My grandma bought her 03 when she heard that my mom was in labor. They went to the local Honda dealer, bought a maxed out CR-V and drove all the way from California to Oregon. My grandma gave the car to my mom in 2017, when she bought a brand new CR-V. That 03 lasted perfectly up until last September when my mom was t-boned by a guy who ran a stop sign, and the car saved her life. Seeing it in the junkyard broke my heart.

i bought a 2005 with 200,000 miles last year for 1300 its currently at 250,000 and its still running strong

It's August, 2024 and I just bought a 2005 CR V with 191,000 miles on it. I am still getting acquainted with my new vehicle and this video fills me with gratitude, thankfulness, and glee. I hope to treat it well and make it to 300,000 (and beyond?). Thanks for a great video.

I think Honda should send you a brand new CRV this is one of the best reviews I ever watched.

Fun fact, these rigs also sport seats that can be converted into a lounge/bed by moving the front seats forward all the way, removing the head rest and reclining them flat to meet with the rear seats that recline slightly. The cover for the spare tire compartment in the trunk area is also a folding table. It's a crazy vehicle.

That thing is in perfect condition holy hell i have the 2002 honda crv in the same exact color sitting at 341000 miles still works like a charm

got a 2005 crv 2 years ago with 49k on it for $5,000, mint condition. One of the best used car deals for me.

Like all Honda's look after them and it will serve you well. I have a 2005 crv it drives superbly. Even for a 15 year old car.

I got hit by a drunk driver they wrecked my crv that's how bad she hit me but I'm still alive & i had no serious injuries so I can agree with it being the most safest

I got handed down my parent's 06 CRV when I got my license and after driving it for about 2 years now, I'm happy to say that I like it alot. It has nice visibility, the seats are comfortable, it has AWD, and a 5 speed manual transmission. It's been fairly reliable too. It has about 175,000 and the only thing we've ever had to do is replace the clutch. Its honestly been a nice first car and I'm happy to have it.

REV UP YOUR CRV ....... oops wrong channel 😂🤣👍

It actually probably IS one of the most reliable cars on the road.

Picked up my future wife with a 1997 Honda CRV, We got married, upgraded to a 2005 Honda CRV Now we have kids, she drives a 2011 Honda Pilot and Im still kicking with the 05 V We have matching Honda hoodies, TRULLY HONDA FOR LIFE :) Great video

A few months prior to you making this video, (august 2019 to be exact) ... I did my research, and purchased a 2005 Honda CRV with AWD ... and all the extras, including moon roof, roof rails, 6 CD changer, heated seats, leather interior, same wheels as you show on the above CRV ... 163,000 miles. I got it for 4k, but it needed struts, and a few other things, so I immediately took it to my mechanic, who fell in love with the overall condition. I put 1k into it, and haven't regretted my decision. It probably doesn't get the gas mileage I hoped for, but it seems reliable ... peppy, and now at 70 years old, it will likely be my last daily driver. (My prior daily driver was a 97 kia, I bought in 99, with 24k miles, and sold with 114k miles, after purchasing my CRV.)

I have come to Australia for a roadtrip on january this year. I've bought 2005 CR-V with 248000km for 3500 AUD. It was meant to be a car for a 1 month trip. Now I'm stuck in Australia because of coronavirus, still cruising. I've driven antoher 37000km, about third part of it offroad and have experienced no problems at all. I just change the oil once every 10k. Amazing value.

CRV = Continuously Reliables Vehicle.

Purchased my Honda CRV new, in 2005...still driving it today. Some of the best money I spent on a car...great value.

I had a 2003 Cr-V for around 5 years. It had 182,000 on the clock. I changed the engine oil, gearbox fluid and rear differential fluid, always using genuine Honda fluids. When I first acquired it, unbeknown to me it was running with only 70% engine oil in but it caused no lasting damage. Testament to superb Honda engineering I guess. I now have a 2009 Cr-v petrol automatic with 176,000 miles and this too runs like a dream. Honda, the most reliable car you can buy.

Watching this makes me want to hug my '05. When I think of my time with Honda (two CRXs and two CRVs) there are so many moments of genuine admiration and surprisingly deep affection.

My parents bought the top of the line 06 model right before I was born like days before! Still have it to this day running strong with over 210,000 miles only thing we ever have problems with is the A/C (which is expected in this car) I love this car even tho we just bought a new Honda Pilot not too long ago I’m getting the CRV! So I’m excited!

Living in Michigan everyone pushes the " buy American ". Well, after my last two GM vehicles were constantly breaking down and the last one had parts literally falling off with under 2000 miles on it! So, I purchased a Honda Civic that was built in America. Absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned!! The fit, finish and quality are decades above anything GM has to offer! My family will never purchase another GM vehicle again... Period!

