2002-2006 Honda CR-V: Full Review

Acceleration isn't as peppy as V6 rivals like the Ford Escape, but brisk enough on takeoff and loses little momentum when climbing hills. An AWD model with manual transmission reached 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Exceptionally smooth, responsive automatic helps deliver drama-free passing. Turning to fuel economy, automatic-transmission EX models averaged 21 to 22.7 mpg, in a city/highway driving mix. A manual-shift LX AWD averaged 18.6 mpg with gas-eating performance tests. The CR-V uses regular gasoline. Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but a CR-V is stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces. A CR-V drives like a compact car, but has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Though it's pleasantly maneuverable, even mildly aggressive cornering produces tire squeal and scrub, plus copious body lean. Steering is nicely weighted in turns, but somewhat inert on-center with 2WD: Stronger on-center feel makes AWDs more relaxed straight-line cruisers. Full-bore takeoffs, especially with 2WD models, sometimes yields unwanted sideways pulling, and slippery pavement can easily induce wheelspin. On slick surfaces, the AWD system tends to make a jerky clunk as it engages the rear wheels. Stopping ability is adequate but not outstanding in any model, and pedal modulation may be inconsistent. A CR-V is not as hushed as some V6 rivals, and road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement. But there's little wind rush, and the engine is vocal only above 5500 rpm. The automatic transmission shifter sprouts from the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel--an unorthodox position, but it gives a clear reach to all controls. Large, legible main gauges have amber illumination. The audio unit is a slight stretch for the driver, but clear and simple. So are the three big, knobs governing most climate functions, though they sit low. Outstanding interior storage includes a handy flip-up tray between front seats. Two cupholders each sit in a tray and fold-down center armrest, plus a fifth that pulls from the dashboard on automatic-transmission models. The airy front cabin yields generous head and leg room on well-bolstered seats, and the driver gets a comfortable take-charge stance. Aft visibility is hampered by three rear-seat headrests. The backseat is too narrow for comfortable three-adult travel, but head room is great. Rear leg room beats many larger vehicles, thanks to a flat floor and a rear seat that slides fore/aft by 6.7 inches. Supportive, chair-high seat cushion are pleasing, and the backrest reclines 45 degrees. Generous door openings help with no-strain step-in. Cargo space is impressively wide and tall, even with the rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold to extend the floor and create one of the largest cargo bays in this class. The swing-out tailgate has a handy glass liftgate, but it should open to the right rather than the left. The load floor/picnic table is a fun feature, hiding a useful waterproof storage bin.

Value for the Money
Efficient and well-built, the CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. Sure, V6 rivals have more brute power; but no small SUV beats this Honda for design intelligence and proven reliability. Strong demand has meant scarce discounting of new models, and high resale value keeps secondhand prices hefty.