Several years ago, a friend loaned us a front-porch bench. It’s iron and wood, and heavy and awkward to carry. On a recent weekend, it was time to return the bench. Its owner, once a neighbor, now lives nearly 100 miles away.
With remarkable ease, my wife reconfigured the back seat arrangement of the new looking and more spacious 2005 Honda CR-V, and the cargo area opened into a flat and cavernous compartment. The bench is five-feet long, but with a little twist here and a turn there it fit lengthwise. It was tight, but at 60 inches long it was secure in the back compartment, and the tailgate and rear window closed securely. Sport Utility Vehicles are designed for versatility, but transporting the cumbersome outdoor piece provided a nice example of the new CR-V’s ever-expanding uses.
The 200-mile round-trip, primarily freeway miles, also provided plenty of time to experience the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system. It’s called Real Time AWD, and it offers fine handling and traction. The roads were dry on our outbound trip and periodically wet on the return voyage. It didn’t make any difference though, the drive was smooth and comfortable and further assisted by the new Vehicle Stability (Anti-Skid) System. In short, the CR-V maneuvers well and has a confident feel on the open road.
The CR-V has been top-rated for years, but in 2005 several new features only add to its designation as a best value in the compact sport utility vehicle class.
In addition to the aforementioned Vehicle Stability System; side curtain airbags, a 5-speed (yes, 5 forward gears) automatic transmission, antilock brakes, an increase from 15 to 16-inch wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD changer and steering wheel radio controls are all standard.
The 2005 CR-V also has a new body and trim style that includes a shorter, more blunt front end and a redesigned, more aerodynamic front bumper and grille. Headlights have also been redesigned. The SE model I drove for my weekly test also included leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated power mirrors – all new standard features.
Interesting note: Despite its size, the CR-V has a standard 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter, DOHC 16-valve, 160-horsepower engine. Yet, the small motor accelerates the SUV well, all things considered. Honda uses i-VTEC, a system that generates power to the engine while still utilizing fuel economy. The CR-V’s 22 mpg (city) and 27 mpg (freeway) mileage are good averages for the SUV class.
More on i-VTEC: i-VTEC is an “intelligent” valve-control system. This technology combines VTC (Variable Timing Control) – which continuously adjusts camshaft phase – with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that changes valve lift, timing and duration. The result is impressive horsepower and high torque with outstanding fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. The broad torque range allows the engine to offer smooth and powerful performance in all types of driving conditions ranging from in-city to freeway driving to hilly terrain. In addition, the CR-V’s transversely mounted engine block has been rotated 180 degrees. As a result, the exhaust manifold is closer to the catalyst for improved light-off and reduced emissions at startup. The engine rotates clockwise.
The CR-V has two unique features: the positions of the parking brake and the transmission shifting arm. The shifting mechanism is located on the instrument panel and is reminiscent of vehicles from yesteryear featuring “three on the tree” shifting. The parking brake is positioned vertically on the forward console panel. I forget to set the brake on a few occasions considering its unique location. But the location became more practical the more I drove the car.
Like all Hondas, instrumentation, gauges, storage compartments, cupholders, seat pockets, grab rails and clothing hooks are all smartly designed, well-positioned and plentiful on the new CR-V. The spare tire bin cover is also a folding picnic table.
There’s not much not to like about the new CR-V. It has an improved design and more standard features. The previous CR-V edition was already exceedingly popular. But Honda has done even better with the vehicle – even if it’s just used to lug around old outdoor furniture.
HONDA CR-V 2005 – Quick Specs
-
Safety features – Dual-stage driver and front passenger dual-stage front, side and side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes.
-
Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 22 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway).
-
Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage
-
Base price – $25,050
| James Raia, a journalist in Sacramento, Calif., syndicates the automotive column, The Weekly Driver Review, and is co-author of the e-book “How To Buy A Car Without Getting Ripped Off.”
To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver Review
To subscribe to James Raia’s free electronic endurance sports newsletters, visit his web site: www.ByJamesRaia.com |
2005 Honda CR-V Features
| 2005 CR-V |
2WD LX
|
4WD LX
|
4WD EX
|
4WD SE
|
| EXTERIOR FEATURES |
| Dual Power Mirrors |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Full Length Taillights |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Chrome Accent Grille |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Keyless Remote Entry System with Rear Window Release |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| U.V. Resistant Heat Rejecting Glass |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Privacy Glass |
.
|
.
|
x
|
x
|
| Body Side Molding |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Body-Colored Side Molding |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Body-Colored Bumpers and Door Handles |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Exterior Spare Tire Carrier with Tire Cover |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Exterior Spare Tire Carrier with Body-Colored Hard Tire Cover |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Aluminum Alloy Wheels |
Accessory
|
Accessory
|
Including Spare
|
Including Spare
|
| Rear Splash Guards |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Moonroof |
.
|
.
