Used 2004 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
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BEST CAR IVE EVER HAD
I moved 6 times with this car. Drove all over Florida with it, and it never broke down once. 100k miles on it and I have yet to find a problem with it. The speaks were soooo good, everybody thought I had special speakers put in. 10/10
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Great Car With Bad AC
Positives: Bought my 04' CRV with 175k miles on it. It now has 250k miles on it and other than putting new tires on it and having the breaks done I have not had a single issue! Not one! The gas mileage (manual transmission 26-27mpg)is pretty good for an SUV. The AWD system has worked well in the snow and I can feel the back wheels turn on when I let the clutch out. Quality interior that has stood up the brutal Arizona sun. Negatives: I bought mine with an aftermarket AC compressor so I never had to deal with the issue but I have heard that it's a $3000 fix when the OEM one blows up. Road noise is bad, even with a new set of Michelins. Funky looking styling IMO.
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,55815 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A15 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A15 mi away
Best car
The best car I have ever owned!! My 2004 Honda CR-V just turned over 340,000 miles! The only real problem I had was the AC compressor which lasted until around 250,000 miles and I replaced for $1000! The tires last forever on this jewel! I am now looking for another Honda CR-V! I love, love, love this car! Wish I could buy another one just like it!
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AC drags this guy down
The AC unit in this SUV is the worst. Who cares if you can drive the car for 200,000 miles if every 50,000 you have to shell out 1500 bucks for a total rebuild of the AC unit. The dorks at Honda designed this this to fail, the compressor blows up right into the cooling radiator for the AC. This adds about 400 bucks to your repair total. Honda just settled a class action lawsuit about these crummy AC units. Beware of 2004-2006 CRVs. You need AC more than you might think. You have to get them fixed or you can't drive the car. The belt system requires that the AC unit be connected, and if it blows you cannot use the car.
Great Car, pooly made AC & zero customer support
I love my CR-V, this is true utility minded vehicle, which majority of today's SUV are lacking. Hence I baby my car. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the TSB on AC and class action that Honda settled in 2012 for $40M. It was a true wake up call when the compressor exploded, sending pieces of metals throughout the AC system, causing $4500+ damage. Honda America denied everything about the AC and compressor issues, calling internet info "competitor's lie", case action is "untrue", and they even went in extent to tell me that I was first person to report the problem. I'm royal to the local dealer, but I'm no longer royal to Honda brand.
Air compressor blew up!
Shame on Honda! My a/c compressor blew up around 58000 miles. Since this was a known problem (read the reviews).. they replaced the parts but refused to pay for the service.. cost me about $500 not including rental car fees for the time it was in the shop and the $200 I spent at a private shop trying to diagnose the problem. (about $800 out of pocket total).
Stay AWAY! A/C and air bag problems
After owning a number of Honda's due to their reliability, I finally have a bad one, and it looks like others have the same issue. The A/C compressor went belly up and it's expensive to fix. There was a lawsuit about it, but too late to join [HTML removed.} I also have continued problems with side airbags where I get a message saying that they are turned off. It's been fixed twice and still it comes back. I don't think I'm willing to pay the premium for owning a Honda any longer when other car companies are improving their reliability and cost less.
Great Colorado college car
I'm a full time college student and a mom so this car mostly fits the budget! I bought my car 6years ago with 32,000 miles now it has just over 175,000 (I drive a lot) it's showing it's age now. The biggest problem is the A/C unit. The clutch arm went out 3 years ago and it's just not feasible for me to have it repaired. Not having AC is annoying but not nearly as annoying as 2 complaining kids in the back seat.
Guinness book of world record manual transmission
I have owned the car for a decade now and it has about 215000 miles. It is very dependable with a few exceptions. The car has the original clutch on it and I drive it everyday. I have never had a manual clutch last anywhere near this long in my previous vehicles. The power and gas mileage is decent (21/22 city, 25/26 hwy). My job requires a fair amount of off road driving. I have to say, with the manual it does pretty well off-road. The one thing I don't like about this 5 speed manual is that it is missing a true hwy or overdrive gear ratio. At 70 mph you are taching 3400 rpm. I have always run synthetic motor oil to offset the higher revs. It seems to have worked pretty well so far. Interior comfort is good and I have always appreciated the surprising amount of storage space in the rear when the seats are fully stowed. I recently had to replace the entire entire AC system because the compressor blew and spread metal shavings throughout the system. The dealer actually told me with a straight face it would be $4500 to fix the system. Seeing the vehicle is barely worth that amount I opted to drive it the ole fashion style, with the windows open. I did eventually have mechanic friend replace the entire system with good quality aftermarket new parts and it was about $1500. Not sure why the dealer needs 200+% profit over normal mechanics. The AC now runs very well. Overall, I hope to get another 100,000+ miles out of this great vehicle.
