EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated April 28, 2000,  accompanying  the  consolidated
financial  statements and schedules of Countrywide Credit  Industries,  Inc. and
Subsidiaries  appearing  in the  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year  ended
February  28, 2000,  which is  incorporated  by  reference in this  Registration
Statement  on  Form  S-8  (the  "Registration  Statement").  We  consent  to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration  Statement of the aforementioned
report.

GRANT THORNTON LLP

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Los Angeles, California
September 28, 2000

--------
                             1 Includes an  indeterminate  number of  additional
                             shares  that may be issued to adjust  the number of
                             shares  issued  pursuant  to the 2000 Stock  Option
                             Plan  described  herein as the result of any future
                             stock split,  stock dividend or similar  adjustment
                             of Company's Common Stock.

     2  Estimated  solely for  purposes of  calculating  the  registration  fee.
     Pursuant to Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, the proposed maximum
     offering price per share is based on the average high and low prices of the
     Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock  Exchange on  September  26,
     2000.