Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006) Review
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Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006) At A Glance
Low-down pull from refined chain cam engines. Walk-through cabin on CVT auto models. Large boot can be increased by sliding the rear seats forward. Lasting very well.
No diesel until 2005. Petrol more reliable than diesel. Original-fit Bridgestone tyres on 2.2 diesel wear quickly.
The RAV4 started the UK Sports Utility Vehicle thing back in June 1994. Then sprouted an extra pair of doors making it even more practical in June 1995. But the Honda CR-V was an honourable second onto the scene, beating the LandRover Freelander to the market by 6 months in June 1997, and coming in at £2,000 cheaper. It caught the public imagination of what a family car should really be, was an instant hit, and has remained so ever since.
There have been many other more recent pretenders to the throne. Most notably the excellent Nissan X-Trail, which is much better off road. More recently, the Mitsubishi Outlander sneaked onto the scene. While Hyundai and KIA surprised everyone with the grippy handling Tucson and Sportage. Ford/Mazda had a go too with the all-independent Maverick II/Tribute. Imagewise at least, the current Jeep Cherokee is also a contender. While the bigger Hyundai Santa Fe, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Terracan and Ssangyong Rexton are all in the same price range.
Honda went back to the drawing board and launched the current shape CR-V in early 2002. And now, using the opportunity of its new 2.2 litre diesel engine, has refreshed that design for 2005.
Outside it has a new front grille, new headlamps, new pedestrian friendly front bumper and new wheel-arch protectors. Inside, there are improvements to the instruments and trim. And underneath the suspension has been sorted out to give better handling.
Reviews for Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006)'s top 3 rivals
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Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 i-VTEC to 2.2 i-CTDi
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 21–50 mpg
Both petrol and diesel engines are reliable chain-cam. The 2.0 petrol, as also used in the Accord and FR-V, remains superbly sweet. But the big news is the 2.2 i-CDTi for which we have been waiting more than a year.
It's a little bit noisier in the CR-V than in the Accord. And, just as it does in the Accord, it whistles. But it gives a very pleasant, smooth drive with no sudden turbo catapult effect and relaxed cruising at 30mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th. That's reasonable gearing for towing a caravan up to 1,386kg, which is 85% of the car's kerb weight. Honda sets the limit slightly higher at 1,500kg.
Handling is definitely better than it was with far less roll understeer. It's about equal to an X-Trail now, though still not as good overall as a RAV4, nor as grippy at the front as the Hyundai Tucson and KIA Sportage. But I'm talking here of extreme handling. It's very pleasant to drive, and that's the criterion by which most people will rate it.
Under the flat floor, Honda's hydraulic Dual Pump four-wheel-drive system has been improved with an additional one-way ball cam and pilot clutch system that detects slippage and responds by transmitting drive to the rear wheels instantly. This works very well in wet grass, mud and snow, and also in the wet on mountain hairpins where the rear wheels clutch in and counteract understeer by pushing the car around the corner without it scrabbling for grip.
Compared to the X-Trail 2.2DI. the RAV4 D-4D and the Freelander TD4, the CR-V 2.2 i-CDTi is more powerful, accelerates slightly better, is slightly faster, is more economical and emits less CO2, so it makes a very good case for itself.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 i-VTEC | 31 mpg | 10.8 s | 215 g/km |
| 2.2 i-CTDi | 42 mpg | 10.6 s | 177 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
92%
Real MPG
21–50 mpg
MPGs submitted
466
Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006) interior
- Boot space is 527–948 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4615–4635 mm |
| Width | 1785 mm |
| Height | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm |
The rear seats still get up to all sorts of tricks, reclining or sliding backwards and forwards to give 527-628 litres of loadspace behind them, or folding up, headrests still in place, to free up 952 litres. Safety hasn't taken a back seat either because all three rear seats have proper three-point safety belts.
And, with its new ultra-stiff body shell, Honda got a four-star result in the NCAP crash tests, together with the three stars for pedestrian safety which isn't only the best for any CRV, it isn't beaten by any saloon cars. This is the exception that makes nonsense of the case against 4x4 SUVs in towns. With its low CO2 output of 177g/km, its decent economy of 42.2mpg and its reasonably low weight of 1,631kg it is actually far more city and pedestrian friendly than most ordinary cars.
