Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Bob, > Here’s my take on your questions: > 1) It’s not likely that there will be a NEW RAV4. Toyota may > introduce a more powerful engine, but the basic vehicle should remain > the same for at least a couple of more years. > 2) Last I heard Honda is rushing to get the CR-V to the US market. I > don’t remember what the time frame may be though. > Rod >The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, >dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be quite >reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. >QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to >purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the >high demand for the vehicle. >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely? >thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! >-bob
Forget the Rav. Forget the CRV. You would regret knowing that you cant go where other small 4×4s can go because you don’t have "low range". Hopefully, the new Mitsubishi small 4×4 comming this fall will have a low range. If not, the Kia is back with 2 air bags.
Response:
> > >For more information on the Honda CR-V check out the latest (August) issues of > > either Automobile or Motor Trend. Both are doing "fi= > >rst impression" type tests based on driving Japan speced models. I was
<snip> > Lets wait and see whether the baby Montero due 1997 will be a serious 4×4 > with low range for off roading (Sportage, Sidekick) or just a serious > looking 4×4 for slick roads (RAV, CRV, Outback …). > The CRV sounds like a very interesting deal but what if someday you want > to go off roading??
Never, most likely. Just like 90% of all SUV owners. Why bother building a trough conquering SUV when most owners won’t ever have to deal with more than the occasional curb or water puddle? It’s mostly a nice station wagon with the LOOK that so many people want. Further, I have queried several of my friends who have purchased SUVs, and as a rule of thumb they’re answer is: "I needed the space but didn’t want a minivan". Most of them also have bought the 2WD versions too! tony
Response:
>>QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely? >thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! >-bob
Release date is supposed to be December. S.Schwing
Response:
>Forget the Rav. Forget the CRV. You would regret knowing that you cant >go where other small 4×4s can go because you don’t have "low range". >Hopefully, the new Mitsubishi small 4×4 comming this fall will have a low >range. If not, the Kia is back with 2 air bags.
Don’t overlook the Suzuki Sidekick 4-door. Post-1991 models have the 16-valve engine (VAST improvement over the 8-valve version in the Samurai) and a truly terrific low range. My ‘92 had no trouble keeping up with Jeep Cherokees, Toyota Pickups and the like on some tough Colorado trails and needed nothing beyond gas and routine maintenance in the 36,000-odd miles it logged before I was creamed by a drunk driver in the city. Go for the 5-speed, the auto squanders much of the engine’s useful powerband. Good luck in your search — Erik
Response:
Add to this mix the new Land Rover small SUV to be introduced in the Spring of 97 (supposedly for around $20K) and the new Jeep Cherokee to be introduced this fall. This segment is about to get very interesting with: Toyota RAV4 (underpowered, doesn’t feel like $20K) Honda CRV (wait and see…) Jeep Cherokee (wait and see…) Jeep Wrangler (like everything about it except the luggage space) Land Rover ??? (wait and see…) Kia Sportage (questionable quality, alarmnig stopping distance) Geo (no way) Suzuki (no way) Anyways… I’m waiting. The only real contenders for me is the new Cherokee, the new Land Rover or the Honda. The RAV4 just didn’t feel like $20K to me (underpowered, cheesy interior and you’d think they’d give you a rear bumper and two more cylinders for $20K+) The new Land Rover could be a killer vehicle if BMW can manage to get the quality under control and if they manage to bring it over here with the TDI diesel that is currently in use in the European Discos (30+ mpg and the performance is supposed to be very good). The Cherokee seems to be getting better with age. The quality problems seem to be under control (latest consumer rags…). The 97 is to include dual airbags and some sheetmetal changes. I’d keep an eye out for this vehicle as well. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to >purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the >high demand for the vehicle. >No. I’ve heard rumours about maybe a more powerful motor, but I >rather doubt them, as I believe the rumours were saying something >about a turbo which doesn’t seem likely for the NA market. If the >rumours are true, I think the engine choice will probably be limited >to Japan, where the RAV4 is getting dusted in sales by the CR-V (by a >factor of 5 or so) >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely? >I’ve gotten 2 or 3 different things in the mail so far directly from >Honda stating that the CR-V should be available "late in ‘96" as a >’97 model. I’ve seen it published as early December in a few >magazines.
