Understanding that success cannot rest on its laurels forever, the 2002 Honda CR-V introduces some significant changes from the previous five years. What is interesting is that they are not just changes - rather they constitute improvements in comfort, safety, power and maneuverability.
The comfort improvements include a roomier interior, independent rear seats with more room to stretch, and better overall comfort. Many of the new safety features are hardly noticeable. The frame is not any larger, though strengthened in design for greatly improved crash test results. Safety belts for all five passengers have a special locking design for greater effectiveness, and of course the duel air bags come standard.
What makes most drivers happy is the more powerful 2.4-liter, 160-hp engine that provides extra power that the CR-V never quite had before. Additionally, steering, cornering, and other aspects of a good, fun drive are all included in this vehicle.
Though prices in used cars often vary, it is safe to say that a price range between $12,250 and $16,500 pretty much covers the full range, no matter what options you include.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Love the features of vehicle only thing is missing is moon/sun roof
But it does have the camping table in back enough room for everyone to be comfortable in it Feb 10, 2024
by Gerry F
Sep 13, 2023
Its only been one day but totaly satisfyed so far.
Sep 13, 2023
by Anilkumar D
May 02, 2022
Toyota pathfinder is better options ithas low gas consumption May 02, 2022
User rating:
by Ian C
Feb 10, 2024
Love the features of vehicle only thing is missing is moon/sun roof
But it does have the camping table in back enough room for everyone to be comfortable in it Feb 10, 2024
by Gerry F
Sep 13, 2023
Its only been one day but totaly satisfyed so far.
Sep 13, 2023
by Anilkumar D
May 02, 2022
Toyota pathfinder is better options ithas low gas consumption May 02, 2022
by Barbara C
Jan 02, 2022
Mileage was too high., otherwise it was a good value. Jan 02, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 21, 2021
It’s very reliable car and fun to drive. If you take care of it and do the scheduled maintenance. It will last a lifetime. The best part about owning a Honda it holds their value .Apr 21, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 03, 2021
Lots of cargo space, handles nicely, and a comfortable interior, Feb 03, 2021
by Jazy B
Aug 11, 2020
Its cute <3 perfect for a small family, and a good first car!Aug 11, 2020
by Anonymous
Dec 27, 2014
liked most everything about the CRV; we had great experience with it for commuting and family travel for 12 years; comfortably fits 4 adults or 2 adults & 3 kids; storage area ample for almost anything; seats fold down; roomy interior. Extremely reliable and no cost maintenance.Dec 27, 2014
by Aislinn M
Jun 16, 2014
I love this car. It has gotten me through 12 years of commuting with no major repairs necessary. Granted, I try to do my preventative maintenance. It's nearing the end of it's lifespan now but it still almost as reliable as ever!Jun 16, 2014
by Will P
Jan 18, 2013
Great basic transportation. Inexpensive, yet comfortable. Good acceleration w/ 5 speed and safe. Gas mileage is mid to upper 20's holds five in decent comfort. high driving position. if you have small rim size, increase to larger tire size. ex 205 to 215 or 225Jan 18, 2013
by Jack W
Sep 19, 2012
Had regular servicing and repairs, but didn't baby this car. Original AC died at end of warranty, replaced four times, two still under warranty and have had no AC for two years, unless you call a spray water bottle AC. The Class Action lawsuit does not include this car because of the mileage. With Honda's reputation, I bought it to last as long as I did -- the CRV lost at 200,000+ miles -- It's just too hot in Atlanta. Looking for replacement now.Sep 19, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2011
I like it's style except for the 15" standard mags that went with it. It's 2005 version is a perfect makeover of it with the painted bumpers and a 16" mags. Really beautiful. I just wish some owners would stop putting side steps on it, or chrome covers on the lights. Aug 20, 2011
by Phellipe S
May 01, 2011
Love this car. Not sure what it is, but it's fun. Like any SUV, it's not really challenging to drive, but you have to be more considerate with it than you would with a sedan or a coupe. It's not really very fast (of course) but it provides a comfortable ride. I'd like to keep it, but it's technically not mine. However, I'm proud of it nonetheless.May 01, 2011
by Taylor B
Oct 07, 2010
fun, pretty fast for a suv ive took it off a jump ha its build pretty good.