As you'd expect in a vehicle of this type, there are cupholders and cubby holes all over the place. Between the front seats is a folding table with indentations for everything from a Biro to a Burger King. They haven't forgotten the boot floor that turns into a picnic table either, and that's bigger now at 861mm x 760mm.
Honda CR-V (2002 – 2006) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4615–4635 mm |
| Width | 1785 mm |
| Height | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1517–1668 kg |
| Boot Space | 527–948 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 90000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,075–£23,450 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | I–K |
| Official MPG | 31.4–42.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 i-VTEC Executive | £22,275 | 31.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC Executive Auto | £22,275 | - | - |
| 2.0 i-VTEC SE | £18,075 | 31.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC SE Auto | £18,075 | - | - |
| 2.0 i-VTEC Sport | £19,575 | 31.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC Sport Auto | £19,575 | - | - |
| 2.2 i-CTDi Executive | £23,450 | 42.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 2.2 i-CTDi SE | £19,250 | 42.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
| 2.2 i-CTDi Sport | £20,750 | 42.2 mpg | 10.6 s |
Model History
March 2002
Familiar shape, even though the entire vehicle was brand new. Length: 14ft 11.5in (15ft with hard spare wheel cover); Width: 5ft 10in; Height: 1,710mm. British built in Swindon plant. Wheel and tyre sizes: 15-inch with 205/70 R15 tyres or 16-inch with 215/65 R16 tyres.
New 2.0 litre chain cam iVTEC engine tuned for torque rather than out and out power. The result is 148bhp at 6,500rpm and 192Nm (142lb ft) torque at 4,000rpm. But the variable valve timing means there is bags of torque at low revs too, making this superbly sweet engine very strong between 30mph to 80mph in third.
Honda's World Car flat-floor platform means that the CRV automatic has a proper walk-through cabin. With its meaty handbrake on the dash and 'four on the tree' gear lever there is nothing to stop you sliding across to get out of the nearside or paying a visit to the kids in the back seat. (Manual not so handy because gear lever sprouts from floor.)
Rear seats recline or slide backwards and forwards to give 527 to 628 litres of loadspace behind them, or fold up to free up 952 litres. All three back seats have proper three-point safety belts.
With its new ultra stiff body shell, Honda expected and got a four star result in the NCAP crash tests, together with the best rating of any SUV of three stars for pedestrian safety.
Honda's hydraulic Dual Pump four wheel drive system does the same job as before. In most conditions drive is to the front wheels only, but if the system detects any slippage at the front, it engages a clutch to the rear wheels. This works very well in wet grass, mud and snow, and also in the wet on mountain hairpins where the rear wheels clutch in and push the car around the corner without it scrabbling for grip. Expect about 28mpg average from the manual.
SE: £16,695 On The Road; SE automatic £17,595 OTR; SE Sport £17,995 OTR; SE Sport automatic £18,895 OTR.
Specifications: SE model: Air-conditioning; ABS with EBD; driver, passenger and side airbags; electric windows; electric heated door mirrors; rolling code immobiliser; remote keyless entry with deadlocks; height adjustable driver's seat; front armrests; 60:40 folding, sliding and reclining rear seats; five three-point seatbelts; centre rear armrest; centre rear head restraint; ISOFIX child seat mountings; folding table between front seats; picnic table; passenger seat undertray; load cover; outside temperature display; RDS stereo with CD player; soft spare wheel cover.
SE Sport model: Air-conditioning with climate control; electric sunroof; headlight washers; body colour door mirrors; alloy wheels; hard spare wheel cover. Optional extras: Metallic Paint: £275; Front grille: £340; Skid platre: £244; Fog lights: £344; Euro-wide satellite navigation: £1,200.
March 2005
Excellent 2.2 litre Honda-built all-alloy chain-cam common rail Euro 4 diesel with 140PS and 250lb ft torque in 2005MY CRV from March 2005.
6-speed manual transmission gives 30mph/1,000rpm in 6th. Diesel does 0-60mph in 10,3 seconds, 114mph, 42.2mpg combined and 177g/km CO2. IG 12E. Price from £18,600 (SE) to £22,800 (Executive). Drive and handling much improved over 2002 CR-V.
September 2019
R/2019/243:
Possible air bag inflator rupture. Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly. Fix: The inflator inside the passenger’s airbag module is to be replaced. Build dates: 17-11-2000 to 16-12-2014.
