Faults:

It's brand new (to me) so I haven't had any problems.

General Comments:

I haven't had much time driving this car, and I will update this review as often as possible.

For my first impression, I absolutely love this car. I've owned 4 Honda's (would've owned more but they last so darn long!) My first being a '76 Civic that I finally retired in '89 with over 500,000 completely trouble-free miles, my second a '91 Civic that I bought with over 180,000 original miles and drove it until it had over 250,000, my third a '96 Accord bought used with 30,000 miles and driven until 230,000 miles and traded-in in perfect running condition, and my 2008 Honda Civic that I unfortunately had to trade in because I use my vehicle for work, and it was just starting to get way to small for my growing workload. It was completely trouble-free for the 36,990 miles that I owned it. This CR-V has a lot to live up to.

I love the way it drives, very powerful for a little 4-cylinder, doesn't feel stressed at all. The transmission shifts beautifully, if it weren't for a little engine noise, you wouldn't even know it was shifting at all. Engine noise is in no way obtrusive by the way, it's very quiet for a lower-budget small SUV, but you know it's there for sure.

Handling is great for what it is. I don't feel as confident around the corners as I did in my Civic, but the CR-V does have a much higher center of gravity, so this is to be expected. It's also very comfortable over the bumpy roads of my hometown. It gives you good feedback, but doesn't launch you through the roof either. Easily the most comfortably riding car I've ever owned.

The interior is flawless. Fit and finish is excellent, and absolutely no rattles. I love how big the trunk is. Now I actually have room for the stuff I have to carry for work, without filling up the backseat!

Have not been able to assess gas mileage as of yet.

The dealer I bought it from was the same one I bought my Civic from, and they treated me very well both times. They were very patient, as I have always been very thorough when purchasing a vehicle. Usually checking the vehicle over myself for a good hour, and taking it on multiple test drives in many different environments (back roads, around town, and on the highway.) They gave me an excellent trade-in for my Civic, and even threw in a free remote starting system (I saw the regular price, over $600! Obviously I'm thrilled that I got it for free.) It even came with a lifetime powertrain warranty!

Overall, the car feels peppy, comfortable and solid.

Faults:

Discs pitted and corroded at 2600 miles.

Replacement discs lasted only 6000 miles of careful use before warping, requiring replacement. Warped again at 30,000 - in 20 years of driving I've never warped a disc!

DMF showing signs of catastrophic failure, clutch started slipping at 26,000 of mainly motorway miles at peak torque. Nursed to 33,000 miles before total replacement required. DMF and clutch, including labour without any contribution from Honda 2 weeks after warranty expired (full and comprehensive dealer history) cost a total of £1675.

EGR valve failed, replaced under warranty.

Seat belt mechanism recoil faulty, dealer uninterested.

Interior trim marks easily.

Car pulled to left under acceleration from new, dealer investigated and advised it's a quirk of the model.

Rust spots developing on bonnet and roof above windscreen.

General Comments:

I bought the car as the first newer car I’ve ever owned, and feel utterly let down by a car from a brand normally associated with impeccable reliability. It has cost a small fortune beyond expected wear and tear items, given the care and attention lavished on it!

Honda should acknowledge publicly there is an issue with the clutch and dual mass flywheel of 2.2 CDTI engines (Civic, CRV, Accord etc.), which seem to have a habit of failing immediately after the warranty has expired. I’ve never had an issue with a clutch failing, the car has been used lightly (no towing) and principally for longer distance motorway cruising. I simply could not afford to throw any more money at the car, and sold it at a loss long before I’d planned to part with it.

Other than the mechanical issues with the car, it has performed well, delivering excellent fuel economy and was always enjoyable to drive.

Spacious, light and ergonomically well set out cabin, with plenty of head and legroom save for the passenger seat where the heater blower encroaches into the footwell.

I loved some of the quirky details like the dash mounted handbrake, chiller box, side hinged tail gate and the boot floor that doubles as a picnic table. None of these have made their way into the revised model, and even had I not had the reliability issues I have experienced, the new model has lost any appeal over the outgoing car.

Having changed the car for a similar car in the same class, I hadn’t realised quite how agricultural the Honda was by comparison.

Perhaps I got unlucky, but forums are increasingly suggesting this may not be the case.

An expensive mistake in hindsight.