Overview:
This week I had a chance to test the all new 2002 Honda CR-V that is growing up. Not only is it older since its introduction in 1997, and it’s weird how 1 inch longer and 1.3 inches wider and .3 inches taller make it feel so much bigger. It’s more comfortable than I remember and seats five with decent cargo area and something I like to have – Lots of nooks and crannies.
I read a lot of auto related stuff. The auto pages and advertising continue to remind us that we are what we drive. The world view necessarily must convince us that we should spend lots of money to “look cool”. It creates the US version of a Caste system. Prior to stepping into this CR-V I was testing the squeaky clean Lexus SC 430 $60,000 sports car that seats 2 – count them, t-w-o. Cool – maybe but it’s a girls car and I felt like I should have the top down taking my poodle in for a grooming and hope I don’t get hit on by someone driving a Saab. “Really, can we talk…” as Joan Rivers would say.
Anyway, the point is that we are convinced to drive more than we can afford to be “Cool”. And when you drive the variety of cars from $9,000 to $99,000 per copy, you get a sense of how differently people treat you depending on what kind of car you’re driving. Boy we’re shallow people, eh.
Handling & Performance:
My first wonder was will it be stable and it was. Lots of power and overall it was much more impressive than I imagined. Not bad.
Styling:
In a word, “Different” is what this CR-V is albeit not a stunning beauty. In fact I’m not crazy about it’s rather “plain wrap” look. For the money I like the styling of the competition more.
Fit and Finish:
Good – as you’d expect from a Honda Car made 100% in Japan. In the coming years it will be 50% produced in a couple of other countries.
Conveniences:
I rather like the fold up / down center console. It is there when you want it or you can fold it down and out of the way when you don’t need it. I’ve gotten used to the auto up and down window feature front and back. This CR-V only had auto down on the driver side.
Stereo with cassette is standard and the CD player is optional. Many cars today are beginning to provide both as standard. Makes sense to me.
Cruise control doesn’t mean squat unless you do a lot of highway driving, which I do and in that case it is a must. Otherwise, save the dough if it doesn’t come as standard equipment.
Manual air is just fine and understandable for a basic car. Your body has climate control unless you’re menopausal – then hot and cold is out of control.
Sun visors are little thought of and it’s apparent Honda didn’t give much thought either. It bugs me when they don’t extend for use on the left side window.
Cost:
As you’d expect it is less than the full size SUV but if the CR-V size is adequate save some money and forget the snob appeal.
Recommendation:
If you’re looking for an off road SUV, this isn’t it. But for normal 4-wheel needs the CR-V is ok.
The competition (Order of Preference**):
(1)Subaru Forester $20-24,000, (2)Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-23,000, (3)Honda CR-V $18-22,800, (4)Toyota RAV4 $16-18,000, (5)Chevrolet Tracker $15-22,000.
Good News:
Slightly roomier, well equipped, fun to drive, faster than you’d expect, I like the way the tailgate opens.
Bad News:
Not real exciting styling.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 146 hp inline 4 cylinder engine, 4-wheel drive, dual air bags, child safety locks, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, AM/FM radio with cassette.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 25 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $18-22,800.
** – Order of Preference is based on a formula of price relationship to dimensions, standard features and the best overall warranty.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is movello@earthlink.net.
