2002 Honda CR-V LX review from North America

Buying it was about as much fun as being strapped to your chair and being forced to listen to Rush Limbaugh.

Instrument panel died 2 miles on the way home. Found to be a loose wire.

I would say dealership service is world-class, if you're only including third-world and nonexistent countries, which you might as well be from, as our Honda Dealer (Riverside Honda) seems to think I have no concept of money.

I wanted my CR-V Loaded, and told the "kind" salesman I would pay Sticker. He claimed he was unable to do so, due to the high demand for the CR-V, I would have to pay an extra $1,000. Upon kindly informing him there is no way in hell I am going to pay more-than-sticker for a HONDA, he reluctantly gave in.

After signing the papers, I was charged additionally for their "plus" preparation service, and a "convenience charge." That's $200.00 out of my pocket. I don't know what kind of business, but it's every bit as honest as Enron.

Furthermore, they refuse to honor the warranty at this dealership unless I service the car ONLY at the Honda dealership... INCLUDING Oil Changes, etc. (And of course, they're priced competitively, providing everyone else raised their prices by 200%.)

So how is the CR-V Ownership experience WITHOUT the dealer? Mediocre. It's a Mediocre tall station wagon with a few clever touches.

I love all of the storage nooks and crannies, and the Picnic table gets my thumbs up.

The entire vehicle is pretty comfortable, especially for long trips. My kids don't fight at all in the Back seat.

The rear seatback is very high though, making the rear window next to useless for my height.

It has enough power, but not a lot. The manual tranny is the way to go, otherwise you may need a lot of room to pass.

The vehicle itself is nice, but not spectacular, and certainly doesn't warranty the snotty dealer. If your Honda dealer is a good one, then this would be a logical vehicle to own.