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Unquestionable Quality Abounds!
You could not pay me money to give up my cr-v. I owned a 2002 model, but it got totaled when a Suburban ran a red light...long story. So I got another, because I had no problems with my first. There is always plenty of passing power, granted you pass at speeds less than 100 of course. I averaged 23 mpg in a rigorous birmingham, Ala rush hour commute, and it as an absolute blast to drive. It is larger inside than a liberty or an escape, is faster, cheaper, and of better quality than a Sorento(Kia), and like I keep saying is built like a rock (Aren't all Hondas?)hehe. Anyway two major thumbs up on this fine ride.
2004 Honda CRV Excellent Vehicle
Excellent overall and reliable vehicle. Drives largely like a car, plenty of room and 22-26 gas mileage. Excellent automatic transmission and good in snow.
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Into the Shop Every 2 Months...
Overall, my Honda has never died on me. I am a very spirited driver, but there are no excuses for some of the constant repairs being done to my car. I needed a new front axle at 60,000 (living in the NYC metro area, we have those big pot-holes), I have blown about 5 or 6 engine mounts, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles, needed to replace throttle plate at 15,000 miles, the list goes on, and on. Thank god I used common sense, and bought the extended warranty. It's just a shame the terrible customer service at my local dealer turned me off to Honda, and therefore will probably never buy another Honda again. Was a great car until around the 50,000 mile mark. Then it's all down hill.
The Bionic CR-V
After reading these reviews, I think I have the bionic cr-v. My car just turned over 100,000 while driving it today. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this car. It still looks new. I am JUST now replacing the front brakes after 100,000 miles and replaced the back brakes for the first time less than a year ago. My A/C works better than most cars that are brand new. There is excessive road noise and, true, the gas mileage could be better! My interior and exterior still look new. I don't have children or animals so that may be the reason. I love the inside design with the center tray. I too wish the back door didn't open to the side but that's the least of my desires for a vehicle. I love my car!
Not what I thought a Honda would be
Bought for my wife used in 2007 with 18k miles. It was a Honda certified. It now has 142k miles. A/C blew up at 60k (absolute dishonesty from Honda on this issue) We complained to dealer and Honda; they both played dumb on the issue. I printed off many complaints on this from this site and Honda reluctantly agreed to cover except $800. O2 Sensors went out at 80k. The front strut mounts have gone out several times (we live on a 1/4 long dirt road). Overall decent reliability except the A/C. Honda skimped on everything from the A/C, to the complete lack of sound deadening and suspension travel. Handles well but rides horribly. I didn't see what my wife saw in the test drive.
65k miles and I'm still lovin it!
I'm reading that people have had issues with their A/C but mine works as good now as it did when I first bought it. The engine still purrs and the transmission is as smooth as silk. I put a heavy-duty hitch on it and haul approx. 1700lbs on occasion without any hesitation from the engine. Routine maintenance, good mpg and decent fit and finish continues to make my CR-V a winner for me. Just to add, mine was assembled in England and the engine/transmission were manufactured in Japan. Maybe this makes a difference.
Beware of AC compressor
I have almost 110,000 miles and my AC compressor imploded. I was totally unaware that this was a known issue. Shame on Honda for not doing a recall for this. I called Honda and they denied any knowledge of problems. Pointed out that it was pretty well documented on the web, and asked him for the zone manager name and number. Within 15 minutes I had a call back and was told to bring it in for diagnosis and Honda paid for just over 50% of the repair. Still cost me $750 but at least they admitted there was a defect.
Air compressor
My air compressor blew up last year at about 50,000 miles, They replaced the parts for free it cost me about $400 for labor to fix. This year the ac is still not working as well as it did new. I have problems with the cloth falling off the rear door panels. The shifter blocks the a/c for the driver. Poor design. Other than that a good car. I am looking for a car with a better AC.
AC problems
Before purchasing this CRV, be VERY CAREFUL. The air conditioner has gone out the past three years every June. I have a great foreign car mechanic that will work with me and keeps great records. He was able to get a compressor for half price since I have had such poor experience with the AC unit in this car. I amnow considering something I never thought I would, changing brands to a Toyota. These AC repairs are killing me.
