- suv 147,720
- Paris, TN
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- autoshopper.com
2005 honda cr-v review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Space, convenience, agility. introductionthe honda cr-v is roomy, convenient and easy to drive. It rides smoothly, without the jouncy harshness of many suvs. The cr-v is surprisingly maneuverable in tight quarters and handles well on winding roads. It's also stable in stiff crosswinds at freeway speeds. like toyota's rav4, the cr-v was one of the first so-called cute-utes: not quite a sport-utility, but more than a car, offering an upright seating position, all-wheel drive and decent cargo space. Since it was built on a car platform (the honda civic), cr-v's highway-friendly ride and handling made it drive more like a car. It beats most of its immediate competitors in both qualitative and quantitative measures, and trails the competition in only a few. It's available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for winter weather capability. changes for 2005 include minor exterior restyling, added standard safety features, and the addition of a new luxury trim level. A cam-driven all-wheel-drive mechanism now replaces the pump system on all 4wd-equipped models, improving acceleration and hill-climbing performance. lineupthe cr-v is offered in three trim levels. All are available with a five-speed automatic transmission; a five-speed manual is available on the mid-level model. Honda has long believed that the fewer the options, the less a car costs to build, so options on its small suv are few. standard features on all 2005 models include 16-inch wheels, integrated keyless entry, and safety features including front and side-impact air bags, anti-lock braking (abs) and vehicle stability assist with traction control (electronic stability control). the lx 19,995) is available with front-wheel drive, but it comes well equipped. For 2005, 16-inch aluminum wheels, outside temperature gauge, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls have been added. On the interior, the se adds heated leather seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Exterior additions include door mirrors, body-colored bumpers, side molding, door handles and spare wheel cover. walkaroundfor 2005, the front grille and front bumper have been redesigned to improve aerodynamics, and cylindrical headlights added to complement the stronger appearance. this second-generation cr-v features smoother styling than the original (pre-2002) cr-v. And the shorter, blunter front-end creates a more rugged look. The cr-v still sports its trademark high-mount tail lights on either side of the rear window. the rear glass opens on its own, separately from the tailgate, which is good. Unfortunately, the lower part of the gate is side-hinged and opens to the right. Getting in and out is quick and easy and doesn't require climbing or stooping. the front seats are excellent. In most measures of interior room, the cr-v beats its competition. Only the toyota rav4 tops the cr-v's front-seat headroom, and by less than half an inch. The moonroof, standard on the ex and se is nice, but reduces headroom by nearly 2 inches. Taller drivers or those who like to sit upright will notice. more surprising than the front-passenger accommodations is the space and comfort provided by the cr-v's rear seats. The rear bench is neither too soft nor too hard, and allows passengers to travel without getting numb-reared or fidgety. All three rear positions have three-point belts and head restraints, something not all suvs offer. gauges are easy to read, with white numerals on a black background, eliminating the twilight wash-out afflicting the black-on-white arrays that are the current fad. Cruise control is standard, as is an adjustable steering column. We love the stereo and six-disc in-dash cd changer, standard on the ex and se. On the other hand, honda does not provide a compass in the cr-v. The parking brake is disguised, subtly integrated into the vertical panel forward of the center console. As odd as the placement might seem at first, using the hand brake gets more comfortable in short order. it's the small, thoughtful touches that make the cr-v a pleasant place to go about the business of driving. There's a convenient, collapsible tray table betwixt the front seats, with a couple of cup holders and a recess for a cell phone. The cover for the spare-tire bin does double duty as a folding picnic table. Almost everything else seems to be where it should be, and there are no less than 21 storage nooks adroitly spread through the cabin. Coat hooks are provided above the rear seats and the center console accommodates cds and cassettes. For 2005, honda added retractable grab rails and larger seat pockets. in terms of cargo hauling, the cr-v is the champion among the small suvs, with 72. 0 cubic feet of cargo space. The cr-v provides 33. 5 cubic feet with the rear seat in place. So don't be afraid to rev it. Honda is a leader in engine technology, and the cr-v's 2. 4-liter, 16-valve, dohc engine benefits from 'intelligent' variable valve timing, which honda calls i-vtec. This system allows the engine to generate lots of usable power while keeping fuel economy at an impressive epa-estimated 22/27 mpg city/highway. Like all hondas, the cr-vs is a clean-running vehicle. Downshifts come quickly, and full-throttle upshifts come smoothly just before the redline. It's a great aid when winter snowstorms hit, adding confidence and sure-footed tracking in slippery conditions. Vehicle stability assist, new for 2005 and standard on all models, uses sensors at each wheel and the anti-lock brake system to modulate the electronic throttle and apply brake force to individual wheels as needed to maintain traction and avoid skids on slippery pavement and in tight turns. called real time awd, honda's system enhances stability and maximizes traction in the snow and on dirt or gravel roads. This is not a true off-road system with a dual-range transfer case or locking differentials or anything of the sort. With its standard smooth-tread tires, the cr-v is not suited for backcountry off-road travel. But it is suited for snow. whether the roads are smooth or rough, the cr-v rides well. It rides more smoothly than most suvs, which makes for pleasant motoring around town over busy, beat-up streets. Handling is reassuring. It feels sure-footed on twisting roads. Even when it's driven harder than most owners are likely to go, the cr-v doesn't push excessively at its front end or slide at the rear, and the tires provide good grip on pavement. In short, this cute-ute. AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Mirrors✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Changer✔ Leather Seats✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Aluminum Wheels
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