Honda is a car company that prides itself in believing in the power of dreams. Well, the founders of Honda did dream big and is now one of the biggest car brands in the world. The most popular car of this Japanese automaker is arguably the Civic, a sporty-looking sedan that has captivated the world since its inception.However, aside from the Civic, Honda has another car in its arsenal that managed to take on the world. Make way for the Compact Runabout Vehicle, or more famously known as the CR-V. The CR-V was considered as a unique vehicle when it was launched in the 90s, the era when pickup-based seven-seater SUVs started to gain popularity.The uniqueness offered by the Honda CR-V is that it is a vehicle based on the Civic's platform and is relatively smaller as compared to the seven-seater SUVs. To make things simple, the CR-V is a crossover, smaller because of its compact platform but with the same on- and off-road capabilities as well as a more comfortable ride as compared to the seven-seater SUVs. These unique characteristics are the reasons why a lot of people fell and are still in love with the Honda CR-V.Honda first introduced the CR-V in the Philippines in 1996. It made its mark in the local market as it was received positively by Filipino car buyers. Since then, the CR-V grew a solid following in the Philippines, which makes it one of Honda Philippines' important car models. The Honda CR-V has been in the market for more than two decades now, and it already has five generation models under its name. Here are the Honda CR-V and its generations.First-Generation Honda CR-V (1995 to 2001)The first-generation Honda CR-V made its debut in 1995. It features a design concept that intends to offer “refreshing performance and comfort of a sedan.” With that, Honda's engineers and designers developed the CR-V to be a car that can accommodate up to five occupants. Honda says the main focus of its design concept is on “utility space as large as a wagon” as well as “mobility of a cross-country four-wheel-drive.” The tailgate of the first gen CR-V is composed of a vertically-lifting glass hatch and a sideway-opening lower gate. The first gen CR-V is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that delivers 145 hp and 182 Nm of torque.Second-Generation Honda CR-V (2001 to 2006)The second-generation CR-V features a restyled exterior and a bigger interior space. At first glance, you can notice that the second-gen CR-V loosed a bit of its boxy exterior as it now comes with subtle curves. The headlights, front grille, and bumper are also new, which makes the second gen CR-V look more bigger and more composed. Honda says the second-gen CR-V has a spacious cabin with the interior providing 527 liters of cargo space, the largest in its class at that time. Under the hood, it is still equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. Honda added a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine option that puts out 158 hp and 220 Nm of torque. On the other hand, Honda first introduced a 2.2-liter diesel engine in Europe. This diesel power unit generates 140 hp and 340 Nm of torque.Third-Generation Honda CR-V (2006 to 2012)The third-generation CR-V bids goodbye to the design of its predecessors. This CR-V is now bigger, bolder, and has a more composed stance. From the looks of it, Honda wants to make the CR-V a viable challenger in the SUV segment as it moves away from the compact SUV dimensions. The front fascia of this CR-V is fitted with sweptback headlights, a large bumper, and revamped grille. Turning to the side, the CR-V now gets more prominent wheel arches, a straight character line, and a sloping roofline that's seamlessly connected. Indeed, the CR-V has grown bigger and points to the direction of becoming an SUV challenger. It still features the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engine under the hood. However, the 2.4-liter engine gets a power upgrade as it now delivers 168 hp and 218 Nm of torque.Fourth-Generation Honda CR-V (2012 to 2017)The fourth-generation CR-V is the refined version of its predecessor. However, the design changes integrated into the fourth-gen CR-V is rather subtle--it is as if Honda was playing it safe. Despite this, the fourth-gen CR-V features a more aggressive-looking front fascia--thanks to its new headlights, restyled grille, and revamped bumper. This CR-V is like sitting in the middle of an aggressive and sleek car because of the combination of sharp and curvy design. It features carry-over engines from the third-gen CR-V, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engine. The 2.0-liter engine now puts out 151 hp and 190 Nm of torque while the 2.4-liter generates 183 hp and 220 Nm.Fifth-Generation Honda CR-V (2017 to Present)The fifth-generation CR-V grew bigger and it can now be considered as a legit SUV challenger. In the Philippines, the fifth gen CR-V made its debut in August 2017. This CR-V is the first ever diesel model in Honda's model lineup in the Philippines. Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is offering the fifth gen CR-V in four variants (three diesels and one gasoline). The diesel variants come with seven seats while the gasoline variant is a five-seater. Speaking of which, the diesel CR-V variant is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that delivers 120 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the gasoline CR-V variant is equipped with a 2.0-liter power unit that produces 154 hp and 189 Nm of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).Here are the available brand-new 2018 Honda CR-V variants in the Philippines:CR-V 2.0 S CVTPHP1,658,000CR-V V Diesel ATPHP1,688,000CR-V S Diesel AT PHP1,858,000CR-V SX Diesel ATPHP2,125,000The Honda CR-V has come a long way. It has been in the market for more than two decades and it appears that Honda is not yet ready to stop introducing new developments for the CR-V. Interested to get a full overview of the 2018 Honda CR-V? Click here to get more information.Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT SpecificationEngine Type: SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 16-valveMax Power: 152 hp @ 6500rpmMax Torque: 189 Nm @ 4300rpmTransmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)Length x Width x Height: 4571mm x 1855mm x 1657mmWheelbase: 2660mmSeating: 5