I owned an 06 Honda CRV EX and I agree with your assessment of this generation whole heartedly. I wanted an Acura TL when I bought the CRV but could not afford a used one. I never regretted my CRV purchase and the engine ran perfectly at 161k miles. I only replaced it because it needed a lot of other repairs and I was in better shape financially which allowed me to replace it with a newer vehicle. This is a great vehicle for anyone with limited funds. Thanks 😊

I used to work at Honda dealers for several years. I saw this specific body style of CRV with high miles on a regular basis. I saw one '05, automatic, with 465k miles on it. This was years ago, and I dont know how much work the customer did to it, but probably not much.

Thank you so much for this video. You hit it all right on the head about this 2005 honda CR-V. Just so happens that I will be going to look at one after work today and it's a 2005 Honda CR-V SE with 192000 miles, good condition with close to same asking price. I also researched it for a long time and fully agree with all you have said. For me I love the shape of the 2005 better than the newer ones. Again thank you for this video because it truly finalized my decision. Bless you💖🙏🏼💖

I have a 1999 FWD model and i absolutely love it. The 2005 is going to be my next purchase for sure. The 2nd gen is great but the 2.5 is definitely nicer. I love the gear shifter also. My 1999 is at 260,000 and going strong. Best cars ever.

My son-in-law has a 2005 CR-V with 300,000 miles on it and he still drives it to work every day. What more can you say about a 15-year-old car.

I bought my 04 CR-V new. Now have 304k engine and trans are solid. I do stay up with dealer recommendations.

I have the same one. One of the best cars I’ve owned. Take it off road sometimes too. Doesn’t do bad.

you forgot to mention the built in picnic table!

Couldn’t agree more. Got one for each of my two post secondary students for 4-5k each four years ago. Both still driving after graduating. Of course I forwarded the link for this video to them. Thanks.

2006 CRV, 326k miles.. Amazing vehicle.. I'll have driven it for 15 years this year. I'm afraid to get a new vehicle.. :)

You are spot on with the engine/transmission. They are very good. My 2002 CR-V has 313,000 miles on it........still runs excellent, burns very little oil, and the transmission is all original and never had a fluid change. Bought it from my sister and she never changed it. Still shifts perfect. They really are great cars. Nice review. Thank you.

What I like about this generation is that when there's a decent amount of snow, it is really fun to drift in

Back in the day, these were notorious for having ac compressor issues, if you still have the factory one it would be a good idea to switch out to the more improved aftermarket ones.

My 2006 was the best investment I ever made. I bought it new but it has almost 300,000 miles on it now. I admit I’ve towed more than I probably should had which is why the transmission went out at the 200,000 mile mark. I’ve driven it in the desert including an area in the Mojave desert that has the finest sand in the world. I’ve driven it in foot deep snow in Portland, OR where the roads aren’t properly plowed. Driven it on dirt mountain roads, flooded streets, tons of highway trips, towed my little tent trailer, and moved from So Cal to Oregon with a 4x8 harbor freight trailer. I’ve literally hit every corner of the car and dented both sides but it still runs. I will be sad to let it go someday when it reaches the end of its life. I bought the car for my 30th birthday when I separated with my ex and, unlike him, I have never regretted my choice ;)

I had this car. Super super reliable! And really awesome ground clearance!

I bought my 2005 CRV brand new and got it mainly for all its safety features. It's got the 5 speed manual transmission and it's been a great vehicle to drive in all weather conditions. It just reached 180,000km and it's been very reliable these last 15 years. The A/C just quit working last summer, but it's a very expensive fix ($2500 CAD). Will drive with the windows open this summer, lol.

I bought an 05 last yr, still looks great. 230k miles.

Thankyou for this. First time I've watched a vehicle review that isn't trying to flex knowledge or feels like a salesman talking. Appreciate it

I just bought a 2005 CR-V EX with AWD exactly like this one. Same color, wheels, and everything. Mine is a stick shift though! It's a one owner car that has been meticulously maintained throughout its life and has just over 200k and best of all no rust! Something that is extremely rare to find in a car that has spent it's entire lifetime in the northeast!

You hit it out the park. I can't say enough about my very fun super reliable handsome 2005 crv. One of if not the best car iv ever owned. And Still do.......

Got 2 second Gen CRV's, one with auto trans (166,000 miles) and one with 5-speed manual (90,000 miles). Both run great. Would drive either on a cross country trip tomorrow (if only I could) and would expect them to be trouble free. Also, parts are everywhere. They also handle very well for a SUV. Thanks for the video!

