2002 Honda CR-V LX review from North America

Engine needed to have a tune-up. (Probably a small isolated issue though)

Parking brake handle cracked due to extreme force needed.

When the lease was up on our Explorer, my wife wanted something a little more economical. We were considering getting a Ford Escape, but the Ford Dealer was too far away (it was always a pain in the Explorer to drive accross town to change the oil), and the Honda Dealer was nearby. Her sister owned a 1999 CR-V, and said she loved it, so it ended up being her choice.

The new 2002 CR-V has more power, something it most certainly needs. But it's still sluggish with the Automatic transmission. It's got "just enough" power for all of your basic needs, but when you need to STEP ON IT, it takes its own time.

I wish this thing had a V6. The advantage to having a 4 cylinder engine however is fuel economy, which is good, but not great. It doesn't guzzle as much as the Explorer did, but it's kind of dismal for a 4 cylinder. If you live where it is flat, than you'll probably be experiencing the benefits of this SUV more than we are.

The CR-V is crammed with clever goodies. The kids love the picnic table. It's reasonably roomy in the back, too, every bit as much as the Explorer.

So what's not to like? Other than the shortage of power, the dashboard. My wife says she doesn't mind it, but I can't stand it. The radio is around a foot above the HVAC controls, which are positioned absurdly low. And the parking brake, which has cracked under its own recalcitrance. Also the cheap-o plastic interior gets my thumbs down.

I should also mention that one of my kids gets real car-sick in this car. His friend's drive a Tribute, and he's fine in that. I suspect the seating position.

And on a personal note, I find the styling of this SUV... well... mommy-ish. It's just NOT a guy vehicle. And on the inside... well, let's just say the inside is neither contemporary, timeless, or attractive.

The only real problem came from an Engine that needed to be tuned up rather early. The dealer was rude at first, but became jovial after realizing we were right.

It's an OK vehicle. Mediocre. Blah. Mommy-ish. We're giving it another six months, otherwise we might end our lease early. If so, we may buy an Escape or Liberty (both of which we have test-driven now and like very much.) I'd strongly reccomend shopping around before buying this SUV. I think there are better alternatives, but then again, the CR-V just isn't my vehicle.