Introduction

Honda CR-V – 2007 First Drive: Nothing’s better for setting one’s financial priorities straight than a good ol’ corporate layoff, or better yet, an expensive divorce. Of course, no devoted employee or loyal husband would want or deserve such harsh treatment, but in the event that such an unfortunate occasion should arise, hard decisions must be made. The importance of the almighty dollar reigns supreme, as untracked expendable income is replaced by serious contemplation over the necessity of buying name-brand milk. Drinking water suddenly springs from the kitchen tap rather than the French Alps.

Similarly, sky-rocketing gas prices have drivers increasingly aware of what they really need in terms of transportation. Sure, that intimidating 400-horsepower monster SUV would disperse traffic quicker than a flatulent burrito fiend could clear a room, and that hybrid crossover promises decent gains in efficiency, albeit for a hefty premium, but how much sense do either of those alternatives make, especially when Honda is offering an all-new CR-V with room for five passengers and their gear, optional four-wheel-drive traction, and real-world fuel economy into the low 30s? Plus, it can be fully decked out with a power moonroof, leather seats, and a touch-screen navigation system for less than $30,000. Not to mention it’s a Honda, so there’s a better chance than not that the redesigned 2007 CR-V will be dependable. No, this 166-horsepower ‘ute won’t rip up the pavement or tow the family pleasure boat, yet it can tug a 1,500-lb. load to the transfer station, and will provide a comfortable, somewhat entertaining ride for the active match.com user or small family. And each stop at the gas station won’t equate to an additional car payment.

Model Mix

Included among the changes for the 2007 Honda CR-V is a new trim, the EX-L, which replaces the SE. Carried over are the LX and EX models. As was the case for 2006, the CR-V LX is designed for the budget-conscious buyer with its low $20,000s starting price, yet it offers a long list of standard features like a five-speed automatic transmission that pushes power to either the front or all four 17-inch steel wheels; keyless entry; power mirrors, windows, and door locks; air conditioning; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; a CD player and MP3/iPod auxiliary jack; a trip computer; an overhead conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers; and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Safety equipment runs the gamut from front side-impact and side-curtain airbags, traction and stability control systems, and a tire pressure monitor, to front active headrests.

EX versions of the CR-V are priced in the mid $20,000s and include all of the LX’s features as well as a power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, rear privacy glass, a security alarm, a six-disc CD changer, and an exterior temperature gauge. Front- and four-wheel-drive EX models are available.

Residing at the top of the 2007 Honda CR-V hierarchy is the EX-L, which sells for about $26,000 in 4WD guise. Befitting its lofty position, the EX-L provides its buyer with heated mirrors, medium-grade leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a center console between the front seats, heated front buckets, and XM satellite radio. Adding $2,000 to the bottom line is an optional touch-screen, GPS navigation system with voice recognition, a rearview camera, a subwoofer, and a digital card reader accessed behind the tilting display mounted in the middle of the dash. What you won’t find on the EX-L, or any 2007 CR-V for that matter, are popular items like power seats or a hideaway third-row bench. If carrying more than five passengers is a necessity, you’ll need to move up to the larger, more expensive Honda Pilot or jump over to the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander.