The Honda Crosstour. Remember that quirky hatchback-crossover hybrid that Honda briefly produced? It certainly made a statement, and those statements weren't always positive. But years later, with used car prices soaring, is the Crosstour a hidden gem or a vehicle best left in the past? We'll dive deep into market feedback, reliability reports, and owner experiences to determine if the Crosstour is actually a good car, and if it’s a smart buy in today's market.
What Exactly Is a Honda Crosstour, Anyway?
For those who may not be familiar, the Honda Crosstour was produced from 2010 to 2015. It was essentially a hatchback version of the Honda Accord, aiming to blend the practicality of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car. Think of it as a precursor to the more popular fastback SUVs we see today, like the BMW X6 or the Acura ZDX (which shares a similar design history).
The Crosstour came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. It was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The interior was similar to the Accord of its era, offering a comfortable and reasonably spacious cabin. However, its distinctive styling was definitely a polarizing point, dividing opinions right from its launch.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: A Deep Dive into Crosstour Pros & Cons
Let's break down the Crosstour's strengths and weaknesses to get a clearer picture of its overall value.
Pros:
- Reliability: Hondas are renowned for their reliability, and the Crosstour is no exception. Many owners report minimal issues, especially with regular maintenance. The Accord-based platform is a proven workhorse.
- Spaciousness: The Crosstour offers a generous amount of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone who frequently hauls larger items. The rear seats also offer decent legroom.
- Comfortable Ride: The Crosstour provides a comfortable and smooth ride, making it a good choice for long road trips. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling.
- Available V6 Power: The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and passing. This engine is also known for its reliability.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: The all-wheel drive system provides added traction in slippery conditions, making it a good choice for drivers in areas with snow or rain.
- Lower Price Point: Compared to other SUVs and crossovers, the Crosstour can be found at a relatively affordable price on the used car market.
Cons:
- Polarizing Styling: Let's face it, the Crosstour's styling is its biggest hurdle. Many people simply don't like its awkward proportions and unusual rear end. This is a purely subjective issue, but it's a major factor for many buyers.
- Limited Rear Visibility: The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars can make rear visibility challenging. This can be a concern for some drivers, especially when backing up or changing lanes.
- Fuel Economy (V6): While the four-cylinder engine offers reasonable fuel economy, the V6 is less efficient. This is especially true in all-wheel drive models.
- Dated Interior: The interior design is starting to look dated compared to newer vehicles. The technology features are also limited compared to modern cars.
- Discontinued Model: Being a discontinued model can sometimes make finding parts and service more challenging, although the shared Accord components mitigate this somewhat.
What Owners Are Really Saying: Real-World Feedback
Let's move beyond the specs and delve into what real-world owners are saying about their Crosstours. Online forums, review sites, and owner surveys provide valuable insights into the ownership experience.
- Reliability is a recurring theme: Many owners praise the Crosstour for its reliability and low maintenance costs. They report that the car holds up well over time with proper care.
- Practicality is appreciated: Owners often highlight the Crosstour's spaciousness and practicality. They appreciate the large cargo area and comfortable interior for long trips.
- Styling is still a point of contention: While some owners have grown to appreciate the Crosstour's unique styling, others still find it unattractive. It's definitely a love-it-or-hate-it design.
- V6 Power is a plus: Owners with the V6 engine consistently praise its power and responsiveness. They find it enjoyable to drive and capable of handling a variety of driving situations.
- Visibility concerns are common: Many owners mention the limited rear visibility as a drawback. Some have installed aftermarket backup cameras to address this issue.
- Overall satisfaction is generally high: Despite its flaws, many Crosstour owners are satisfied with their vehicles. They appreciate its reliability, practicality, and affordability.
Reliability Ratings: What the Experts Say
Beyond owner opinions, let's examine what the experts say about the Crosstour's reliability.
