The CR-V was the first Honda-designed and engineered SUV. It combines 4-wheel-drive capability and utility with passenger-car drivability, comfort and convenience. It introduced innovative features ranging from Real Time(TM) 4WD to a convenient foldout picnic table.

Moving forward five years from its North American introduction, the second generation CR-V takes everything that was good about the original model and adds more power, increased interior volume, the latest enhanced safety technology, elevated levels of comfort and more utility and functionality without adding significant exterior size or compromise to the overall package. The goal of the completely redesigned 2002 CR-V is to continue Honda's leadership in the entry SUV market by offering the best overall package with outstanding power, style, interior space/ functionality and 4WD capability.

Built on an entirely new platform with a new body design, the 2002 CR-V delivers increased performance, more interior roominess, bolder styling, enhanced functionality and utility, improved noise vibration harshness (NVH) dampening and more upscale features. The end result is one of the most practical vehicles on the road for today's active and adventurous lifestyles at an outstanding value.

Concepts and Goals

The development concept for the second generation CR-V started with a plan to build on the strengths and customer expectations of the extremely popular first-generation CR-V, an established leader in the entry-level SUV class. Like all Hondas, but especially the CR-V, that meant starting from a strong "DQR" base of dependability, quality and reliability. CR-V buyers have high expectations for outstanding safety, a fun-to-drive feel, excellent family comfort, sporty styling, economical operation and a good price-to-value relationship.

Maintaining Honda's leadership position in the face of greatly expanded competition was the challenge engineers took when creating the second generation CR-V.

Top Goals

* Increase overall performance
* Increase interior volume without noticeably increasing exterior size
* Provide the most functional interior in a small SUV
* Provide more standard features in all trim levels and increase upscale features
* Increase ride comfort and reduce NVH levels
* Deliver class-leading refinement

Performance - The desire for excellent vehicle performance and a fun-to-drive feel is an increasingly important factor in the entry SUV segment. Honda engineers developed an all-new 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine that provides an excellent balance of power, fuel economy and low emissions output. The CR-V gains substantially enhanced engine performance for 2002 by increasing the engine size to 2.4-liters (from 2.0-liters) and adding the first application of i-VTEC engine technology to the Honda product line - similar to the system that debuted on the Acura RSX. The new "intelligent" i-VTEC system on the 2002 Honda CR-V generates 160-horsepower at 6000 rpm and a powerful 162-lb-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm - that's a 10 percent peak horsepower increase and 22 percent increase in peak torque compared to the 2001 model. These engine improvements equate to increased acceleration, better performance on long hills and better all-around drivability.

Safety - Advancements in safety technology at Honda has allowed engineers to create vehicles that protect its occupants with highest levels of safety. The design team established a five-star NCAP rating for frontal impacts as a primary target. In addition, the new CR-V features the latest safety technology including dual seatbelt pre-tensioners for front passengers, advanced dual-stage air bag inflator for front passengers, three-point seat belts in all three rear seating positions, three-point headrests in all three rear seating positions, standard side SRS airbags on EX (available on LX models) and the "LATCH" system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren.) A four-ring safety cage structure helps resist buckling and provides enhanced security in side and rear impacts.

Environment - Outstanding fuel economy and low emissions are two of the features Honda owners have come to expect. Even with the increased power output of the i-VTEC engine, fuel economy has improved to an estimated 22/26 mph city/hwy on an EX with an automatic transmission (previously 22/25 city/hwy on similar 2001 model.) All 2002 CR-Vs are certified to meet the new LEV-2 emission standards.

Value - CR-V owners consistently rate their cars higher in value than other entry SUV buyers. Long term, CR-V owners enjoy some of the highest residual and resale values on the market. To maintain that position the engineering team set out to improve overall performance and increase the levels of standard equipment with improved audio components, an anti-theft immobilizer system and longer service intervals. They also set out to bring a new level of refinement and attention to detail to the small SUV class.

Function, Versatility and Utility - Designed to offer the most innovative SUV features available in terms of comfort, convenience and value, the CR-V possesses numerous competitive advantages over many of its rivals.

* Class-leading space for five passengers (interior volume has improved by 8-percent)
* Unique walk-through area between front seats when tray table is folded
* Longer and wider seats with excellent lateral support and plenty of legroom
* New and Unique reclining and sliding 60/40 "Fold and Tumble" rear seats
* More than 21 interior storage areas
* Unique rear cargo bucket stores wet/dirty items
* New Standard CD/Cassette/Stereo 120W audio unit (with standard in-dash six-disc CD changer on EX)

Summary

The 2002 CR-V reflects Honda's commitment to exceeding the expectations of today's CR-V driver. The 2002 CR-V builds on the class leading features CR-V owners expect and adds new safety and environmental technology, added value, comfort and performance. The full-featured CR-V is designed to provide exceptional refinement with high levels of sportiness.

