For those wondering if it’s safe, on September 12, at 5:44 AM I struck a piece of concrete going 70 mph causing immediate loss of control and I hit the wall and rolled over. My only injury was a bruise to my knee and airbag burns on my thumb. I truly and grateful to this car. It saved my life 2 days ago. 180,000 trouble free miles. Sad it ended that way. I could’ve gone 300,000 I wasn’t burning any oil!!!!

1st Gen and 2nd gen CRV's are the best looking design in my opinion, simplicity is so nice.

This is a great car. I bought mine new in 2004. I now have 300k miles. On the original transmission and engine. It has never once broke down or wouldn't start. Parts wear out and things have to be replaced, but its worth replacing.

One of my favorite things about my crv is the turn radius, you can almost spin in place:)

3yrs later, and this is still a relevant, and outstanding, review. I've been recommending these for years, and anyone who took the advice was always extremely happy. I recently decided it was time to get one, and held out for the '05 5spd model. It took a 12hr round trip to pick it up and trailer it home, but I couldn't be happier. Everything about it puts a huge smile on my face, and the paint color is "Silver Moss Metallic" so it actually changes color, depending on the lighting outside. One minute it's silver, the next it's gray, and then suddenly it's got a green hue, that seems to have blue in it. I can only imagine what it must have looked like sitting in a dealer showroom, or on their lot, brand new.

Just picked one of these up with 139k, near perfect interior and body. Super strong running motor. AWD and the rare 5spd. I'm amazed.

Loved your review. I got a 2004 CR-V in March 2020 with the 2.0L engine 4 speed AT. She has about 140,000 mi on her and still runs like a champ. I just love that car. You can take her anywhere and bring lots of stuff while still having a comfortable trip.

I love that people can still appreciate simplicity and practicality

CRV’s are such solid vehicles. My cousin has a 90’s CRV and it runs like a champ.

I lived inside mine for 6 hard months I miss her

If you remove the front seat headrests, they fold down flat. Even at 6'1", it is comfy to sleep in.

My wife brought one of these into our marriage, we didn't discover the handy table hidden under the rear floor mat until she had had it for a couple of years.

I have had a 2003 mkii crv since 2006. Its awesome.

My parents bought this December 2002. Passed down to me by 2009. Guess what, I still drove by this until 2017 before it found a new owner. I really love this CRV! Never had a problem with it.

I love my 2006 SE and don't plan on selling it even when I buy a new car. Actually, I kinda want to buy a 2nd one honestly

I LOVE my 05 SE!! Bought it as a 1-owner used with 89k miles, 5 years ago and I’ve just passed 150k with no repairs beyond regular maintenance. It has even done some off-road camping! It has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I have yet to find another to rival it.

I’ve got a 2003 CRV, and it’s an awesome car! And don’t forget the seats lie down almost flat to make a bed

My 03 probably spends half of its time airborne and loves every second of it. 389600kms (242086mi) on the clock, still going strong!

Have had this truck since new! 04 with 204000 miles, engine and tran original. Seats are still mint.

So happy with my car 🥰🥰 I’m 16 and got this car for my last bday from my grandmother. Amazing car.

I picked up a 06 Ex with 135k miles about 2 months ago for 3k... So far smartest purchase I've ever made. I hated the design but now I catch myself looking back at it once I park...great review keep it up. You got yourself a subscriber.

Love this car. Bought a 2004, manual 5 gear, in 2019. The AC is not working as it should and the radio electronics drained the battery (so I've pulled the fuse until I can get it fixed), but with regards to practicality (great boot space and the picnic table is awesome), comfort & reliability, its a dreamboat. We call it 'old faithful'.

I have a 2003 CRV EX. Slight oil burn issue. I bought it at 253K miles and now have 330K on the odometer and still going strong as heck. Love my picnic table. I got rid of 2 newer cars and kept the CRV. Plan to drive it until it explodes lol

I have a 2002 EX RealTime AWD. AC was completely redone by previous owner. Works great. Good suv. I like it. Basically city driving running errands. Avg 17 mpg. Not bad for 18 yrs old. It's still a keeper for me.

bought a 2003 cr-v with 183000kms for the missus...great little car all round...she's loving it

bought an 05 CRV EX yestrday (8/29/20) 92K miles. hoping to get 20+ yrs out of it. you are right: its sparse / minimalist, in a good way. its 1 reason i bought it

