The interior boasts decent visibility, plenty of storage compartments, easy-to-use controls, and a commanding driving position. Flexible seating allows CR-V owners to adapt the interior to just about any chore- and you'll find safety features like ABS brakes and side-impact airbags as well. When equipped with the latter, the CR-V earns top-notch crash safety ratings.


When considering a used model, be sure to have the vehicle hoisted into the air and inspected thoroughly underneath for any signs of damage to the floor pan- in the form of dents, heavy scrapes or rust. CR-V isn't intended as an off-road rock-crawler, but that doesn't stop certain owners.

A mechanic should also inspect suspension components for proper operation. A quick check over will help reveal whether or not the vehicle has been neglected, and whether or not it may be in need of any possibly expensive repairs.

Additionally, check the condition of the engine oil- ensuring that it's reasonably clean and not black or burnt looking. Tire wear should be even across the width of each tire, and excessive wear on the inside or outside could indicate an alignment problem.

In fact, some CR-V's even left the factory with a misaligned spring-seat in the front suspension. Find a flat, straight road to drive down and release the steering wheel. The vehicle should track straight ahead and not 'pull' to either side.

A clicking noise from the brakes when the vehicle changes from forward to reverse is probably just a faulty retaining clip on the brake pads, which can be replaced with relative ease.

A more commonly reported CR-V problem deals with air conditioning failure. On a test-drive, make sure the air conditioner blows cold air quickly after being turned on. Online owners report that breakdowns of various components result in hefty repair bills from the dealership. An air conditioning inspection from a trained AC technician may be in order before purchasing.

2003 Honda CR-V