2005 Honda CR-V New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Honda CR-V?
The 2005 Honda CR-V receives a facelift, getting a new nose and fresh wheel arch flares with integrated mud flaps for a more refined appearance. New standard equipment includes ABS, stability control, side-impact airbags, and remote keyless entry. Further enhancements include an updated version of the available Real Time 4WD system. The CR-V EX adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls and an outside temperature gauge this year, while a new Special Edition trim level includes heated leather seats and door mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, body-color bumpers and a hard spare tire cover. Three new exterior colors are available: Silver Moss, Redondo Red and Sahara Sand, plus an exclusive SE trim color called Pewter Pearl.

Advantages of the 2005 Honda CR-V:

• Roomy interior
• Refined powertrain
• Nimble urban driving character
• Portable picnic table on the underside of the cargo floor
• Five-star crash test scores for front and side protection
• Deserved reputation for reliability
• Proven ability to hold value over time

Objections to the 2005 Honda CR-V:

• Funky parking brake design
• Could use more power, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo
• Tailgate swings to the side rather than up over your head

Editor's Advice:
Honda's CR-V was one of the first crossover SUVs on the market. Based on the Honda Civic platform, the Honda CR-V drives much more like a car than a truck, but looks much more like a truck than a car. The 2005 Honda CR-V is roomy, efficient and nimble, rating well on the safety, reliability and retained value fronts. Light-duty off-roading is OK, but stick to well-traveled fire roads. Mostly, the Honda CR-V is designed to serve as a value-packed family wagon capable of thwarting severe weather and poor road conditions as necessary. There are plenty of crossover SUVs vying for your consumer dollars; the 2005 Honda CR-V deserves consideration.