2004 Honda CR-V User Reviews

Best Of The Mid-size Suv's Here In Australia - By Far — Well, after 2 months of research and trolling the dealerships, the choice came down to Forester, Outlander, RAV4 or Honda CR-V. RAV4 - actually didn't test drive this one - I was very cramped behind the wheel with the seat fully back, and couldn't even fit in the back - too small. We were after something a bit bigger than a medium sedan/hatch, but not a serious off-roader truck like a Patrol, Paj, disco or ‘Cruiser. Needed something auto with AWD and good storage for size – something the missus would like to drive. Having driven all 3 of the above remaining medium SUV’s, came up with the following: All have similar engine size, and outputs. Mitsu the thirstiest, heaviest and least internal space for both drivers, passengers and cargo – would be fine for sub-6-footers with small kids, but not for us (I'm 6'5"/195cm) Subie – lovely driver, but narrow cabin and poor rear-seat space. Most “car-like” to drive and lovely smooth engine. Most torque. But kickdown from autobox poor. Honda – what can I say? Got into it and everything just felt “right” – highest, widest, roomiest and internally the best design, IMHO. Very zippy with the i-VTEC engine and more than enough grunt (in a car) for me. Handling is terrific and when I first drove in wet and greasy conditions, it never felt like getting out of shape (I did do some pretty heavy accelerating and braking to test engine, ‘box and brakes). Sweet and tight as a drum. Cargo area massive, compared with Forester and Outlander - rear seat space the best by far, and the way the rears fold down, then forward, means HY-UUUGE capacity for something this size. Best econ of the three as well. We all know about Honda and reliability as well now don’t we? This one, even though used, will still come with a Honda-backed 3yr warranty, and it’s a local car with full service history (by the dealer who sold it new). Peace of mind. The missus liked it best too, with the kicker that under the cargo-area carpet, and covering another recessed storage-well is a large flat piece of molded plastic, that when you lift out, realise is actually a folding picnic table! How smart is that? Plus, when I showed the missus how the rear seats folded down, then forward, her first comment was: “You could sleep in there! Let’s go camping!” w00t! After having driven both the Forester and CR-V together, it was her pick as well and I graciously got the thumbs up to go ahead with purchase. Happy chappy and they even took my 19yr old Saab as a trade, with a decent price.

Awesome, Practical Car :) — I love that it's "real-time 4-wheel drive. It is a 4-wheel drive SUV with a 4-cylinder engine though, so it gets pretty great gas mileage but it's definitely not the most powerful thing ever. As my dad likes to say, it needs more "kick"...but overall it's a great car and I love it very much! And I love that it has a pretty awesome turning radius too, especially considering it's an SUV.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Cr-v...better Than You Would Think! — It's a good car, the drive is so smooth, it's quite amazing. The 2.4 liter i-4 has surprisingly good performance, the pickup isn't bad! I have never had an issue with the car's quality, afterall it's a Honda. The Real-Time four wheel drive is very well done, works like a charm and I never want to use a car that doesn't utilize four wheels 100% Looks nice, gas mileage isn't bad, even for a car that has 4WD. Interior is nice, moonroof/sunroof option, seats are comfortable. I love the car!

Love My Suv — Car is very well maintained and always clean. Interior upholstery is like new. Less that 85,000 miles through 6 years of driving. Rides like a car which makes it fun, but had a bigger body for safety like an SUV.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Excellent All-around Vehicle — Most reliable car I've ever owned. It has a great engine and transmission, but I wish it had more hp. An extra 40hp would make this a perfect all-around car. Gas mileage isn't the best, but it could be worse!

Primary Use: Commuting to work