Honda FR-V is a family car from the Japanese automobile giant Honda, which was produced from 2004 to 2009. Built on the basis of the popular CR-V model, FR-V was positioned by the creators as a multi-purpose sports minivan for recreation. Attractive appearance, reliability, increased safety, excellent characteristics and a high level of comfort - these are the things that distinguished this car on the market compared to other competitors.
Car history
The first Honda FR-V was released in 2004, after a presentation at one of the car dealerships. At first glance, the model did not stand out anything special compared to its competitors, but as soon as it took a closer look, the opinion changed. Honda engineers managed to create not just a family car, but a sports minivan with a unique layout of seats inside the cabin - 3 + 3 (3 seats in front and 3 in the rear). In addition, the middle seats could be folded and used as a large table with cup holders.
At home, the novelty quickly gained popularity, but outside of Japan, things were much worse. For example, in the UK for the entire time the model was released (2004-2009), no more than 13 thousand units were sold, which is a very low indicator. In Russia, things were even worse. The fact is that the car was not given due attention, no one launched advertising and marketing campaigns, which is why after a few months the deliveries to our country were completely stopped.
Nevertheless, sales around the world were slowly moving forward, but it was a drop in the bucket. Even the engine upgrade in 2007 brought almost no result. In this regard, in 2009 Honda decided to stop production of the car and focus on other projects.
Appearance
The appearance of the Honda FR-V is quite consistent with most minivans from other manufacturers, except that this model has a very distinctive signature sports design from Honda.
The front of the car meets a slightly “aggressive” front end. The headlights are not too big, but at the same time they are long and have a certain “predatory look”. The radiator grill is made in the corporate style for the company, in compliance with all proportions. In addition, it is chrome plated, which gives the overall design more style. The front bumper also hints at a "sport", not only with its low overhang, but also with a large air intake through which you can see the "intercooler". Also around the edges are small fog lights.
The back of the car looks no less interesting than the front. Particular attention is drawn to the tailgate, which has a small spoiler with a stopper on top and curved glass. No less interesting are the headlights, which in size resemble the taillights on SUVs. Well, the neat bumper completes with a few clear lines that emphasize its shape.
It's time to move on to the specs of the Honda FR-V. Of greatest interest here are 3 sections: engines, gearboxes and chassis. We will consider each of these points separately.
Engines
So, in total, two types of engines were put on this car - gasoline and diesel. The gasoline range had 3 different units at its disposal, while the diesel engine had only one.
To begin with, it is worth talking about the diesel engine, since it is only one. The engine had a volume of 2.2 liters, was equipped with a turbine, and its power was 140 liters. from. Acceleration to 100 km / h took 10 seconds, which is not so bad for a minivan. The maximum speed was limited to 190 km / h. By type of structure it is a classic 4-cylinder in-line engine with a transverse arrangement. Fuel consumption is quite small: the city is 6.5-7 liters, a little more than four on the highway.
Now, with regard to gasoline units. The first is a 1.7-liter engine. Its capacity is 125 "horses". Acceleration to a hundred takes almost 12.5 seconds, the maximum speed reaches 182 km / h. Type of structure - 4-cylinder in-line engine with a transverse arrangement. Consumption, unlike diesel, is noticeably higher - 9.3-10 liters in the city, and about 7 liters on the highway.
The next engine for the Honda FR-V is 2.0 liters. By type of structure, it is completely similar to the previous one. Motor power - 155 liters. sec., maximum speed - 195 km / h. Acceleration to 100 takes 10.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is still slightly increased, and now in the city cycle the car consumes about 12 liters, and when driving on the highway - 7.3-7.5.
In 2008, 1.7 and 2 liter engines were replaced by a new 1.8 liter engine. This unit was taken from a new generation Honda Civic VIII and was slightly better than its predecessors. Motor power is 140 liters. from. Acceleration to 100 km / h is made in 10.6 seconds, which is almost identical to the two-liter unit. The maximum speed reaches 190 km / h. The type of structure of the motor has not changed, but the fuel consumption has become almost the same as that of the younger version - 9.4-10 liters in the city, and only 6.3-6.5 on the highway.
Gearbox
As for the gearboxes, there were only two types of them - classical mechanics and automatic. Manual gearboxes were installed on all engines, including even diesel. The youngest 1.7-liter engine was equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. Other units had a slightly more interesting 6-speed gearbox.
As for the machine, then the situation is somewhat similar. It was installed on all engines except diesel. Versions 1.7 and 2 liters were equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the new 1.8 engine received an immediately updated 6-speed gearbox.
Chassis
Well, completes the technical characteristics of the Honda FR-V chassis. You can find cars on sale not only on front-wheel drive, but also on full, because the base from CR-V was taken as the basis. The car's suspension is spring-loaded and completely independent, both front and rear. The weak point can be called clearance - only 15 cm, which is sometimes not enough. The brakes are disc, ventilated at the front, and conventional at the rear.
Reviews
Honda FR-V reviews are mostly positive. Those owners who at one time bought this car do not regret anything and note the high reliability of the model, together with a spacious and unusual interior, powerful engines, capacity, excellent taxiing, etc. Of the shortcomings, the owners note a rather weak sound insulation, low clearance and slightly increased fuel consumption. The rest is no complaints. Honda FR-V is a great car, which, unfortunately, has been underestimated by many.