The Unique History of the Honda CR-V Convertible

The Honda CR-V is a staple of one of the most popular vehicle segments in America, with the 1997 original having helped initiate the compact crossover craze in the late 1990s, alongside the Toyota RAV4. It’s familiar and practical, a conveyance that many might describe as a reliable choice. However, in 1998, the CR-V surprised enthusiasts with a one-off convertible model.

Yes, there really was a Honda CR-V convertible. At the time, Toyota was gearing up to launch a two-door, convertible RAV4, making the idea of a convertible SUV less outlandish. The CR-V, however, presented a unique twist by being built from a first-generation four-door CR-V. Only one of these models was created, serving as a show car for the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, crafted by engineering house Valmet.

Innovative Design by Valmet

The topless Honda SUV was Valmet’s way of showcasing their expertise in designing and constructing convertible top systems. Valmet, a firm with over forty years of experience, has also been responsible for developing the Saab 900 convertible and the Porsche Boxster.

Engineering Excellence

The CR-V convertible’s roof system was remarkably well-engineered for a show car. When the top is up, it maintains much of its original shape, featuring a wraparound, triangular rear window inspired by contemporary Mercedes-Benz designs. Moreover, with the press of a button, the entire forward section of the fabric roof folds backward, settling neatly atop what was the cargo area, reminiscent of the classic VW Beetle’s bustle-back design.

Although folding down the roof transforms the spacious cargo area into a modest trunk, the CR-V convertible retained its practicality with the top up. By opening the tailgate and unzipping the upper window, it provided as much cargo room as its hardtop counterparts. Valmet integrated a padded roll bar over the rear seats and created a distinctive half-cover for the external spare tire, reminiscent of a “Continental” kit found on elegant American luxury cars of the malaise era. Additionally, the design had to relocate the taillights to the Honda’s rear quarter panels, as the typical CR-V had placed its taillights high on the roof pillars, leaving room for reconfiguration without a roof.

A Lost Opportunity

Sadly, the concept of a convertible compact SUV did not take off. The market for such vehicles declined rapidly, leading Toyota to cease production of its convertible RAV4 in 2000, with Kia following suit with a similarly short-lived Sportage convertible. Consequently, Honda expressed no interest in pursuing the convertible CR-V further. This decision is regrettable; while early CR-Vs were quite engaging, a convertible could have been an exhilarating addition to the lineup.