1999 Honda CR-V LX 2.0 from North America
Summary:
Great family runabout
Faults:
Seeing that I just recently acquired the V there has not been much time for anything to go wrong. In the short time I have had it though, it has been reliable.
I would recommend replacing the rear window washer nozzle with a front nozzle as they have a better spray pattern.
General Comments:
I feel the V is a well made vehicle. I hesitate to try and put it in one category. The lines between what is a car, truck, SUV, etc have become so blurry as not to matter anymore. The question is "Does it fit your needs?". For me the V is a big yes. Our previous vehicle was a 1988 JEEP Cherokee. Except for towing capacity I believe the V has the JEEP beat hands down.
I find the seats to be quite comfortable. There are those that complain about the passenger seat not having an arm rest. I see this as a whine more than a complaint. It took me all of 5 minutes to locate a passenger seat arm rest kit on the web. From 99 up the V passenger seat has the mount for the armrest, you just have to install it. Seating position is good and provides very good visibility.
There is an abundance of storage in the V. There is even a picnic table of sorts. While I could explain this to you, it is much easier to just stop by a dealer and see for your self. The table is not big, does come in handy at tail gate parties, picnics, and for me when I take my radio controlled cars out for a run at the local park.
Power seems good for a 2 liter 4 cylinder. The transmission seems to shift fine and does not hunt for the right gear. I have heard complaints about the cruise not keeping up on long hills, but this is due to the size of the vacum reservoir not the engine power. It is very easy to swap in a larger reservoir.
I will be installing a Curt Manufacturing receiver hitch shortly and will see how well the V tows a fishing boat. I do not foresee any problems.
The V is available with 4wd, mine has it. Honda calls it Real Time 4wd. There is no low range available. The V would be up to some light trail running, fire roads, that sort of thing, but would not be the one to choose for serious off-roading. For that you might want to keep the JEEP Cherokee in mind. The V is very good in the snow though. I am on the East coast and got around fine after the big snow storm this year.
If you are looking to replace a JEEP Cherokee or similar vehicle or need a good all around family vehicle I can honestly recommend the V to you. As I said before, I don't know if I would put it in any one class, it just works for me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st May, 2003