I have an '04 CRV EX with a 5-speed manual. It truly is the best mix of fun, practical, and reliable I have ever driven.

I just bought a 2006 LX with a manual trans with 203000 miles for $3500. The body is perfect and everything works. Doesn't drip a bit. I am putting new struts and and a 1" lift on it. It was only one of three in all of Southern Calif with a manual so I paid a little more.

The 02-06 CRVs are great little vehicles. I bought an automatic 05 after my '92 Volvo 940 turbo was totaled, and a year later bought a manual 02 crv when the wife totaled my' 91 Cressida, because I liked the 05 so much. They were both a little neglected but if you buy one that's been well maintained (and washed regularly) as well as maintaining it yourself, you'll have a good solid vehicle for years. So far I've done brakes, wheel bearings, struts, various engine parts, and also the DRL module which needed solder repair, plus other little items. All these things are on the internet and most aren't difficult to do yourself, but my #1 piece of advice is to stick to the fluid change schedule... don't neglect the engine oil and coolant, transmission or rear differential fluid.

I had an 06 for a first car and I was wonderful I miss it 🥺

I own a 2002 with over 250k miles. Run like a top. I LOVE IT! Update: It now has over 275k miles and runs great.

I have a 2006 CRV. Just got the windows tinted, and it now looks like a beast. I might feel the bumps in the road, and it might not be the smoothest anymore, but it’s super reliable. Another thing I wish the current day CRVs would bring back is the passenger shelf. For this early of a vehicle, that was a great feature and I think Honda should bring it back.

I'm in the UK & have a mk2, previously I had a mk1 which was also a very reliable car. My mk2 is a 2004 petrol manual with 121k, previous owner neglected it due to a expensive rip off garage. I have restored it by putting in a new clutch, changed all suspension bushes, new exhaust, painted the underside as it was starting surface rust, new towbar, tyres. All jobs were straight forward, parts reasonably cheap too. It drives superb, pulls well when towing, does exactly what you what it to do. It will last years to come unlike Ford's etc. With all terrain tyres it gets through the muddy bits no problem.

Couldn't agree more. Did my research while looking for my first car last year quickly realized I couldn't find a better bang for my buck. Especially considering AWD was a must as I go to school in Northern Ontario. Very happy with the car, great quality as you'd expect from honda. Handles 2 feet of snow like a champ. Even stopping and starting on a 30° asphalt road with 1 foot of snow it did with no complaints. Haven't got it stuck in snow yet, and I've been trying lol

I have four Hondas and two CRV’s. My 2k CRV has about 150k with zero issues. I did voluntarily replace the timing chain about five years ago. I LOVE my 2k CRV. Wife drives a 2004. I think I’ll buy her a NEW 2005-06 for Christmas! Thanks!

Love my 02 Gen-2. 427,000kms (265,000 miles). has some tappet tick but that's literally it! I'm currently lifting mine 3-inches and have fitted off-road tyres and I can absolutely confirm that this is the best car I've owned in the 14 years of driving I've ever driven, and I've owned 2. Both were under $3,000aud and they're fantastic.

I have a 2006 for more than 10 years with just little over 100k miles. Haven't had much issues *knock on wood* aside from recalls. I'm barely 5'9" tall but I love the head room and leg room. My passengers appreciate the backseat space too. I looked at the 2007 once and they aren't as roomy. If someone offered to trade theirs, even with lower mileage, I'd keep mine lol.

I have a 2003 CRV EX. This particular generation of CRVs have an issue with the A/C compressor. It's located in an area where it gets very hot and will probably eventually fail. I replace mine when it failed because A/C is very important to me. May not be as big a deal to someone who doesn't use A/C that much but something to be aware of.

Just yesterday I picked up my 05 ex with a manual. I've had 17 cars some much newer then this and this is tied for the best car I've ever owned. So fun to drive and the wife's 08 crv has been a rock for 165k. No major issues other then power steering pump. I honestly can't imagine a better daily especially with kids.

2001 crv owner here...240000 miles and going strong..I do keep it maintained of course

Just bought a 2005 I love it it rides I can see why ppl Love them and keep them

Looks like my 2005. Bought it new. I went with the 2 wheel drive. Best car I ever had by far.

Highly recommended is a Xtrons double din android unit. Less than £200 off eBay. They fit straight in with no modifications required as they come with a ISO cable, plug n play. Fitting instructions are on KZfaq, removing dash panels etc and anybody can do it. Features include: * Bluetooth hands free - perfect * DVD player * Wi-fi - I run it from my phone which has 2GB * KZfaq * Tons of free apps * Sat-nav Still discovering new features, only had it a week so there’s more to discover. Only problem is I’m looking down at it whilst driving because it looks awesome 😳🚙

I am sooooo jealous of the color! It is awesome. I'm stuck with a pewter grey, but otherwise agree with your assessment. Hoping to keep this another 100K (a 174K now).

