| Honda Crossroad | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 1993–1998 2007–2010 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV (First generation) Compactcrossover (Second generation) |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | FR/4WD FF/4WD |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Honda CR-V |
TheHonda Crossroad (ホンダクロスロード,Honda Kurosurōdo) is an automobile nameplate used by twoSUVs sold byHonda only in Japan. The first one is arebadgedLand Rover Discovery sold in Japan between 1993 and 1998,[1] while the second version is a more compact crossover vehicle introduced in 2007.
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 1994 LJ/LJJ Honda Crossroad | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Rover Company (Solihull plant)[2] |
| Model code | LJ/LJJ |
| Also called | Land Rover Discovery Series I |
| Production | 1993–1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.9 LRover 3.9V8 (gasoline) |
| Transmission | 4-speedautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,540 mm (100.0 in) |
| Length | 4,535 mm (178.5 in) |
| Width | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Height | 1,950 mm (76.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,970 kg (4,340 lb) |
Honda marketed theCrossroad (model codeLJ, stylized as Cro$$road)[3] in the Japanese market from October 13, 1993 to 1998[4][5][6] — as arebadgedLand Rover Discovery Series I. To date, the Crossroad is the only production vehicle sold by Honda to ever have a V8 engine.[1] The 3.9-literRover unit produces 180 PS (132 kW) at 4,750 rpm.[4]
The Crossroad was introduced to compete with popular off-roaders offered by Toyota, Isuzu, Nissan and Mitsubishi;[3] it was initially marketed in 3- and 5-door variants; and was manufactured at Rover's Solihull plant.[4]
At the end of July 1994, the Crossroad was updated with added safety equipment including twin front airbags, standard ABS, door beams.[7] Front and rear anti-roll bars were also added, while the grille and aluminum wheels were redesigned and the dashboard was revised. The three-door model was discontinued and a new (five-door) ES model was released, with additional equipment including full leather, double electric sunroofs, cruise control, and a separate air conditioning system for the rear seat.[7] In March 1996, Honda announced a 25-percent price reduction for the base V8i model along with some equipment cuts, such as removing the third row of seats, making the car a five-seater.[8] The model code was changed toLJJ at this time.[9]
Problems had emerged regarding the marketing of the Crossroad. For instance,Honda had threatened to end ties with Rover after the news that it was going to be sold to BMW.[10] In 1997, a recall was issued by Honda on the advice ofMinistry of Transportation due to a malfunction locking mechanism on the SUV's driver-side front door that could make the door open while driving.[11] Around 4,754 vehicles made from July 1995 to December 1996 were affected by the recall.[11]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 Honda Crossroad (RT) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | RT1/2/3/4 |
| Production | 2007–2010 |
| Designer | Takehiro Ishibashi and Yosuke Tokoro[12] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive |
| Related | Honda Stream (second generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,285 mm (168.7 in) |
| Width | 1,775 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1,669 mm (65.7 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Honda Vezel Honda CR-V |
The Crossroad name was resurrected as a newcrossover SUV for theJapanese market on February 23, 2007.[13] The vehicle combines the exterior design of an SUV with the convenient size of a compact car and the 3-row seating and 7-passenger capacity.[14] The Crossroad is designed for people to enjoy their active new lifestyles, targeting young couples in their 20s and 30s with small children.[14][15]
Under the hood, the Crossroad sports one of twostraight-4engines of 1.8 L and 2.0 L in displacement. Power outputs are 140 and 150 PS (103 and 110 kW) respectively. Both were mated to the only available transmission: a 5-speedautomatic. Honda's Real-Time AWD system has been thoroughly revised for the Crossroad. It now works in conjunction with stability and traction control as well asABS brakes. For the first time in a Honda, the Crossroad will be equipped with Hill-Start Assist which temporarily maintains brake pressure after the brake pedal is released when starting on a hill. Under normal driving conditions, the Crossroad behaves as aFWD vehicle.
According toAutoWeek, Honda said it won't import the Crossroad toNorth America, since their similarly sizedElement takes its place.[16] Honda's crossover SUV lineup in theUnited States andCanada already has the Element, the mid-pricedCR-V and the largerPilot, as all three models are made in North America.
It was reported that Honda did not export the Crossroad to Europe because of a voluntary commitment by theJapan Automobile Manufacturers Association to reduce average CO2 emissions in its European fleet to 140 grams per kilometer by 2009.[17] As a result, Honda was reluctant to offer larger vehicles without technological breakthrough.[17]
On August 25, 2010, Honda announced the discontinuation of the Crossroad.[18]
