2003 Honda CR-V: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Honda CR-V 2WD LX Automatic
2003 Honda CR-V ▼
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- MSRP: $18,900 -$22,400
- Invoice: $17,463 -$20,692
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Our road test for the 2003 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Honda CR-V from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Honda CR-V, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Honda CR-V help you decide if a 2003 Honda CR-V is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
Not as peppy as V6 rivals like Ford Escape, but brisk enough on takeoff and loses little momentum in climbing hills. We clocked 0-60 mph at 8.6 sec with AWD and manual transmission. Exceptionally smooth, responsive automatic helps deliver drama-free passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test automatic-transmission EXs averaged 21-22.7 mpg in city/highway driving mix. Test manual LX AWD averaged 18.6 including gas-eating performance tests. Uses regular gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Drives like a compact car that has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Pleasantly maneuverable, but even mildly aggressive cornering means tire squeal and scrub, copious body lean. Steering nicely weighted in turns, but inert on-center with 2WD; stronger on-center feel makes AWDs more-relaxed straightline cruisers. However, full-throttle takeoffs sometimes produce unwanted sideways pulling with 2WD. And slippery pavement can cause AWD to make a jerky clunk as it engages the rear wheels. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes, augmented by ABS in EX. Still, stopping ability adequate but not outstanding in any model; modulation inconsistent on one test EX.
QUIETNESS
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Engine not as hushed as V6 opponents, and road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement. But little wind rush, and engine vocal only above 5500 rpm.
CONTROLS
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.2 |
Automatic-transmission shifter sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel--unorthodox, but gives a clear reach to all controls. Large, legible main gauges have amber illumination. Audio unit a stretch for the driver. And some testers say three big knobs that govern most climate functions are mounted too low. Outstanding interior storage includes handy flip-up tray between front seats. Two cupholders in tray and rear fold-down center armrest; a fifth pulls from dashboard on automatic-transmission models.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Airy cabin. Generous head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance. Aft visibility hampered by three rear-seat headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.1 |
Great head room. Supportive, chair-high seat cushion with reclining backrest. Flat floor and seat that slides fore/aft 6.7 inches contribute to more leg room than found in many larger vehicles. No-strain step-in, generous door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Impressively wide, tall space even with rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold to extend floor and create the second-largest cargo bay in class (after Hyundai Santa Fe's). Swing-out tailgate has handy glass liftgate, but should open from the right, not left. Load floor/picnic table is a fun feature; a useful waterproof storage bin hides beneath it.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 5.7 |
Efficient and well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. V6 rivals have more brute power, but no small SUV beats this Honda for design intelligence, proven reliability, and resale value. Strong demand means scarce discounting, though.
Total Score
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 62 | 61 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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