The second-generation 2004 Honda CR-V sticks closely to the formula outlined by the original CR-V, but adds more power, more interior room and more styling. Early model EX trims offer anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags, two safety features that would later become standard on 2005 and newer models. Other small SUV’s competing with the CR-V included the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Of course, only the Toyota RAV4 can match the 2002-06 Honda CR-V’s excellent resale and reliability ratings, followed closely by the Subaru Forester.
Why You Want It
In the compact SUV class, the 2004 Honda CR-V is our favorite used vehicle pick. It’s cute, compact, and very roomy, with a ton of rear seat legroom, ample headroom and a generous cargo hold that can be expanded by flipping and folding the rear seats forward. Clever features, like the concealed fold-out picnic table speak to the CR-V’s fun and versatile side, while its peppy 160 horsepower engine is more than sufficient to pull a loaded CR-V to the beach or, with the available Real Time 4WD, to a mountain ski resort. The CR-V is good on gas too, although more so on the open highway than in around town driving. And, other than a few well-known minor problem areas, the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V is very reliable used car buy that holds its value well even as its mileage pushes past the 100,000-mile mark.
Notable Features & Options
The base 2004 Honda CR-V trim is the LX. Available with front-wheel- or 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (5-speed automatic after 2005), the LX trim is nicely equipped. Included on the LX trim are black bumpers and mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power windows, removable fold-out picnic table, a rear wiper/washer, tilt wheel, 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, power locks, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo. The EX adds color keyed mirrors, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, remote keyless entry, a power moonroof, alloy wheels and a 6-disc CD changer. After 2005, all models gain anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. Both trims are powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. 4WD is also available on both trims. In 2005, the SE trim is added bringing heated front seats, leather interior, heated side mirrors, color keyed bumpers, mirrors and door handles as well as color keyed side molding and a hard spare tire shell.
Model Milestones
2004 – A passenger side power door lock switch is added, and a new tan interior option is made available for both trims.
Engines and Performance
The 2004 Honda CR-V offers only one engine choice: A 160-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Equipped with Honda’s VTEC (variable valve timing and lift) technology, the 2.4-liter delivers excellent power, smooth operation and great fuel economy. The standard five-speed manual is a rarity in the field, and usually difficult to find as most owners opted for the automatic. Honda’s Real Time 4WD option is a part-time system that engages when the front wheels slip, but there is no two-speed transfer case or locking low gear, so off-roading is off the table. On the road, the CR-V feels balanced and poised. Despite having nearly 7-inches of ground clearance, the CR-V rounds corners with the confidence of a small sedan. The steering is direct and very responsive and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly with little gear hunting or abrupt gear changes. We found the CR-V’s brakes to be good, but the brake pedal feels a bit soft and has a long travel. Interior sound levels are okay, with a bit of tire and wind noise creeping in at highway speeds, but not obtrusively so. The EPA rates the front drive Honda CR-V with a manual transmission at 20 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway. The 2005 and new CR-V’s with the five-speed auto and AWD are rated at 20/25 (19/24 with the 5-spe