Response:
Anybody seen any EPA mileage figures for the CR-V? Does it have basically the same AWD system that the Civic AWD wagons of a few years ago had? Eg, only engaged rear wheels when slippage in the front was detected. I heard some not so good things about that on the net. Apparently, some people didn’t think it worked very well (compared to the Subaru system, for instance). Subaru way outsold the AWD Hondas, so that lends some support to these people. Comments? Also, what do you think the chances are that, fully equipped, it will really sell for <=$20K?
Response:
|> Anybody seen any EPA mileage figures for the CR-V? They haven’t been announced. I’d expect them to be about the same as the RAV4 (auto transmission version). |> Also, what do you think the chances are that, fully equipped, it |> will really sell for <=$20K? If the prices are much lower than the RAV4, it would be a bargin. Fully loaded RAV4s go for around $25K, but stripped versions are under $20K. —
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Bob, > Here’s my take on your questions: > 1) It’s not likely that there will be a NEW RAV4. Toyota may > introduce a more powerful engine, but the basic vehicle should remain > the same for at least a couple of more years. > 2) Last I heard Honda is rushing to get the CR-V to the US market. I > don’t remember what the time frame may be though. > Rod >The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, >dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be quite >reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. >QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to >purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the >high demand for the vehicle. >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely? >thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! >-bob
Supposedly to be introduced into the US market in the Winter of ‘96/’97. That would mean between December to February. Per AutoWeek. tony
Response:
>The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, >dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be
snip nd for the vehicle. >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the
For more information on the Honda CR-V check out the latest (August) issues of either Automobile or Motor Trend. Both are doing "fi= rst impression" type tests based on driving Japan speced models. I was disappointed to see that not only is there no low range but = it will only come with an automatic (according to Motor Trend). Also, Motor Trend mentions earlier in the issue that there’s a Suba= ru on the way that’s more SUV-like than the Legacy Outback, but there you’re probably talking about at least a year wait. Tom in 104 degree (and kinda humid!) Phoenix – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
>For more information on the Honda CR-V check out the latest (August) issues of > either Automobile or Motor Trend. Both are doing "fi= >rst impression" type tests based on driving Japan speced models. I was > disappointed to see that not only is there no low range but = >it will only come with an automatic
I wouldn’t be suprised. These vehicles are clearly aimed at the station wagon market. At least the manufacturers are admitting it this time (as opposed to the overweight Explorer and Grand Cherokee). ——- Ken Lee, http://www.rahul.net/kenton/index.html
Response:
Automobile had the following to say about the Honda CR-V: "Expect shortages." I can imagine what that will do to the price of one. Jean
Response:
> Add to this mix the new Land Rover small SUV to be introduced in the Spring of 97 > (supposedly for around $20K) and the new Jeep Cherokee to be introduced this fall. > This segment is about to get very interesting with: > Toyota RAV4 (underpowered, doesn’t feel like $20K) > Honda CRV (wait and see…) > Jeep Cherokee (wait and see…) > Jeep Wrangler (like everything about it except the luggage space) > Land Rover ??? (wait and see…) > Kia Sportage (questionable quality, alarmnig stopping distance) > Geo (no way) > Suzuki (no way)
Notice you don’t mention the Subaru Legacy Outback or the Eagle Summit Wagon. Are those two "car-like" or what? (Also, why the "no way" on Suzuki? The 4-dr Sidekick looks appealing on paper anyway, in terms of features vs. price.) – thanks, paul — Ut ibi arduum cursum angelorum perficiam
Response:
> The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to > drive, dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely > to be quite reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. > QUESTION — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 > Honda AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since > the CR-V appears to offer more space and features at the projected $20k > price point than the RAV4, I’d like to wait for it if it will be > available in December (rather than March). Is this likely? > thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! > -bob
(1) Next Winter. (2) No 5 speed, automatic shifter on the column. 
