2003 Honda CR-V Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The longtime benchmark of the "soft roader" mini-SUV class. Drive it. You'll like it.
Pros
Highly versatile and roomy interior, stable handling, comfortable ride, high crash test scores.
Cons
Limited off-road ability.
What's New for 2003
Fully revamped last year, the CR-V receives no significant changes for 2003.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Honda CRV A/C Problem
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda CR-V EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We're very unhappy about having to shell out $1,618 for a new A/C system a couple weeks ago for our '03 Honda CR-V. Vehicle hadn't quite hit 70,000 miles and was no longer under warranty. We didn't want to sweat through a hot, humid MN summer without A/C, and dealership wouldn't even consider a trade-in without it being fixed. So didn't feel we had much choice in the matter. Honda evidently covered about $2,200 in parts, and the dealership provided us with a loaner, for which we were grateful, but still a big financial hit when we could least afford it. Very disappointed in Honda quality. Lots of people seem to be experiencing same problem. They need to do a recall.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Recall defective Honda CR-V A/C systems and pay to replace.
Reliable but Cramped Leg Room
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda CR-V LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My CR-V is a great car for someone who is less than 6 feet tall and doesn't want to go off road very often. I am 6' 2" and cannot drive it on long trips because the leg room is cramped. Also, the AWD uses an open transfer case with open axles, meaning you really have one wheel drive. The CR-V is great for urban moms who want a large rear trunk area. Very reliable and good gas mileage, great build quality.
Favorite Features
4 cylinder engine, which is rare in a SUV.
Suggested Improvements
More front leg room, locked transfer case with limited slip rear axle, (like the Ford Escape and Chevy Blazer)
Disappointed in Ontario
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda CR-V EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Recently traded my 2000 Pontiac Montana for a 2003 Honda CR-V. After 3 years of constant repairs on the Montana I was so excited to own a "reliable" vehicle. Well, last week the compressor in the air conditioning unit went and I now have to fork out $1500.+ to replace it. I am very disappointed. I have owned several Hondas and they have always been reliable & reasonable to maintain. After reading the reviews, I may just fix it and sell it as this seems to be an ongoing problem. Heads up, Honda. The North American car manufacturers have let the buying public down horribly with their poorly designed and built vehicles. Don't follow suit! Gas mileage also not as good as expected.
Favorite Features
5-speed transmission, handles well, AWD
Suggested Improvements
Air conditioning design, please!!!! Or a longer, more comprehensive warranty. Improve gas mileage.
Best idea I every had
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda CR-V LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I use to own a truck and needed something that can haul people and stuff and get good gas mileage. This little car has it all. I even pull a trailer with 5 people in it and still get about 23 to 25 mpg. I get about 27 to 29 with the right gas and drive the speed limit. Does tight turns very well and I love to show that off. After I bought one, my parents needed a tow vehicle and ended up buying the 2007 edition.
Favorite Features
Making tight turns and all the storage places in that car are my favorite. Not to mention the table that actually came with the car.
Suggested Improvements
Don't know what i would improve on just wish i bought it a couples of years sooner.
Piece of JUNK!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Honda CR-V EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have less than 53,000 miles on my 2003 CR-V and have spent over $4,500 on it in the past 8 months. New AC, new struts, new ABS brakes, new emissions controller, new SRS controller and more. And of course, all this started happening very shortly after my warranty expired.
Favorite Features
Body style
Suggested Improvements
Reliability needs drastic improvements. Parts need to last much more than 50,000 miles. MPG needs improvement. Increase leg room.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2003 Honda CR-V
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
