Used Honda CR-V 4x4 2002 - 2006 review

What's the used Honda CR-V like?

The CR-V is more a pumped-up estate than out-and-out off-roader. In fact, 4WD only kicks in when it's needed, so for the bulk of the time, you're driving a front-wheel-drive car.

In other words, and as Honda will admit, this is basically a road car with some (very limited) off-road ability. That means, with no awkward compromises to strike between its on- and off-road abilities, the car can concentrate on one thing - and so it does, to tremendous effect.

Overview

It's one of the best 4x4s (except off-road). It's spacious and practical, too

Pros

• It's impressive on-road, extremely roomy and well equipped

Cons

• It's not great off-road, and the part-time four-wheel-drive system kicks in too often

Used cars available now

In partnership with

Honda CR-V

2.0 i-VTEC SE Sport 5dr

£995

Honda CR-V

2.2 i-DTEC ES 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£1,099

Honda CR-V

2.0 i-VTEC Sport 5dr

£1,200

Honda CR-V

2.0 i-VTEC SE Sport 5dr

£1,250

Honda CR-V

2.2 i-CDTi ES 5dr

RRP £20,602

£1,295

Honda CR-V

2.0 i-VTEC SE Executive 5dr

£1,350

Honda CR-V

2.2 i-CDTi ES 5dr

£1,490

Honda CR-V

2.2 i-CDTi ES 5dr

£1,494

Honda CR-V

2.2 i-CDTi ES 5dr

£1,495

See all available cars

On Tarmac, the CR-V is a fine drive, with the emphasis on comfort. That does mean it's not quite as sharp as a Toyota RAV4, but there are no complaints about its smooth ride.

Also excellent is its cabin space - in fact, no other contemporary mid-sized 4x4 is bigger. It will happily double as a family car and, with sliding, split-folding rear seats, it even has something of an MPV's flexibility.

Our recommendations

Which used Honda CR-V should I buy?

The CR-V has never been a particularly extensive range, and it was only in early 2005 that a second engine, the 2.2-litre diesel, joined the range. Until then, all you could have was a 2.0-litre petrol.

Mind you, even after that, the petrol remained the best buy. Sure, the diesel is more fuel-efficient and delivers much stronger pull at low revs, but its refinement is a real disappointment, especially given how good it is in the Accord - and, because the diesel costs more to buy, you'll need to do a lot of miles before it makes financial sense.

Likewise, you only have a limited choice of trims, but there's no need to spend more than on the basic SE. This has air-conditioning, all-round electric windows and good safety kit. Sport upgrades the air-conditioning to climate control and adds alloy wheels, while Executive adds leather upholstery and sat-nav, but they're not worth the extra expense.