(3) 0-60 in about 10secs. Bye Bye RAV4! (4) Fully loaded at 20K (plus dealer prep and customer hose job) (5) Larger than the RAV4 (6) Looks nice, but I’d want mine with a DOHC VTEC 2.0l, FWD only and a 5 speed. tony
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->For more information on the Honda CR-V check out the latest (August) issues of > either Automobile or Motor Trend. Both are doing "fi= >rst impression" type tests based on driving Japan speced models. I was > disappointed to see that not only is there no low range but = >it will only come with an automatic > I wouldn’t be suprised. These vehicles are clearly aimed at the station wagon > market. At least the manufacturers are admitting it this time (as opposed to > the overweight Explorer and Grand Cherokee). > ——- > Ken Lee, http://www.rahul.net/kenton/index.html
Lets wait and see whether the baby Montero due 1997 will be a serious 4×4 with low range for off roading (Sportage, Sidekick) or just a serious looking 4×4 for slick roads (RAV, CRV, Outback …). The CRV sounds like a very interesting deal but what if someday you want to go off roading??
Response:
>The CRV sounds like a very interesting deal but what if someday you want >to go off roading??
Then you buy a vehicle that’s meant for off-roading. What’s the problem with this concept? Why can’t one have a car meant for the road, and one meant for off-road? And why can’t that car for the road have all-wheel drive? Why are people so HUNG UP on the idea that if it drives more than two wheels, by definition it’s meant to be considered for off-road use? Audi cars with Quattro are road cars with GREAT all-wheel drive capability. I suppose you dismiss *them* because hey, they can’t go off-road? Get a clue, people. Aloha, –Adam–
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Add to this mix the new Land Rover small SUV to be introduced in the >Spring of 97 > (supposedly for around $20K) and the new Jeep Cherokee to be introduced >this fall. > This segment is about to get very interesting with: > Toyota RAV4 (underpowered, doesn’t feel like $20K) > Honda CRV (wait and see…) > Jeep Cherokee (wait and see…) > Jeep Wrangler (like everything about it except the luggage space) > Land Rover ??? (wait and see…) > Kia Sportage (questionable quality, alarmnig stopping distance) > Geo (no way) > Suzuki (no way) >Notice you don’t mention the Subaru Legacy Outback or the >Eagle Summit Wagon. Are those two "car-like" or what? >(Also, why the "no way" on Suzuki? The 4-dr Sidekick looks >appealing on paper anyway, in terms of features vs. price.)