um great gas milege. and its a good first car. its a very fun car to drive but
so is every car if you enjoy driving Oct 07, 2010
by Bryan D
Apr 27, 2010
Its red all over, red on the sides, red on the front and red at the rear, its even red on teh roof but black upholstrey on the inside, not red. And if you know red vehicles go fast, especially if a woman is driving!!!!Apr 27, 2010
by Anonymous
Apr 21, 2010
This has been a great vehicle for commuting and heading to the mountains. Like other Hondas it is very reliable and gets great gas mileage...average around 28 mpg. It has lots of room with the back seats down. Cover for the spare tire converts to a table...nice.Apr 21, 2010
by Tanya C
Apr 02, 2010
Love this car to bits when it snows she turns in to Tans Tantastic taxi!!
Great car for camping fit everything inot her
Shes a thirty little runner but a smooth drive
Never lets me down
Solid car makes you feel safe on the roads.Apr 02, 2010
by Tanya S
Jan 04, 2010
This car handles beautifly and it runs like a dream. I hardly have to do any maintenance on it. The features are awesome and there is tons of room inside for everything that I put in it. The kids love it and I love it. Jan 04, 2010
by Conrad J
Sep 15, 2009
bought this vehicle for the purpose of transporting family and on occasion moving some larger items, that would otherwise not fit in the trunk of a car. So far its done all that ive wanted and expected. moves me, wifey and baby from home to our desired destination and back, in comfort and some style. not affraid to do some work, so far ive carried a 2.3l Ford Engine in the back engine area. no problem. the 2.4L iv-tec engine has some pep.gets the vehicle moving and past the slowgoing Toyota's. realtime 4 wheel drive comes standard on the ex model i believe. though opporation is transparant, until needed. like all Honda's, solid built. appearance leaves something to be desired, though most of my time is spent in the vehicle. so i dont care, 6 cd changer,ample nooks and pockets to store "stuff", and the rear trunk area can be removed and transforms into a picnic table. overal fun as hell. for a low buck. no timing belt to be changed. oil changes and fluids, brakes, tires, occasional gasket, bulbs. not too much out of the ordinary for maintainance. Sep 15, 2009
by Robert W
Aug 17, 2009
Good all around balanced vehicle. Surprisingly as roomy as my old Jeep Grand Cherokee for cargo an with a little better, but somewhat disappointing gas mileage (about 21 average, 23 at best on highway). Engine power OK, but could use improvement. When on cruise, readily has to downshift on mild inclines. Does better holding speed in overdrive at 75 than 65-70. Expect the powertrain to hold up well past 200K miles. Biggest disappointment has been A/C repair. This is a well commented problem on various internet sites, but Honda doesn't seem concerned enough that acknowledging and taking care of it's quality problem in this area will tarnish it's reliability image. Maintenance services can be a bit pricey at dealership, and none will extend the apparent short life of A/C compressors. 3rd one at 120,000 mi.Aug 17, 2009
by Iain B
Jul 16, 2009
Loads of space, great for 4 people.
Reliable
Picnic table in the boot!
Sluggish
Seemed to attract parking dents and dings
A bit boring!
AUD 600 comp insurance and AUD 300 CTP, Rego AUD 300.
