Faults:

Repairs have been minimal, wheel bearing, some minor suspension components, radiator and distributor igniter failed.

General Comments:

Purchased for a trip through the western USA and the Pacific coast of Mexico. Covered all terrain and weather conditions from mountain snow at 7200 feet altitude to desert heat at sea level. Outstanding vehicle reliability and toughness.

Underpowered? Well, yes... but the auto transmission ratios are well spaced and even with heavy loads it's able to climb most hills at 60-65 mph in 3rd gear. Interior noise is evident, but acceptable given the vehicle type.

Have averaged 28 MPG (imperial) on the highway and about 23 city. I thought if the vehicle just made the trip it would owe me nothing, but it just will not die so I have kept it. It has had no engine or transmission repairs, and does not leak any fluids. I change oil every 5000 miles (8,000 km) and add only a 1/2 litre of oil between changes. A very utilitarian vehicle with reasonable comfort and excellent durability. Tends to rust around rear wheel wells if not washed out periodically.

If this one dies, I will look for a slightly newer/more powerful (1999 or 2000) model as a replacement... call me optimistic, but that may be in another 100,000-200,000 km. I have several friends with CR-Vs over 300,000 km and all have been reliable and durable. High resale values reflect the quality/reliability of this generation CR-V.

Faults:

New timing belt at 100,000 miles.

New sway bar links at 133,000 miles.

New timing belt and water pump at 210,000 miles.

New distributor at 299,000 miles.

New Rockford propeller shafts for driveshaft at 302,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is by far the best vehicle I ever owned, still runs great with 305,000 miles (never any motor or tranny work), interior looks fantastic with no noticeable wear or rips, all power options still work, including cruise control.

It does have some rust on the rear fenders starting.

I would not be surprised if I get 200,000 more miles out it.

Faults:

Cam head cracked around 100,000.

Tie rod replaced 100,000.

The driver and passenger side power windows motors died after 120,000.

AC leaked and just stopped working, dead of Florida summer around 130,000.

Radiator cracked around 160,000.

General Comments:

This car was a fantastic buy. I had it for nine years, it was the first vehicle I have owned.

The steering has always been responsive and safe.

Though the interior was not luxury quality, it could take a beating and come back for more, and still look great.

If you do your maintenance in a timely manner, the car can run FOREVER.

Great on gas mileage; the four cylinders definitely do not provide any "giddy up".

Built on a car chassis, rode like a car. Great for long trips, I would still have it if it had not been totaled in an accident. BTW, it was a front end collision, and my passenger and myself walked away with cuts and bruises. So it was very safe, and held up surprisingly well considering the circumstances.

If I could change anything, it would be the acceleration when entering a highway, but other than that, a quality, fantastic vehicle. Also driving in snow never felt dangerous, but because of how light the CR-V is, you have to be cautious of brake timing and speed.