- Consumer Reports: While Consumer Reports no longer provides specific reliability ratings for the Crosstour, they generally give high marks to Honda vehicles for reliability. The Accord, which shares many components with the Crosstour, consistently receives above-average reliability ratings.
- J.D. Power: J.D. Power also does not provide specific reliability ratings for the Crosstour. However, their overall reliability ratings for Honda vehicles are typically good.
- RepairPal: RepairPal gives Honda an above-average reliability rating as a brand. While specific data for the Crosstour is limited, this suggests that the Crosstour is likely to be a reliable vehicle.
Overall, the available data suggests that the Honda Crosstour is a reliable vehicle. Its Accord-based platform and Honda's reputation for reliability contribute to its positive track record.
The Crosstour vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
When considering the Crosstour, it's important to compare it to its competitors. Some potential alternatives include:
- Toyota Venza (First Generation): The Venza was another hatchback-crossover hybrid that aimed to blend car-like handling with SUV practicality. It offered similar features and reliability to the Crosstour.
- Nissan Murano: The Murano is a more traditional crossover SUV that offers a more stylish design and a more luxurious interior. However, it may not be as spacious or affordable as the Crosstour.
- Honda Accord Wagon (Previous Generations): For those who prioritize practicality over styling, an older Honda Accord Wagon could be a good alternative. It offers similar cargo space and reliability to the Crosstour.
- Subaru Outback: The Outback is a popular wagon-crossover that offers standard all-wheel drive and a rugged design. It's a good choice for drivers who need off-road capability.
The Crosstour stands out for its Accord-based reliability, spaciousness, and potentially lower price point on the used market. However, its styling and limited rear visibility may be drawbacks for some buyers.
Is a Used Crosstour a Smart Buy Today? Factors to Consider
So, is a used Honda Crosstour a smart buy in today's market? Here are some factors to consider:
- Price: Used car prices have been volatile in recent years. Research the current market value of Crosstours in your area to ensure you're getting a fair price.
- Condition: Thoroughly inspect any used Crosstour before buying it. Look for signs of wear and tear, and have a mechanic inspect it for any potential problems.
- Mileage: Consider the mileage of the vehicle. Lower-mileage Crosstours will generally be more reliable, but they will also be more expensive.
- Maintenance History: Review the maintenance history of the vehicle. A well-maintained Crosstour is more likely to be reliable.
- Your Needs and Preferences: Consider your own needs and preferences. Do you need a spacious vehicle for hauling cargo? Do you value reliability and affordability? Are you okay with the Crosstour's styling?
If you prioritize reliability, practicality, and affordability, and you can live with the Crosstour's styling, then a used Crosstour could be a smart buy. However, it's important to do your research and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Honda Crosstour
Is the Honda Crosstour reliable? Yes, the Crosstour is generally considered a reliable vehicle, sharing its platform with the dependable Honda Accord. Regular maintenance is key to maximizing its lifespan.
Why was the Honda Crosstour discontinued? The Crosstour was discontinued due to low sales figures, largely attributed to its polarizing styling. Honda shifted focus to more popular SUV models.
What are the common problems with the Honda Crosstour? Common issues include potential oil consumption in the V6 engine and limited rear visibility. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can prevent significant problems.
Is the Honda Crosstour good in snow? The all-wheel drive models of the Crosstour perform well in snow, providing added traction and stability. Ensure you have appropriate tires for winter conditions.
How much cargo space does the Honda Crosstour have? The Crosstour offers a generous amount of cargo space, with approximately 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 51.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes it a practical choice for hauling cargo.
The Verdict: Is the Crosstour a Hidden Gem or a Dud?
The Honda Crosstour is a bit of both. It's a reliable and practical vehicle with a spacious interior and available V6 power and all-wheel drive. However, its polarizing styling and limited rear visibility are significant drawbacks. Ultimately, whether or not a Crosstour is a "good car" depends on your individual needs and preferences, with a keen eye towards value and condition when considering a used model.