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2002 Honda CR-V Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2002 Honda CR-V Review:
2002 Honda CR-V Review
More interior room, more power, new styling, and new features keynote the redesigned 2002 CR-V. Like the 1997-2001 original, the 2002 is a 4-dr, 5-passenger wagon with a side-hinged tailgate and 4-cyl engine. Wheelbase is unchanged and no exterior dimension grows more than 1.3 inches. But new interior panels widen the cabin by 3.6 inches, rear leg room increases 2.7 inches, and cargo volume expands 5 cu ft. A new 160-hp 2.4-liter engine replaces a 146-hp 2.0. Manual and automatic transmissions are available. The LX model comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EX comes only with AWD. The AWD system does not have low-range gearing. Power windows and locks, cruise control, cassette/CD audio, tilt steering column, and height-adjustable driver seat are standard. ABS is limited to the EX, where it's standard. Front side airbags--new to CR-V--are standard on EX and optional on LX. Also new is a sunroof; it's exclusive to the EX as standard equipment. Leather upholstery is unavailable. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, as is the innovative rear-cargo floor that doubles as a folding picnic table.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.
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, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
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, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
News
After being well down for most of calendar 2001, CR-V sales ended the year essentially unchanged from the previous year's total. We suspect the recovery stemmed in large part from the redesigned '02 models that went on sale in the fall and which remain in short supply, according to informal reports reaching us. Demand for the new CR-V is definitely strong, with year-to-year sales up a sharp 62.2 percent for the first quarter of 2002. Given this situation, which is likely to persist a while, it's no surprise that discounts are virtually nil and that some dealers are tacking on surcharges of as high as $2500.
A rather different sport-utility wagon will soon share showroom space with CR-V. Called Element, it's a production version of the well received "Model X" concept seen a recent auto shows. Element uses the CR-V's basic platform and powertrains, but has a squarish body with center-opening side doors and no fixed vertical pillar, this to provide easy loading/unloading of surfboards, mountain bikes, and other sports gear in what Honda calls a "dorm room/base camp for active young buyers." Unlike CR-V, Element seats four only and has a more spartan interior trimmed in easy-clean materials. Sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2002, with base prices ranging from $16,000-$21,000, according to Honda. Like CR-V, buyers will have a choice of front drive or Honda's "Real Time 4WD" and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. Horsepower is 160, same as CR-V's. Element will be built at Honda's Ohio complex. First-year sales are pegged at 50,000. We'll have further details soon, so keep checking back with us.
A rather different sport-utility wagon will soon share showroom space with CR-V. Called Element, it's a production version of the well received "Model X" concept seen a recent auto shows. Element uses the CR-V's basic platform and powertrains, but has a squarish body with center-opening side doors and no fixed vertical pillar, this to provide easy loading/unloading of surfboards, mountain bikes, and other sports gear in what Honda calls a "dorm room/base camp for active young buyers." Unlike CR-V, Element seats four only and has a more spartan interior trimmed in easy-clean materials. Sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2002, with base prices ranging from $16,000-$21,000, according to Honda. Like CR-V, buyers will have a choice of front drive or Honda's "Real Time 4WD" and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. Horsepower is 160, same as CR-V's. Element will be built at Honda's Ohio complex. First-year sales are pegged at 50,000. We'll have further details soon, so keep checking back with us.
2002 Honda CR-V Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Brake-pedal feel |
| Maneuverability | Road noise |
| Build quality | |
| Exterior finish | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Not as strong as V6 adversaries such as Ford Escape, but notably more powerful than first-generation CR-V and up to most any task. Good movement off the line, little momentum lost climbing hills. Feels liveliest with manual transmission, at 8.6 sec with AWD in our test, while exceptionally smooth and sensitive automatic helps deliver drama-free passing response.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
Not as strong as V6 adversaries such as Ford Escape, but notably more powerful than first-generation CR-V and up to most any task. Good movement off the line, little momentum lost climbing hills. Feels liveliest with manual transmission, at 8.6 sec with AWD in our test, while exceptionally smooth and sensitive automatic helps deliver drama-free passing response.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission EX averaged 21 mpg in city/highway mix. Test manual LX AWD averaged 18.6 with gas-eating performance tests. Uses regular gas.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test automatic-transmission EX averaged 21 mpg in city/highway mix. Test manual LX AWD averaged 18.6 with gas-eating performance tests. Uses regular gas.
