Two of the fast-growing segments of the automobile industry are what's known as the "cross-over utility vehicles," and "Sport Utility Vehicles." In fact, SUVs have been on the market for quite some time. But, Honda did not see it fit to get into that segment of the market. They were comfortable with the sales of the Civics and Accords. In 2001, they brought out the CR-V which became the darling of many Honda vehicle enthusiasts. Mothers or the group known as "soccer moms" buy them along with the Odyssey vans because their hauling capacity. Also known as "sport utes," many car buyers gravitate towards them. Honda did not want to alienate the prospective buyers of SUVs. If Honda took its time, it has sure rolled onto the market SUVs that grab the attention of the public. That does not mean they are ready to sit on their laurels either.

For the 2002 model, the CR-V was completely redesigned. It comes equipped with so many amenities and safety features that it has caught the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As part of its Car Assessment Program, tests were conducted on the CR-V models equipped with and without side airbags. The results were spectacular. More details later!

What did I find out on my test-drive?

A few weeks ago, I had to visit a patient of mine in Moreno Valley, CA. Not wanting to put all these miles on my own vehicles, I contacted the business office and executive secretary of my company to get the appropriate paperwork started for a rental. It was up to me to pick any reliable vehicle for my trip. Based on the testimonials of two co-workers of mine, I decided to go for the 2002 Honda CR-V. It did not take me long to make up my mind either because I have always wanted to find out what it is all about. After various walk-arounds and brief interior inspection and discussion with sales people, I was already sold out on its appealing exterior attractiveness and apparent functionality.

Smooth and confident ride even with limited power

Maybe this is due to personal preference which explains why I love Jeep vehicles. The CR-V is easy to step into. Despite my normal tall frame, I like my vehicles to be the right height. Once, I started driving my rental, I quickly found out that the CR-V behaves and resembles any SUV but drives like a Sedan. It's a very practical vehicle. This may explain why it's so popular among female buyers and parents. They don't need a ladder or bend their back so low to place the baby in the car seat. Talking about families, I quickly state that the CR-V has lots of seating space which can easily accommodate comfortably 5 passengers. Then, you have the cargo area to throw a few grocery bags and strollers or any small loads that you may want to haul.

I wanted to find out how I would feel sitting in the second row seats. Besides the fact that it has a limited entry in comparison to the front door entry (this is common among most SUVs, Jeep included), once I got inside, I immediately sensed the trademark of Honda: visibility and space control. I had enough leg, head, shoulder and hip room even in the back seat. Let's just hope that a seven-footer does not sit there! That's the only time your second row passengers would voice a complaint. There is no reason to believe that your kids or family members will even notice that.

Power and engine performance over the Grapevine

Powered by a 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine, the CR-V is not the most powerful SUV on the road. What you lack in power, you can make do in smoothness and quietness of the ride. If you have a good CD in the audio/stereo system, you won't pay attention to that misgiving. Climbing the infamous Grapevine, I could see faster sedans and sport cars flashing by me. The only comfort I had was that I was going faster than the big rigs, school buses and a few RVS caressing the hill. If I had to be stuck behind one, once passing lane opened, I managed to get ahead in a heartbeat. This experience over the Grapevine helps me realize that the CR-V may not be a good car to have if you have to do a lot of moutain and hill driving. Yet, if you want to drive in the Valley or in town, the CR-V is the most perfect SUV. For one thing, you will get better mileage than most SUVs. Consider that the MGP is 22/25.

What makes the CR-V safe on the road?

Honda Motors Company has nothing to hide. They can be proud of this vehicle. The 2002 model earned the federal government's top rating of "Five Stars" in all frontal and side impact tests. If you have read some of my reviews of Toyota line of vehicles, you will realize that I care so much about these safety features in my cars. So whether you buy a CR-V that is equipped with or without side airbags, the NHTSA reports that they both rated very high in the frontal and side-impact crash tests. Just keep in mind that the models were crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, while side impact tests, a deformable moviing barrier impacts the behicle's side at 38.5 mph. (If you want to have more statistics, visit the NHTSA's site)

So, if you are on the market for a reliable car that has the potential of saving your and your loved one's lives, go for the CR-V. All 2002 models feature dual seatbelt pre-tensioners for front passengers, dual stage front airbags, three-point seat belts and headrests for all three rear seat passengers, LATCH system, and front seat side airbags. They are standard on EX models and available on LX models too.

Could be a very decent gift for the holiday season!

If you want to surprise your partner or spouse, do it with the CR-V. Most definitely, you will go with a well-established and proven brand. Honda took its time to deliver an SUV that satisifies and meets the needs of its clientele.

Make plans to test-drive one today. You will make up your own mind soon.


Amount Paid (US$): 21k
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Automatic