For a quick takeaway: the 2002 CR-V uses front MacPherson struts and separate rear shock absorbers, so you’ll find struts in the front and shocks in the rear.
How the suspension is arranged in the 2002 CR-V
The 2002 model year belongs to the second generation of CR-V, which uses a split approach to suspension. The front suspension relies on MacPherson struts, where the coil spring is mounted around the strut and acts as part of the structural assembly. This is why front-end components are commonly referred to as struts in this vehicle.
Front suspension details
Front: MacPherson strut suspension with coil spring and integrated shock absorber. The strut acts as both the spring mounting point and the damper, making it a 'strut' rather than a separate shock in the front of this model.
Rear suspension details
Rear: Independent suspension (multi-link) with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. The rear shocks are not part of a strut assembly, so the rear suspension uses dedicated shock absorbers rather than struts.
What this means for maintenance and replacement
When shopping for parts or performing maintenance, request 'front strut assemblies' for the front and 'rear shock absorbers' or 'rear shocks' for the back. Replacing the entire front strut assembly is common, while rear shocks are typically replaced as separate units when worn.
Summary
In short, a 2002 Honda CR-V has struts in the front and shocks in the rear. This arrangement affects maintenance steps, part compatibility, and suspension feel. Always verify parts with your VIN or consult a parts catalog if you’re replacing worn components.