The Subaru is out because it’s a big car for a 4 cylinder engine and doesn’t provide the higher seating posistion and view of the road as the other vehicles. The Geo, Suzuki and the Eagle Summit Wagon are out because of questionable reliability/quality and I can afford better. Of course the Land Rover falls under the catagory of questionable reliability/quality as well but I’m hoping BMW can get things straightened out. Word is that they are being very cautious with this vehicle, as to avoid the early quality problems that plagued the Disco’s US introduction. The Cherokee has been getting better and better in terms of reliability over the years and this redesign is not supposed to change any of the mechanicals. In any case… $20K is a lot of money to me and by no means is this vehicle going to be an off-road vehicle (I’d buy a used CJ if I wanted a true off-road vehicle). Just something that can get me up to Vermont and back for daytrips during ski season. So maybe I ought to look at the Outback… But with everyone else buying minivans and SUV’s I have to have one just to be able to see around them…
Response:
: > QUESTION — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 : (1) Next Winter. : (2) No 5 speed, automatic shifter on the column. : (3) 0-60 in about 10secs. Bye Bye RAV4! : (4) Fully loaded at 20K (plus dealer prep and customer hose job) : (5) Larger than the RAV4 This can’t be. I’ve seen many RAV’s and if the CR-V is about the size of a (past generation wagon) Civic, it’s got to be definitely *smaller*… Any details? Spiros — Spiros Triantafyllopoulos Kokomo, IN 46902 (317) 451-0815 (8-322) Delco Electronics Corporation URL: http://expert.cc.purdue.edu/~strianta/
Response:
>: > QUESTION — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 >: (1) Next Winter. >: (2) No 5 speed, automatic shifter on the column. >: (3) 0-60 in about 10secs. Bye Bye RAV4! >: (4) Fully loaded at 20K (plus dealer prep and customer hose job) >: (5) Larger than the RAV4 >This can’t be. I’ve seen many RAV’s and if the CR-V is about the size of >a (past generation wagon) Civic, it’s got to be definitely *smaller*…
Nope. My wife has an 88 Civic wagon (AWD), and the CRV is going to be about 9 inches taller and about a foot longer. Take a look at the Passport/Rodeo, and that’s what size the CRV will be. It’s over 14 inches longer than a RAV4, more or less the same height, and more or less the same width. Here are some specs: 16v, 4 cyl. 2.0 liter DOHC engine w/130hp (new from the ground up) 4 speed auto trans/column shift (no manual available) their RealTime (R) 4WD system 4 wheel double wishbone suspension Power steering Dual airbags (natch) A/C w/climate control and micron air filter 4 speaker stereo Tilt wheel Rear wiper/washer Fold-out picnic table (is stored under the rear floor) Cruise control The requisite beverage holders Dimension comparisons (in inches): [ Compact SUVs ] | [ Mini SUVs ] | | | Path- | RAV4 Sidekick Tracker CR-V | Rodeo Cherokee 4Runner finder | 4dr Sportage 4dr 4dr Overall length 176.4 | 176.5 165.4 178.7 178.3 | 162.0 159.4 158.7 158.7 Overall width 68.9 | 66.5 70.5 66.5 68.7 | 66.7 68.4 64.4 64.4 Overall height 66.7 | 66.5 63.9 66.5 67.1 | 65.4 65.2 66.5 66.5 Cargo volume 27.5 | 35.0 34.4 44.6 38.0 | 26.8 23.7 21.0 21.0 (cu ft/rear seat up) Notice that the CR-V is 11 inches *longer* than a Cherokee, and the same length as the Rodeo. It’s the tallest in the group except for the Pathfinder, and widest except for the Cherokee. Also interesting is that, rear seat up, its cargo volume is larger than the mini-SUVs (because it’s much longer) but considerably *less* than the compact SUVs. That tells me that rear seat room was a definite consideration–not surprising, since Honda designed this as a *car*, not a truck. Also note the car-like feature of the column-shift transmission; Honda designed this puppy with a completely flat floor from front to rear, with a nice walk-through space between the front seats. With that kind of width, there should be plenty of room. Honda reportedly won’t offer any kind of floor-mounted shift or console in order to keep this walk-through. The August Automobile magazine has a piece on Honda’s Japan-only Civic-based Orthia; now *that’s* a Civic wagon. It’s not tall like the 84-91 models, but it’s a bit higher and taller than a Civic sedan and a bit longer, but only by an inch or four. In other words, it’s more of a traditional wagon. More interestingly, it has available all-wheel drive PLUS the engine–based on the same block as that of the CRV–is more *powerful* than the CRV’s engine. In other words, Honda has again built the vehicle I *really* want, yet has stuck it away from the US market. Dammit. I may or may not spring for a CRV. (Especially since the third model year will likely be much improved over the rush-to-market 97 and 98 models.) Aloha, –Adam–
Response:
> : : (5) Larger than the RAV4 > : : This can’t be. I’ve seen many RAV’s and if the CR-V is about the size of > : a (past generation wagon) Civic, it’s got to be definitely *smaller*… > This is Internet, please spell it correctly 
> See the latest ‘Automobile’ for a comparsion (and specs) of both vehicles. > For the record, they like the RAV4 more.
