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2001 Honda CR-V Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2001 Honda CR-V Review:
2001 Honda CR-V Review
The addition of rear child-seat tethers is the main change for Honda's 2001 compact SUV. CR-V comes as a front-drive LX model and in LX, EX, and top-line SE versions with 4-wheel drive. SE has leather interior among several exclusive features. SE and base LX have standard automatic transmission. All use a 146-hp 4-cyl engine. Honda's Real-Time 4WD normally drives the front wheels, but directs power aft if front wheelspin occurs; it's not intended for hard off-road use, lacking locked-in 4WD and separate low-range gearing. ABS standard for EX and SE, unavailable on LXs. CR-V is being redesigned 2002; it'll have new styling but retain 4-cyl power.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buy Honda CR-V doesn't offer true off-road ability and has milquetoast acceleration, it does mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
New this year are the Ford Escape and clone Mazda Tribute. We have been very impressed with early production models and may elevate these two to Best Buys after we get more seat time.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
New this year are the Ford Escape and clone Mazda Tribute. We have been very impressed with early production models and may elevate these two to Best Buys after we get more seat time.
News
On a year-to-year calendar basis, CR-V sales slipped 2 percent in 2000 to just under 118,300. This undoubtedly reflects stronger price competition from newer-design compact SUVs, particularly Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute. CR-V hasn't been fundamentally changed since its 1997-model debut.
But change it will for 2002, with a new-generation Civic platform again the starting point. Details of this redesign are sketchy, as Japanese makers typically guard future products with security measures even the CIA might envy. However, the new CR-V will reportedly have a little more interior room despite a little changed exterior envelope, while the current 2.0-liter Civic-based engine will be replaced by the 2.3-liter Accord 4-cyl as standard. Also to correct the existing CR-V's lack of power, Honda may squeeze an optional V6, which would answer the likes of Escape/Tribute, but this may not be offered until 2003.
But change it will for 2002, with a new-generation Civic platform again the starting point. Details of this redesign are sketchy, as Japanese makers typically guard future products with security measures even the CIA might envy. However, the new CR-V will reportedly have a little more interior room despite a little changed exterior envelope, while the current 2.0-liter Civic-based engine will be replaced by the 2.3-liter Accord 4-cyl as standard. Also to correct the existing CR-V's lack of power, Honda may squeeze an optional V6, which would answer the likes of Escape/Tribute, but this may not be offered until 2003.
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
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.
| 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
Our manual 4WD test CR-V averaged a respectable 22.5 mpg despite leadfoot driving, which the 4-cyl engine usually requires.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Wind noise relatively low, as is tire thrum on most surfaces, but engine drone can be quite wearing at highway speeds.
| 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
Honda's usual refined simplicity, but wiper stalk interferes with the automatic transmission's column shift lever.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| LX 4WD, man. | SE 4WD | Class Average |
| 60 | 59 | 43.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 43 | |
| High Score | 60 |
2001 Honda CR-V Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/20/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic | $18,750 | $17,138 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| LX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $19,150 | $17,502 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| LX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,950 | $18,232 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| EX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $20,750 | $18,962 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| EX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,550 | $19,692 | $440 |
|
|
|||
| SE AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,800 | $20,833 | $440 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering column, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, cupholders, split folding rear bench seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, remote fuel filler/hatch release, lift-out folding picnic table, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 205/70R15 tires, AWD models add: all-wheel drive.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/CD player, remote keyless entry, reclining rear seat, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
SE adds to EX
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2001 Honda CR-V Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3126 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 67.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 146 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 133 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 22/25 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Collision | 4 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 74 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Injury | 3 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 91 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
| Theft | 3 |
| Theft (HLDI) | 63 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Honda CR-V Review:
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