2000 Honda CR-V...Continued

Hondaās compact CR-V sport/utility has taken Japan by storm with its carlike manners, zippy engine, and attractive pricing. Outselling the Toyota RAV4 three to one, the "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle" has exceeded Hondaās original sales projections five times over. This popularity extends to North America, and CR-V has been the leading SUV in value conscious Canada.

In its home market, the CR-V is available in the traditional Honda model hierarchy of base DX, modestly equipped LX, and full-blown EX with all the power amenities and luxury trappings. In keeping with US tastes, only the top two versions are on sale here.

Now, the new CR-V SE (Special Edition) model joins the lineup. 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 at a savings of about $1,000. 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.

The CR-Vās exterior dimensions have more in common with the Honda Passport and Toyota 4Runner than the subcompact Toyota RAV4. Inside, the space-defying CR-V provides a surprising amount of leg- and headroom for all five passengers. This SUV provides extra convenience by nestling storage nooks into any piece of interior trim large enough. A handy flip-up tray with four cupholders keeps the center aisle open for walk-throughs, while lifting the rear glass and swinging the tailgate to the side exposes the 27.5-cubic-foot cargo area -- and more cubby spaces. Beneath the floor carpet hides a fold-out picnic table for weekend communes with nature.

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.