When the Honda CR-V, the best-selling small sport utility vehicle, first went on sale, it changed the meaning of SUV to Sport Utility Value. Now, the new CR-V SE (Special Edition) model, which will begin arriving in showrooms on March 1, may change the meaning of CR-V to Customer Requested Value.
With a manufacturers suggested retail price of $22,600, the CR-V SE builds on the popular CR-V EX 4WD model. It adds customer requested features such as leather-trimmed interior; AM/FM cassette radio with in-dash CD player; privacy glass; body-colored bumpers, side moldings and hard spare tire cover; chrome grill accent and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The CR-V SE offers these features at a savings of about $1,000.
The SE is powered by an all-aluminum 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, dual overhead cam engine producing 146-horsepower. It receives an EPA city/highway fuel economy estimate of 22/25 mpg. The automatic transmission is equipped with an overdrive switch and Grade Logic Control, which prevents excessive shifting during uphill and downhill driving.
The CR-V also features Hondas innovative Real Time 4WD system, which senses road conditions and automatically engages to distribute power to all four wheels.
The SE comes standard with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels; remote entry system; body-colored door handles and dual-powered mirrors, and full-flat reclining rear seatback. All CR-V trim levels feature air conditioning, retractable center tray table, removable folding picnic table, dual airbags, and cruise control.
Three exterior colors are available on the SE including, Taffeta White, Clover Green Pearl and Naples Gold Metallic; all feature dark gray interior. The CR-V, which is the sales leader in its class, was recently named as Best SUV Under $25,000 by IntelliChoice, an independent consumer research firm. Additionally, the CR-V ranked first on J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study for Fewest Problems per 100 and in its 1999 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout Study for Most Appealing in the small SUV segment.