Acceleration

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
4	5	4	4	4.3

Not as peppy as V6 rivals like Ford Escape, but brisk enough on takeoff and adequate up steep hills. We timed 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec with AWD and manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

A manual LX AWD averaged 18.6, including gas-eating performance tests. Test EX averaged 19.7-20.1 mpg. Test automatic SE averaged 23.2 in mostly highway driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.7

CR-V is compact-car maneuverable and never feels tippy, but even mildly exuberant cornering induces fair body lean, plus tire squeal and scrub. Steering nicely weighted in turns, somewhat inert on-center. AWD revised for '05, so we hope it won't delay in transferring power to the the rear wheels--or clunk when it does--like previous system sometimes did. Kudos to Honda for linewide-standard ABS, though previous ABS models were only adequate in our emergency-stop test.

Quietness

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4

Refined for a 4-cyl compact SUV. Engine intrudes only above 5500 rpm, but most rivals offer quieter, smoother V6s. Road/tire noise noticeable except on glassy pavement, but wind rush modest.

Controls

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.5

Automatic-transmission shifter sprouts from dashboard to right of steering wheel, and gives a clear reach to controls and a passageway to rear seat. Large, legible gauges. Some testers say audio unit is a stretch and that the three big knobs for most climate functions are set too low. SE Leather trim dresses up interior.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.7

Airy cabin with adult-size head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
7	7	7	7	4.5

Great head room despite chair-height positioning. Supportive seat has reclining backrest and slides fore/aft 6.7 inches for more leg room than in many larger vehicles. No-strain step-in, generous door openings.

Cargo Room

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Impressively wide, tall space even with rear seat up. Seat sections flip/fold for even more room. Rear cargo door should open to the curb, not the street, but has handy, separate lift-up glass. Load floor/picnic table a fun touch, and covers a useful waterproof storage bin. Outstanding interior storage includes handy flip-up tray between front seats.

Value within Class

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
10	10	10	9	6

Efficient and well-built, CR-V also appeals for relative comfort, refinement, and spaciousness. Some small SUVs offer more muscle, but none beats this Honda for thoughtful design, proven reliability, and resale value. The '05 addition of standard head-protecting curtain side airbags, ABS, and antiskid system only enhance its Best Buy credentials.

Total Score

2WD LX, auto.	AWD LX, man.	EX, auto.	SE	Class Average
60	61	60	60	50.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		30
Average Score		50
High Score		61