2002 Honda CR-V: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.