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My first and last Honda
This Honda is a lemon! Sensors failing, defective parts, high maintenance requirements (rear differential fluid often needs changed), defectively designed A/C system. I will never buy a Honda again. I had a Ford Ranger for 10 years and apart from routine maintenance never had to replace anything. I'm going back to Ford.
Evil A/C's
I bought my 2004 CR-V new and took delivery in Nov. 03. Basically a good car but not a great one. The well known A/C problem became a problem for me in the 90,000 mile range in August. I live in Connecticut and we don't use A/C much but in August you really need it. The repair was $1500 and Honda covered $900 of it as good faith. At about 105,000 the throttle body went and I shelled out $1000 for that repair. Based on the dealers absolute confusion on what was wrong I don't think this was a common occurrence for the CR-V. The sun visor broke off in my hand and cost $100 to replace. The drivers seat belt broke but was covered under the lifetime guarantee on seat belts.
Beware of the A/C issues
I bought my CRV used in 2009 when it had 88,000 miles on it. On a trip back from Minnesota to my home state of Ohio, the A/C compressor blew out when we were 3 hours away from home in 95 degree weather!! It cost $750 to fix, even with us having a friend who is a Honda Certified mechanic who did the work for us practically labor-free.Honda knows of the A/C problems and wouldn't help me. Also began to have oil leakage issues and O2 sensor failure (check engine light coming on because of that) around a 100,000 miles. I've owned a lot of Hondas, but this one gave me more trouble than all my others combined. Just traded it in for a '06 Odyssey.
I thought this was a Honda.......
We thought we were buying a Typical bulletproof Honda in February of 2007 when the car had 18K miles on it and was BABIED for the first owner. The car is comfortable and the interior material is quite good for the price and the car was fairly reliable until about 70K miles. Then the car started jerking when we went about 45 MPH. And the engine check decides when to turn on and off. Turns out the car had a bad 4th gear and needs a new transmission for an outrageous 3500 dollars. What a money. Now we need to dump and get a new car- about 2 years ahead of schedule. This is our first and last Honda. Don't buy these model years- the transmission fail VERY quickly!
Probably Not Again
I bought this vehicle new in Nov. 2003. I now have 98,000 miles on the car. At 97,000 miles the entire A/C compressor, clutch and coils blew. After fighting with Honda they ended up paying $600 or the $1500 price tag to replace the A/C. The cars fit and finish are sub par for a Japanese car. Squeak and rattles abound. The exterior paint is easily scratched. Honda has known about the faulty A/C problems with the CR-V but refuses to extend the warranty on them. I owned 2 Subaru's before this car and will go back to Subaru once this car dies for good. Honda gets high marks in most of these postings but most of the postings are from people who just bought their cars.
A/C compressor blew up at 55k miles
A/C condenser blew up with 55k miles requiring a complete replacement of the entire A/C system costing $3500. Honda refused to pay for any of the repair costs although this is a common issue. Car had other minor quality defects with the window controls and control panel. I liked the way the car looked and handled but the overall quality for this model is way below what I would expect from any manufacturer.
Great design, terrible gas mileage
Love the car for its utility and versatility. it can carry three mountain bikes in the back and is great for our big dog. But the low gas mileage shocked us - 15 mpg for largely suburban driving (school runs, errands etc.) Has done really well off road when we've needed it to, and handled very well in snow and ice, with and without chains. The super expensive ($500) oxygen sensor went out just after the warranty expired and that was a disappointment.
How Could This Be?
I bought my CRV brand new and have always driven it very gently. From day 1, I noticed there is significant wind noise and road noise. I didn't think much of it at first, but then other mysterious noises began to show. I can't get the dealer to figure out where a rattling sound is coming from whenever I drive on rough surfaces. Then there is this high pitch whining noise that is very noticeable when the car is going 40-55mph. They say it's a normal sound from the transmission. I don't believe it because it wasn't there for the first 4 years. And now the car averages 16 mpg. I know there are just annoying problems but they really reduce my enjoyment of driving this Honda.
No More Hondas
Bought new in 04. Tires wore out after 20,000 miles. Excessive wind and road noise, rides like a tank, seats are not comfortable. Front struts had to be replaced at 50,000 mi. and yes my air cond. went out at 59000 mi., cost $2800 at dealer. Found someone to fix for $1000. Eng. light keeps coming on and off. No more Hondas.