Automobile? Hardly the paragon of automotive journalism! David E. Davis fell in love years ago with his Suburban and that european dude with the Welsh name (Llewelyn?) has a funny taste for cars. Of course, Cumberford, the guy who pegged his Martinique, writes for them. And we all remember the glossy, dew-eyed column that DED did for the Martinique’s wooden fender when he was the editor at CD. What a snow job for a buddy’s car! Years later we find out they’re buddies… Having what’s her name on the staff almost saves the magazine, but she’s not enough. So what do they know about cars, anyhow? They’re stuck on a time warp where 250GTOs are the sublime peak of automotive design and where Renaults Deuphines set the tone for family vehicle. Yuch! They write more about eating and dining in quaint european digs than on driving the cars. At least the pictures are nice. tony
Response:
: : (5) Larger than the RAV4 : : This can’t be. I’ve seen many RAV’s and if the CR-V is about the size of : a (past generation wagon) Civic, it’s got to be definitely *smaller*… This is Internet, please spell it correctly See the latest ‘Automobile’ for a comparsion (and specs) of both vehicles. For the record, they like the RAV4 more.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >: > QUESTION — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 >: (1) Next Winter. >: (2) No 5 speed, automatic shifter on the column. >: (3) 0-60 in about 10secs. Bye Bye RAV4! >: (4) Fully loaded at 20K (plus dealer prep and customer hose job) >: (5) Larger than the RAV4 >This can’t be. I’ve seen many RAV’s and if the CR-V is about the size of >a (past generation wagon) Civic, it’s got to be definitely *smaller*… >Any details? >Spiros >– >Spiros Triantafyllopoulos Kokomo, IN 46902 (317) 451-0815 (8-322) >Delco Electronics Corporation URL: http://expert.cc.purdue.edu/~strianta/
The RAV4 is smaller. The Honda CRV measures 176 inches long (if I remember correctly). There are several websites around the world that list the specifics.
Response:
The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be quite reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the high demand for the vehicle. QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). Is this likely? thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! -bob
Response:
The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be quite reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. QUESTION — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). Is this likely? thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! -bob
Response:
Bob, Here’s my take on your questions: 1) It’s not likely that there will be a NEW RAV4. Toyota may introduce a more powerful engine, but the basic vehicle should remain the same for at least a couple of more years. 2) Last I heard Honda is rushing to get the CR-V to the US market. I don’t remember what the time frame may be though. Rod – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >The Toyota RAV4 meets my needs as a commuting vehicle that is fun to drive, >dependable in snowy New England weathers with its AWD, and likely to be quite >reliable if it is anything like other Toyota products. >QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to >purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the >high demand for the vehicle. >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely? >thanks in advance for any insight into either vehicle! >-bob
Response:
>QUESTION 1 — Model Year. Will a new RAV-4 be introduced in September? I hate to >purchase a ‘96 without the customary end-of-year discount — because of the >high demand for the vehicle.
No. I’ve heard rumours about maybe a more powerful motor, but I rather doubt them, as I believe the rumours were saying something about a turbo which doesn’t seem likely for the NA market. If the rumours are true, I think the engine choice will probably be limited to Japan, where the RAV4 is getting dusted in sales by the CR-V (by a factor of 5 or so) >QUESTION 2 — HONDA CR-V. I am currently a very satisfied owner of a ‘90 Honda >AWD Civic Wagon which I understand the CR-V is based upon. Since the CR-V appears >to offer more space and features at the projected $20k price point than the RAV4, >I’d like to wait for it if it will be available in December (rather than March). >Is this likely?
I’ve gotten 2 or 3 different things in the mail so far directly from Honda stating that the CR-V should be available "late in ‘96" as a ‘97 model. I’ve seen it published as early December in a few magazines.
Comments