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Honda CR-V cars were first launched in December 1996 as the company's first in-house designed compact SUV. Loosely based on the Honda Civic platform, it is subject to debate over what CR-V actually stands for, with official literature having at times suggested anything from 'Civic Recreational Vehicle' to 'Compact Recreational Vehicle' to 'Comfortable Runabout Vehicle'. After this four-wheel drive's tentative launch in Japan, the CR-V was taken to the USA following the success of the similar Toyota RAV4. Within months, Honda CR-V sales overtook those of its competitor.
Production of the first generation CR-V continued until 2001. However, a limited facelift took place in 1998, upgrading its original 2.0-litre 126bhp B20B engine to the 2.0-litre 146bhp B20Z unit, along with an improved standard of interior fabric; changes that adversely affected neither the fuel-efficiency nor the price.
A limited edition CR-V was released to celebrate the Millennium, with body-coloured side mouldings, bumpers and hard spare tyre cover, tinted rear windows, leather interior and a chrome grille. Secondhand Honda CR-V limited edition models from 2000 are still sought after today.
2002 saw a second generation version of the model, which was larger and more powerful than previously. Based on the seventh generation Honda Civic platform, despite its new, more powerful K24A1 engine, it was just as fuel efficient as its predecessors.
Three years after its introduction the MkII model underwent another facelift, which brought larger wheels, different rear lights, a new grille and improved safety features. However, it was not until 2007 that the CR-V was given its third generation revamp, with the new model sporting many changes, including a K-series 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine, a rear lift gate and new body shape.
Voted 'Best Small SUV' in 'Car and Driver Magazine' for two years in a row, the Honda CR-V has taken the compact SUV market by storm and the company continues to regularly upgrade its features.