c 400 kms to the tank load around town.Jul 16, 2009
by Seth G
Jul 05, 2009
The car has a very long life. I drive a manual version of it so it makes the whole experience that much better every time i drive the car. The car gets good gas mileage for it's size and has great acceleration.Jul 05, 2009
by Elizabeth L
Feb 18, 2009
I haven't done anything but maintenance work and it has 84,000 miles on it. Its a great size for a small family. Good pick up for an SUV and I still get about 23 mpg. I love it! My next car will also be a CR-VFeb 18, 2009
by George J
Feb 16, 2009
It's a multiple use SUV. It's suitable for individuals as for families. It's as wide as a Mercedes S-Class, and 5 people can fit in it very easily and comfortably. Very efficient and easy to drive. But it lacks a little bit of power. Not a big fuel consumer either. Feb 16, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2009
I don't dislike my CR-V, but I do regret every purchasing it. I'll start with the bad. The console has had several computer "glitches", like the SRS and the check engine light! It also has a weird "warble" effect when the back windows are down and the front are up -- very noisy! It does ride, handle and brake nicely. Appearance is decent. Gas mileage is also decent for its class, but not exceptional. I do think that for the money a better vehicle in the same class can be purchased and I simply wished I had looked beyond the Honda name.Jan 05, 2009
by Jeff P
Oct 20, 2008
Best vehichle i have ever owned. I primarily use the vehicle to go to work and is great on gas about 10$ for every 100 kms. Easy to keep clean. Great if you have kids in car seats, it has the LATCH system in all 3 postions in the back seat. All in all the CR-V is an awesome SUV and everyone should own some type of Honda product.Oct 20, 2008
by Nick Y
Aug 02, 2008
Well, it's a cheap Honda that gets good mileage, but
wait, hold it right there. It's a nice car? Whoa, that's
crazy. It's a cheap car to own AND to buy, and it
handles pretty decently for a mini-suv, and it gives its
all from its 160 hp engine. Would be much better if it
was equipped with a V6, but it feels decent.Aug 02, 2008
by J-money W
Jul 03, 2008
amazing car, cheap, reliable, easy to work on. other then normal wear and tear, only had to replace the crankshaft sensorJul 03, 2008
by WayMin W
Jun 29, 2008
Performance – little slow on acc, but its fine with me
Build Quality – good condition
Appearance – exterior is pretty good,especiall when i have time to change the wheel.
Cost of Ownership – 18-26
Fun Factor -Jun 29, 2008
by Kevin T
Jun 15, 2008
the 2002 Honda CR-V LX 4WD is a good all all rounder, the power has been improved vastly in comparison to the previous generation. The styling of this vehicle is also upscaled to it's predecessor. Yet in typical CR-V fashion, it's purpose it to offer a sedan like handling ride but with a higher stance to improve safety. All in all a good all rounder despite the visibility at the rear there is always the option of rear parking sensors which would be useful. Jun 15, 2008
by Debbie G
Jun 13, 2008
the fact that when children get in it, it gets littered with blummin sweet wrappers and drinks cans!Jun 13, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 12, 2008
As a second time Honda CRV owner, very happy with it still. I'd be thrilled if it were a hybrid, someday I hope.
130,000 miles and still going strong. I think it's well a made and deceiving in size vehicle. I've moved several
times using it and it's gotten me around the country very comfortably.Jun 12, 2008
by Andrew V
Apr 07, 2008
Not too quick ff the mark, and a bit thirsty, but it is a very good and reliable family carApr 07, 2008
by Joshua B
Mar 29, 2008
The CRV has a lot of room for a smaller SUV. How can you beat Honda reliability and economy in an SUVMar 29, 2008
by Ronnie C
Mar 28, 2008
the car is comfortable. it's spacious. the gas mileage isnt that great.Mar 28, 2008
I did a test drive of this CRV 2022, and I pushed in the stick, which is on the dash (see pic). There's an OH button, but it didn't come back up again. Is this a sign of expensive trouble? familiar with how the 4x4 works? does it mean I am permanently driving it on 4x4 unless the button pops up again?
The engine in my Honda CRV 2002 needs replacing due to streached cam chain and bent valves, does anyone know of any problems in replacing it with a 2006 engine, same model number?
This is a long one. I went in to get my breaks fixed about a month ago. They shaved down the rotors on my two back tires. Well, they checked my other brakes, but forgot to tighten the lug nuts on my front left tire, and it ended up falling off while I was driving. They fixed resulting issues, free of charge. Then yesterday, it sounded like the back brakes were going again, so I took it back to them. They said the BACK brakes, which were supposed to have been fixed originally, a month ago, were metal on metal (they re- graded/shaved down the rotors). They went ahead and replaced the back rotors and pads, but I'm curious... Could the front tire falling off have caused the back brakes to wear out? Or did they just not do a good job originally? Or could something else be causing the brakes to wear so quickly?