions (rain/storm) or emergency avoidance maneuvers (Cow on road) is much more confident hence the car is a lot safer.
HONDA has bigger SUV vehicles available in the US (PILOT) which seat eight which might get intro'd into India later. But Honda does not compete with Bolero Class vehicles. It is a much more sophisticated product.
Expensive? Sure it is.
Hondas are by far the most reliable vehicles in the World. You get what you pay for.
Would one rather stay away from the Service station or rely on the shoddy warranty for a shoddy questionable vehicle put together from slapshod items (engines from Peugeot/Ford, electricals from some no-name company)?
A vehicle is a major investment which also has to be enjoyed -- hopefully for at least six to seven years. Can't recommend skimping a few thousand rupees to get an inferior product that will be troublesome just down the road. Honda CR-V does not disappoint here -- as has been proven the world over and not just in the US.
Update on March 27, 2005 ---
Well I keep seeing more rave reviews appear on this car which is a good thing. Go drive this SUV -- reading reviews don't do it justice. You won't be disappointed.
ON the competition, well read on,
Toyota RAV4 -- smaller than CRV and some may like the looks better -- but CRV is way more practical and just the right size -- IMHO the RAV4 is too small ( some don't like the rear tire hung on the door in the CRV -- well the rear cargo area has storage for a full size spare).
Chevy Equinox /Saturn Vue (US Market) -- IMHO Piece of Crap (no ifs, ands or buts -- I'm sorry :) ) Yes the Chevy equinox is a good looking POC but look inside for the flimsy Barbie-grade plastic interior!! And engine made of Chinese parts nonetheless ! No Thanks !
Mazda Tribute /Ford escape (US market) -- These are worthy contenders if you take the V6 engine instead of Inline 4 cylinder -- but then it becomes even more expensive than the CRV. I'd go with the Mazda which looks better and then also in higher trim level.
Chevy (Subaru) Forester (India Market) -- This is also good but too low in height (more like a hopped-up station wagon. Good Subaru reliability though.
Mitsubishi Outlander (US and India Market?)-- Ditto like the Forester except engine questionable in reliability. Cheaper than CRV by far and okay looks too.
Please reply if you guys come up with any other SUV's to compare and I'll respond.
