People like vehicles for different reasons.
Some like them because of their rugged handsomeness, others because of their sleek and sexy lines. Sometimes people like a vehicle because of the size of its engine, with some preferring a six or bigger, or it could even be because it gets great mileage and can go all night.
However, there is one vehicle that in my opinion is liked because it is akin to the best man at your wedding. Like your best man you didn't choose it because it has the biggest engine or because it is the most handsome vehicle around, nor did you choose it because it has more bling than your other vehicles or because it buys you drinks all the time.
You chose it, because like your best man, it is reliable, it will make sure you look good when it counts, it is always there when you need it, and no matter how long it is since you last drove it you can carry on as if it was yesterday. Oh yeah, it also doesn't hit on other vehicles when you bring them home.
This is the Honda CR-V. It is familiar, it does have some bling, but not so much that it looks like the pimp daddy of the SUV market. It is also reliable and has proven so since we first go to know it more than 15 years ago, and each time I get to test drive the new version of the CR-V, it is like an old friend dropping by for a visit.
The CR-V has also aged well, in fact it has actually grown up from the young buck it was all those years ago to the mature SUV it is today. It is like going from the young Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy to the esteemed Jon Voight of today.
It has put on a few pounds and a couple of inches (all in the right places) over the years, but who hasn't.
This new 2011 CR-V is easy to get along with, easy to drive and all its amenities are intuitive. It doesn't try to be a monster SUV nor does it try to get your attention with the bigger-is-better theme. It is, for lack of a better term, the working man's SUV.
It is the SUV that you would want to drive every day, not just when you want to haul something or when you want to show off to the neighbours. It is stately without saying so. It just goes about its business.
The CR-V has good power but not too much as to wrench your neck every time you hit the gas. The interior is roomy for a vehicle that might be placed in the small SUV category, but there is plenty of room for five and the reclining and sliding rear seats will help with leg room and extra storage space in the back if needed.
The leather seats were comfortable without being too soft. There is nothing like sitting in a seat and having to readjust the steering wheel and mirrors every few minutes as you sink into the super-soft seats.
Honda has also included two glove boxes in the CR-V, one in the usual place and another smaller one above this one. There is also a AUX jack, iPod dock and USB jack.
On the road the CR-V behaves very well especially with al the snow we have had lately. The all wheel drive came in quite handy.
In the back a hard tonneau cover can also be used as a shelf for storing extra items and there is more than enough storage space for any normal family.
This more mature CR-V also came with a bunch of safety features including anti-lock brakes, side and curtain air bags, vehicle stability control, traction control and electronic brake distribution.
The CR-V also came with satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and power seats and power moonroof.
However, one of the nice things about the CR-V, if you are a passenger, is the theatre seating in the back. These seats, which split 60/40, are higher than the front seats allowing the rear seat passengers to have a better view of the road ahead.
If you have ever had the pleasure of being a best man, as I have (four times), you know that you have the most important role on the big day. You have to be reliable, make sure everything runs right, runs smooth and runs on time, and this is why the CR-V will always be the best man among your vehicles.
Honda CR-V
5-door SUV
5-speed automatic
2.4 litre four cylinder
Horsepower 180 @ 6,800
Torque 161 @ 4,400
Mileage: 10.1 l/100 km 28 mpg City 7.5 l/100km 38 mpg Hwy
Price $36,480