|
x
|
x
|
| . |
| INTERIOR FEATURES |
| Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Airbags (SRS) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Side Airbags (SRS) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Side Curtain Airbags |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Anti-Lock Braking System |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Reclining Front Bucket Seats w/Adjustable Head Restraints and Passive Whiplash Protection |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Reclining 60/40 Rear Seats w/Adjustable Head Restraints, Fold and Tumble Feature and center armrest, and sliding capability |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Driver’s Seat with Manual Height Adjustment |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Driver and Front Passenger Armrests (Automatic Trans. Models) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Power Windows w/Auto Up and Down Driver’s Window |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Power Door Locks |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Cruise Control |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Dual Mode Trip Odometer |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Low-Fuel Indicator Light |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Low Oil Pressure Indicator Light |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Maintenance Interval Indicator Light |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Map Lights (front and rear) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Headlights-On Reminder |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| LATCH Child Restraint Anchorage System |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Air Conditioning w/Micron Air-Filtration System |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| AM/FM Stereo Cassette and CD with 4 speakers w/ digital clock |
x
|
x
|
.
|
.
|
| AM/FM Stereo Cassette and CD Changer with 6 speakers w/ digital clock |
.
|
.
|
x
|
x
|
| Coin Tray |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Tachometer |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Adjustable Steering Column |
x
|
x
|
.
|
.
|
| Adjustable Steering Column with Audio Controls |
.
|
.
|
x
|
x
|
| Outside Temperature Gauge |
.
|
.
|
x
|
x
|
| Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Leather Wrapped Shift Knob |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Leather Seat Package |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Heated Seats |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Heated Door Mirrors |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
| Retractable Center Tray Table with cup and cell phone holders |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Beverage Holders, Front and Rear |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Removable Folding Picnic Table* |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Front 3-Point Seat Belts w/Pre-Tensioners |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Rear 3-Point Seat Belts (Outer and Center Positions) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Dual Vanity Mirrors |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| 12-Volt Accessory Outlets, Front and Rear |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Lockable Glove Compartment |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Rear Seat Heater Ducts |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Remote Glass Hatch Release |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Rear Window Defroster |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Cargo Area Light |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Cargo Hooks |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Door Pocket Storage Bins |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Waterproof Rear Storage Well |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Remote Fuel Filler Door Release |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Interior Grab Handles above Each Door |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| . |
| EXTERIOR/INTERIOR COLORS |
| Redondo Red Pearl/Ivory |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Silver Moss Metallic/Black |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Eternal Blue Pearl/Black |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Satin Silver Metallic/Black |
x
|
x
|
x
|
.
|
| Sahara Sand Metallic/Ivory |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Nighthawk Black Pearl/Black |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Taffeta White/Ivory |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
| Pewter Pearl/Black |
.
|
.
|
.
|
x
|
*Picnic table dimensions: H(26.7″) W(29.9″) L(33.5″)
|
|
2005 Honda CR-V Specifications
| 2005 CR-V |
2WD LX |
4WD LX |
4WD EX |
4WD SE |
| ENGINE |
| 2.4-Liter, DOHC 16-Valve, i-VTEC Aluminum Alloy 4-cylinder l l l l |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Bore & Stroke (mm/in.) |
87.0×99.0/3.43×3.90 |
87.0×99.0/3.43×3.90 |
87.0×99.0/3.43×3.90 |
87.0×99.0/3.43×3.90 |
| Displacement (liters) |
2.4 |
2.4 |
2.4 |
2.4 |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) |
