The 2007 Honda CR-V is completely redesigned. It hasn't grown in size, power or seating capacity, but thanks to Honda's attention to detail, this small SUV is way up in practicality and refinement.
Although the all-new, third-generation 2007 Honda CR-V is likely to appeal to buyers of all ages and both genders, Honda's target audience for its redesigned small SUV is women in their early 30s with a child under two. And when you drive the new CR-V, it's obvious the company had this audience in mind from the very beginning.
The suspension has been given a sportier bias and the ground clearance has been dropped to 185mm (about halfway between that of a car and a serious off-road 4WD).
Somewhat strangely, introduced in 2005 the revised 4WD system has been retained in the new model, so the gen-three CR-V has plenty of competence in the traction department but lacks ground clearance for serious off-road work.
This new combination of high traction and lower ground clearance should work well enough though as realistically, the vast majority of owners won't try anything more adventurous than beach driving and exploring forest trails.
The styling of the rear end gives the appearance of being low and sleek, but that's an optical illusion and the tail is quite tall with a good luggage area inside.
The spare wheel is stored under the boot floor rather than hung off the rear door as in previous CR-Vs, which makes the boot floor relatively high.
Plenty of head and leg room. Comfortable take-charge driving stance, aided by standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, generous fore/aft, up/down seat travel. Seats well-bolstered, though some occupants will wish for a longer bottom cushion.
It comes as no surprise that the third-generation CR-V has handling characteristics roughly halfway between those of a car and a dedicated 4WD.
All major safety features are standard on the 2007 Honda CR-V, including antilock disc brakes, stability control, brake assist, a tire-pressure monitor, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Ride comfort is good and wind noise generally well isolated. Visibility to the front side is better than average in modern vehicles, thanks to relatively slim A-pillars.
