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Walkaround
This second-generation Honda CR-V features smoother styling than the original, pre-2002 models, and for 2005 the styling was revised with a redesigned grille and bumper, and cylindrical headlights. The CR-V still sports its trademark high-mount tail lights on either side of the rear window.
The rear glass opens on its own, separately from the tailgate, which is good. However, the lower part of the gate is side-hinged and opens to the right, so you'll have to walk around the tailgate when you're loading cargo from the curb, inconvenient at the airport.
The SE is the best looking model because of its body-colored trim in place of the gray bumper covers on the other models. The SE makes the CR-V look more like the Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV.
In terms of crashworthiness, the CR-V rates highly. It earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front and side impacts, the highest ratings possible. Remember, though, that NHTSA's tests compare cars in a given class rather than across all categories, so a five-star compact SUV isn't necessarily as safe as a five-star full-size SUV.
Interior Features
The Honda CR-V has a friendly interior that's easy to live with, and quite convenient in the daily hustle. Getting in and out is quick and easy and doesn't require climbing or stooping.
The front seats are excellent. And it's roomy, with generous headroom and leg room up front. The moonroof reduces headroom by nearly two inches, however, and taller drivers will notice.
The rear seats offer space and comfort as well. The rear bench is neither too soft nor too hard, and all three rear positions have three-point belts and head restraints.
The driver gets gauges that are easy to read, with traditional white numerals on a black background. Cruise control is standard, as is an adjustable steering column. We loved the stereo and six-disc in-dash CD changer that come standard on the EX and SE. Honda does not provide a compass, however. The parking brake is disguised, subtly integrated into the vertical panel forward of the center console. It looks like a grab handle until you spot the icon in the grip. As odd as the placement might seem at first, using the hand brake gets more comfortable in short order.
A convenient, collapsible tray table is provided between the front seats with a couple of cup holders and a recess for a cell phone. The center console accommodates CDs and cassettes. Almost everything else seems to be where it should be, and there are no less than 21 storage nooks spread through the cabin. Coat hooks are provided above the rear seats. The cover for the spare-tire bin does double duty as a folding picnic table.
The CR-V hauls cargo well. It offers 72.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats folded, 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. The 60/40 split rear seat slides forward and back over a range of six inches to maximize either passenger or cargo space when the seat is up.
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