2002 Honda CR-V

Visibility is excellent front and sideways but is somewhat restricted towards the rear by the spare tire and the rear seat center headrest.

Acceleration is surprisingly good for a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine. The 160hp mill is lively and well adapted for a SUV. With the manual transmission it took less than 10 seconds to reach 100km/h and passing was easy due to the 162lb-ft@3600rpm The CR-Vs engine is not too noisy for a four cylinder but I fell it could be quieter. Wind noise at highway speed was a bit of a nuisance. Steering is precise and the suspension is very smooth thanks to a more rigid and sqeak free chassis.

I found the brakes to be average even with standard ABS. I noticed some fading and the pedal was spongy.

If you are an off-road maniac this is not the vehicle for you. The Jeep Liberty or Nissan XTerra are better suited. The CR-V was not built for this purpose but for the asphalt, even if it has protective plates under the chassis.

Fuel consumption with the manual transmission was quite good. I averaged 10.9l/100km and this is superior to most four banger SUV. The base CR-V comes with a manual transmission or an optional four speed automatic for $1000 extra. Base price starts at $26,900, and with all of the equipment included it is reasonably priced.

The EX version is $1800 more and includes tinted windows, color coordinated and heated outside mirrors, remote operated door locks, premium sound system with a 6CD changer, mag wheels and side air bags. The top of the line EX model has heated leather front seats, power moonroof, body coloured bumpers, hard spare tire cover and automatic transmission. At $32,000 this high end version is getting very close to the base price of $34,000 of the Honda Pilot due in showrooms this summer. The Pilot will be competing directly against the Toyota Highlander.