The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L stands as a testament to Honda's commitment to reliability, practicality, and overall value in the compact SUV segment. As a member of the CR-V's third generation (2007-2011), the 2007 EX-L trim offers a compelling blend of features, comfort, and performance that continues to resonate with car buyers today. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the various aspects of the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L, examining its engine performance, interior design, technology features, safety ratings, and overall driving experience. We'll also explore its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to competitors and considering its place in the used car market. Whether you're a current owner, a prospective buyer, or simply an automotive enthusiast, this in-depth analysis will provide you with a thorough understanding of what makes the 2007 CR-V EX-L a popular choice.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
At the heart of the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L lies a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-4 engine, a powerplant known for its smooth operation and respectable fuel economy. This engine produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for daily commuting and highway cruising. The i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system optimizes valve timing and lift, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and timely shifts. While not the most powerful engine in its class, the 2.4-liter i-VTEC offers a good balance between performance and efficiency, making it well-suited for the CR-V's intended purpose. Fuel economy is a strong point for the 2007 CR-V EX-L, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive version offers slightly lower fuel economy, but still respectable numbers for its class. The CR-V's efficient engine, combined with its comfortable ride and responsive handling, makes it a pleasant vehicle for both short trips and long journeys. Honda's reputation for reliability also extends to the engine, with many owners reporting years of trouble-free service. The engine's design and construction prioritize durability, contributing to the CR-V's overall longevity and strong resale value. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, is crucial for preserving the engine's performance and extending its lifespan. The 2007 CR-V EX-L's engine exemplifies Honda's engineering prowess, providing a blend of power, efficiency, and reliability that remains appealing today.
Interior Design and Comfort
The interior of the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The EX-L trim adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium audio system, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury of the cabin. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat offers multiple adjustments, allowing drivers of various sizes to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats are also spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats can be easily folded down to create a larger cargo area, making the CR-V EX-L a versatile vehicle for hauling cargo. The cargo area itself is generous, offering plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or other items. The low cargo floor makes loading and unloading items easier. The dashboard and center console are well-organized, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The gauges are clear and legible, providing essential information at a glance. The EX-L trim includes a sunroof, which adds natural light and enhances the airy feel of the cabin. The interior materials are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable fabrics. The leather upholstery in the EX-L trim adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The cabin is also well-insulated, minimizing road noise and creating a quiet and comfortable environment. Overall, the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L's interior is a testament to Honda's attention to detail and commitment to passenger comfort. The spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and user-friendly layout make it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip.
Technology and Features
The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L boasts a range of technology features that enhance the driving experience and provide added convenience. The EX-L trim includes several upgrades over the base model, such as a premium audio system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The audio system features a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability, and seven speakers, delivering crisp and clear sound. The system also includes an auxiliary input jack, allowing you to connect external audio devices. The heated front seats provide added comfort in cold weather, making the CR-V EX-L a comfortable vehicle year-round. Other notable technology features include a sunroof, which adds natural light to the cabin, and a multi-function center console, which provides ample storage space. The CR-V EX-L also includes power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry, adding to the convenience of ownership. The instrument panel is well-designed and easy to read, with clear gauges and intuitive controls. The climate control system is effective at maintaining a comfortable temperature in the cabin. While the 2007 CR-V EX-L does not have some of the advanced technology features found in newer vehicles, such as a touchscreen infotainment system or advanced driver-assistance systems, it offers a solid set of features for its time. The focus is on providing practical and reliable technology that enhances the driving experience without being overly complex. The premium audio system, heated seats, and sunroof are particularly appealing features that add to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the vehicle. The 2007 CR-V EX-L's technology features strike a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness, making it a well-equipped and comfortable vehicle for daily use.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L prioritizes safety, earning high marks in government and independent crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2007 CR-V five stars for frontal and side impact protection, and four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the CR-V its highest rating of "Good" in frontal offset, side impact, and roof strength tests. These excellent safety ratings reflect Honda's commitment to building vehicles that protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 2007 CR-V EX-L comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control. ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. EBD distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, optimizing braking performance. VSA helps prevent skidding and loss of control by applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when necessary. The CR-V EX-L also includes front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual-stage front airbags, providing additional protection in the event of a collision. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts the driver if tire pressure is low, helping to prevent tire failure and improve fuel efficiency. The CR-V's body structure is designed to absorb and distribute crash energy, further protecting occupants. Overall, the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is a safe and reliable vehicle, offering a high level of protection in the event of a crash. Its excellent safety ratings and comprehensive suite of safety features make it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Honda's commitment to safety is evident in the CR-V's design and engineering, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Driving Experience and Handling
