Honda CR-V is what it is

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Honda's all-new 2007 CR-V crossover sport utility vehicle is a sophisticated and economical people and cargo hauler that is superior to its predecessor, but at a cost of individuality.

Back in 1997, the CR-V was in the vanguard of car-based SUVs, and there has been no mistaking it since for anything else on the road.

With its spare wheel hanging off the tailgate (it opened sideways, and always on the wrong side for American owners), and its sometimes quirky airs, such as power-window controls up on the dash and an emergency-brake handle disguised as a grab bar, the CR-V stood out from the crowd.

It endeared itself to more than 2.5 million buyers around the world, who were attracted by its low price, good fuel economy and exceptional durability and reliability. Sales of CR-Vs totaled more than 150,000 in the U.S. in 2005, and were on the same pace in 2006.

For 2007, Honda has redesigned the CR-V as a state-of-the-art vehicle that resembles a growing crowd of similar offerings. As before, it is a small four-door SUV, which is to say that it offers the passenger space of a midsize sedan, along with about three times the cargo space.

It has a tall profile, like an SUV, and it is available with all-wheel drive as well as standard front-wheel drive. But it is more car than truck, with unit-body construction, good handling and fuel economy, and only marginal off-road capability.

In short, it is just what many buyers need and want in an era of escalating fuel prices.

The problem is that many other manufacturers have recognized the trend, too. Where a few years ago, the CR-V and Toyota's RAV4 had the road almost to themselves, a bevy of competitors now vie for the consumer's dollars.

They include the new RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet HHR and Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, Saturn Vue, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Mazda CX-7 and, at the near-luxury level, the RDX from Honda's upscale Acura division.

The CR-V's styling, though modern, attractive and well-proportioned, is now more mainstream. With a conventional hatchback, it does not stand out as before. Where the earlier CR-V had a perky, cheerleader attitude, the new car is more somber and businesslike.