Thanks for the review. Just a month ago I bought a 2004 CR-V with 133,000 miles. I'm amazed at the features and how much the car has improved over the 1st edition. I had a 2001 that I bought used in 2003 as a salvage vehicle, it looked great and had low mileage but unknown to me had a cracked engine mount, which was hidden inside the timing belt cover. When I hit a hard bump that broke the rest of the way and broke the timing belt. After getting that fixed the transmission had something break inside as well, and broke out the side of the housing. Moral of the story, becareful buying a salvage vehicle! Anyway the improvements in the 2nd generation make a world of difference in the car. I am amazed at the features and changes over the 2001 model, even though that one was an EX and my 2004 is an LX. However I'm not hard to impress as for the last 11 years I have been driving a 2001 Isuzu NPR HD truck, converted into an RV by putting a truck camper on the back of it. Anyway, great review, and I love my 2004 CR-V! I'm living and traveling in it now, and will soon be building a small camping trailer to pull behind it. It was time to downsize after living in my NPR camper for 11 years. I agree, the 2nd gen is the best looking, clean and simple, boxy like an SUV should be for maximum space utilization, not like the 3rd gen and later, which try to not look like an SUV.

I admit I may have been prejudiced against Hondas for some unknown reason and the CR-V was not on my RADAR at all But a friend was selling theirs and I took a drive and now I am the very happy owner of a 2nd Gen 5A

Great video! I just wanted to note that when the seats are tumbled forward there is a lock for them. The straps on the back have a little nub under the front seats that they link to to hold them up. Also, The 2006 CR-V only has lower ratings for hp and torque because of the adaption of SAE. The 05 and 06 while not the quickest in the world, the 5 speed auto defiantly helps it get around :)

Superb, honest and well researched review. After watching for the first time last week I went out and bought one for my daughter who is on her L's (learning to drive for you lot in the States) A few of her friends were all running Golf's 06-11 and 3 of them have broken down, the cars not the girls. I looked at 3 in total, an 05 and 2 x 04's, and have literally just bought a Silver 04, 158,000 km's, full unmarked leather, sunroof, roof racks, new tyres, new battery, full tank of fuel, full service history and stamped logbook - Oh! and a picnic table ;-) . Drives and handles like a dream, very impressed with just how good to be honest. Paid AUD$4,500 (about USD$3,500) Will come back on in a few months with an update.

Unfortunately my 2004 Honda CRV was hit a couple days ago by a woman who ran a red light, her car was fine of course, but she ended up totaling mine. In the 2 years that I had mine I added another 40,000 miles to it, so it was at 188,000 miles before it was totaled. Absolutely love how this car drives, compared to others-- all of my friends who have driven my car say the same. The car had awesome ac and heating, and no issues at the time of the crash. Deciding to watch this video to reminisce. Waiting on the money for a replacement car, unfortunately the woman who hit me didn't have a proper license, and her car insurance company is awful even though she is 100% at fault, might have to take this to court. I'll miss this car, but I'm thinking of getting a Prius as my next car, because the gas mileage wasn't amazing for the Honda, but what do you expect with an early 2000's SUV?

I have a 2005 black CR-V in South Florida.. never been waxed and not garage kept.. surprisingly the paint hasn't faded yet in 2021.. Mine was built in the UK so maybe the paint was of higher quality than usual.. I love the CR-V its a legend and the best car for the money hands down

I just bought a 2001 CR-V with 210k miles and runs great. I bought it for $400! I like simplicity & durability like these old ones. SUV's today are riddled with garbage electronics and break down before they should.

I got CR-V 2003 Sports edition as my daily drive. Owned since 2018 still going strong. Love it ❤️

I bought my 2002 Honda crv 3 month ago just like the one he is showing n the video same color inside n outside n I pay 3000 I love my Honda crv great car

I had a 99 crv and currently have on 04 crv. Some of my favorite vehicles. I plan to refresh the look of my 04 to get some more years out of it.

Very reliable car, only problems that I've encountered was the ac condenser and the power steering leaking.

I have a 02....fking love it, it has over 200K and been in the family since it came out...only thing we ever had to do was change the catalytic converter....the window switch thing, yeah it’s a minor issue. Oh and btw out of the 18 years we owned this car, we never ever knew about the table until you said it....thank you for that :)

I bought an 04 12 years ago with only 54k miles on it and drove it as a housecall vet car, 20k a year on it and sold it to a friend at 240k! Only work it needed was replaced the original AC, at 200k, and regular type maintenance! It’s time doing 20 k a year was done, I figured! My friend has had to put some $ in it but she loves it! GREAT a car. I now have an 09 Element, same drivetrain or….maybe different trans.

