[TrueNorth]

Did you know that the HRV was worn by a SUV in 1998? Maybe not since it never came to the US. Still, this was an awesome car so let me tell you a bit about it.

The original HRV began production in 1998 and was based on the supermini Honda Logo platform. It came with two base engines, both 1.6L fours making 103 HP or 123 HP if you got the VTEC.

This car was originally a Honda concept car called the J-WJ. Luckily the production version ended up pretty close to the original concept. The production model had many advanced features, like ABS, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

And it also was promoted with this ad which speaks for itself.

 

[mainemanx]

The Long Lost Crossroad

The original HR-V was nice ... but I would have much preferred the Honda Crossroad. Sorta of a mini-Pilot with a Humvee flavor ... check out the images.

Unfortunately, the Honda Brain Trust deemed it a competitor to the Element ... the awkward, surfer boy version of the CR-V. I briefly checked-out a Crossroad several years ago in Japan... loved it! But apparently it found no niche there either. Maybe "before its time."

 

[TrueNorth]

So this car was going to come out in 2007? It seems a little boxy to me for that time. I can certainly see how it relates to the HRV though. They really seem like different versions of the same car.

Maybe it was before its time, and now it is making its proper debut in the right time.

 

[Captain Bee]

So this car was going to come out in 2007? It seems a little boxy to me for that time. I can certainly see how it relates to the HRV though. They really seem like different versions of the same car.

Maybe it was before its time, and now it is making its proper debut in the right time.

If you insist...???

 

[vtec]

It's just too bad the new HRV is no where near as cool as the old one, and i think how the industry is these days has to do with that..

 

[Topspot]

Honda should have used the Crossroad name in place of the HR-V, or maybe even the Crossbow. Almost anything would have been better than HR-V

 

[Red]

Honda should have used the Crossroad name in place of the HR-V, or maybe even the Crossbow. Almost anything would have been better than HR-V

doesn't jive with marketing nomenclature... Although neither does Pilot...

you're right, da fuQ?

 

[John]

I actually don't mind the HR-V name, good enough to me.
Easy to remember especially since they have had the CR-V forever. Then there's history in the HR-V name which im sure maybe will dig.

 

[TrueNorth]

If you insist...???

I think both these cars don't look great, especially the Scion. The modern HRV looks great. A much more interesting silhouette.

 

[Captain Bee]

I think both these cars don't look great, especially the Scion. The modern HRV looks great. A much more interesting silhouette.

that was not a comparison to the modern HRV, it was in response to your earlier comment about styling based on year. I was simply showing that what you were saying was not true...

 

[hondaguy]

I always liked how the xB looks, when it came out it was one of the more unique vehicles in the market. Now, compared to what's out, it doesn't look as great as it used to.

 

[TrueNorth]

that was not a comparison to the modern HRV, it was in response to your earlier comment about styling based on year. I was simply showing that what you were saying was not true...

You are just saying that other cars were also boxy? I take your point. I don't claim to be an expert on cars from that period.

 

[vtec]

You are just saying that other cars were also boxy?

 

[vickenp]

I think, since the hrv is based on the fit it should have been called the crossfit!

 

[vtec]

I think, since the hrv is based on the fit it should have been called the crossfit!

If it looked more like the fit, yes. But it doesn't.

 

[hondaguy]

I think, since the hrv is based on the fit it should have been called the crossfit!

Like what vtec said... it would have to also look more like the fit, like a blown u p fit to get that name.

 

[Birdhouse]

I really like the original HR-V size and body style.

Alas, the current trend in body styles is to shape cars more like sneakers.