| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| A family-sized sports/leisure 4x4 that's roomy, cleverly designed and well engineered. It's fairly affordable to run and holds its value well because it's a popular used 4x4 choice. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| 2.0i ES |
| Worst Models |
| 2.0i LS without air con |
| Replacement |
| by current generation CR-V in early 2002 |
|
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| Road Test |
| CR-V straddles the borderline between family estate and full-blown 4x4. Most owners fancy themselves as having a 4x4 lifestyle but do 99 per cent of their motoring on tarmac. CR-V's clever four-wheel drive recognises this, automatically switching power to all four wheels only when needed - it's front-wheel drive under normal conditions. Styling is purposeful, lending 4x4 credibility. CR-V seems sportier and more sophisticated than close rival Forester. It's well constructed and offers outstanding reliability. Roomy enough for a family of five plus a useful amount of luggage, the cabin is light, airy and well finished in hardwearing materials. The original 2.0 engine is adequate but needs a lot of throttle and gear-work to give brisk acceleration. Output was boosted by 20bhp in early 1999, cutting 0-60mph acceleration by two seconds. Steering is light and precise, and handling is fairly nimble. The ride is smoothly firm without too much body roll. |
| Positive Points |
- Spacious, family-friendly and comfortable
- Well put together and extremely reliable
- Better to drive than most 4x4s
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| Negative Points |
- Not up to heavy off-road use
- Gets thirsty when driven hard
- More expensive than Subaru?s talented Forester
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