Lots of staffers have commented on the CR-V's dearth of forward gears, and I agree: Five just barely cuts it these days, when most competitors have six or more. Though I agree that a more modern, efficient six- or seven-speed transmission would provide a better ratio spread (rumor has it a CVT will roll out for model year '15), that doesn't bother me as much as not having paddle-shifting abilities on the wheel. This would give the driver sharper control over engine speed, and would be especially helpful on long downhill grades such as those on the interstates entering the Los Angeles basin. Instead, shifting gears means fumbling with the gate for second and first, then tapping the outmoded button to select third. Or keeping it in drive and letting the five-speed hunt for the best gear to match to vehicle speed.

The CR-V made three visits to Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance, California, all regularly scheduled maintenance trips for oil and filter changes. Each appointment resulted in an incredibly quick in and out, with better service than I've experienced at many luxury brand service shops. On the third visit, the service manager asked me if I wanted to address a shifter recall, but since it concerned the brake shift interlock system mechanism locking up during severe, subfreezing weather, I opted to skip it. Each service visit was around $75 and included a complimentary exterior car wash.

The CR-V's interior is brimming with high-end materials and is arguably the most refined cabin in its class. Of special note are simple and straightforward steering wheel controls that feel smooth and premium to the touch. Changing the music, answering calls, or accessing the navigation system can all be done using the wheel controls. Bluetooth phone calls were typically loud and clear. I once asked my mom, "How does the Bluetooth sound?" Her answer: "I didn't even realize you were driving." One shortcoming, though, is the low-grade carpet covering the cargo floor.

This Honda is a workhorse, a loyal Labrador. For a small crossover, the CR-V feels very large inside with lots of space all around. In a CUV market that has shifted its core focus to smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient tall wagons, the CR-V hits the mark in many ways, and pushes the packaging envelope to new cleverness by offering some best-in-class cargo capability.

More on our long-term2013 Honda CR-V:

Our Car
Service life	14 mo/26,978 mi
Average fuel economy	26.5 mpg
CO2 emissions	0.73 lb/mi
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ	23/31/26 mpg
Energy consumption	127 kW-hr/100mi
Unresolved problems	None
Maintenance cost	$220.66 (3-oil change, tire rotation, inspection)
Normal-wear cost	$0

2013 Honda CR-V
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD
ENGINE TYPE	I-4, aluminum block/head
VALVETRAIN	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT	143.6 cu in/2354 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO	10.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)	185 hp @ 7000 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)	163 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
REDLINE	7000 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	18.1 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	5-speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO	4.44:1/2.38:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	16.7:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	3.1
BRAKES, F;R	11.8-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc, ABS
WHEELS, F;R	6.5 x 17-in, cast aluminum
TIRES, F;R	225/65R17 102T M+S Continental CrossContact LX
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	103.1 in
TRACK, F/R	61.6/61.6 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	178.3 x 71.6 x 64.7 in
GROUND CLEARANCE	6.3 in
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE	28.0/21.0 deg
TURNING CIRCLE	37.3 ft
CURB WEIGHT	3349 lb
WEIGHT DIST., F/R	58/42%
TOWING CAPACITY	1500 lb
SEATING CAPACITY	5
HEADROOM, F/R	38.0/38.6 in
LEGROOM, F/R	41.3/38.3 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R	58.6/56.4 in
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND F/R	70.9/37.2 cu ft
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	3.1 sec
0-40	4.5
0-50	6.3
0-60	8.7
0-70	11.4
0-80	14.3
0-90	18.7
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	4.7
QUARTER MILE	16.6 sec @ 85.5 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	123 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.75 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	29.7 sec @ 0.54 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	1750 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL	Yes/yes
AIRBAGS	Front, front side, f/r curtain
BASIC WARRANTY	3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	N/A
FUEL CAPACITY	15.3 gal
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON	23/31/26 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY/COMB	147/109/130 kW-hrs/100 mi
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMBINED	0.75 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded regular