Mine is a 2006 with *only* 105,000 miles on the clock!. Only thing I've needed to fix was the radio/satnav. Great car and haven't found anything better to replace it with!. Love the dashboard coolbox!.

I have the CRV original 1997, still working amazingly well.

I just replaced my 98 Outback Subaru with a 2006 Honda CR-V and she is so sweet!! Thanks for this awesome review.

This one, I feel is the best looking model. Simple lines age well.

What you forgot to mention is this was the last of the CRVs offered with a 5 speed manual transmission. Which makes this a true enthusiast’s car. I’m looking for a low mileage one now for my teen to learn to drive a stick (I don’t want him learning on my 911) and for me to play with as well.

No joke I wouldnt trade my crv for a new one. I LOVE the interior, how it drives, the AWD is awesome too. Perfect little truck.

I am the 6th owner of a 05 CRV RD5 and I bought it at 150K for $6500. I've never owned Honda before and I was pleasantly surprised. This video is very correct but I would also say they did a very good paint job.

i got a 03 awd ex second hand never failed me!! Awesome

Thank you for the honest review and I am driving this same model. It's an awesome mid-size SUV.

I own a 2003 Honda CR-V ex with 276000 miles and it still runs like a champ.

I took mine through almost 2 ft of snow a few weeks back, powered right through. Beast.

Exactly like mine, Colour and dark glass. I highly recommend these!

My son in law has 2006 he bought new. It now has 219,000 miles. Never anything major wrong. Any problems over the years have been small. I think his 2006 Honda CR-V must be about bullet proof.

I so agree with you I love it got 1 for my wife almost 4 years ago and still going strong

My 05 crv look exactly like your, bought new in 2005 still driving today with 170k miles. I definitely will buy another crv in the future.

I own a 2002 CRV 2.0 vtec which I recently bought from a friend of mine very cheap as a temporary car. It is not the best example as it has been used as a towing car most of it's life and as such the rear suspension is pretty shot... That being said, it has just ticked over 117000 miles and feels like it could easily do double or treble that, it is a fantastic car despite being nearly 20 years old, it's practical, safe, reliable, cheap to repair and maintain and with a fantastic engine that has decent performance for an old SUV. I only wish it was slightly better on fuel as I live in the UK where petrol is roughly the same price as gold bullion but that isn't the cars fault per se... There are still a lot of these vehicles on the road over here (and in the US from what I can gather) which is a testament to their reliability and longevity. I would highly recommend these cars to anyone who is after a practical, cheap and reliable SUV.

Mines is a 2004, and that's my baby, I love my car, it runs like brand new with 105700 mileage. Not trading it for nothing.

2022 Comment here. Just purchased a 2002 CRV with over 260k on the clock. Purchased it as a beater for days when I don't want to bring out my Porsche. Thing drives AMAZING. only did an oil change and power steering fluid flush and it's good as new. still running on the OEM tranny, Water pump, and practically everything else. Shifts great and handles fine. If you're thinking about picking one up, DO IT! I can't wait to turn this thing into an off-roading bandit!

I have a 2003 CRV. I bought it 5 years ago when it had 123,000. It now has 183,000. No rust and I've always liked the styling. I was looking for a 2006 but could find any at the time. This is mt second CRV. My last one was a 1999.

Very nice review, these are terrific cars. I have owned an 06 mk2 for 4 years now , it’s the diesel 2.2 in bright red. Love it, do all my own maintenance. 2 years ago a muppet used us as a break at traffic lights and shot us forward several feet. Insurance wrote car off for a bumper and bottom door panel. I purchased the car ( worth 3.5k) back off insurance company for under £500 and I I got the parts off eBay for £80 and spent about £50 on paint. Good as new . Since replaced front drive shafts and shockers and springs . These are brilliant work horses. Put the seats down and you have a van. The diesel gets me 45 mpg. Here in lockdown in the UK o am averaging 3 weeks to the gallon :-)

