Introduced in 2001 as 02 model, the second generation Honda CR-V remains one of the top choices in the small SUV category. Available as front- or all-wheel drive. Unibody construction, transverse mount engine, 4-speed (5-speed from 2005) Automatic or 5-speed Manual transmission. MacPherson Struts in the front, double-wishbone suspension in the rear.
Disk brakes on all four wheels, ABS is available (standard on all models from 2005).
Only one engine choice: the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine which is fairly economical and has adequate power.

The interior is roomy and comfortable with generous space in the front and back. Plenty of headroom. Leather seats are available. Both front seats have an armrest. Rear seats are adjustable and can be folded forward for extra cargo room. Driver's place offers high seating position and easy to use controls. Plenty of storage compartments, the rear hatch window opens separately for easy access. As in the previous model, there is a nice foldable picnic table under the floor carpet in the trunk that also works as a cover for additional storage area.
Handling is good, car-like ride is fairly smooth, good maneurability, adequate passing power. The Honda all-wheel drive system is very helpful on slippery roads, although it's not designed for real off-roading. In normal conditions the Honda CR-V is powered by the front wheels. As the front wheels loose traction and start slipping, the rear wheels kick in to help.
The 2002-2006 Honda CR-V has five stars for both, driver and passenger in NHTSA frontal crash test and five stars in NHTSA side-impact crash tests. The 2005-06 CR-V with Side Airbags scored four stars in NHTSA rollover test.
In IIHS Offset Frontal crash test the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V received "Good" rating.
2005-06 models with front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags also received "Good" rating in IIHS Side impact test.
From 2005, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control are standard on all trim levels sold in US.

Engine

The 2002-06 Honda CR-V comes with one of the most advanced engine in class - the 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with aluminum cylinder head and aluminum block with cast-in iron liners. This engine produces 160-horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 162-lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.
The i-VTEC technology combines VTC (Variable Timing Control), which continuously adjusts camshaft phase, with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that changes valve lift, timing and duration, increasing airflow into the cylinder and boosting performance at high rpm. There is no timing belt, a long-lasting timing chain is used instead, eliminating the need for periodic timing belt replacement

Strengths

- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- Quality and reliability
- Easy to maintain
- Good safety records, especially for 2005-06 model with SAB
- Practical roomy interior
- Cargo room
- Rear hatch window opens separately

Weaknesses

- Road and engine noise
- Noisy stock tires
- No available V6
- Boxy look
No major problems so far

Overall

The Honda CR-V still remains one of the best choices in small SUV category. It's fairly economical although the real fuel economy may be not as good as posted. Good crash test ratings, especially for 2005-06 model, spacious and versatile interior, available leather seats. Combine this with good reliability records and low maintenance costs and you are looking at a nice package. Look for models after 2002 - first year models always have more problems.
You also may want to look at Toyota RAV4, which is very similar small SUV and likewise offers good reliability and fuel economy.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Overheating can cause serious engine problems.
- Synthetic oil can provide extra protection for your engine.
- Winter tires will provide much better traction on the snow.
- Change transmission fluid regularly using original transmission fluid bought from Honda.
- Try to stick with only original Honda parts.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in the garage on the lift (e.g when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the car must be on the lift.