2000 Honda CR-V...Continued

Leave it to Honda to watch the burgeoning mini-sport utility vehicle market, and then challenge all its competitors with the one of the most civilized of the bunch. The "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle" is based on a slightly enlarged version of Honda's bulletproof Civic chassis.

By using proven parts and technology Honda was able to keep development costs in line -- a savings that is reflected in the base price. The all-wheel-drive system, similar to that used on several other Japanese-market Honda models, discretely transfers power to the rear wheels only in low-traction situations. Otherwise, the CR-V is essentially an efficient front-wheel drive vehicle. The CR-V also features Honda's innovative Real Time 4WD system, which senses road conditions and automatically engages to distribute power to all four wheels.

From behind the steering wheel, the CR-V exudes confidence in its ability to negotiate slippery surfaces without tire spin. The roughest terrain most CR-Vs are likely to face is a snow-covered driveway, but with more than eight inches of ground clearance, the CR-V can tackle careful romps into the wild, as well.

A four-wheel double-wishbone suspension gives the CR-V the most car-like ride and handling in this new vehicle class. The CR-V comes only as a five-door wagon. Recently it got 20 more hp to keep up with the competition.

Power is provided by a new 2.0-liter engine derived from the Integraās 1.8-liter inline-four. Developed specifically for the CR-V, the DOHC engine has a steep horsepower curve and a gentle torque curve. On the road, CR-V proves athletic from a standstill and delivers surprisingly stout midrange for passing and merging. Around town, the standard four-speed automatic shifts with Civic smoothness.

Up hills, the transmission holds onto lower gears to maintain climbing power at the expense of engine noise. During descents, the transmissionās Grade Logic programming is on the lookout for brake input, which signals the tranny to shift to a lower gear for engine braking. Although this may be disturbing to the uninitiated, the CR-V simply is taking an active role in reducing brake fade by putting the engine to use.