I'm a muscle car guy, but I always try to have a daily driver, too, and in 2003, fresh off a divorce that removed all my toys, tools, and garage, I bought a new 2003 CR-V LX for me and my two young daughters because I needed dead reliable family transportation, and it delivered that perfectly, school every day, Disney World, carry everything and everyone in comfort - best rear seats in its class. Also, I loved the fold down center console (walk through to the back like a minivan) and column shifter - because when you're 6'5" your knees hit EVERY stupid pointless fixed center console holding a pointless shifter you rarely touch. I have center console shifters - but in my cars where you SHIFT! Bought new for $18,400, I sold it to Carmax for $13,500 after 3 years and 36k miles. Phenomenal engineering, phenomenal resale. Totally boring, but totally the right tool for the right job. It might not be the car you want, but it's the car a lot of us need. Now pardon me while I wrench on my totally unreliable muscle cars (it's okay, now I have an old Civic to make sure I can get someplace). :)

I don't live in the united states, I bought an 06 Honda CR-V and at the time I got it, the car had been in a small accident where the front left tire got off its axle. Long story short... I repaired the car and still have it in great condition, I have drove on very rough roads and the car doesn't cease to amaze me... 100% agree, this must be the most reliable car ever... good job Honda... Thanks for sharing sir

Once you get above 175 - 200k miles, just buy a JDM k24a replacement for $800 and have it swapped. If you have been doing scheduled transmission and rear axle fluid changes, along with other maintenance, this basically gives you the drive of a new CR-V. I just did this in my 2003 CR-V with 168k and it runs like a new car.

Love my 06! 213,688 and counting! Looking to by a second one. My only complaint is the small fuel tank. It gets decent mileage (mine is 2wd) but the cruising range is not great.

Me and my wife have bought one tonight. 2006 one. I am stoked as I hear nothing but good about this car :)

I have this same one, have 230,000 miles on it, I bought it new and plan on giving it to my daughter next year when she starts driving, it needs repainted and a few minor things but it has been the best vehicle that I have ever owned.

Straight on Point! I wouldn't trade this to new honda crv's or any honda.

I got a 2003, bought it brand new , the only problems I had with it was the brake calipers failing and locking and a fuse went out on it and would not start and the dashboard lights went crazy. Paint oxidized too. Runs great and I only have 83k miles on it. Will never give it up.

Dude, I love the color of your CRV. It looks boss with the black trim and handles. We love our CRV. Our 2005 AC Compressor exploded though... Don't even know what we're going to do... may have totaled the car.

I have a 2005 CRV since 2006, and still runing great. In fact, i preffer to drive daily the '05 than another 2011 model that i have. I think the 2005 is funnier to drive. The only thing to consider in my experience, and is a thing that not everybody is talking about CRV's, is the bad quality of their AC compressor. I am running my 3th compressor in 15 years. Everything else about that model is perfect for a 15 years old car. Greetings from Mexico!

On the 2002 CRV, side impact airbags were optional. Mine has the side impact airbags and is now at 290k miles. Engine and trans are solid. Common issues are the clutch on the AC compressor, leaks from the VTEC solenoid, and p0420 catalytic converter issues. I've had all these issues but I've replaced the compressor w an aftermarket one and it continues to drive. Pulled off the valve cover and got told by my mechanic cousin that it looks similar to engines with 60-70k. Bought it for 500$ at 250k

I like this generation the best the ones after it looked too much like a van got an 06 with 130000 miles so far so good had it for about 4 years........

I got my 2nd Gen 2006 CR-V in 2008 and I still have it. It’s got 161k miles on it. I still drive it as my grocery getter and winter car. This car has been so good to me. It honestly still looks pretty nice too. Has a little bit of rust around the gas cap which is normal for these cars. It Will honestly be hard for me to ever get rid of it.

I have a 2006 CRV EX. Never had any issues with my car. The Best car I have ever M owned.

I agree completely with your options in the video. The 2.5 Gen CR-V is the total package for cheap cars. I would only add that there is one big Achilles heel, the A/C compressor. On some CR-Vs it can fail causing an expensive repair. But that is the only soft spot on these cars and it didn't affect every model.

Dang, and I thought I was big stuff in my 1975 Honda civic that I pulled out of a junkyard and got running. 😁 She'll be styling in that beauty. Hope she enjoys. Btw start lookimg for blowby in the pistons at around 100,000. You will notice spark tubes seals burnt and coil packs burnt. Will start off as a misfire then when you go to do a tune up you will find oil in the spark plug tubes.

I agree...great car. I thought I would never own a Japanese car but this 06 fell in my lap for cheap and hasnt disappointed. With the price of gas now Im very glad I bought. And for anybody on the fence about buying one... it comes with freaking picnic table !!!

I have an 06' with over 438,000 km. Still going strong

My only problems with CRV's are the expensive A/C repairs and the ground-clearance-limiting exhaust resonator.

I want one so bad..... Been in one, I love that it was very spacious and comfortable