Love the Car, Hate American Honda
Bought this car brand new in 2004. Have loved it ever since. Live in MI so more cold than warmth. Great car for the snow.AC just blew up on the road in the middle of Nov07. Wasn't even being used.Car has 104,000 miles on it. Called Honda after researching and finding out this a well known problem w/ the Air Compressors. Honda said because the dealer found clutch in April of 08 Rusted out in my bumper my car must have been in a collision. HELLO! Salt, SNOW.Yeah it rusted. No GOODWILL WARRANTY FOR ME. I have never had a single warranty claim and Honda can't help me out. Car has NEVER been in an accident. If I lived in Florida this would have happened a lot sooner. Will not buy a Honda again!
HONDA JDM <3
Okay so I love LOVE hondas but my crv i bought because i wanted a car that would best fit me and my new family i had a daughter two years ago and i wanted something more reliable and more room well.. of course looks like a mommy car off the bat but drives smooth i just changed my air box my bushings went bad but thats cuz i drove 145000+miles on it so everyday i drive 35 miles going ONE way so in one day its like 70+miles on my car but its built strong i love it i bought the car at 103,000 and i have had it for almost two years i love it! still going strong minor things have to be done like those bushings but its okay i drive alot and any car can last long as long as you MAINTAIN IT!!!
Nice until A/C failed
I really liked my CR/V until the last few years. 1st, the cabin materials did not wear well. 2nd, the gas mileage seemed to decline over time to the point that I could not get more than 275 miles out of a tank even with highway mileage. 3rd, we had reliability problems. Had a $600 transmission sensor repair last year, and then the A/C compressor imploded and destroyed the entire AC system a few weeks ago. The cost for that repair was quoted at $3800 by the dealer, and American Honda refused to help even though they've helped other customers with this, but left us out to dry despite owing a 06 accord and doing all service for both at the dealer. We're done with Honda for a while.
awful little tourture box
We purchased this car new and for the first 10k miles it was fine. We chose the manual because of gas milage ect. but we never drove one upon ordering this one (mistake). The shifter is so vauge, acceleration is the worst, downshifting will not slow the vehicle, and finally it does this weird jerky thing while accelerating (the tachometer is not smooth and you can watch it stick at an rpm). The seats are the hardest most unsupportive seats for any type of longdistace driving. Steering wheel is falling apart. And lastly the a/c compressor just died last week, honda says it will be $1400 to fix. this is our second honda that the a/c died after three years. Verry disapointed
No more Honda
Bought SUV brand new. AC went out@ 108000 - Dealer price $4500 out of warranty. Someone else fixed AC for $1500. Engine light stays on continuously, computer attached and fixed twice and engine light goes back on after about a week. Out of pocket $300. Terrible road and wind noise. CD changer went out - $900 dealer, refuse to pay. Never will I buy a Honda again.
Air Conditioner Out in TX at 42,000 mi
I have owned an Accord and a Civic. Who would think to buy an extended warranty on a Honda? Not me. I certainly didn't think my air conditioner would go out at only 42,000 miles. My sister's friend also has a crv 2004 whose air went out and it cost her 3,000.
Great car for the money
I bought my CRV new and got a good deal--last 2004 on lot and a 5 speed. I get great gas milage because of the standard transmission. When I clean it up, it still looks great. I have only had one problem with it in 7 years, beyond scheduled service. My A.C. unit blew up--literally. I was having problems with it when it was under warrenty. I took it to the dealership and I was told that there was nothing wrong with the A.C. unit. I took it in several times--finally the dealership told me after examining the car under the special "sonic ears"-nothing was wrong. The A.C. unit completely blew a couple months later when the warrenty expired--the cost $2,600 out of pocket.
Crooks
Like most people with a Honda 03-05 my family has air problems. Last week the condenser exploded, and not only ruined a $300 condenser but did a few thousand dollars in damage. What kind of idiot designs something so that when it breaks it tears up the entire product? If you don't believe this try to use your defroster this winter with the ac not working. This is a known Honda problem that they refuse to fix [via several web sites]. Anyone that has paid out of pocket needs to go to Honda lawsuit and help get everyone's money back and save others from this problem. It's defective equipment. They are ripping the public off .
My last Honda
Great reliable car for about 4 years. It did pretty well in deep snow, had lots of room for hauling just about anything. My A/C exploded at less than 58,000 miles. Honda told me to basically drop dead. There should be a recall on this A/C problem. Honda no longer cares about their customers.
Cant beat the Heat
AC Compressor needs to last more than 47,000 miles. Bought the car recently at 46,500. Less than 1000 miles ac went out. Where is the Honda reliability???
Great value
Cavernous interior for such a small car, with good cargo space and a generous back seat, though taller drivers will want more leg room. Child/booster seats easy to install. Excellent handling: responsive engine, tight turning radius, great visibility and good feedback. Parking in tight spots is easy. AWD saved me on snowy days. MPG is mid 20's. Controls are simple and easy to use in the otherwise spartan interior. Great safety ratings, feels solidly built and proven very reliable after five years.
