Owners should find CR-V a real ‘picnic’
This week we test drive the 2004 CR-V 4WD EX, Honda’s ingenious compact SUV that becomes the very first vehicle we’ve driven that comes standard with a picnic table.
Yes, a picnic table! (More on that later).
The CR-V EX offers a combination of features starting with standard four-wheel drive that is necessary to compete against the likes of Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape. The EX is Honda’s high-end CR-V, which also comes in two-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive LX trim.
We especially like CR-V’s robust 160-horsepower 2.4-liter double-overhead cam 16-valve iVTEC four-cylinder engine. It definitely gets this compact moving (we had help from the standard five-speed manual transmission), and yet the mileage stays respectable at 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Also, the CR-V is certified as a low-emission vehicle, and the iVTEC is designed to go 110,000 miles before needing a tune-up.
The CR-V features “real-time” four-wheel drive, meaning it operates in front-wheel drive unless there is slippage caused by snow or other wet conditions. At this point, the rear wheels automatically engage with no buttons to push. This vehicle isn’t built for four-wheeling, but it’ll get you to work or school in a snowstorm with no problem.
Honda won us over with CR-V’s functionality. If there’s an open area in CR-V’s cabin, there’s probably a slot, cup holder or shelf installed. In fact, we counted 21 such places to store everything from CDs to spare change to sunglasses. A tip-down tray between the front seats also is worth noting, allowing access to the rear or room for hauling long pieces of lumber. Cargo space is also plentiful at the rear, with a deep slot and separate net area inside the side-swinging cargo door.
And we were quite amazed at the clever addition of a sturdy picnic table, which has a dual role as the cover to the spare wheel well on the cargo floor. This inch-thick, heavy plastic table, about 29-by-33 inches, has fold-down legs and sets up in seconds.
Other features include AM/FM/cassette stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, anti-theft feature and six speakers; cruise control; 12-volt accessory sockets; power moon roof with tilt; rear wiper/washer; rear privacy glass; 15-inch alloy wheels; 60-40 split rear seats that slide, fold and tumble, and include a folding armrest; and a multitude of power functions.
The CR-V is also big in safety, scoring excellent in front and side impact tests. Included are driver and front-passenger airbags and side airbags; anti-lock braking; front and rear crumple zones; and side-impact door beams. The ride is good for a compact SUV, and seating is comfortable.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.1 inches; curb weight of 3,287 pounds; cargo area of 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 72 with them down; and a 15.3-gallon fuel tank. Our CRV came delivered at $22,100, including destination, but prices start at just $19,000 for the LX.
Honda beats some of its toughest competitors in price and is definitely in the race in this tough market. Given Honda’s overall reputation, we’re sure a lot of owners would find owning a CR-V a real “picnic.” We rate it an eight on a scale of 1 to 10.
***
Likes: Engine power, crash safety, price, picnic table.
Dislikes: Some road noise, traction control not available, unattractive black exterior molding.