I've had two Honda CRV MKII now in the UK - the original 2.0lt petrol was great but I needed a 2.2lt diesel to tow our new caravan (both manual transmission) - can't fault reliability, performance (40mph round town/long trips and still 28mph towing 1300kgs for 6 hours and 400 miles) - the load space is phenominal with the UK back seats able to slide back increasing leg room or forward to increase load space - it may not be the most sexy or fast but, as a family truck, DIY load carrier, functional, easy to get most spare trim on line, or just point and shoot, I get out of it after long journeys and not fall out folded in half - now I've had my 2006 for just over 2 years and even with 153k on the clock, its not going anywhere!

I have an 04 EX. Bought about 5 years ago with 57k on it. Its got 115k on it now. My first 6 months ownership the AC compressor blew up internally. Ended up costing me about $1400 for compressor, condensor and new lines. Over the remaining years I've had to replace replace 3 door lock actuators, the starter, a sensor related to the emissions system (not the O2), front wheel bearings, motor mounts and a few other smaller assorted things. Minor oil leak at the rear main seal but nothing bad enough to be bothered fixing. Engine and tranny are solid and troublefree otherwise. All interior electronics work perfect, suspension is all original but some worn bushings in the rear that need to be tended to. Original exhaust is still good, although had to have flange at rear of cat to straight pipe welded a few years ago due to small exhaust leak.

These are simply immense vehicles … bought my 03 CRV around 2007 and just can’t part with it. Owned it for 17 years!! Wowzer 😂

I personally own a Honda CR-V 04 and feels so GREAT driving it and like you said the performance is legit and durable :)

Bought my '04 CRV in 2019 with 207k miles with no issues for pretty cheap. AC did go out in 2020 and have spent probably around $3k on fixes/repairs, including AC compressor, condenser, alternator, and radiator (all things that definitely could've used some love) and misc minor repairs. I had purchased the car to convert into a mini-camper of sorts, after doing some research and finding how much interior cabin space the 02-06's have. I've since taken out the back seats and built a sleeping platform with enough room for 2 people to sleep pretty comfortably. It's taken us up and down the west coast several times with little to no issues. At 255k, still going strong. Highly recommend!

Owner a 2003 with near 220,000 miles on it best car that humbled me and helped out move all of my film equipment.

I’m planning on buying a 2004 CRV EX in a few days, I’m selling my 2021 Mazda3 hatchback turbo. That’s how much I want this car, it’s gonna save me so much money.

I wish Honda made something as reliable nowadays but they just can’t seem to with the over complication of just about every system due to customer demand of bullshit technologies

I have an '04 with 160,000 miles on it. It's been pretty reliable for the most part. Just had to replace a VTEC solenoid assembly that caused it to go into limp mode at 3,000 rpm. Easy and inexpensive job.

My mom's had a 06 cr-v since they debuted. Old girl is a tank, been through hell and back, and still kicking. I'll do everything in my power to keep her on the road till they make gasoline engines illegal.

This review was pretty spot on... as someone who has owned a 2004 for like 5 years I can say the problems with it are on point. I've spent almost 3k trying to fix the ac but it keeps going out and alot of my electronics have been going out in the past year. The only thing not talked about in this review that is a deal breaker is that the starter is in the middle of the engine. So if you have issues with it you have to take apart half the engine to get to it.

I was in the car business .when covid came I had to close .I sold out my lot and kept a2004 crv manual 5 speed to drive till I figured out my next move and what newer car I would get myself.I loved it so much I’m still driving it

I have an Ex model, 2007 Estate 2.2 litre. The boot is huge and being a 6 gear manual change, it is quite quick on the motorway here in the UK. It's the most practical and reliable used car that i have ever owned.

Just got a 2003 with 130k miles for 4,250 dollars

My 2004 with a manual transmission has been a great car. I just drove it 18 hours throughout the weekend from Kentucky to Nashville Tennessee, and also Memphis.

Dad sold his pristine 2005 one and got a 2012 X5. Kinda regrets it, still says it was the best car he has ever had. Now i'm looking for one for myself!

