2004 Honda CR-V Review - More than Practical

We did not deserve the 2nd Generation honda CR-V and all of its quirky goodness. It was a well-designed, cheap SUV that went toe-to-toe with the Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander. So, is it better than all of those competitors? Yes. Watch and find out how.

Earnings from this review and others will go to the following fund. Please donate as well and speak out against racial injustice.
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Thank you, Royal Volvo Mazda, for loaning me the CR-V used in this review!

Thank you, Tess Fasteen, for helping with production!

[Deadlybroom]

For those wondering if it’s safe, on September 12, at 5:44 AM I struck a piece of concrete going 70 mph causing immediate loss of control and I hit the wall and rolled over. My only injury was a bruise to my knee and airbag burns on my thumb. I truly and grateful to this car. It saved my life 2 days ago. 180, 000 trouble free miles. Sad it ended that way. I could’ve gone 300, 000 I wasn’t burning any oil!!!!

[lisandro]

1st Gen and 2nd gen CRV's are the best looking design in my opinion, simplicity is so nice.

[wilsonrealty]

This is a great car. I bought mine new in 2004. I now have 300k miles. On the original transmission and engine. It has never once broke down or wouldn't start. Parts wear out and things have to be replaced, but its worth replacing.

[jessicawhite]

One of my favorite things about my crv is the turn radius, you can almost spin in place:)

[miloren]

I love that people can still appreciate simplicity and practicality

[austinado]

3yrs later, and this is still a relevant, and outstanding, review. I've been recommending these for years, and anyone who took the advice was always extremely happy. I recently decided it was time to get one, and held out for the '05 5spd model. It took a 12hr round trip to pick it up and trailer it home, but I couldn't be happier. Everything about it puts a huge smile on my face, and the paint color is "Silver Moss Metallic" so it actually changes color, depending on the lighting outside. One minute it's silver, the next it's gray, and then suddenly it's got a green hue, that seems to have blue in it. I can only imagine what it must have looked like sitting in a dealer showroom, or on their lot, brand new.

[dblefistn]

Just picked one of these up with 139k, near perfect interior and body. Super strong running motor. AWD and the rare 5spd. I'm amazed.

[abot]

Loved your review. I got a 2004 CR-V in March 2020 with the 2.0L engine 4 speed AT. She has about 140, 000 mi on her and still runs like a champ. I just love that car. You can take her anywhere and bring lots of stuff while still having a comfortable trip.

[kevinnorris]

CRV’s are such solid vehicles. My cousin has a 90’s CRV and it runs like a champ.

[kriskimpo]

My parents bought this December 2002. Passed down to me by 2009. Guess what, I still drove by this until 2017 before it found a new owner. I really love this CRV! Never had a problem with it.

[kathyblackshear]

I bought an 04 12 years ago with only 54k miles on it and drove it as a housecall vet car, 20k a year on it and sold it to a friend at 240k! Only work it needed was replaced the original AC, at 200k, and regular type maintenance! It’s time doing 20 k a year was done, I figured! My friend has had to put some $ in it but she loves it! GREAT a car. I now have an 09 Element, same drivetrain or….maybe different trans.

[bent]

If you remove the front seat headrests, they fold down flat. Even at 6'1", it is comfy to sleep in.

[brensdaman]

I just bought a 2001 CR-V with 210k miles and runs great. I bought it for $400! I like simplicity & durability like these old ones.
SUV's today are riddled with garbage electronics and break down before they should.

[neilsteman]

I lived inside mine for 6 hard months I miss her

[alecchapman]

I love my 2006 SE and don't plan on selling it even when I buy a new car. Actually, I kinda want to buy a 2nd one honestly

[ginafuller]

I LOVE my 05 SE!! Bought it as a 1-owner used with 89k miles, 5 years ago and I’ve just passed 150k with no repairs beyond regular maintenance. It has even done some off-road camping! It has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I have yet to find another to rival it.

[BertieWoster]

I have the "newer" 2005 Honda CR-V with heated seats, and I absolutely love it! Even at 19 years old this car is still running great! I will absolutely run this car into the ground, because I don't really like the newer models of today.

[jacobean]

My 03 probably spends half of its time airborne and loves every second of it. 389600kms (242086mi) on the clock, still going strong!

[doodskie]

Honda really nailed the design for the 1st and 2nd gen. It ages like fine wine.
Plus its stupidly super reliable too!

[ChevyBentley]

Have had this truck since new! 04 with 204000 miles, engine and tran original. Seats are still mint.