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2005 Honda CR-V Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2005 Honda CR-V Review:
2005 Honda CR-V Review
CR-V gains more standard safety features for 2005, including curtain side airbags. Other additions include a leather-upholstered model and a new automatic transmission. Detail styling changes round out the revisions. This compact 5-passenger SUV offers LX, EX, and new SE models. LXs come with front- or all-wheel drive. The others have AWD. CR-V's AWD lacks low-range gearing. All models have a 4-cyl engine and manual or automatic transmission. The automatic for '05 is a 5-speed unit vs. a 4-speed. Four-wheel disc brakes continue as standard and are joined for '05 by ABS, which had been standard only on the LX. All models also gain an antiskid system, which was previously unavailable. Front side airbags were an extra-cost feature but are standard for '05 and joined by head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. Sixteen-inch wheels replace 15s for '05. The SE has standard leather upholstery and heated front seats. Both are new CR-V features, as are steering-wheel radio controls and an outside-temperature indicator for EX and SE models. All CR-Vs have a 60/40 split folding rear seat and a lift-out rear cargo floor that doubles as a picnic table.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
A fully redesigned CR-V is expected for 2008 on the next-generation Civic car platform, which bows for '06. Industry moles have no specifics yet, but the makeover could include gasoline-V6 and hybrid-power options.
2005 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 adequate up steep hills. We timed 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec with AWD and manual transmission.
| 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
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.
| 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
Some body drumming and tire thump over sharp bumps, but stable at speed, with little pitching or rocking on uneven surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Airy cabin with adult-size head and leg room on well-bolstered seats. Comfortable take-charge driving stance.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2005 Honda CR-V Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/08/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,195 | $18,658 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,395 | $19,765 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX 4-door wagon, manual | $22,650 | $20,922 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,550 | $21,753 | $515 |
|
|
|||
| AWD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,250 | $23,321 | $515 |
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, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
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, adjustable split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, 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, 215/65R16 tires, AWD models add: all-wheel drive.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, alloy wheels.
SE adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2005 Honda CR-V Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 181.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3428 |
| 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 | 21/26 |
| 5-speed automatic | 22/27 |
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 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| 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, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | Towing available only for warranty-covered breakdowns |
| 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 2005 Honda CR-V Review:
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