We test drove the 2005 CRV, and the VSA system on it is very slick. We wanted the LE anyway, however if we did not, the CRV would have been closer to our choice just because of the VSA system and other standard safety items. In driving it in a snow and Ice covered parking lot, the system would not allow the car to understeer or oversteer into a corner, no matter how fast the entry to the turn was. It was astonishing how well the system worked. The thing that surprised me the most was it didn't exhibit this weird computer take over control type of feel, rather it was feeding back what it wanted to make the corner, almost as if it was telling me, hang on to the wheel position and we'll make this turn :thumbup:
It's no replacement for learning how to properly drive and adjust for road conditions on snow and ice, however not everyone is adept at it or ar able to adapt once traction is lost. We felt it was a significant saftey feature for my wife as our LE-VDC will be her primary vehicle. I think a person that knows how to properly drive and adapt in winter driving conditions (should the car's back end suddenly slide out, or if you approch a corner too quick), will be fine with out VDC in most cases.
Honda did a smart thing including leading class safety features in all models from base on up.
There was a link in the CRV vs X-Trail thread where the writers tested the newer AWD system of the 05 CRV. They stated that the previous CRV was more a glorified 2WD station wagon and were anxious to test the 05 system out. They stated that the 05 was an improvement, however still was not as good as the X-Trails AWD system. They also stated on a 45 degree concrete incline, the CRV could not make it to the top and continiously slipped, where as the X-Trail was able to cleanly make it to the top. They Said it was not so much the new AWD system to blame, rather the torque output from the Honda's motor was weaker compared to the X-Trails.
