EDMUNDS.COM 2004 HONDA CR-V
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The longtime benchmark of the "soft roader" mini-SUV class. Drive it. You''ll like it.
Pros
Highly versatile and roomy interior, stable handling, comfortable ride, high crash test scores.
Cons
Limited off-road ability.
What''s New for 2004
Other than a new seatbelt reminder there are no significant changes for 2004.
Overview
Introduction:
When the original Honda CR-V debuted in 1997, it had one simple objective -- do everything better than the RAV4, Toyota''s mini SUV that had arrived just a year earlier. They shared similar design philosophies (four-cylinder engines, carlike rides), and although the two vehicles battled for the same customers, they both enjoyed incredibly strong sales numbers. The mini-SUV segment has now grown to include at least a dozen different models, each with its own idea of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. Some use larger V6 engines, others boast real off-road capability. The CR-V sticks with the philosophy of being a small carlike sport-ute first and foremost. There''s still no V6 offered, and serious off-roading is out of the question, but in the all-important areas of drivability and practicality, the CR-V is hard to beat. One of the major advantages most mini SUVs have over their larger midsize counterparts is superior handling. Since many mini-utes are built on small-car platforms, they''re typically more agile than the average truck-based midsize SUV. The CR-V is no exception, as it uses the Civic as its basis to deliver excellent ride and handling characteristics. Choosing a mini SUV is largely a matter of personal taste and lifestyle. Almost all of the currently available vehicles on the market are strong contenders worthy of consideration. Want to explore the local mountains as well as the mall? Check out the Jeep Liberty or Nissan Xterra. Do you want the room of a sport-ute, but still crave the performance of a sedan? Get a RAV4 or Subaru Forester. Need serious horsepower to pull a small trailer? The Ford Escape is the one you want. Then again, maybe none of those scenarios figures into your plans. All you''re looking for is an alternative to a small car, and maybe some all-weather capability thrown in for good measure. Something that doesn''t feel like it''s about to get run over in traffic, but can still get decent gas mileage and be reliable long-term. For drivers like this, the CR-V is a tough act to beat.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The CR-V is offered as a four-door compact SUV only; it seats up to five. There are two trim levels: LX and EX. As with most Honda products, the LX trim should be fine for most consumers, while the more posh EX is there for those who need all the toys. On the LX, you''ll find power windows and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, a CD player, rear heater ducts and a cargo area-mounted 12-volt accessory outlet. EX models add keyless entry, alloy wheels, a moonroof and privacy glass.
Powertrains and Performance:
Under the hood you''ll find a 2.4-liter inline four with Honda''s latest i-VTEC architecture. While its power output -- 160 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque -- can''t equal the grunt of some V6s found in other competitors, we''ve found that the CR-V has more than adequate acceleration for almost all situations. Two transmissions are available: a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. LX models come in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. EX models are all 4WD. Honda''s Real Time 4WD system powers the front wheels only under normal conditions. If the front wheels begin to slip, power is immediately transferred to the rear wheels until traction is regained. Requiring no input from the driver, this fully automatic system is ideal for those who live in harsh climates that demand all-weather traction.
Safety:
The CR-V earned five stars from the NHTSA for front and side impacts, the highest rating possible. In addition, the IIHS awarded a "Good" rating, also the highest possible, for the CR-V''s performance in the 40-mph frontal offset crash test. For maximum safety, you''ll want to pick the EX model, as this comes with standard antilock brakes and front side airbags. The side airbags can be ordered as an option for the LX, but the antilock brakes aren''t offered.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Besides having a multitude of storage areas and cubbies, the CR-V is quite generous in its allotment of interior room for passengers and cargo. The rear quarters are surprisingly comfy considering the vehicle''s overall size. Each side of the 60/40-split bench seat can be moved forward or back 6.7 inches, and the seat backs can be reclined up to 45 degrees. For maximum cargo room, both rear seats can be tumbled forward to clear up to 72 cubic feet of space.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Around-town driving reveals a softly tuned setup that favors comfort over performance. The CR-V is more of a confident cruiser, able to take just about anything the road can dish out, but never enticing you to push it harder. Four-wheel-drive CR-Vs are perfect for negotiating wet or snowy road conditions. However, when taken off-road for anything more than dirt-strewn roads, the CR-V quickly gets wobbly in the knees. Though it has better ground clearance than the Honda Element, this isn''t the mini SUV to get if you plan on frequently adventuring off into the wilderness.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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