mmarshall

Although it is true that many Europeans are smaller physically than typical Americans, with 7 of them in a vehicle and a 2.0L four, that vehicle will probably barely move. That's like the old VW Microbus back in the 60's with the small, air-cooled beetle engine...a vehicle that took all day to get rolling.



Time, of course, will tell, but my guess is that the Crosstour's styling will turn off more shoppers than the TSX Sportwagon's. The key is, though.....not many people are going to Acura shops nowadays, so the TSX Sportwagon might have some trouble getting publicity.

LexFather

If you do the numbers, the much smaller CR-V has more room than the CrossTour.

mmarshall

Probably don't even need to do the numbers. One simple look at how the two rear ends are styled will tell you that. Boxy almost always trumps fastback for interior space efficiency.

SecPole14

This is making me laugh, because it has made me realize:

It would be one thing if the CrossTour was an honest effort by Honda and it failed "in the wild" (i.e. in the marketplace, against competition from other companies). But this thing just might set a new standard for failure within its OWN CORPORATE LINEUP.

IS-SV

And IMO, the CRV is much better looking which is entirely subjective of course.

mmarshall

Yes, that certainly is subjective. I wouldn't consider either one good-looking, though I have a enormous amount of respect for the CR-V's quality and reliability....IMO it is built like a Swiss Watch. In fact, even with its questionable looks, I considered one when I bought my Outback....it was in the Top 5.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I was behind one a coupe of days and said "WTF" is that???

After my eyes refocused, I saw the H and realized it was the crosstour.....so yes, it was that ugly

That trunk is so narrow and small, can't imagine the inside cargo space.

IS-SV

The stereotype of Swiss watches doesn't apply today in 2010 IMO.

Since we are talking subjective styling opinions, I find the current CRV to be more attractive that any Outback wagon. I like it's relatively wide track SUV stance and interesting window/roof line. And the US sales results back up my opinion.

mmarshall

I have to respectfully disagree. Rolex is still considered one of the finest watches in the world. Just look at the jewelry places that sell Rolex products....and other Swiss timepieces. They employ armed security guards.

Fine. I agree that both are subjective....and both are extremely popular in the U.S. market. The CR-V is probably the RAV-4's biggest competitor, and the Outback has been Subaru's bread-and-butter vehicle ever since it was introduced in 1995. It is (arguably) the most popular car-based station wagon in America.

IS-SV

Exactly, which has nothing to do with the CRV.

IS-SV

I agree and have no idea what the topic is anymore.

IS-SV

Oh yes, I remember and back on topic, I prefer the Venza by a huge margin over the Crosstour. I will seriously consider buying a Venza in the next couple of years.

mmarshall

You prefer the Venza because of looks alone...and maybe space efficiency? (I'm assuming you have not yet driven a Crosstour)

The Venza is a nice design, I'll admit, but I think that the 19 and 20-inch wheels were a mistake (I noted that in my Venza review). And Toyota salespeople tell me that one reason they don't sell more of them is that some potential customers balk at the high potential cost of raplacing those big tires...though, of course, that is normally done only once every 30,000 miles or so.

However, if that is not an issue to you, I agree.....go ahead and indulge yourself with a new one. You could certainly do a lot worse. And, if you don't get much in the way of rain or snow on the roads there in Silicon Valley, you can get a FWD versions.

I'd like to see Lexus do a version of the Venza....if so, it, and the RX, would be the Lexus products I'd be most likely to purchase. I'm going to suggest that to the Lexus reps next week at the D.C. show.

LexFather

I should know this but does the Venza seat 7?

Want an X6 knock-off...buy the Crosstour....Notice they advertise it and the tests have it in the same "maroon" color as the X6 did...

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

no, and this is why I like the new sienna since alot of the styling cues look like the venza