My ‘03 CR-V EX will probably be the best car I’ll own, got her for a grand and a half. Leather trim, heated seats, Sunroof, Heated mirrors and a stolen catalytic converter. Despite the work it took to get it running and not sound like a tractor that ought to be put out of its misery, it’s by far an amazing value. turns on a dime, no blind spots, terrific stereo and decent fuel efficiency.

I almost bought one. I got a 2012 Nissan Murano because of the luxury. But you're right on the money. In that regard, a Toyota Venza is a bulletproof luxury SUV!

The seats fold into a bed. Take the headrest off the front seats slide them all the way up and lean all the seats all the way back. One of the reasons I bought one. 2003 5 speed awd k24.

power steering is the main issue i've had with my 2003 honda crv

Just picked up a 2005. 1 owner 97k miles. Drove it from NY to TX. Got 27MPG.

If you move the front seat all the way forward , remove the head Cushing ,lower the set and seat on the rear seat you’ll have a long seat.

Just bought a 2004. 145k miles, real clean, for $5,000.

My grandparents bought a 2004 brand new. Now my grandpa is turning 89 next week and decided he no longer wants to drive and he gave me the CR-V. Just got it today, only has 55k miles on it and pretty much looks and drives like brand new. Only thing is the drivers rear window doesn’t work from the door switch or master switch.

mine's a 2006, 338k, no major issues.. AC, clutch only, at 330k miles.. xmission change fluid at 17k intervals- never issues.. Engine runs great.. Best auto I'll ever own.. still runs strong.. basic reliable transportation.

Good review. I have 179,000 mile on my 2004 LX. Engine and tranny are bulletproof, though my a.c. died at 145,000 and the electric window and door switches were problematic at about the same time as the a.c. At nearly 3K to fix the a.c.(actually replace it), I have gone old school without it for two years. Not fun but the cost of repair is prohibitive. Interesting but my engine, 2.4L, 4 speed auto gets 180 hp and 179 foot-lbs. of torque. Not a speed ball but certainly adequate. Looked at new CRVs. Cannot find one for under 32K and they have the direct injected (ugh) 1.5L turbo, of which there have been issues and questions about long-term reliability. Overall, these were great, practical cars. If take care of, they will last 20+ years!

Just got a 2006 Sahara Sand CRV SE love it runs like a champ had it 3 months now. It was one owner garage kept and I got it for a steal. $3900 cash

Honestly, as someone who is critical of people who do car reviews I cannot come up with any criticism. I agree with you entirely about this vehicle. It's too bad that today's new vehicles are less practical, not as reliable, and are just plain too expensive for what you get.

I had an 06 EX manual, which I loved, but it did have some issues. I had an axel replaced under extended warranty, around 100k miles, and the AC and another axel were on their way out around 140k miles, so I traded the car in for a 2019 VW Alltrack SEL with 6spd manual. I love this too.

I have a 2006 with only 90,000 miles. Just got the windows tinted and it looks super good

2005-2006 crv is the most reliable CR-V ever made. It will easily outlast the 2017-2021 crv as long as you save it from rust

just bought a 2002 cr-v ex. It's got some issues, but the price was right and mid-pandemic there was hardly anything on the market. Glad to get a sturdy little SUV with serious clearance and tire size that won't break the bank

My 2006 has 408,000 miles on it. Original engine and transmission. Not much else needs to be said.

Bought my EX new in 04 .AC went out under 50k .All the bells & whistles don't work now but still running strong at 274k.

Reached 200k without any major issues only replacing valve cover gasket, shaft speed sensor and other replaced parts nothing extremely major and still runs like a champ take it in mud and dirt a lot and no issues with the awd

One of the Best SUVs ever made.

Just in time für my crv-binge. Gotta get one soon! Thanks für the Review from germany

I own a 2nd gen Crv and I'm in love with this car. 433.000 km trouble free

I have a 2004 LX with 185K miles and only had the AC issue which got fixed for $750. This is a bullet proof car. I hate the ugly look of new SUV's with narrow windows and swoosh roof. This is a great design.

I’ve got an 05 CR-V, minor changes, but nothing too major. Absolutely love it. Paint has become more of a matte finish Twitter wear, but personally think it adds to the vibe. I’ll drive it till it dies (which I don’t foresee anytime soon)

Stuff breaks on My 2004 CR-V left and right, Just since 8/2019.. Laser cut keys $400+ steering Rack $1600 + Fuel pump $400+ Power steering Pump $375+oil Spool $95 and a few other things as well, but I still "kinda" like it.

