2001 Honda CR-V Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Honda CR-V from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Honda CR-V, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Honda CR-V help you decide if a 2001 Honda CR-V is right for you.

2001 Honda CR-V Road Test

Pros	Cons

Maneuverability	Rear-seat entry/exit

Cargo room	Acceleration

Build quality

Exterior finish

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
4	3	3.5

Adequate at best; the automatic makes for sluggish standing starts and passing. Our test 4WD manual CR-V ran 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec; automatic versions aren't nearly as quick. We'd welcome a V6 option--as offered on rivals such as Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Fuel Economy

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Our manual 4WD test CR-V averaged a respectable 22.5 mpg despite leadfoot driving, which the 4-cyl engine usually requires.

Ride Quality

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
5	5	3.4

Being based on Honda's Civic car platform helps ride comfort, but CR-V suffers wheel patter on washboard surfaces and annoying hop on some freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
5	5	3.9

Steering inert on-center but precise for an SUV. CR-V is about as agile and pleasant to drive as a small station wagon, aided by modest body lean in hard cornering. Braking is sure but not outstanding.

Quietness

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
4	4	3.2

Wind noise relatively low, as is tire thrum on most surfaces, but engine drone can be quite wearing at highway speeds.

Controls

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
8	8	4.9

Honda's usual refined simplicity, but wiper stalk interferes with the automatic transmission's column shift lever.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
6	6	4.9

Generous head and leg room belie compact exterior. Comfortable take-charge driving stance can be tailored with standard tilt wheel and manual seat-height adjustment. Fine visibility to all quarters.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
5	5	3.5

Too narrow for three adults, but good head and leg room. Reasonable step-in height for the 8-inch ground clearance, but small rear doors make entry/exit tight for larger persons.

Cargo Room

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
7	7	6.8

Standard split rear seat double-folds to form a flat load floor. Put it up, though, and there's space behind for only about 10 grocery bags. Swing-out tailgate (below glass liftgate) is awkward to use when your arms are full of stuff.

Value within Class

LX 4WD, man.	SE 4WD	Class Average
10	10	4.7

Still an efficient, well-built, and appealing Best Buy. A growing number of V6 competitors offer better performance and refinement, but CR-V has the upper hand in workmanship, reliability and resale value.

Total Score