Honda FR-V (04-09) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 12 January 2009
Clever packaging - perhaps inspired by the Fiat Multipla - has given Honda a six-seat people carrier that can also carry luggage for all its occupants, making it more practical than similar sized people carriers that have three rows of seats but a tiny boot. The FR-V seats three abreast in two rows, but the middle rear seat also slides back to ensure sufficient leg room. It means six people plus luggage can be transported in a vehicle taking up no more road space than a typical family hatchback. However, the middle seat in the front isn't really practical, especially not for regular use. In 2007 the model got the excellent i-CTDi diesel engine it desperately needed while the looks were also subtly tweaked with new headlights and rear light clusters.
3.5 out of 5

Other Honda reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

Like the Civic and CR-V, the FR-V only achieved four stars out of five for occupant protection in official European crash tests, which is below the class leaders. However, all cars have a good level of standard safety equipment, including twin front airbags (the two front passengers share an airbag) and side and curtain airbags. There are also ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control (Honda calls it VSA) is standard on most models.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    3 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Honda is a household name when it comes to reliability. The FR-V is very well made, has precise panel gaps and uses high-grade materials throughout. There's no reason to believe that any of the engines will give anything other than first-class reliability. That includes the diesel, which was added to the Honda range in 2004.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.