Since its introduction in 1997, Honda's CR-V has dominated the compact SUV segment. For the last five years many manufacturers have followed with their own versions, such as; the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Subaru Forester, Jeep Liberty, Toyota RAV-4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan XTerra. The first generation CR-V proved reliable and appealing but was starting to show its age versus the newcomers. The 2002 version has what it takes to regain sales dominance.
The shape of the vehicle is evolutionary and you easily recognize many styling resemblances. The high taillights and bumpers are still there and the headlights are even bigger. The new CR-V is pleasant to look at except for the cheap looking steel wheels found on the base LX model.
Interior room is surprisingly big and full of storage areas. The useful, flip down center tray in between the front seats include two integrated cupholders, storage space and grocery bag hooks. The whole assembly tilts down for a "walk-thru" access to the rear.
The dashboard is very complete and everything has an easy access. Having so many storage areas gives it somewhat of a cluttered feeling. The emergency brake lever is also located on the dash permitting more floor space.
Like all Honda products, fit and finish is excellent. The base LX version is well equipped with all the electrical options included such as am/fm/cassette/cd sound system, cruise control, tilt steering and many more features. I would have liked to see a foot rest and variable intermittent wipers.
The seats are firm, very comfortable, have good lateral support and are height adjustable. The rear seats are split 60/40 and adjust to leg room needs or cargo room space. They also recline for additional comfort or folded flat to tumble down forward for extra cargo space totaling 948 liters.
The shape of the vehicle is evolutionary and you easily recognize many styling resemblances. The high taillights and bumpers are still there and the headlights are even bigger. The new CR-V is pleasant to look at except for the cheap looking steel wheels found on the base LX model.
Interior room is surprisingly big and full of storage areas. The useful, flip down center tray in between the front seats include two integrated cupholders, storage space and grocery bag hooks. The whole assembly tilts down for a "walk-thru" access to the rear.
The dashboard is very complete and everything has an easy access. Having so many storage areas gives it somewhat of a cluttered feeling. The emergency brake lever is also located on the dash permitting more floor space.
Like all Honda products, fit and finish is excellent. The base LX version is well equipped with all the electrical options included such as am/fm/cassette/cd sound system, cruise control, tilt steering and many more features. I would have liked to see a foot rest and variable intermittent wipers.
The seats are firm, very comfortable, have good lateral support and are height adjustable. The rear seats are split 60/40 and adjust to leg room needs or cargo room space. They also recline for additional comfort or folded flat to tumble down forward for extra cargo space totaling 948 liters.