Inventory Listing

Rare and hard-to-find 2002 Honda CR-V EX All-Wheel-Drive with only 164k original miles, one-owner clean Carfax, and an extensive 37-carfax service records! Finished in Alabaster Silver Metallic with black cloth interior. Powered by the bulletproof 2.4 Liter 4-Cylinder VTEC (with a metal timing chain you never have to replace) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This is arguably the most desirable generation produced from 2002 to 2006. It retained the compact size from the 1st Gen CR-V and is the last Gen with the full-size spare on the rear hatch and integrated picnic/card table that everyone loved. The perfect compact SUV with great looks, Honda reliability, and full service history to back it up. We sell these almost instantly, so if you’ve been looking for a well-maintained 2nd Gen CR-V AWD, look no further. This is a great option with a ton of life left. Come by for a test drive!

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2002 Honda CR-V received the following ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Frontal Crash – Driver: ★★★★☆
• Frontal Crash – Passenger: ★★★★☆
• Side Crash – Driver: ★★★★★
• Side Crash – Passenger: ★★★★★
• Rollover Resistance: ★★★★☆

Overall, the CR-V performed well in side-impact testing for its time, though frontal ratings were average by modern standards. Standard safety features included dual front airbags, ABS, and stability control on higher trims.

Essentials

• One-Owner Vehicle: Single owner since new, which typically indicates consistent and responsible maintenance.
• Exceptional Service History: 37 service records demonstrate meticulous care over the vehicle’s life.
• Clean Carfax & Title: No accidents reported and a clean title, providing peace of mind.
• Desirable AWD + EX Combination: All-Wheel Drive paired with the upscale EX trim is one of the most sought-after configurations.
• Low Mileage for Its Age: At 164,000 miles, this CR-V has significantly below-average mileage for a 2002 model.
• Reliable 2.4L Engine: Powered by Honda’s proven 2.4-liter inline-four, known for strong longevity.
• Cult-Favorite Features: Includes the full-size spare, swing-out tailgate, and integrated picnic table.
• Compact and Practical Size: Easier to maneuver and park than larger modern SUVs while still offering good interior space.
• Strong Reliability Reputation: Second-generation CR-Vs are highly regarded for durability and low ownership costs.
• Increasingly Rare: Clean, low-mileage examples with AWD and the EX trim are becoming very difficult to find.

History of the Generation

The 2002 Honda CR-V belongs to the second generation, which was produced from 2002 to 2006. This generation represented a major evolution from the original 1997–2001 model, offering a more refined and car-like driving experience while maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability. It was built primarily in Japan and Canada for the North American market. The second-generation CR-V became extremely popular due to its practical size, strong build quality, and unique features like the swing-out tailgate and rear picnic table. Many enthusiasts consider this generation the sweet spot in the CR-V’s history before the model grew larger and lost some of its compact, agile character in later years.

Fuel Economy, Horsepower, and Torque Ratings

The 2002 Honda CR-V EX AWD is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine with Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing. It produces 160 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it delivers adequate power for daily driving and light highway use.

Fuel economy is rated at approximately 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined for the AWD model. Real-world mileage typically falls in the low-to-mid 20s depending on driving conditions. While not designed for heavy towing, the CR-V can handle light trailers or bike racks when properly equipped.

The Appeal of the Second-Generation CR-V

The second-generation CR-V (2002–2006) developed a strong cult following that continues today, largely due to its unique and practical features. This generation came with a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear door, a swing-out tailgate (which many owners prefer over traditional liftgates), and an integrated picnic table that folds out of the cargo area — a clever and useful feature that became iconic. Its compact size made it easy to park and maneuver while still offering surprising interior space and versatility. Many enthusiasts believe this generation struck the perfect balance before the CR-V grew larger and lost some of its original charm in subsequent generations.

Rarity of This Specific Example

This 2002 CR-V EX AWD is becoming increasingly rare in today’s used market. Most examples from this era now have well over 200,000 miles, and finding one with a single owner, clean history, and under 170,000 miles is uncommon. The combination of AWD + EX trim + low mileage + exceptional service records makes this vehicle particularly desirable. Clean, well-maintained second-generation CR-Vs with these specifications are becoming harder to find each year, especially in good condition with original paint and no major accidents.

What the Experts Have to Say

• Motor Trend: Praised the second-generation CR-V for its “practical size, strong reliability, and clever features,” noting it as an excellent choice for buyers who wanted an efficient and dependable compact SUV.
• Car and Driver: Highlighted its “car-like handling and composed ride,” describing it as more refined than many truck-based SUVs of the era while still offering good utility.
• Edmunds: Gave the CR-V high marks for value and long-term ownership costs, frequently ranking it among the top compact SUVs for reliability and low maintenance.
• Carfax: This generation consistently earns strong reliability ratings, with many examples showing excellent longevity when properly maintained.

In conclusion, this 2002 Honda CR-V EX AWD represents a rare opportunity to own a well-preserved example of a generation that has developed a loyal following. With its single-owner history, exceptional service records, clean title, and desirable AWD + EX combination, it stands out as one of the cleaner and more cared-for examples available today. While it may lack some of the modern features found in newer vehicles, it delivers what many buyers still value most: reliability, practicality, and low ownership costs.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a viewing, please feel free to reach out.