2000 Honda CR-V

CR-V Takes The Stigma Out Of Utility Vehicles

By Bob Storck

Price Range - $18,550-24,500

Engine ö 2.0 liter, 146 hp

Front Engine/All Wheel Drive

MPG (city/hwy) ö 22/25

Airbags - DP ABS - optional in most models

Features ö More than any other vehicle, the CR-V has popularized the soft sport ute ö SUV styling and utility on a car chassis results in the best of two worlds.

Once most people have their sport utility vehicle, it doesn't take long for nagging little dissatisfactions to settle in. They are hard to get into, clumsy to park, don't carry as much as expected, and have lousy gas mileage. Product planners have taken the best features of 4WD sport utes, station wagons, and even minivans and the resulting variety of new vehicles should have something for almost everyone.

The main thing that separates most of these from serious off road equipment is the lack of a low range, with most AWD systems more oriented to unimproved road capability and all weather safety rather than back trail clambering.

All CR-Vs have full-time 4-wheel-drive. 4WD delivers enhanced traction on slippery roads, and the capability for off-road excursions, should the need arises. Plus you certainly don't feel that you're driving anything larger than a very capable compact sedan. The CR-V is anything but truck-like.

Inside are excellent Honda ergonomics, and the safety of dual airbags. Air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, AM/FM stereo, and power mirrors, windows and door locks are all standard. Anti-lock brakes are optional. Attached to the driver's bucket is an 8-by-15-inch plastic tray that folds up to provide a flat writing space. Plus there's a collapsible, pull-out picnic table that hides under the cargo floor.