The Honda FR-V is a 5-door compact multi-purpose vehicle produced and marketed by Honda from 2004 to 2009 in a single generation. Honda sold the FR-V as the Edix model in Japan, and they are both seated in a 3+3 seating configuration. After three years since its first release, the FR-V received its only official facelift. Honda discontinued the model in August 2009 and in 2011 for some regions.
History of the Honda FR-V/Edix
Honda FR-V/Edix (2004–2007)
Designed by Honda, the company's Front Recreational-Vehicle was a six-seat MPV with a distinctive look. In some markets, Honda marketed the model as the Edix. The idea of a six-passenger MPV was not unique, but how a vehicle manufacturer implemented it was. Taking the 1998 Fiat Multipla as an example, it was a functional vehicle and one of the weirdest on the road. That or the Pontiac Aztek was the subject of a long-running controversy. A six-passenger automobile attracted Honda in 2005 when they launched the multi-purpose FR-V model. Even though it looked better than the Multipla, it didn't sell very well, so the Japanese company decided to stop making it in 2011. People at that time invented the name “Flexible Recreation Vehicle" to expand the FR-V, but Honda didn't actually announce this. Excellent design, dynamic nature, and high construction quality are present in this vehicle. The Honda FR-V was marketed as a sporty car. Using the same characters as the VFR motorcycle's designation, the nameplate of the automobile is also the same. With a long snout, front struts, and a redesigned grille with three transverse chrome stripes, the family mono cab looks a little too intimidating for its advantage. For the FR-V and its occupants, it can attract appreciative looks. With the brilliant design of the FR-V, Honda integrated the design of its Accord and S2000 styles.
Honda FR-V/Edix (2007–2011)
Refreshing the Honda FR-V was done at the wrong moment in the market for a nice six-seater. However, the Japanese automaker had no way of knowing.
From 2008 to 2012, the global financial crisis significantly impacted the automobile industry, causing several well-known manufacturers to go out of business or be acquired by new ones. The Honda FR-V has been on the market since 2004, and a facelift was scheduled for 2007. There was nothing that Honda could do to stop the wheels from rotating. The 1.8-liter engine from the Civic line was the major game-changer for the drivetrain. With no loss in power, it superseded the 1.7L and 2.0L gasoline engines that Honda previously utilized. The i-Shift 5-speed gearbox, featuring an automatic clutch, was offered as an option for the 6-speed manual. However, sales remained low, and in 2011, Honda discontinued the FR-V model.
Price
Interested customers of used Honda FR-V can buy one from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the model year, condition, bodywork, interior, engine, wheels, and tires.
Features
Interior Features of the Honda FR-V
From 2004 to 2007, the interior had a 3+3 seating arrangement. You could fold the front middle seat to have a center armrest with cupholders when not in use. This armrest is one of the widest armrests in Honda's historical record with cupholders. Engineers placed the gear stick in the central stack to support it. There were three more separate seats in the back with longitudinal adjustability. After the facelift in 2007, Honda switched from carbon-fiber look trims to wood-look trims. The automaker included an aux-in connector for portable drives such as an MP3 player in the infotainment system.
Exterior Features of the Honda FR-V
With its Sumo-fighter posture, the FR-V's wedge-shaped and comprehensive design captivated. On the other hand, Honda created the FR-V with smooth edges and flat surfaces compared to its well-known Japanese competitors. It had a grille featuring three horizontal chrome nightclubs that were odd for a Japanese company. That was primarily a Ford aesthetic at the time. The rising lines had an oddly sloping, then vertical finish. Several changes were available to the car after the 2007 facelift. It had a solid frontal bumper with side scoops and a grille aerodynamically optimized. With their clear lenses, their headlights stood out. The carmaker installed a new set of taillights, including yellow turn signals, in the back. In addition to the new bumpers and lights, Honda also installed new door handles.
Specs of the Honda FR-V
The Honda FR-V 2.0i delivers 150 hp (110 kW) of horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 142 lb-ft (192 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 10.5 seconds, with a top speed of 121 mph (195 kph) and a curb weight of 3,351 lbs (1,520 kg). After the facelift in 2007, Honda sold the FR-V in 4 different transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, and 4-speed automatic.
Release Date
Honda released and marketed the FR-V/Edix model between 2004 and 2009 (2011 in some regions).