Buying Guides

Honda CR-V (2002-2007) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

Honda has gone to great lengths to demonstrate that not all 4x4s are the same - because its own CR-V is more economical and safer than most of its rivals. With that legendary Japanese reliability you shouldn't suffer many headaches running one of these - apart from running the gauntlet of misguided anti-4x4 protesters.

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We Like	We Don't Like
Reliability Ride comfort Interior space Refinement	No diesels until late 2004 Sloppy steering Too much body roll

Key Dates
1/02	Second-generation CR-V launched, with 2.0 VTEC engine only.
5/02	SE Executive trim launched, joining SE and Sport models.
9/03	Executive trim replaces the SE Executive variant.
4/04	Premiere special edition goes on sale, based on the Executive.
12/04	Facelift brings revised headlights, bumper, grille and tail lights - plus interior and equipment upgrades. The big news is the availability of Honda's excellent i-CTDi 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Checklist
Check undersides; if car has been taken off road it may be the worse for wear. If a tow bar is fitted, check car's ride height and how well it copes with bumpy roads. Diesel engine isn't usually as economical as claimed. Petrol-engined cars can be affected by faulty throttle sensors when they reach four years old. Diesel engines can use a litre of oil in well under 600 miles and there's no light to warn of a low oil level. So make sure it's not being run with an empty sump. Facelifted cars built up to September 2005 can suffer from problematic air-con systems.

Checklist

Check undersides; if car has been taken off road it may be the worse for wear.
If a tow bar is fitted, check car's ride height and how well it copes with bumpy roads.
Diesel engine isn't usually as economical as claimed.
Petrol-engined cars can be affected by faulty throttle sensors when they reach four years old.
Diesel engines can use a litre of oil in well under 600 miles and there's no light to warn of a low oil level. So make sure it's not being run with an empty sump.
Facelifted cars built up to September 2005 can suffer from problematic air-con systems.