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2009 Honda CR-V Review

July 4, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap
ConsumerGuide

I started to feel good just contemplating it
MotherProof

it's more jelly-bean-shaped
Motor Trend

has an underbite
Cars.com

The exterior of the 2009 Honda CR-V is somewhat polarizing. Inside, however, reviewers are all smiles.

The exterior styling of the 2009 Honda CR-V, with its mix of arcs and creases, is loved by some and roundly disliked by others. Car and Driver says the new 2009 CR-V's "styling may not please everyone." On the upside, MotherProof reports that "my test vehicle was a fabulous deep red that was fun to look at, and its graceful curved lines and subtle hardware lured me in ... I started to feel good just contemplating it." Cars.com likes that the "subtle creases on the bodyside and around the wheel wells also help the CR-V avoid the slab-sided look of early-generation SUVs." On the negative side, Motor Trend points out, "It's more jelly-bean-shaped, far more emotional in its details. The headlights are flare-back like an extreme facelift; the pursed-mouth grille is now slightly opened, as if it might snap at you." Edmunds calls it "sort of weird-looking," and Cars.com asserts it "has an underbite," though "from every other angle the CR-V's design shines." Kelley Blue Book agrees, commenting that the "side view is dramatically different than past CR-Vs."

The 2009 Honda CR-V's interior wins reviews all around. ConsumerGuide observes that "hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap." Edmunds' opinion is that "the best attribute of the CR-V is its attractive yet practical cabin design." The instrument panel is upright, if a bit trucklike, and incredibly easy to use. It also draws more favorable comments. Cars.com reports that "Honda has really found its stride with interiors lately," and the "dash is perfectly executed," noting that the CR-V "opts for a more straightforward side-by-side setup with an informative digital display wedged between the speedometer and tachometer." Motor Trend says "the gauges and controls would make sense to somebody raised by wolves and suddenly plopped behind the wheel."

Conclusion

The 2009 Honda CR-V isn't universally loved for its exterior, but those who think what's inside counts more will like it.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheapConsumerGuideI started to feel good just contemplating itMotherProofit's more jelly-bean-shapedMotor Trendhas an underbiteCars.com The exterior of the 2009 Honda CR-V is somewhat polarizing. Inside, however, reviewers are all smiles. The exterior styling of the 2009 Honda CR-V, with its mix of arcs and creases, is loved by some and roundly disliked by others. Car and Driver says the new 2009 CR-V's "styling may not please everyone." On the upside, MotherProof reports that "my test vehicle was a fabulous deep red that was fun to look at, and its graceful curved lines and subtle hardware lured me in ... I started to feel good just contemplating it." Cars.com likes that the "subtle creases on the bodyside and around the wheel wells also help the CR-V avoid the slab-sided look of early-generation SUVs." On the negative side, Motor Trend points out, "It's more jelly-bean-shaped, far more emotional in its details. The headlights are flare-back like an extreme facelift; the pursed-mouth grille is now slightly opened, as if it might snap at you." Edmunds calls it "sort of weird-looking," and Cars.com asserts it "has an underbite," though "from every other angle the CR-V's design shines." Kelley Blue Book agrees, commenting that the "side view is dramatically different than past CR-Vs." The 2009 Honda CR-V's interior wins reviews all around. ConsumerGuide observes that "hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap." Edmunds' opinion is that "the best attribute of the CR-V is its attractive yet practical cabin design." The instrument panel is upright, if a bit trucklike, and incredibly easy to use. It also draws more favorable comments. Cars.com reports that "Honda has really found its stride with interiors lately," and the "dash is perfectly executed," noting that the CR-V "opts for a more straightforward side-by-side setup with an informative digital display wedged between the speedometer and tachometer." Motor Trend says "the gauges and controls would make sense to somebody raised by wolves and suddenly plopped behind the wheel." ConclusionThe 2009 Honda CR-V isn't universally loved for its exterior, but those who think what's inside counts more will like it. 2009 HONDA CR-V STYLING | [7 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap" MotherProof: "I started to feel good just contemplating it" Motor Trend: "it's more jelly-bean-shaped" Cars.com: "has an underbite" The exterior of the 2009 Honda CR-V is ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Honda CR-V, along with most of these rivals, offer city-friendly maneuverability, a carlike ride, and reasonably good fuel efficiency. The Toyota RAV4 provides a plusher ride, and it's the only one in this crowd with an available third-row seat. Unlike several competitors to the Honda CR-V, including the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, the RAV4's steering wheel tilts and telescopes. The Subaru Forester feels a bit sportier than the rest, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive. If you want a manual transmission, you'll need to look to the Sportage, Tucson, or Forester.

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See the Honda CR-V in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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