2002 HONDA CR-V

DRIVEN AN AVERAGE OF ONLY 5,900 MILES PER YEAR! Far below the national average!

The longtime benchmark of the "soft roader" mini-SUV class, the CR-V is even better for 2002. Drive it. You'll like it.

Consumers made the first-generation CR-V ('97-'01) one of the most popular and best-selling compact SUVs in the United States. Not wanting to lose those happy customers to newer competition in the mini-SUV market, Honda has improved the all-new CR-V in nearly every fashion. This includes more power, increased interior volume, the latest safety technology, elevated levels of comfort, and more utility and functionality without adding significant exterior size or compromise to the overall package.

On-road comfort should continue to be a CR-V strength. The new CR-V is based on Honda's Global Compact Platform, the same one used for the Civic and RSX. It offers 50 percent more torsional rigidity and 30 percent improved bending rigidity compared to the '01 model, says Honda. This translates to better crash safety and ride quality. The new platform also produces less noise, vibration and harshness.

The improved platform also allows for a larger interior without major increases in overall vehicle length. This translates to plenty of room for both people and cargo. The CR-V offers headroom, legroom and shoulder room for the driver and front passenger that is about equal to or better than the closest competitors'. The rear seat is separated near the middle, and each of the two sections will independently slide forward and backward for a total range of 6.7 inches, granting excellent legroom. Like the previous CR-V, the seatbacks can also recline independently.

For 2002, the automatic transmission will be available on all three trim levels: two-wheel-drive LX, four-wheel-drive LX and four-wheel-drive EX. The manual transmission is offered only on four-wheel-drive vehicles. Both LX and EX come with a high level of standard equipment, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a one-touch up/down driver window, a CD player, rear-seat heater ducts and two 12-volt accessory outlets. In addition to this, the more upscale EX receives an upgraded audio system with a CD changer, keyless remote, a power moonroof and antilock brakes.