160@6000 |
160@6000 |
160@6000 |
160@6000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) |
162@3600 |
162@3600 |
162@3600 |
162@3600 |
| Fuel System: Computer Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Ignition System: Electronic |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Alternator |
12V-90A |
12V-90A |
12V-90A |
12V-90A |
| Battery |
55B24 |
55B24 |
55B24 |
55B24 |
| Recommended Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
Regular Unleaded |
Regular Unleaded |
Regular Unleaded |
| Compression Ratio |
9.6:1 |
9.6:1 |
9.6:1 |
9.6:1 |
| Emission System |
LEV 2-LEV (Tier 2, Bin5) |
LEV 2-LEV (Tier 2, Bin5) |
LEV 2-LEV (Tier 2, Bin5) |
LEV 2-LEV (Tier 2, Bin5) |
| . |
| DRIVETRAIN |
| Drive System Type |
FWD |
Real Time 4WD |
Real Time 4WD |
Real Time 4WD |
| Manual Transmission: 5-speed |
| Ratios: 1st gear |
NA |
NA |
3.533 |
NA |
|
2nd gear
|
NA |
NA |
1.880 |
NA |
|
3rd gear
|
NA |
NA |
1.212 |
NA |
|
4th gear
|
NA |
NA |
0.921 |
NA |
|
5th gear
|
NA |
NA |
0.738 |
NA |
|
Reverse
|
NA |
NA |
3.583 |
NA |
| Final Drive Ratio |
NA |
NA |
4.765 |
NA |
| Automatic Transmission: 5-speed |
| Ratios: 1st gear |
2.652 |
2.652 |
2.652 |
2.652 |
|
2nd gear
|
1.517 |
1.517 |
1.517 |
1.517 |
|
3rd gear
|
1.037 |
1.037 |
1.037 |
1.037 |
|
4th gear
|
0.738 |
0.738 |
0.738 |
0.738 |
|
5th gear
|
0.566 |
0.566 |
0.566 |
0.566 |
|
Reverse
|
2.000 |
2.000 |
2.000 |
2.000 |
| Final Drive Ratio |
4.438 |
4.438 |
4.438 |
4.438 |
| . |
| BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS |
| Body Type: Steel Unit Body |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Suspension (Front): Fully Independent Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Suspension (Rear): Reactive Link Double Wishbone |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear) |
27.2/14 |
27.2/14 |
27.2/14 |
27.2/14 |
| Steering Type: Variable-Assist Power Rack & Pinion |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Steering-Wheel Turns (lock-to-lock) |
3.22 |
3.22 |
3.22 |
3.22 |
| Overall Steering Ratio |
16.38:1 |
16.38:1 |
16.38:1 |
16.38:1 |
| Turning Diameter, (curb-to-curb, ft.) |
33.8 |
33.8 |
33.8 |
33.8 |
| Ventilated Front Disc Brakes |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Diameter (mm/in.) |
300/11.8 |
300/11.8 |
300/11.8 |
300/11.8 |
| Thickness (mm/in.) |
23/0.9 |
23/0.9 |
23/0.9 |
23/0.9 |
| Solid Rear Disc Brakes |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Diameter (mm/in.) |
305/12.0 |
305/12.0 |
305/12.0 |
305/12.0 |
| Width (mm/in.) |
9/0.4 |
9/0.4 |
9/0.4 |
9/0.4 |
| Parking Brake |
Drum |
Drum |
Drum |
Drum |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Wheels (in.) |
16″ Styled Steed |
16″ Styled Steel |
16″ Alloy |
16″ Alloy |
| Tire Size |
215/65R16 |
215/65R16 |
215/65R16 |
215/65R16 |
| Maximum Ground Clearance (in.) |
8.1 |
8.1 |
8.1 |
8.1 |
| Approach/Departure Angles |
29/24 |
29/24 |
29/24 |
29/24 |
| 12-Volt Accessory Outlets (front and rear) |
10A/120W |
10A/120W |
10A/120W |
10A/120W |
| . |
| CAPACITIES |
| Oil, Engine & Filter (qt.) |
5.3 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
| Cooling System (qt.) |
| Manual Transmission |
NA |
NA |
7.1 |
NA |
| Automatic Transmission |
7.1 |
7.1 |
7.1 |
7.1 |
| Fuel Tank (liters/U.S. gal.) |
58/15.3 |
58/15.3 |
58/15.3 |
58/15.3 |
| . |
| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS |
| Wheelbase (mm/in.) |
2625/103.3 |
2625/103.3 |
2625/103.3 |
2625/103.3 |
| Length (mm/in.) |
4597/181.0 |
4597/181.0 |
4597/181.0 |
4617/181.8 |
| Height (mm/in.) |
1682/66.2 |
1682/66.2 |
1682/66.2 |
1682/66.2 |
| Width (mm/in.) |
1783/70.2 |
1783/70.2 |
1783/70.2 |
1783/70.2 |
| Track, Front (mm/in.) |
1535/60.4 |
1535/60.4 |
1535/60.4 |
1535/60.4 |
| Track, Rear (mm/in.) |
1545/60.8 |
1545/60.8 |
1545/60.8 |
1545/60.8 |
| EPA Curb Weight (lbs., MT/AT) |
NA/3318 |
NA/3428 |
3406/3472 |
NA/3494 |
| Weight Distribution (lbs., front/rear) |
| Manual Transmission |
NA |
NA |
1830/1576 |
NA |
| Automatic Transmission |
1841/1477 |
1881/1547 |
1896/1576 |
1896/1598 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs.) |
1500 |
1500 |
1500 |
1500 |
| . |
| INTERIOR DIMENSIONS |
| Headroom (in., front/rear) |
40.9/39.1 |
40.9/39.1 |
38.9/39.1 |
38.9/39.1 |
| Legroom (in., front/rear) |
41.3/39.4 |
41.3/39.4 |
41.3/39.4 |
41.3/39.4 |
| Hiproom (in., front/rear) |
54.5/53.5 |
54.5/53.5 |
54.5/53.5 |
54.5/53.5 |
| Interior Width (in.) |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
| Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) |
56.9/56.5 |
56.9/56.5 |
56.9/56.5 |
56.9/56.5 |
| Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seat up/seat folded) |
33.5/72.0 |
33.5/72.0 |
33.5/72.0 |
33.5/72.0 |
| Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) |
106.0 |
106.0 |
103.3 |
103.3 |
| Total Interior Volume (cu. ft.) |
139.5 |
139.5 |
139.5 |
139.5 |
| . |
| EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES** |
| 5-Speed Manual (City/Highway) |
NA |
NA |
21/16 |
NA |
| 4-Speed Automatic (City/Highway) |
23/29 |
22/27 |
22/27 |
22/27 |
**Mileage figures shown for comparison only. Actual mileage may vary. |
4x4Review Off Road Magazine
