Honda FR-V (2004 – 2009) Review

Honda FR-V (2004 – 2009) At A Glance

4/5

+Clever way to carry 6 in 2 rows, like a Multipla, but with Honda quality. 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 all chain cam engines.

-Slightly odd looking. Better from 2006 facelift. Discontinued mid 2009.

Insurance Groups are between 20–23
On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

Not too long ago, a ‘family car' was a straightforward saloon, hatchback or estate seating two in the front and three in the back.

And, because the French tended to have bigger families, there were Citroen, Peugeot and Renault seven-seater estates. Then along came the Renault Espace and the Chrysler Voyager and seven-seater ‘Multi Purpose Vehicles' were born.

Since then, Renault did it again by inventing the five-seater MPV in the form of the Scenic. And, just to be different (very different) Fiat pulled its six-seater Multipla out of the brown paper bag.

So how does the new Honda FR-V fit in?

Honda FR-V 2004 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Honda FR-V (2004 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

93%

Real MPG

22–54 mpg

MPGs submitted

156

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Are there any problems with the Honda FR-V?

"I am contemplating buying a 2007 petrol Honda FR-V with 95,000 miles and two owners, with 12 months MoT. Are there any problems I should look out for and what sort of price should I pay? "
Rare car. Probably worth around £3,500 to £4,000 in the current (inflated) market depending on condition and assuming you're buying from a trader. Should be pretty reliable – most of the common issues affect the diesel models: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/fr-v-2004/good
Answered by Andrew Brady

Will there be problems getting parts for a Honda FR-V in the future?

"I am considering buying a Honda FR-V. I am slightly concerned about getting parts in case of a breakdown. Honda discontinued the FR-V in 2011. Would finding parts be a problem? I am planning to keep the car for next 4-5 years."
The engine and transmission are standard Honda Civic items so no problems there. Body parts and light lenses might be more difficult but there is always a specialist somewhere in the world. These people seem to be the best: https://jp-carparts.com/
Answered by Honest John

Can you recommend a car that can fit two child seats and an adult in the back?

"I'm looking for a car that has three full size seats in the back. I need to be able to fit an adult in the middle rear seat, between two children's car seats. My budget is only small (not helpful I know) - between £1000 - £1200. My daughter is two years old and in a rear facing Joie Steadi. The baby isn't born yet. She will possibly go in our old Joie Gemm, or if the new car seat has isofix, we may buy a new isofix seat."
You'll need something quite wide with a small central transmission tunnel. For your budget it'll probably be quite a struggle, you really can't get much at that price which won't have high mileage on it. I'd suggest getting an older car, like a Honda FR-V, which is quite reliable. You might just squeeze two child seats and an adult in it. You could also try a Toyota Previa, but I'm not sure that you'll get the space you need. Hyundai Trajet is another one to look into. Unfortunately, you can't guarantee reliability for that kind of money so make sure you ask a lot of questions about the car, check the service history and try to buy a Japanese car for reliability. What you don't want is to buy a cheap car and then so much needs done to it that the first service and MoT costs half of what you spent on the car. The best advice I can offer is to be smart when you buy, don't just go for the cheapest model you can find. Imports will be cheaper, but be careful because if you get something too obscure then parts might not be available if something goes wrong. Good luck with your search.
Answered by Georgia Petrie

My niece is expecting triplets - what vehicle is best suited to take two adults, a seven year old and three babies?

"My niece, who already has a seven year old, is expecting triplets. What would be your recommendation for a vehicle suitable to transport two adults, a seven year old and three babies (including all the paraphernalia that goes along with them, i.e. buggies, toys, changing bags etc)? What do you think of imported Japanese vehicles, such as the Honda Stepwagon or the Nissan Elgrand?"
A Honda FR-V would have done the job, but getting old now. Japanese scrap van conversions can make some sense as long as you remember that these vehicles were effectively scrap in Japan which is why they were exported to poorer countries with lower standards.
Answered by Honest John
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