2005 Honda CR-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Written by Clifford Atiyeh

Published January 12, 2023

7.7/10

CarGurus expert score

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The CarGurus verdict

The 2005 Honda CR-V is a competent and safe choice in the compact SUV segment.

Upgrades to the second-generation Honda CR-V for 2005 in Canada include several exterior updates such as the bumpers, headlights and taillights, and grille, and a new five-speed automatic that replaces last year’s four-speed. The CR-V is easy to drive and all-weather friendly as a new car, and as a used car, it will keep running and retain its value—just like the Civic sedan on which it's based.

7.7

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

8/10

Until now, the CR-V wore black plastic body cladding that reached high into its nose. Honda has kept it for the lower air intakes, but it toned down the two-colour look with a body-colour upper fascia. A twin-bar grille replaces the single bar, and the single headlights have been split into two separate beams. New 16-inch wheels are an inch larger than before. The style has held up very well. Brand-new CR-V models have the same proportions and stance, which is why this little Honda has remained a best-seller. We like the external spare-tire mount, which will be removed after this generation ends for 2006. The interior is fitted with high-quality plastics and good fit and finish.

Performance

7/10

Honda's 2.4-litre four-cylinder pairs with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada (a front-wheel drive, or FWD, drivetrain is offered in the US, but not north of the border). This engine makes power specs of 160 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for this lightweight SUV. The engine also uses i-VTEC technology, which is the variable valve timing system that Honda pioneered more than a decade ago. It can either maximize performance or fuel economy, depending on the driver's inputs. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base LX and mid-level EX powertrain, while a five-speed automatic transmission offered as an option, an additional gear versus the 2004 model. On the top-trim EX-L, the automatic is standard.

Handling is nimble, the ride is smooth, and the steering is light and accurate. Just don't take the CR-V off-road as you might in a Subaru Forester. The all-wheel-drive hardware received a mechanical upgrade to make it activate faster, but this is not the best SUV in the worst weather.

Fuel economy is estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 8.0 on the highway for the most popular automatic models. The manual returns 11.1 L/100 km city, 8.4 highway.

Form & function

8/10

It isn't just space, of which the CR-V has plenty. You get a whopping 2,039 litres of cargo space with the backseats folded and 949 litres with them raised. Headroom for the front seats and rear seats is great, except taller drivers may not like the optional sunroof which cuts into that headroom by more than two and a half centimetres. The CR-V has great sightlines in all directions, and there's enough legroom for rear passengers.

But the CR-V has more tricks. You can store your stuff almost everywhere. What looks like a big blank plate on the centre stack is actually a sealed compartment, perhaps for CDs or a box of tissues. Nestled between the glove box and the upper dash are three deep trays. There are more pullout bins at the very bottom of the centre stack, another slot for change to the left of the steering wheel, and of course, that CR-V trademark—the folding picnic table that sits on the cargo shelf. You can't get a roomier and more useful small SUV than the CR-V.

Caveats: The steering wheel doesn't telescope, there is no lumbar adjustment, and the rear hatch is hinged from the side, which makes closing that big door tougher than if the hinges were top-mounted. But everything is built to maximize space, including the dashboard-mounted gear shifter. If you fill a CR-V to capacity, it's not the car's fault. You're a junk collector.

Technology

5/10

Cruise control, air conditioning, a CD player, a rear intermittent wiper, power windows, power mirrors, and power door locks with keyless entry come standard on the LX. The EX adds an upgraded stereo with a six-disc CD changer and cassette player, tinted rear windows, alloy wheels, an external temperature readout, and audio controls on the steering wheel. The top EX-L trim has a power moonroof and heated leather seats but not much else in the way of tech.

Safety

9/10

For 2005, Honda makes anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-side airbags, and head-curtain airbags standard safety features. That's in addition to dual front airbags and traction control. That's very comprehensive for a mass-market, non-luxury car in 2005. As a result, the 2005 CR-V scored the top Good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the front- and side-crash tests, and five out of five stars for related tests run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plus a four-star rating in its rollover test.

Update: Make certain any car you buy has had its front airbags replaced under the Takata recall. All CR-V models from the 2002-2011 model years, plus the 2016 model year, have faulty airbags that can kill you or your passenger in a crash.

Cost-effectiveness

9/10

Prices in Canada for a new 2005 CR-V sport utility vehicle start at $28,200 for an LX trim and range up to $33,600 for the Honda CR-V EX-L. This is a great value, and the CR-V is expected to run and holds it value for a long time. The car is solid, fun to drive, and immensely practical. Plus, its handsome design is likely to age well.

Note: Images show a US model.

What owners say

AI Summary · 28 reviews

"Overall, Honda CR-V owners are very satisfied with their vehicles, highlighting reliability, spaciousness, and economical fuel consumption as major benefits. Many appreciate its handling and low maintenance costs, making it a practical option for families. However, some drivers have noted issues with acceleration and the brake system, which can be a concern during driving."

4.6

28 reviews

Write a review

by Adrian A

i liked the car a lot overall. the handling, fuel economy, and overall style pleases any driver. i think anyone would enjoy this as a first car or daily driver. low main. costs make it more then worth buying i give it 5 stars

August 16, 2012

by Anonymous

I have been using this car for 7 years. Exceptional strength steady and does not require expensive maintenance costs, just change the oil every 6 months. All my family members are also very pleased with the car. I am very proud of this car.

July 9, 2012

by Michael M

handling and breaking are great. roomy, practical in most applications.

April 11, 2008