CRVs & Coffee San Diego: My First Honda CR-V Meetup and the Community Behind the Wheel
CRcr-Vs & Coffee San Diego, CA
There’s something special about owning a car that becomes more than just a way to get from point A to point B. For me, that car is my 2007 Honda CR-V.
What started as a practical vehicle purchase quickly turned into road trips, outdoor adventures, modification ideas and eventually my very first CRVs & Coffee meetup in San Diego.
And yes, I learned that apparently one of the coolest things about owning a Honda CR-V is having a picnic table hiding in your trunk. Unfortunately, mine didn't come with one. More on that later.
How I Fell in Love With My 2007 Honda CR-V
When I purchased my 2007 Honda CR-V, it had just 61,000 miles on it. For a vehicle approaching 20 years old, finding one with such low mileage that had been well cared for felt like hitting the jackpot.
I was already someone who loved the outdoors. Camping, fishing, scenic drives and spontaneous road trips were my kind of fun.
As I started taking my CR-V on more adventures, I began imagining all the ways I could make it better suited for my lifestyle.
I started researching all-terrain tires, roof racks, camping accessories and other Honda CR-V modifications. Suddenly, I wasn't just driving an SUV. I was picturing a little adventure vehicle that could take me almost anywhere.
The more I learned about the Honda CR-V, the more I appreciated its versatility, reliability and surprisingly passionate community of owners.
Wait... Older Honda CR-Vs Came With a Picnic Table?!
Somewhere along my research journey, I discovered something that genuinely devastated me.
Many older Honda CR-V models, including the 2006 and earlier generations, came with a removable folding picnic table built right into the rear cargo area.
A PICNIC TABLE.
IN THE TRUNK.
As someone who loves camping, fishing and spending time outdoors, I couldn't believe it.
You're telling me Honda had already thought of one of the most convenient camping accessories imaginable, and I bought the model year right after they stopped including it?
I was heartbroken. Dramatic? Maybe. But any camper who understands the convenience of having a portable table readily available knows exactly why this discovery hurt.
Still, that didn't stop me from loving my 2007 CR-V.
If anything, it made me more interested in learning about the different Honda CR-V generations, their unique features and the creative ways owners customize them.
I started following more CR-V enthusiasts online and quickly realized that this wasn't just a community of people driving the same vehicle.
These were people who genuinely loved their cars.
My First CRVs & Coffee Meetup in San Diego
Eventually, I came across CRVs & Coffee, a gathering for Honda CR-V owners and enthusiasts in San Diego.
I decided to attend with my cousin.
Picture two girls showing up to a car meetup for the first time, a little shy, a little nervous and wondering if we even belonged there.
Neither of us knew exactly what to expect.
Would everyone have heavily modified vehicles? Would we be the only ones with a mostly stock CR-V? Would people even talk to us?
To our surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming, relaxed and full of personality.
There were Honda CR-Vs everywhere, representing different generations, colors, modifications and styles.
Some were built for outdoor adventures. Others had unique accessories or custom touches. Some were beautifully maintained in their original condition.
Every vehicle told a different story.
And somehow, despite all those differences, everyone had something in common: a genuine appreciation for the Honda CR-V.
Meeting the People Behind CRVs & Coffee
One of my favorite parts of the event was getting to meet CRVs & Coffee founder @peterbjacob, along with his friends and Matt.
It's one thing to follow a car community online. It's another to actually meet the people who bring everyone together.
What stood out to me wasn't just the vehicles. It was the atmosphere.
People were sharing stories, admiring each other's CR-Vs, talking about modifications and celebrating the little things that make these SUVs special.
Nobody needed to have the most expensive build or the newest vehicle to be part of the experience.
Whether your CR-V was your daily commuter, family car, weekend camper or passion project, there was room for you.
And as someone attending her first car meetup, that meant a lot.
The CRVs & Coffee Paper Plate Awards (And My Almost-Win)
One of the funniest parts of the event was the paper plate awards.
They had categories celebrating things like:
Highest mileage
Farthest traveled
Coolest CR-V
Naturally, I had a suggestion.