AC blows up
I had a Honda accord hatchback in the 80's that was great. I bought my wife an 04 c-rv and it held up pretty well until this weekend . At 59,000 miles the ac locked up and the clutch assembly violently was ejected from the car. We limped home from Iowa to Oklahoma,and lo and behold there are at least a thousand other people online that have had similar experiences. Honda, shame on you for not fixing this. Hello Ford, we will be in contact shortly.
Less than thrilled
Today is my CR-V's 4th birthday and I have noticed fading paint, rock chips on the nose that have started to rust, and scratches all over the car. This alone will bring my resale value down at least $2000. I will take the vehicle into Honda but I'm sure they will not take care of it. I would recommend not buying the midnight blue pearl color. Better yet buy a Toyota.
I just love it....
After months of research and a couple weeks of test driving, the CR-V won hands down. I have really enjoy my CR- V. It has get up and go when needed and handles great. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The 60/40 split rear seat is very convient and easy to access. I love the 6 disc-CD changer location making it easily accessible. The compartments and cup holders are in abundance. I did not like the fabric of the seats and had them replaced with leather seats. Made a world of difference and is easier to clean. You get more than you pay for with the CR- V, great investment.
Gracie
Extremely roomy - 27mpg highway. Had 8 large pieces of luggage, 4 people and 5 carry ons in the car with all of the doors shut. In my opinion, this SUV is the best in its class. I would highly recommend this car to everyone!!
CR-V EX
This is the best car I have ever owned. It is so fun to drive! I was hesitant about the 5-speed but that made it even more fun. It is also Honda reliable. No problems so far!
Worth the money
Good SUV! If you want extras such as a roof rack or running boards, getting them online and installing them yourself will likely be a better deal than your local dealership. I've checked my mileage twice and have gotten 26 and 26.5 mpg. If you leave your keys in the ignition you can't accidentally lock the doors (take THAT, on-star!).
CRV a bargain
Comfortable, quality is obvious, especially for a relatively inexpensive SUV. 4 cyl. engine really feels closer to a 6 cyl.& I am really pleased with the power. Very ergonomic interior. Compared to other compact SUVs, the CRV is larger and is a real bargain. The RT AWD makes a ride on slick roads feel very secure.
Ordered on Chrismas Eve
I live in upstate New York where the roads are bad about 6 months or more of the year. My new CR-V handles all road conditions like a dream. The only thing I had to do to make it ready was add winter blades. My gas milage for all around driving has been about 22 mpg, I expected better, it should go up when our weather warms up as it have been colder than normal. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has marginal road conditions. I feel much safer than I did in my old 98 Voyager.
Best Car I Ever owned
Great car, had 221,000, then I think the private local mechanic changed the starter and ruined my transmission, Never replaced anything but the catalytic converter Had 1 tune-up at 110,000 miles.
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Why I picked CRV instead of Element
I was comparing between the Element and CRV, and went with CRV. I've had it for 6 months now and I am very happy with my choice. CRV seats more people (5 instead of 4), and is quieter and less bumpier on the road. It handles GREAT, I have driven quite a few cars, and this is by far the easiest to turn and handle. Fuel economy and horse power are decent. The car feels very spacy (and it is), while small enough to drive around the city.
The Chevy Vega of the New Millenium
At a little over 18,000 miles this piece of junk needed its transmission and fuel injectors replaced. Now a few days and a few hundred miles after getting it back from the dealer, it appears to need yet another transmission as well as rear brake work (it was fine when it went in). This vehicle was delivered with some type of adhesive spots all over it, presumably from the delivery plastic. We had a roof rack installed at the dealer. This rack does not appear to fit properly, so I fear it is lacking in structural integrity, so we do not use it. The vehicle rattles and shakes at every opportunity. So much for reading Consumer Reports and following their "Best Buy" recommendation.
just OK
I'm not sure what all the rave is about and why the CRV gets such high marks. This is certainly a practical car, but it doesn't have much power and doesn't handle all that well. I've had issues with turning and accelerating, especially on wet surfaces. And this car is NOISY. The noise from tires and wind while driving is very loud. I much preferred the Jeep Liberty for pep, , sturdiness, handling and fun, but it did not get good gas mileage so I had to trade it for the CRV. I'm disappointed but today, fuel economy is the most important factor for me. But that even suffers tremendously when using the air conditioning.