Not quite a sport-utility, but more than a car, both are built on car platforms but with sport-utility features. They are small enough to be considered cute. Their upright seating position, all-wheel drive and decent cargo space make them seem like small utility vehicles. Their highway-friendly suspension and handling make them feel like cars. This combination invited buyers who needed minivans but wanted something a smidgen smaller and more maneuverable, something that didn't look like a minivan

The first CR-V was introduced in May 1997. Like the first RAV4, the CR-V kind of faded into the background when other, powerful contenders responded. Working together, Ford introduced its Escape, while Mazda launched its Tribute. Chevrolet and Suzuki came out with their shared Tracker and Vitara, respectively. Hyundai launched the Santa Fe. Just recently, Land Rover introduced its luxurious and highly capable Freelander, while Jeep launched its highly capable and slightly larger Liberty. With all this competition, the CR-V and RAV4 appealed primarily to loyal Honda and Toyota customers. Not cars, but clearly not serious offroaders, the CR-V and RAV4 quickly became also-ran wannabees.

The 2002 Honda CR-V rebuts that characterization.

There's less activity in the body panels, which suggests a more robust persona. The front end is blunter and shorter, promising a more robust offroad presence.

The tailgate sports a rear window that opens on its own, which is good, but is still side-hinged on the right, which means you have to walk around the gate when you're parked at most curbs here in the good, ol', left-hand-drive U.S. of A.

Still, the overall look is a plus. You know it's a Honda CR-V, but it's somehow beefier, fuller, better proportioned; for lack of a better comparison, like a puppy that's filled out as it has grown up.