2005 Honda CR-V Test Drive

First introduced in 1997 as an alternative to station wagons (coincidentally, Honda discontinued the Accord wagon the same year the CR-V was introduced) the CR-V immediately proved itself a popular family hauler. Last updated in 2002, the CR-V still feels fresh -- not in dire need of an update. It's probably not your best bet for an off-roader (does anyone really even do that?) but for around town it'll fit your needs nicely. Better than nicely, in fact. MSRP: $25,565.00; Warranty: 3/36,000

First Glance

In name, Honda's CR-V (Compact Recreation Vehicle) is clearly trying to tie itself to the SUV craze (and it is a craze -- there's not a lot of logic to the whole 'SUV to carry groceries' thing) but the CR-V sets itself apart in several ways. First, it's compact. But don't be mislead like I was -- this vehicle isn't small. Four adults will fit comfortably in it, along with their luggage. Second, its area of expertise is around town, not around the campire (although with its built-in, removable table, it's a killer tail-gater!). Finally, it's as refined as a luxury SUV: leather, heated seats, stability control -- this is no typical in the dirt-driving truck.

The CR-V does sit high like a truck so getting in and out requires zero stooping and putting a child into a car seat* is a much-less backbreaking affair (your child'll need a boost to get in, however).

As far as style goes, the Special Edition I tested looked particularly good compared to the other two CR-Vs in our hotel parking lot thanks to its various extra bits (bumpers, side mouldings, etc.) painted the same color as the body. Plus, the Special Edition comes with leather for... oh, heck, it's just easier to clean up when that scoop of ice cream finally escapes the cone.

In the Driver's Seat

Like all Hondas, sitting in the driver's seat is as pleasurable as sitting in a car should be. Visibility is very good, speedometer and other guages are clear and easy to ready and all switches, buttons and knobs feel totally solid.

Even though Honda calls this a compact vehicle, it's mid-sized and it's felt in the seating. Generous for four adults, five in a pinch. In our set up, with a car seat in the back, the four (in total) was just fine. *This brings up my first gripe with the CR-V. The back seats are "stadium seats" (the same as at your new movie theater) -- that is, higher than the front seats. So when you put a car seat in the center position, your child is smack dab in the middle of the rear view mirror. It was such a problem that I had to move the seat to an outboard position.

I thought the radio was pretty far away from the driver's position and my wife thought it was equally too far for the passenger. We could have lived with "the reach" (volume controls are on steering wheel) but the sound was pretty weak. The speakers are on the doors, near your feet, and it was tough to, uh, rock out. I guarantee if the speakers were higher this problem would disappear.

On the Road

In general, I am not a fan of the kind of vehicles that are sorta like trucks, but not exactly (the CR-V is based on a car, not a truck). Specifically, however, I liked the CR-V because it had a comfortable ride and a reasonable amount of power.

At first, I found the CR-V too high and way off balance. While I never feared we were going to tip over, I didn't feel as comfortable as I do when I'm driving a car. This uneasy feeling did eventually go away but you'll need to check this vehicle over to make sure you can deal with that feel. Remember, I get to return the vehicle at the end of the week; you don't.

Assuming you can deal with the sitting high feeling (I almost guarantee you'll be fine) you'll be rewarded with truck-like views, a comfortable ride (like a car) and enough power from the 4-cylinder engine. The engine always had the power I needed around town and on the highway. There was never a situation where the engine's power let me down so don't let anyone tell you that you need a V-6 or, goodness, a V-8... they aren't available anyway.

Oh, the cargo area in the CR-V is plenty big so don't fret about not having room for groceries and the stroller.

Journey's End

Like the 2005 Subaru Forester I tested in December, I became quite fond of the 2005 Honda CR-V because it had a lot that just felt right: ease of entry and exit (the leather seats helped with that), good visibility and plenty of room for our stuff. Oh, for comparison, getting out of the CR-V's backseat was far, far easier than the Forester's. In fact, if backseat is going to be used mostly by adults, the CR-V is the winner, hands down (over the Forester).

While the hills of San Francisco are a challenge for any vehicle, I thought the CR-V handled itself quite well. Waiting on steep hills, I thought maybe more power was needed but, really, San Fran is a unique area and unless you find yourself in traffic on steep hills, power really won't be an issue.

In an age of bigger is better, I applaud Honda for making a great, smaller alternative. I know $25k is a big bag of money (the CR-V is available for less if you're willing to do without the extra niceties) but I have to say, it felt like every penny was well-spent. Checking my address book, I didn't find one family that wouldn't legitimately fit into a CR-V. And unless you have a large (five or more) family, the CR-V will meet all your requirements: power, space and safety.