New Honda CR-V SUV: Three generations

Motion Trends,
27 September 2006.

Since the launch of  its first generation in 1996 (the second generation went from 2002 to 2006. See the 3 generations photos below), the CR-V helped establish the crossover SUV segment – now the fastest growing portion of the SUV / light truck market and forecast to be in the U.S., according to Honda, the second largest automotive segment overall by the end of the decade.

Sold in 160 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, the CR-V is sold in more countries than any other Honda automotive product. Worldwide, cumulative sales are approximately 2.5 million (since 1996) with 1.2 million sold in the United States (since 1997). Worldwide, 334,000 units were sold in 2005 with 150,000 sold in the United States.

The CR-V is built in seven countries at eight factories, and for the first time it will be assembled in North America at Honda of America Manufacturing in the East Liberty Plant.