Ride Quality
Drumming and thumping over bumps, but stable at speed and little pitching and rocking on uneven surfaces.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Drumming and thumping over bumps, but stable at speed and little pitching and rocking on uneven surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Feels like a compact station wagon that has 8.1 inches of ground clearance: Pleasantly maneuverable, but even moderately aggressive cornering triggers tire squeal and scrub, copious body lean. Steering nicely weighted in turns, but inert on-center in 2WD version. More-disciplined on-center feel with AWD makes for more-relaxed straight-line cruising. However, front tires tug to the side with unwanted torque steer in some hard-throttle starts. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes augmented by emergency brake assist in EX. Stopping ability adequate in all CR-Vs, but not outstanding, and modulation inconsistent on test EX.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Feels like a compact station wagon that has 8.1 inches of ground clearance: Pleasantly maneuverable, but even moderately aggressive cornering triggers tire squeal and scrub, copious body lean. Steering nicely weighted in turns, but inert on-center in 2WD version. More-disciplined on-center feel with AWD makes for more-relaxed straight-line cruising. However, front tires tug to the side with unwanted torque steer in some hard-throttle starts. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes augmented by emergency brake assist in EX. Stopping ability adequate in all CR-Vs, but not outstanding, and modulation inconsistent on test EX.
Quietness
Little wind rush, engine vocal only above 5500 rpm--both big improvements over previous CR-V. Alas, road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Little wind rush, engine vocal only above 5500 rpm--both big improvements over previous CR-V. Alas, road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement.
Controls
Automatic-transmission shifter sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel. Unorthodox design succeeds in clearing reach to all controls and doesn't detract from ease of use. Clear, concise main gauges have silver highlighting, amber illumination. Audio controls a stretch for the driver, but large and well-defined. Three big, silver knobs govern climate system in high style. Outstanding interior storage, including handy flip-up tray between front seats. Two cupholders in tray and rear fold-down center armrest; a fifth pulls from dashboard on automatic-transmission models.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 4.8 |
Automatic-transmission shifter sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel. Unorthodox design succeeds in clearing reach to all controls and doesn't detract from ease of use. Clear, concise main gauges have silver highlighting, amber illumination. Audio controls a stretch for the driver, but large and well-defined. Three big, silver knobs govern climate system in high style. Outstanding interior storage, including handy flip-up tray between front seats. Two cupholders in tray and rear fold-down center armrest; a fifth pulls from dashboard on automatic-transmission models.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Airy cabin. Generous head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance. Visibility to rear compromised by three back-seat headrests.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
Airy cabin. Generous head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance. Visibility to rear compromised by three back-seat headrests.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Still too narrow for comfortable 3-adult travel. But head room is great, and flat floor and rear seat that slides fore/aft 6.7 inches supplies more leg room than in many larger vehicles. Supportive, chair-high seat cushion. Backrest reclines 45 degrees. No-strain step-in height, generous door openings.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.7 |
Still too narrow for comfortable 3-adult travel. But head room is great, and flat floor and rear seat that slides fore/aft 6.7 inches supplies more leg room than in many larger vehicles. Supportive, chair-high seat cushion. Backrest reclines 45 degrees. No-strain step-in height, generous door openings.
Cargo Room
Impressively wide, tall luggage compartment even with rear seatback up. Rear seat sections flip/fold to extend load floor and create second-biggest cargo bay in class (behind Hyundai Santa Fe). Swing-out tailgate includes glass liftgate, but large door can be awkward to use. Load-floor/picnic table a fun feature, and beneath it is useful waterproof storage bin.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Impressively wide, tall luggage compartment even with rear seatback up. Rear seat sections flip/fold to extend load floor and create second-biggest cargo bay in class (behind Hyundai Santa Fe). Swing-out tailgate includes glass liftgate, but large door can be awkward to use. Load-floor/picnic table a fun feature, and beneath it is useful waterproof storage bin.
Value within Class
Terrifically efficient and satisfyingly well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. V6 competitors have more outright power, but no small SUV beats this Honda for design intelligence, proven reliability, and resale value.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 5.4 |
Terrifically efficient and satisfyingly well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. V6 competitors have more outright power, but no small SUV beats this Honda for design intelligence, proven reliability, and resale value.
Total Score
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 61 | 62 | 61 | 44.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2002 Honda CR-V Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/16/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| LX 2WD 4-door wagon, automatic | $18,800 | $17,371 | $460 |
|
|
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| LX 2WD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $19,050 | $17,602 | $460 |
|
|
|||
| LX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $19,200 | $17,740 | $460 |
|
|
|||
| LX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,000 | $18,478 | $460 |
|
|
|||
| LX AWD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, manual | $19,450 | $17,971 | $460 |
|
|
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| LX AWD 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $20,250 | $18,709 | $460 |
|
|
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon, manual | $21,500 | $19,862 | $460 |
|
|
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| EX AWD 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,300 | $20,600 | $460 |
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
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, 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, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 205/70R15 tires, AWD models add: all-wheel drive, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2002 Honda CR-V Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3318 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 72.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 162 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/25 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/26 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 2002 Honda CR-V Review:
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