The driving experience of the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is characterized by its smooth ride, responsive handling, and overall ease of use. The CR-V is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both daily commutes and longer trips. The suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable ride. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making the CR-V easy to maneuver in city traffic and on the highway. The CR-V's compact size and nimble handling make it easy to park and navigate in tight spaces. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, with sufficient acceleration for merging onto the highway and passing other vehicles. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly, contributing to the overall refined driving experience. The CR-V's all-wheel-drive system (available as an option) provides added traction and stability in inclement weather conditions, such as snow and rain. The elevated driving position provides good visibility, allowing the driver to see clearly ahead and to the sides. The CR-V's cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road noise and creating a quiet and comfortable environment. The comfortable seats and user-friendly controls further enhance the driving experience. While the CR-V is not a sporty vehicle, it offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience that is well-suited for its intended purpose. The focus is on providing a comfortable, safe, and practical vehicle for everyday use. The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L's driving experience is a testament to Honda's engineering expertise, delivering a smooth ride, responsive handling, and overall ease of use that makes it a pleasure to drive.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L, like any vehicle, has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Strengths:
- Reliability: Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the 2007 CR-V is no exception. Many owners report years of trouble-free service.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine delivers respectable fuel economy, making the CR-V a cost-effective choice for daily commuting.
- Spacious Interior: The CR-V's interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and cargo.
- Safety: The 2007 CR-V earned high safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
- Resale Value: Honda vehicles tend to hold their value well, and the CR-V is no exception. This can be an important consideration for buyers who plan to sell the vehicle in the future.
Weaknesses:
- Engine Power: While the 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power, it may feel underpowered when fully loaded or when climbing steep hills.
- Technology Features: The 2007 CR-V lacks some of the advanced technology features found in newer vehicles, such as a touchscreen infotainment system or advanced driver-assistance systems.
- Styling: The CR-V's styling is somewhat conservative, which may not appeal to buyers looking for a more sporty or distinctive vehicle.
- Road Noise: While the cabin is generally well-insulated, some road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds.
- Maintenance Costs: While Honda vehicles are generally reliable, maintenance costs can be higher than those of some competitors.
Overall, the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is a well-rounded vehicle with many strengths and few significant weaknesses. Its reliability, fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and safety make it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. While it may lack some of the advanced technology features of newer vehicles, it offers a solid and dependable driving experience.
Comparison to Competitors
The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L faced stiff competition in the compact SUV segment. Key competitors included the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. Each of these vehicles offered its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 was known for its reliability and available V6 engine, which provided more power than the CR-V's four-cylinder. However, the RAV4's interior was not as refined as the CR-V's, and its styling was more polarizing.
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offered a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, but its engine was less powerful than the CR-V's, and its handling was not as sharp.
- Ford Escape: The Escape offered a variety of engine options, including a fuel-efficient four-cylinder and a powerful V6. However, the Escape's interior was less refined than the CR-V's, and its reliability was not as strong.
In comparison, the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L stood out for its blend of reliability, fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and safety. Its four-cylinder engine provided adequate power for most driving situations, and its handling was more refined than some of its competitors. The CR-V's interior was also more upscale than many of its rivals, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While the CR-V lacked the V6 engine option offered by the RAV4 and Escape, its overall package was more appealing to many buyers. The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L's combination of strengths made it a top contender in the compact SUV segment, and it continues to be a popular choice in the used car market.
Conclusion
The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L remains a compelling choice in the used car market, offering a blend of reliability, practicality, and value. Its fuel-efficient engine, spacious interior, and high safety ratings make it a versatile vehicle for families and individuals alike. While it may lack some of the advanced technology features found in newer vehicles, its core strengths continue to resonate with buyers. The EX-L trim adds a touch of luxury with its leather upholstery, heated front seats, and premium audio system, enhancing the overall ownership experience. Honda's reputation for reliability is well-deserved, and the 2007 CR-V is a testament to the brand's engineering prowess. If you're in the market for a used compact SUV, the 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is definitely worth considering. Its blend of strengths and relatively few weaknesses make it a standout choice in its class. Whether you're commuting to work, hauling cargo, or embarking on a road trip, the 2007 CR-V EX-L is a capable and dependable vehicle that will serve you well for years to come. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and overall value. The 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L is a smart choice for anyone seeking a reliable, practical, and well-rounded compact SUV.
