* 4-wheel disc brakes versus front disc brakes with 4-Wheel ABS
* Front Mac Pherson Strut suspension and rear wishbone suspension versus a double wishbone suspension
* 110K miles-no scheduled tune-ups
Safety features
* Lower anchors and tethers for children
* Side impact door beams
* Immobilizer anti-theft system
What's inside that's different you ask?
* am/fm cassette/cd stereo with 4 speakers and auto theft feature versus just a am/fm cd stereo.
* Power windows with driver's auto up and down on the driver's window, which I just love in the winter.
* 60/40 split rear sliding fold and tumble seats versus 50/50 reclining front and back seats. In the 2000, you pulled the headrest out of the seat and just kinda through it in the back of the car or tucked it away on the floor. In this model, you can latch them on the back of the front seat. They also have fastening straps to latch the back seats so they don't flip back.
* sunglasses holder
* Lots more storage compartments up front. I also like the little tray compartment above the glove department.
* The emergency brake is built up in to the dash versus beside the seat in the 2000 model.
The slightly upscale 2004 Honda CR-V EX model does feature the power moon roof, the 6 CD changer with a 6 speaker system. There are also front side airbags which mine doesn't have. And fancy alloy wheels versus mine which are standard styled steel wheels.
Honda did an exterior makeover in 2002 of the Honda CR-V. It looks more like the Ford Escape to me in the front but still maintains its Honda-look. They brought the tail lights down into the tailgate.
I believe there is more black plastic for bumpers but it seems to fit the exterior decor without detracting from the overall appearance.
The redesigned interior of cloth on the doors has brought several compliments my way. People commented that it gave the car a rich-feeling. The seats seem to more sculpt your body versus the flat-look of the 2000 Honda CR-V.
The new 2005 special edition Honda CR-V offers:
• Leather-trimmed seating
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Heated side mirrors
• Body-colored bumpers, side molding and door handles
• Body-colored hard spare-tire cover
None of these are on mine. Wah!
The way the gear shift is on the dash board has caused a lot of comment; but seems at a natural location when you go to put it in gear.
Driving detail:
• The 2004 Honda CR-V does handle and drive better than the 2000 model. There seems to be more unification between the road and the car.
• I find it is better at accelerating than its older sibling. Kinda makes a girl want to leave those big old 8-cylinder hemis in the dust at stoplights!
• The miles per gallon are not quite as good though. This only topped out at 26 mpg on its first 400 mile trip. The 2000 model often got 30 mpg. I attribute this to more bells and whistle on the inside and a heavier car than the 2000 model.
• The drive through the city is quieter than the 2000 model, which is a great improvement.
FOCUS: Whatever drawbacks you find on the Honda 2004 CR-V; it won't be because of the trade-in value. I was given $11,000 on my 2000 Honda CR-V while a friend of mine who had a 2000 Mercury Sable was offered $5,000 tops with about the same mileage on his 23,000 miles.
Your probably shaking your head if you have read my last two car reviews. Thinking: well why didn't the girl stay with the 2000 Honda CR-V? I wonder that myself after buying the new 2004 Honda CR-V that while looks sleeker than the older version but doesn't get as good as gas mileage. Lets just say as the Stones do: 'You can't always get what you want, but if you try somehow you just might you get what you need.'
Here are the reviews of the other two cars we have bought in the last five years:
*** We did get a letter about our oil change stating: If you have your oil changed at any service outlet other than a Honda dealer, remind them of the importance to use a new crush washer. When a new washer is installed and the drain plug is tightened, this washer "crushes" to form a very tight seal, thereby preventing motor oil leaks without overstressing the oil pan threads. Oil changers who are not aware of its importance may think it's OK to re-use this washer.
There were several reports of oil leakage causing fires following oil changes on 2003-05 Honda CR-Vs because of oil from an incorrectly installed oil filter dripping on to the hot exhaust.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 20,690
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: CR-V 5DR 4WD LX
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