We have had our 2004 CRV EX for about 21 months now and have been mostly happy with it. It is much easier to get our toddler in and out of the CRV than any car since it is higher. There's also plenty of room in the second row and back for all the assorted kid-junk.
The ride is a little stiff compared to most cars but compared to other SUVs and trucks that I have been in, it is probably the smoothest except for the RAV4. I had a 1990 camaro and the ride of the CRV is definitely smoother than that but not as smooth as my current car -- a 1996 Honda Accord.
Every 6-8 weeks we drive 200 miles to see one set of grandparents for the weekend and there are no problems with the ride or seats for that time and distance. There is also enough cargo room for one toddler, one 60 lb dog and all the assorted junk and luggage needed for 3 days. You can hear the road noise at highway speeds but in our opinion it isn't too bad.
I read a lot about fires after oil changes and I am happy to report that was another example of the media greatly exaggerating a couple of instances of bone-headed oil changes. The dealer changed the oil the first time and I've changed it every time since. The oil filter is in an awkward position and it is located above the catalytic converter but that's similar to the layout of my 1996 Honda Accord.
We did have a light come on a couple of months ago and it was some kind of sensor related to the airbag. It was replaced under warranty.
The CRV has enough pepp to merge and pass on the highway but you won't win many stoplight-to-stoplight races. Cornering and maneuvering in tight spaces is good for a vehicle with size and height. We drove wagons, small SUVs in the same class as the CRV and minivans and the CRV drove and felt like a car. As plush and carlike as minivans have gotten they still feel like a van.
Overall the CRV feels very solid. The doors and back door close with a solid thud and even after 21 months I do not hear any buzzing or rattling of loose parts. An eagle talon rear ended the CRV at a stop light on the back right corner. My wife, toddler and dog were in it and they were fine other than a little neck strain. The talon was totaled with extensive front end damage. The CRV needed a new bumper, muffler and a little sheet metal but otherwise came out pretty good. His insurance paid for the repairs and it is good as new.
There is plenty of room on the inside for people or stuff. We moved a few months ago and the CRV holds so much more stuff than our car. Some things I know it will hold:10ft ladder, 10 bags of mulch, 8x11 carpet, various night stands, ottomans, bar stools, unassembled baby crib and a dresser.
Other features that we like about the CRV so far:6 disc in dash CD player, all the air bags, swing out back door (just wish it was hinged on the left instead of the right), plenty of leg room in the second row, fold down tray in the middle, cargo cover for the back, tinted windows, 60/40 second row split, 18-22 mpg. I would say I like the on-demand AWD but the way it works it is hard to tell when it is on. We get more ice than snow in this part of the South and it has done fine in the ice. We don't make a point of going out in the ice since AWD is not going to help you stop in the ice, but when we have needed to go out it did fine.
Things that could be improved: roof rails are optional, intermittent wiper has only one setting, the plastic panels on the inside scuffs easily, no dual temperature zones.
Overall we have been very pleased with the CRV. It is definitely well suited for carting around 1 or 2 kids day-to-day or even going on trips. You will probably need a roof-top carrier for long trips with more than 1 kid.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): iwilllookup
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: EX
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