2001 Honda CR-V

Why, you ask, in a year crackling with automotive news would I give space to a vehicle that remains relatively unchanged? Several reasons. First, it’s a Honda CR-V and therefore likely on the list of anyone considering a compact sport utility buy. Next, I am intrigued how a vehicle that is so long-in-the-tooth by industry standards can remain a top seller in a class exploding with new talent. And finally, having driven those new entries since I last tested a CR-V, I am interested to see if my initial favorable impressions still apply. Any more questions?
The Good News
This CR-V is the SE model, which stands for “Special Edition.” It’s simply a package introduced last model year that adds leather interior, upgraded stereo with CD and body trim that includes a hard cover over the rear spare. These give the CR-V a ritzier touch, a must for competitors even in the mini/economy category.

Complementing the CR-V’s step up in style is heightened performance. That was the ’99 model’s contribution. The 2.0-liter twin cam 16-valve four cylinder now pumps out 146 horses, which was a reasonable showing in its class until the recent wave of new vehicle introductions. Now that figure hangs back with the Kia Sportage (130 horses) and Toyota RAV4 (148 horses) as the more anemic of the group. Honda also added a five-speed manual to the lineup a few years back to enhance performance, but I’ve yet to drive one.

Where the Honda still shines, however, is in interior accommodations for both passengers and cargo. Its rear seat remains one of the widest and therefore most comfortable for three adult passengers, and its cargo space (67 cubic feet max) is still way up there in comparison to others in its class. Of course, it’s also longer than much of the competition, which helps.

The CR-V’s full-time all wheel drive system lacks the lower gear and makes little pretense about off-roading. But it keeps this little SUV stable around town in the snow. I know this because my snow-challenged sister just transplanted from the sunny South to Colorado in time for the spring blizzard of ’01. She reports that she and her CR-V are doing splendidly. How’s that for a scientific survey?

The Bad News
Up against a number of six cylinders producing anywhere from 155 to 200 horses (not to mention the Subaru Forester’s inline four cylinder at 165 horses), the CR-V’s acceleration makes a rather pitiful showing. Sometimes, it hung on to second gear so long trying to make the uphill grade, I thought something was wrong.

The same comparisons find the CR-V’s overall presence lacking. Although there’s no arguing with Honda quality, the CR-V’s feels less substantial than other SUVs, whether it’s the sound of its doors closing or its thin ride.

Noise intrusion from the engine, the wind and the road contributes here, too. Whereas I enjoy the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape or even the Suzuki Grand Vitara on the highway, I find the CR-V feels hollow and challenged.

Otherwise, my irritants were mostly details, an area where Honda is usually flawless. Examples: I couldn’t put on my seatbelt with one hand because it was so awkwardly set, and I came to despise the rear door setup that requires opening the glass before the door will open. What’s up with that?

I also noticed for the first time how weird the driver’s seating position is. Between the flat seat and the long reach for the tilted steering wheel, I felt like I was driving a little bitty Greyhound Bus.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 22 mpg cityi/25 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $23,800;
Price as tested, $23,240 due to manufacturer’s discount on SE package

Is it worth it?
The CR-V is due a makeover in the near future. Next to the more muscular-looking and performing competition, it’s overdue.

But despite this barrage of newcomers and little change over the last 5 years, the CR-V continues to prevail. There’s good reason for that. Its build-quality, utilitarian appeal and price remain true to the Honda tradition, and that’s enough to satisfy many buyers. It’s not the mini SUV superstar it once was, and it certainly wouldn’t be my choice of the pack. But the tough competition can only force improvements. I have every confidence Honda will make sure the CR-V maintains its reign, and I look forward to that next generation.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.