Honda CR-V (01-06) - Review Review by David Ross on 26 January 2009 Honda realises that most people choose on off-road vehicle because it's more practical than a standard car and gives them a better view of the road. Coping with extreme terrain and steep inclines is not on the agenda, but the ability to deal with the odd muddy track or rain-sodden field is useful. The CR-V fits this bill perfectly. Like most modern 4x4s it is designed primarily for on-road use and thanks to decent handling and precise steering, it is happy pottering around town or on the motorway. The cabin is robustly built and there's plenty of passenger space, particularly in the rear. Add in a large boot and some genuinely useful touches and it's easy to see why the CR-V makes a great family car. The model was mildly facelifted in early 2005 with a fresh interior and a slightly revised grille and lights. 3.5 out of 5 Other Honda reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Performance The CR-V was originally available with just one engine - a 2.0-litre petrol with 147bhp. It's smooth enough and pulls well, although it can become a little noisy at higher revs. The diesel didn't arrive until March 2005 but the i-CDTi unit was well worth the wait. It's one of the best diesels around with a quiet and refined nature plus plenty of pulling power in every gear. It's also quick and can cover the 0-62mph benchmark in 10.6 seconds while still returning 42mpg. View full gallery 3.5 out of 5 Handling The light and precise steering is great for town driving but does feel a bit vague on the open road. Nevertheless, the CR-V is sprightly for its size and corners well with good body control. The difference between the CR-V and other mud-plugging alternatives is that Honda doesn't claim that it's a fully fledged off-roader. All models have 4x4 'on-demand' - meaning that the four-wheel-drive system becomes active when the wheels sense slippery conditions. The ride can be caught out by backroad bumps and lumps, but it's fine around town and on the motorway. View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Honda CR-V cars for sale We have 276 models like this for sale. Find Honda CR-V cars for sale Previous: Equipment Next: Comfort