Reviews - Honda

Overall Rating

CR-V is one of the best contenders in the family 4x4 market. More of a road car than a brawny off-roader, it's refined, reliable, good to drive, well equipped and quite stylish.

• Stylish, spacious and sought after
• Engine and ride are more refined than previously
• Reliable, well equipped and solidly built

• Not really intended as an off-roader
• Road noise on some surfaces
• Cabin environment could be more attractive

First generation CR-V was perhaps the most talented of the Nineties medium 'soft roader' designs. Bigger than RAV-4 or Freelander, it offered a more family-friendly space solution. RAV-4 got bigger in 2000, but CR-V stayed ahead with a complete makeover in 2001. The efficient 2.0i VTEC engine puts out nearly 150bhp and pulls well at higher revs, feeling lively and punchy. There's no diesel option. Four-wheel drive switches in automatically when the front wheels start to lose grip - ensuring good traction when it's needed but saving fuel. Ride is smooth, it's fairly quiet inside apart from some road noise at higher speeds, and the interior feels very civilised with comfortable seats and muted trim colours. There's a big load space, and the rear seats can slide backwards to maximise legroom for bigger adults. CR-V is a sound choice thanks to generous equipment levels, high reliability, reasonable running costs and low depreciation.

JD Power stars: 4

NCAP: 4

Worst Models: None

Replacement: 2007

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Land Rover Freelander
• Subaru Forester (2002-)