What to watch out for
No low oil warning light on diesels which can use as much as a litre in 600 miles, so vital to check the oil regularly.
Problem with a/c on facelift CRVs built up to September 2005. Reports of electronic throttle sensor failures on petrol engines at 3 - 4 years old.
DVD Satnav is by Alpine and can be repaired by them if it goes wrong, tel Alpine Electronics 0870 3333 407 0870 3333 407 . No need to buy a new unit.
Make sure EGR TSB was carried out.
As with previous model, the oil in the 4WD rear differential dual pump clutch is known to degrade prematurely, well before the recommended replacement interval. Symptoms are a moaning/groaning noise when manoeuvering on full lock. This is easily misdiagnosed as a steering rack problem, which may lead to uneccessary repairs. The solution is to simply replace the dual pump fluid with the latest spec Honda fluid which is called Dual Pump 2 fluid.
One report of big end failure of 2.2iCTDI at 67k miles due to an "oil problem", but just a few weeks after a full service. New engine £11,000, later reduced by Honda to £4,000.
Reports of problems with inlet manifold swirl chambers of 2.2iCTDIs at high mileage. Also of inlet manifolds cracking, emitting fumes to the cabin. Best to have replaced before the 3 year 90k mile end of warranty. Though even after, Honda will sometimes pick up the tab.
By August 2009 was starting to hear of turbo bearing failures on 2.2i CTDIs.
Aircon pump failures seem to be common. The pumps explode when they fail and bits can damage other components.
Mystery battery leakdowns can be through the starter switch. Can also be though a faulty oil sensor switch.
One report of failure of valve spring retainers on a 2002 in 2010. Repair cost £1,109 and repairer commented that it was quite common due to "inferior metal having been used for the retainers".
08-03-2012:September 2005 CRV 2.2iCTDI suffered a glow plug control unit failure. Dealer advised it requires a new control unit at £142+VAT. However it also requires a new wiring loom priced at £1,159+VAT, not because there is anything wrong with the loom in my car but because the wiring loom connctions to control unit connections were redesigned due to problems with the loom.
15-08-2012:Report of high pressure fuel pump failure on a 130k mile 2.2iCTDI.
22-10-2013:Various failures of 2006 CR-V 2.2iCTDI over last 2 years: Failed gearbox bearings, failed air conditioning system and a seized front brake calliper, in short supply with a month's wait for the part.
13-05-2014:Report of a/c pump failing on 106k mile 2004 CR-V. Owner quoted £1,680 to replace by two Honda dealers, but an a/c specialist quoted £480, which suggests that all that was wrong was the electromagnetic clutch to the a/c pump.
27-09-2014:Head gasket failure reported on 60k mile 2004 Honda CR-V.
19-02-2015:Timing chain of independently serviced 2005 CR-V 2.0iVTEC snapped at 80,000 miles. Very unusual.
13-05-2015:Grinding noise from rear axle of 2004 CR-V 2.0 Sport likely to be standard CR-V rear diff problem. Replacing dual pump fluid with the latest spec Honda fluid which is called Dual Pump 2 fluid may solve it.
05-02-2016:Rear diff of 2006 CR-V found to have seized due to water ingress through the breather. Dealer proposed draining it, heating it to disperse the moisture and re-filling with fresh oil at a total cost of £260.
04-07-2016:Another rear diff seizure reported on 2004 CR-V requiring heat treatment to free off. £400 estimate to fix.
01-11-2016:Report of 100k mile 2006 Honda CR-V 2.2iCTDI intermittently losing power. Suspect swirl flap motors, blockage in fuel filter or fuel tank sender pump.
22-06-2017:Report of 130k mile 2006 Honda CR-V 2.2iCTDI suffering turbo failure. On closer examination it was found that diesel had leaked from the diesel pump into the sump and flooded the engine subsequently burning the turbo bearings. A hole had also appeared on the top of one of the pistons. All the injectors were "burnt out". Bottom line is: replacement engine.
03-03-2018:Report of engine warning light permanently on in 2002 Honda CR-V 2.0iVTEC.
29-12-2019:Report of theft of catalytic converter from 108,000 mile 2005 Honda CR-V 2.0iVTEC.
