1999 Honda CR-V LX 2.0 inline 4 from North America

Summary:

Bad motor - very disappointed!!

Faults:

1. Lots of rust.

2. Transmission hunts for gears.

3. Head gasket blew at 140,000 miles.

4. Needs special spark plugs that cost 10 dollars each.

5. Very hard time climbing hills.

General Comments:

I bought the car with 125,000 miles on it in the spring of 2007. Almost a month after I bought it, the transmission had a hard time shifting and the engine moaned a lot. Very expensive spark plugs were needed for good engine performance. Cylinder head blew and cracked at approx 140k. I'd never buy another CRV again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st March, 2009

15th Sep 2011, 08:04

I have had a CRV since new. My comment to you is that the previous owner might well have thrashed the car. In 15 years, I have not had any problem with the car. It is incredibly reliable.

The Honda dealer where I have it serviced keeps asking me to buy a new model, but I tell them that as they made mine so well, there is no need to change it yet.

I anticipate to use it until it reaches 20, but so far it seems that I might well use it longer, as the new cars don't really have much improvement in fuel efficiency.

My suggestion is to buy a new CRV, and have it serviced properly!

1999 Honda CR-V LX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

The CRV exceeded all expectations

Faults:

The hood cable sticks; I have to push it back in. And the battery hold-down had to be replaced. Otherwise;nothing.

General Comments:

The CRV has exceptional visibility over most vehicles with large driver glass areas in front and to the sides.

It is very nimble and easy to drive and park with a very good seating position.

My wife had a hard time exiting our Mercedes because it was so low, but the CRV entry and egress is perfect. The back seat is not quite as easy, but is OK.

It is important to replace the internal engine belt at least every 100,000 miles. on this year model. The second time it might also be advisable to also consider a water pump.

I installed myself brake pads, a battery, triple platinum sparkplugs, at about 115,000mi.

Tires wear extremely even in front and back so I haven't rotated them although they have about 30,000 miles on them. I purchased them soon after getting the car. They appear to have at least another 30,000 left.

One of the things that amazes me is how well the interior holds up. It really doesn't look much different from new. My car is garaged most of the time.

We make frequent trips and average 22 town and 29 hwy on regular.

I do like the side opening door over a drop down as you can access very easily from the rear although my preferences would have been a liftback.

The quality is definitely great on this vehicle versus the 50 plus I've owned. I sold vehicles for about 10 years and have driven just about everything and this is my favorite overall; and I am a picky person.

I love the versatility and utility this design offers. Although quirky in looks; it just speaks function and thought. I hope they don't mess too much with that in future designs.

The high large taillights are just super in my opinion as they command a visible respect from drivers in all situations and are a signature no other car represents. At night they are probably the best safety feature conceived. Believe me, you get noticed.

The CRV has been the easiest car to wash and wax of all I have owned. Easy to reach and no problem areas.

I especially like the graduated knobs for the fan speed for A/C. It allows a better control of volume of air than most cars including the terrible controls of the Mercedes.

It is a little difficult to change the cabin air filter on this year model. It is behind the glove box and a support beam must be removed that blocks it. Not recommended for those not mechanically inclined.

It is refreshing to have steel wheels still available. They actually compliment this vehicle over the aluminum ones in my opinion.

I recommend changing the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with the Honda fluid. It seems to help the transmission shift points or it did in mine.

I recommend a full synthetic oil changed every year or 10,000 miles. So far I add only a half quart total during this period and check it regularly.

I had tint added to the side windows and remote control locks which made it so much nicer. Also Added a trailer hitch for my lightweight boat trailer.

This one didn't have a luggage rack installed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2007