2003 Honda CR-V Review

Specifications

Is it Possible to be Too Popular?

I love driving. I especially love observing the cars that other people are driving. Its always great to see fellow road users cruising around in the same vehicle as me. For instance, when I spent a week in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it was refreshing to see other Rubicon owners on the streets since this particular off-roading wonder-machine is not as common as the regular Wrangler; I felt special.

When testing out the 2003 Honda CR-V EX, I didnt feel special. Let me explain. I drove around the city a lot last week, and everywhere I went the roads were swarming with Honda CR-Vs. I couldnt escape them. They are just too darn popular. I wanted to feel like I was the driver of the coolest Honda out there, but I guess every other CR-V owner figured that out before me.

This brings me to the question, “Why did all those CR-V owners buy this particular model over other compact SUVs?”

The first reason for its popularity has to be the interior. Its unique. I havent seen anything like it before. The parking break, located on the centre dash, is definitely an eye-catcher. In addition, there are storage consoles galore. Perhaps this is a bonus if used as a family car? Stashing the toys away from misbehaving kids wouldnt be too hard.

Since I was given the top of the line EX to test, the interior was finished in top grade materials. It was very comfortable and further enhanced by front driver and passenger seat warmers. I know it is spring (almost summer), but the nights still can get chilly. My sole tiff with the seat warmers was the location of the buttons. Only the driver can readily access the switch to turn on or off the passengers seat heater; surprise friend, notice your buns getting warmer? Its not a huge deal but a little more passenger control would be appreciated.

Lets talk tunage. The EX is equipped with a 6-speaker AM/FM stereo cassette and 6-disc in-dash CD changer with a built in digital clock. The system doesnt sound too bad. There is generous bass and decent treble. I dig it. The 6-disc in-dash CD player is great because I popped in all the CDs that I wanted to listen to in one sitting. However, its positioned so that if I wanted to put in a CD while driving I would be forced to take my eyes off the road for a longer span of time than would be safe. Why? It made me reach too far forward and kept me waiting for the CD to “Load.” I had to pull over when loading up my CDs.

Have I mentioned the retractable center tray table with cup and cell phone holder? Its fabulous. Conveniently located between the driver and passenger seats its another spot that encourages stuff collecting. Either way it serves a good purpose. My drink was stable and my cell phone was secure. It can also serve as a barrier for kids who like to walk up to the front seat while the car is parked. The average two-year-old would have problems climbing up and over the center tray, keeping him/her out of mommys purse or daddys briefcase, or maybe even the cookie bag.

Air conditioning with micron air-filtration is standard, along with driver and passenger front and side airbags. Power windows, the drivers with an automatic up and down button, are standard, along with a power glass sunroof, keyless remote entry with rear window release, and a dual mode trip odometer with external temperature gauge. These are all very handy features, especially in the summer sun.

So how does the CR-V perform? I was surprised at how much zing this machine had considering its 2.4-L, DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. It rips up hills and still offers passing power at high speeds. All 160 horsepower kicks in at 6,000 rpm and its 162 lb-ft of torque felt strong when it reached its peak at a low 3,600 rpm.

Hondas compact SUV also displays great composure on the highway, plus its stable while executing turns despite what seems like a high center of gravity. In addition, its 15″ alloy wheels wrapped in all season P205/70 R15 95S tires are a good pavement/gravel road compromise. Braking? Its front ventilated discs and solid rear discs bring the little SUV to a controlled stop in a hurry - ABS is standard across the CR-V line.

Like almost all Hondas the CR-V is gas friendly. Thats not always the case when it comes to SUVs. Let me put it into perspective. I drove from one side of a 2 million population city to the other, and then an hour and a half to a ski resort and back, costing a mere $10.00. Not bad considering I put on about 150 miles. Impressive, no? My trip was not too costly because the price of gas was at slightly lower than normal due to some freak of nature, but even with higher gas prices this machine, designed for regular unleaded fuel, wouldnt be hard on the pocketbook. Most of it was highway driving but still, I often used all of its power and its Real Time 4WD is always engaged - two fuel robbers.

Speaking as an off-season snowboarder that 4WD would be ideal for getting back and forth to the various mountains I go to throughout the winter months. Whats more it has tons of interior cargo space, perfect for storing all my gear. That great fuel economy would be appreciated too, letting me enjoy the mountain more with less need to work in order to fill the tank.

All in all, the CR-V EX is a fun ride. I like many of its features while its powertrain moves it along quickly enough to satisfy my need for speed, but to fully win my heart over its missing something I cant quite put my finger on. Maybe its the fact that I like to be noticed when I am in a car, I dont like to blend in. Its just a personal thing. Its good looking, but not particularly distinct. Yet the CR-Vs popularity shows that not all hold my priorities. And maybe thats a good thing.