I have the "newer" 2005 Honda CR-V with heated seats, and I absolutely love it! Even at 19 years old this car is still running great! I will absolutely run this car into the ground, because I don't really like the newer models of today.

Thanks for making this video, man. I've been thinking about buying a used 2006 Honda CRV here in Florida. There's one in my city that sells for 6 grand right now, it's got a mileage of 150k+ plus miles. Now, you helped me and convinced me more to just do this, just get this CRV. Thanks, man. Very nice video, by the way...outstanding job. man !

I still have my 06 CRV LX AWD with 110,000 miles. Will probably outlive me.

Kool vid.....that never knew it could burnout like that with the wheels lol 😂

I picked up an ‘02 with 42,000 miles on it in 2018. Just rolled over 100k

I have this car. Just changed clutch on it and its my first time i have ever changed a clutch on a car. I did the job on a flat cemented ground and without a car lift. it wasn't too hard job. the hardest thing to work on in my opinion was the ball joint and the rear drive axle other than that the job went smoothly. it was worth changing the clutch rather than buying another car. this car is the best one i have had so far

Got myself a 2002 CR-V 2.4 L 5 speed manual with 190k miles for $1,550 (I’m here in Australia, values converted to US)! Sure, I had to change the disc brakes and yet to fix the stereo, but they still run smoothly with no oil leaks and cold ac!

My wife have a 2006 4 wheel drive ex model..and have over 300,xxx miles and still stronggg

I am getting mine soon! A silver gen 2 EX awd manual

I have a 2003 EX. 2nd owner, my mother was the first owner. I put all terrain tires, OEM visors all around, put in my own fog lights, double din radio, bug deflector looks cool. My headlights look bad, thinking about going with black looking style. Only issue is a bad oil leak

I currently own an ‘03, I’ve beat it up. Had to replace some suspension parts, but that’s because I do an extensive amount of driving, using it as a delivery vehicle and also as a handyman. Also driving it to Houston and back a couple of times. One thing I feel you failed to mention is it’s turning radius and it’s 4 wheel/all-wheel drive capability in snowy conditions. I’ve owned it since 2012 during the 8 inch snow year hear in Indiana. I owned a ‘79 Wrangler for a while and this truck is very comparable when it comes to capability. I specifically looked for a CR-V of this model when I was looking for a newer vehicle back then and have been extremely happy ever since. I only wish I could’ve found one with a manual transmission. I have the LX btw. 😊

I had one of these when my mother gave it to me a few years ago after she upgraded to a Buick, had around 75k miles when she first bought it, but now, it’s reached 177k, battery could on several occasions be stuttery and the car itself seems to one of the more “fussier” ones when compared to the one’s in the comment section, having had its battery die thrice, and having to replace it’s entire AC system due to suffering a failure in the compressor in 2022 that contaminated the entire ac system. (was basically a whine that increased depending on how high the engine revved, and was very likely the infamous black death based on the fact it gunked up everything when the mechanic told my mother. Probably was one of the unluckier models to suffer this since the ac was supposedly redesigned in 2004 and above to address the issue.) Aside from that (And a broken front left window, tail-light, and dented rear bumper.) It runs quite well and will serve till it stops working.

Gen 2.5 2005-2006 SE CRV is one of the all time great cars.

I know you are talking about the 2004 but I have a 2005 that I bought new. Thought about selling it and getting a newer car but I love this one so much I just can't. Never, NEVER, had any trouble with it.

Im an original owner of a 04. Have 304k miles now. This car is AAA+++ if not abused. Still original auto trans and engine.

It’s 12:55 am. I am in bed watching this video. For the first time I learned about the picnic table. Immediately bundled up and pulled that bad boy out.

My parents bought a 2003 Element brand new and I must say Hondas from this time were very practical

The best review of the CR-V! Thanks a bunch, planning on buying one soon!

I also have a 2003 its has done 212000 miles, has only been serviced 3 times, nothing has failed yet, original exhaust. It cost me £5500 14yrs ago, i have spent £612 on service and discs & pads in that time. Its worth about £500 now, its cost me about £6600 over 14yrs, so it has cost about £1.29 a day to own. Very pleased will get another one when it dies

Thanks for disclosing your height. That's extremely important for scale in these vehicle vids.