2004 Honda CR-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I am loving my 2004 Honda CR-V. It is the best small size SUV on the road. I found a nice used one at a wonderful dealership and the truck is extra clean. All the original features still work, great gas mileage. The only thing wrong, is I didn’t get one sooner. I could have gotten a later model, but I really wanted one between 2004-2006 as the always get great reviews. If you can find one, don’t hesitate to get it as they go fast!Sep 22, 2022

I don't like that I had to replace the entire air conditioning system at 74,000 miles (4 years old) due to a faulty part used by Honda in manufacturing it and pay for half of the repair myself - Honda should have covered all of it due to the faulty part. Then at 148,000 miles (almost 10 years old) the lower right control arm broke. How often do control arms break? Was that a bad part too and do I need to be concerned now about the other 3 control arms possibly breaking? Do I buy another Honda after all of this or go back to Toyota?Aug 06, 2014

I like the fifth door to easily load and unload, and love the sporty lines and look! Hondas are the best, so dependable and trusting car! The paint and exterior has been cared for so well! This vehicle has been such a great one for me while doing my student teaching in college and being on the softball team , loading my gear in and out and traveling to an fro to home and back. It has been such a great car during the past years! I love the look of the CRV and my parents love the dependability of having a Honda! We have all owned Hondas for the past 10 years and can't be happier! They go forever!!!Mar 24, 2014

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. Jun 15, 2011

The CR-V cabin is comfortable, the vehicle handles nicely, the cargo space is great, and the mileage is a pleasing 26 mpg on average (driving the speed limit). There is plenty of power for the vehicle size, and passing is not a problem. The 4WD makes getting in and out easy - no matter the weather conditions (normal driving, of course). Integrity wise, the vehicle has held up well, both the interior and exterior. Repairs have been mainly wear and tear and regular maintenance, with the exception of replacing the alternator at approximately 60,000 miles. The single complaint I have is the road noise, which is noted in just about every review you'll see on the CR-V.Dec 08, 2010

This is the best all-around car I have ever owned and I got it used! It has a peppy yet economical low emissions engine, AWD so it does great in all weather conditions. This model and year of CR-V has the best field of view out of the front windshield. It is very comfortable and does well daily driving back and forth to work as well as having plenty of comfort and room for long trips with the family.Nov 06, 2010

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.Dec 14, 2009

Overall, this is a very good small SUV. It's as reliable as you would expect of a Honda. It handles very well for this type of vehicle, and it gets good gas mileage. It's performance is adequate, though nothing special. The standard 4 wheel disk breaks and ABS give it great stopping power. It's all-wheel drive comes in handy in bad weather (rain & snow) or for mild off-roading, and it's capable of towing a small trailer. Aug 24, 2009

Lot's of room. Comfortable. A little slow at accelerating to pass other cars. The back light for the heater control was burnt after 2 years, but to replace it it would cost $250 as they have to remove the whole panel. Didn't bother replacing it. A fun feature is that the 4WD function is you press the gaz pedal to the bottom of the floor and it kicks in.Aug 30, 2008

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!Jul 31, 2008

Excellent vehicle. Great for getting the family around yet nice on the highway. Lots of pep when you need it, but the engine is designed to run at too high an rpm at highway speeds. Fuel economy is okay, but not great. Have had no problems with this vehicle in the two plus years I have owned it. If you are looking for a vehicle to navigate safely in the winter, this is a good one. It has great traction with the AWD and you never feel out of control. All in all, I would rate this vehicle an 8 out of 10 and would definately recommend it.Sep 30, 2006