I told Jacob they should add a "Lowest Mileage" award.
Why?
Because I thought I had that one in the bag.
I mean, I purchased a well-maintained 2007 Honda CR-V with only 61,000 miles. At the time of the meetup, it had around 81,000 miles.
For a nearly 20-year-old vehicle, that's pretty impressive!
I was ready to claim my imaginary trophy.
Unfortunately, someone with a 2022 Honda CR-V and approximately 37,000 miles took the win.
BUMMER. LOL.
I should've clarified that we needed to calculate mileage based on the age of the vehicle.
Because if we're talking about average annual mileage, I still think my little 2007 deserved some recognition.
Maybe next time we'll have a "Lowest Mileage for a Vintage CR-V" category.
I'm just saying.
Every Honda CR-V Has Its Own Personality
Walking around the meetup gave me so many ideas for my own vehicle.
One of the things I love about the Honda CR-V community is how differently people use their SUVs.
Some owners lean into the rugged outdoor lifestyle with all-terrain tires, roof racks and camping setups.
Others focus on keeping their older CR-Vs clean, original and well-maintained.
And then there are owners who love adding personal touches that make their CR-V stand out.
There's no single right way to enjoy these vehicles.
For me, the dream is a CR-V that can handle everyday driving while still being ready for a weekend escape to the mountains, a fishing trip or a spontaneous camping adventure.
And after attending CRVs & Coffee, I left with even more inspiration.
Although I have to admit, I was still a little jealous of everyone with those legendary folding picnic tables.
Why the San Diego Car Community Matters
San Diego has a strong car culture, but what makes gatherings like CRVs & Coffee special is that they aren't just about horsepower, expensive modifications or showing off.
They're about connection.
Cars have a funny way of bringing people together who might otherwise never cross paths.
At CRVs & Coffee, people from different backgrounds, ages and lifestyles were brought together by one shared interest.
A Honda CR-V.
Something as simple as an SUV became the reason for conversations, friendships, laughter and new ideas.
For two girls who showed up wondering whether we'd fit in, we left feeling like we had found our people.
And that alone made the experience worth it.
Keeping Your Adventure Vehicle Clean in San Diego
As someone who loves road trips and outdoor adventures, I know that keeping a vehicle clean isn't always easy.
Between dusty camping trips, muddy shoes, fishing gear, beach sand and everyday driving, our vehicles take on a lot.
That's why at Golden State Auto Wash and Detail in San Diego, CA, we appreciate the importance of caring for the vehicles that take us on life's adventures.
Whether you drive a Honda CR-V, a family SUV, a truck or your everyday commuter, regular auto washing and detailing can help maintain your vehicle's appearance and protect its surfaces from the wear and tear of daily use.
After all, our cars do more than transport us. They carry our gear, our memories and sometimes a little bit of the great outdoors back home with us.
A clean car doesn't mean you don't go on adventures. Sometimes it means you just got back from a really good one.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Honda CR-V
My first CRVs & Coffee experience reminded me why I've grown so attached to my 2007 Honda CR-V.
Sure, I originally bought it because it was practical, dependable and had incredibly low mileage.
But somewhere between the road trips, camping plans, modification research and discovering the CR-V community, it became something more.
It's a vehicle that fits my lifestyle and continues to inspire new adventures.
I'm grateful to Jacob, Matt and everyone who helped make my first CRVs & Coffee experience so welcoming.
I showed up a little shy, left with new inspiration and learned that there are plenty of other people who love their CR-Vs just as much as I love mine.
And at the end of the day, whether you're driving a first-generation CR-V or the newest model, we're all connected by our appreciation for these quirky, capable little SUVs.
Especially the ones with that cool-ass picnic table in the trunk.
Until the next meetup!
— Golden State Auto Wash and Detail
Follow the CR-V community: @peterbjacob
Looking for auto washing and detailing in San Diego, CA? Keep your daily driver or weekend adventure vehicle looking its best with Golden State Auto Wash and Detail.