2002 CR-V Product Overview

The exterior elements are sharp and refined with a bolder front fascia and angular exterior lines. It exhibits a powerful presence with a front end that incorporates a chrome accent grille and a sleek multi-reflector headlight design. The front-end exhibits a large, expansive black composite bumper that emphasizes the CR-V's rugged character. From the rear, the exterior styling retains the traditional CR-V look with long combination lights running from the top of the D pillar down to the top of the bumper.

Interior Design

Inside, the challenge was to design a larger interior without significantly increasing the overall size of the vehicle. Keys to achieving those goals were a larger greenhouse and shorter nose. Like elsewhere on the vehicle, the new CR-V has taken some familiar traits and made them better, but the designers and engineers also went to great lengths to introduce some new features truly innovative to this class of vehicle - or any vehicle for that matter. Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions have an instrument panel mounted gear selector (manual transmission CR-V models have the gear shifter positioned on the floor.) The parking brake is also integrated into the instrument panel. The sport steering wheel has a new, thick, easy-to-grip design. The increased interior volume helps accommodate newly designed seats that are taller, wider, longer, and more comfortable and supportive than the 2001 CR-V.

Chassis and Suspension

Honda engineers developed a new chassis for the 2002 CR-V that is engineered to provide greater torsional and bending rigidity, enhanced safety and efficient packaging. The new CR-V platform, based on Honda's Global Compact Platform, incorporates a 4-wheel independent suspension system. Up front, the CR-V features a Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut suspension for outstanding handling, ride and packaging. Moreover, the Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut design delivers quick, responsive handling by helping maximize each front tire's contact with the road throughout the range of suspension travel. Another benefit to the Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut is the enhanced level of safety provided by the new energy absorbing crush zone design in the event of a frontal impact.

In the rear, the CR-V is equipped with a reactive link double-wishbone suspension that helps provide a smoother ride, improved handling and additional cargo space. The new reinforced unit body construction also offers extremely high levels of rigidity for a refined ride and sedan-like performance on the street while providing the ruggedness needed to safely navigate more rugged terrain.

Powertrain

Every 2002 CR-V features a newly developed, 16-valve DOHC inline 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. The new "intelligent" i-VTEC incorporates new VTC (Variable Timing Control) to continuously adjust intake-camshaft phase in concert with Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system - enhancing performance, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction across a broad power band. The 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions have been extensively redesigned for the 2002 CR-V. The electronically controlled automatic provides more precise shifting, while the 5-speed manual has shorter, more precise shift throws. The innovative Real Time(TM) 4WD system automatically distributes drive torque to the front and rear wheels in response to changing traction conditions. The Real Time(TM) 4WD system provides the advantages of four-wheel-drive without the traditional four-wheel-drive shortcomings such as reduced fuel economy and reduced handling performance.

Body

The 2002 CR-V has an entirely new body designed from the ground up. The overall exterior width dimensions have increased by 1.3 inches to 70.2 inches while the overall interior width dimensions have grown by 3.6 inches through innovative packaging of the interior panels. With the all-new chassis and suspension serving as the catalyst, the engineers were able to start the new body design from literally the floor up and were able to retain a flat floor for the CR-V. This innovative design also yields increased body torsional rigidity for enhanced collision performance. The unibody construction features extensive use of strategically strengthened areas to provide high levels of rigidity. Improved NVH was also targeted and the new model features extensive use of noise absorption materials to help reduce engine and road noise. During acceleration, interior engine noise has been significantly reduced as well, providing exceptionally low levels of cabin noise.

Interior

The CR-V cabin can seat five adults and boasts plentiful legroom for adults more than 6-ft-tall. Additional passenger compartment features include a flat floor and passenger walk-through. Passenger volume has been dramatically increased to 106.0 cu. ft. (up from 98.0 cu. ft.), with 72.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded forward (up from 67.2 cubic feet) and 33.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seat intact (up from 29.6 cubic feet.) The rear seat back has a 60/40 split and a center flip down armrest with built-in cup holders. Of special note, the fold and tumble rear seat stores neatly out of the way inside the cabin (without having to remove the headrests) and it still provides class leading cargo volume without the need to remove the back seat - unlike many of its competitors.

With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area can accommodate two full-size, fully assembled mountain bikes with the wheels on - a feat that requires the rear seats to be removed in many other entry-level SUVs, if it can be done at all.

Trim Levels

For 2002, the CR-V will be available in two trim levels - the LX and the EX. The LX is the base model and it comes equipped with a wide range of standard equipment. Mechanically new from the ground up, every CR-V features a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine with a 110,000-mile tuneup interval, a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Honda's Real Time(TM) 4-wheel-drive system is available on the LX. Standard safety features include 3-point seat belts for all passengers, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners for front passengers and the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Standard LX features include power windows with auto-up and -down driver-side window, floor mats, sunglasses holder and a four-speaker AM/FM/Cassette/CD player sound system. Front driver's and passenger's side armrests are standard with all automatic transmission models. The EX adds the following equipment as standard: Real Time(TM) 4-wheel-drive, ABS, alloy wheels, power moonroof (available for the first time on CR-V), side air bags (optional on LX models), a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette/6-disc CD changer sound system and rear privacy glass.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS