Most 2002 CR-Vs use a 4-speed automatic transmission, with a 5-speed manual option available on select trims or markets.
The 2002 CR-V marks the start of the second generation, and it offered two main transmission choices to buyers: a four-speed automatic paired with Real Time All-Wheel Drive (or 2WD) and, in limited configurations, a five-speed manual. Availability varied by trim level and by country, so the exact setup on any given vehicle may differ. If you’re unsure which yours has, check the door jamb sticker, the owner's manual, or the gear selector for clues.
Transmission options for the 2002 CR-V
Here are the primary transmission configurations Honda offered for the 2002 CR-V. Availability could vary by market and trim.
- 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT) commonly paired with Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 2WD configurations.
- 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) offered on select trims or markets, typically in manual-drive configurations.
In practice, U.S.-spec 2002 CR-Vs were most often equipped with the 4-speed automatic. The 5-speed manual option was relatively rare and tended to appear in specific markets or early-production examples.
How to identify which transmission your CR-V has
Check the owner’s manual and door sticker
The quickest way to confirm is to review the vehicle’s manual or the drivetrain details on the door jamb sticker. It will state whether the car uses an automatic or manual transmission.
Inspect the gear selector
A shifter labeled with P R N D and additional low-range gears (such as 3 2 1) indicates an automatic transmission. A shifter labeled 1 2 3 4 5 indicates a manual transmission.
Summary
Conclusion: The 2002 Honda CR-V offered two main transmissions—4-speed automatic (the most common configuration in the U.S.) and a 5-speed manual (less common and region-specific). To know for sure which one your vehicle has, rely on the owner’s manual, the door sticker, or the gear selector itself.