2002 Honda CR-V Review
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By Tom Lankard

Overview

Honda is treading on tender parchment with its new CR-V. Is it a yet another mini-sport utility? Or is it a revisionist/retro station wagon? Actually, it's neither. Or it's both, depending on your aesthetic/measurement.

As such, it bests many of its immediate competitors in both qualitative and quantitative measures, while trailing in a few minor areas. At the same time, it faces off against a major, up-scale demi-ute bearing a logo more often seen on a squared-off 4X4 loping across sand dunes or winching a lesser vehicle out of a bog.

The new CR-V still isn't an off-road vehicle, but it is a major improvement over the previous model.

Model Lineup

The new CR-V is offered in two trim levels with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

Base is the LX 2WD ($18,800). In the middle is the LX 4WD ($19,200). On top is the EX 4WD ($21,500).

LX 2WD comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. LX 4WD and EX 4WD offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.

Honda firmly believes simplicity is best: the fewer the options, the less a car costs to build. Four-wheel disc brakes are now standard on all models. Anti-lock brakes come standard on EX 4WD, but are not available on the other models. Front-seat side airbags are standard on the EX but are a $250 option on the LX.