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2004 Honda CR-V Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2004 Honda CR-V Review:
2004 Honda CR-V Review
Honda's compact SUV enters 2004 with few changes. CR-V comes in LX and EX versions. LX models come with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, uplevel EXs with AWD only. The AWD lacks low-range gearing. All CR-Vs have a 4-cyl engine and manual or extra-cost automatic transmission. ABS and a sunroof are standard for EX but unavailable for LXs. The EX also comes with front side airbags, which are optional for LXs. Power windows and locks, cruise control, cassette/CD audio, tilt steering column, and height-adjustable driver seat are standard on all CR-Vs. Also included are a 60/40 split folding rear seat and a lift-out rear cargo floor that doubles as a folding picnic table. Leather upholstery isn't offered. Added for '04 is a front-passenger power door-lock switch.
News
Rumor has the 2005 CR-Vs getting a modest power boost and maybe a few styling changes. Model-year 2007 brings a full redesign on the next-generation 2006 Civic car platform. Industry moles have teased out no specifics yet, but gasoline V6 and hybrid-power options could be part of the plan.
2004 Honda CR-V Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Road noise |
| Maneuverability | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
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
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.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces.
| 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
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 on-center feel somewhat inert. With 2WD, full-throttle takeoffs sometimes produce unwanted sideways pulling, and slippery pavement can easily induce wheelspin. To a lesser degree, it's the same with AWD, as there's a delay before rear wheels engage with a clunk. Making ABS standard on EX is good; making it unavailable on LX is not. In either case, stopping ability adequate but not outstanding.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
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 on-center feel somewhat inert. With 2WD, full-throttle takeoffs sometimes produce unwanted sideways pulling, and slippery pavement can easily induce wheelspin. To a lesser degree, it's the same with AWD, as there's a delay before rear wheels engage with a clunk. Making ABS standard on EX is good; making it unavailable on LX is not. In either case, stopping ability adequate but not outstanding.
Quietness
Engine not as hushed as some rival V6s, and road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement. But little wind rush, and engine vocal only above 5500 rpm.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Engine not as hushed as some rival V6s, and road/tire noise intrudes on all but unblemished pavement. But little wind rush, and engine vocal only above 5500 rpm.
Controls
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.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
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.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Airy cabin. Generous head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance. Aft visibility hampered by three rear-seat headrests.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
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)
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.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.3 |
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
Impressively wide, tall space even with rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold to extend floor. Would be nice if swing-out tailgate opened from the right, not left, but it does have handy separate-opening glass. Load floor/picnic table is a fun feature; a useful waterproof storage bin hides beneath it. Outstanding interior storage includes handy flip-up tray between front seats.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Impressively wide, tall space even with rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold to extend floor. Would be nice if swing-out tailgate opened from the right, not left, but it does have handy separate-opening glass. Load floor/picnic table is a fun feature; a useful waterproof storage bin hides beneath it. Outstanding interior storage includes handy flip-up tray between front seats.
Value within Class
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.
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 5.6 |
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.
Total Score
| LX 2WD, auto. | LX AWD, man. | EX, auto. | Class Average |
| 60 | 61 | 60 | 48.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2004 Honda CR-V Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/31/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,000 | $17,556 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LX 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $19,250 | $17,786 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon, manual | $19,400 | $17,925 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,200 | $18,662 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon w/side airbags, manual | $19,650 | $18,155 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon w/side airbags, automatic | $20,450 | $18,893 | $490 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $21,750 | $20,092 | $490 |
|
|
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,550 | $20,830 | $490 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, remote fuel-filler/hatch release, lift-out folding picnic table, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 205/70R15 tires, AWD models add: all-wheel drive, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2004 Honda CR-V Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3258 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 72.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 162 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/25 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | 8/80,000 on Civic Hybrid battery pack and IMA. In CA and green states the warranty is extended to 10/150,000. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Honda CR-V Review:
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