Honda CR-V (1997 - 2001) 2.0i ES Executive 5d Auto (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Nothing at all. Or maybe a trend setter as some friends purchased the same CR V as mine after seeing how well it did everything. One had cheek to get same colour. Others bought other SUV's and MPV's. All long sold off.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Hasn't it kept well all these years. Amazed I still have it after 14 years. Nice, secure, comfortable and spacious. Does everything we want, which is why its always "Do you mind if we go in your car". Bloomin cheek !!

Would you buy this car again and why?

YES if it was the exact CR V I have. I would not buy any of the later models. The latter CR V are not the total all rounder that mine is. I have ground clearance for tracks and snow etc. Its suited to rough and tumble without complaint. Latter cars do not, they are just estate cars. They are not CR V's.

What are you likely to buy next?

Parts of CR V to keep mine as long as possible. A comfortable adaptable car but in years of looking I've not found one yet. I've had high powered sports GT cars and still have large very fast motorcycles. May be a Bubble car would be fun.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£23,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2000

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. EXCELLENT. Drew up list of all extra's and modifications and looked outside our local area for best price. Saved around £3K so worthwhile.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I'd had a work accident and needed an easy in and out comfortable 4x4 car that would be reliable whilst I fully recovered. My other vehicles were low sports cars and m/cycles. The detail, practicality and ease of use made it a no brainer to buy.

What was the dealer like?

100% excellent. Derek Warwick Honda Southampton. (now retired). Paul Spencer salesman = 1st class and on the ball. Best ever service.

What's it like to drive?

Its an Automatic. Terrific good vision a commanding view. Seat every which way adjustable. Acceleration in town amazing. Brakes superb with good feeling. Steering spot on nicely weighted. Out of town speed some roll is evident as its a high car but not un-nerving and sticks like glue. Motorway cruising 85/100 mph, so in England is a doddle. Acceptable interior noise levels. No engine noise at all. Wind acceptable. Road noise depends on road quality and tyre choice. Buy tyres for what you'll use them for. My 4x4 AT Continentals and AVON Ice Rangers are both massively quitter than original fitment. Rarely does it change down a gear for hills as engine is strong and pulls well. Hold low auto gear for long descents if you want but I've never needed.

What's it like to park?

I'm a good parker as learnt properly in the 60's. CR V fits just about all bays, with no problem to open doors both sides. Easiest parking is to drive straight in nose first, backing out again you have window full vision everywhere, so no problem. Backing in is not so easy as you have to judge your spare wheel position, The trick is as its not a long car, only back in as far as you have to, to get your nose in the bay. Then you'll have plenty of room for the opening boot etc. Parallel parking is very easy, use your mirrors to prevent kerbing the alloy wheels (just dip the appropriate side mirror). Slowly back up, swing in parallel to kerb, watch car behind, engage Drive then position CR V in centre of space by moving slowly forward. So,so.easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. Nearside tail light bulb failed after 11 years use. Replaced original battery 4 years ago. Tyres replaced also. Nothing else at all, still on original exhaust for example. Oh heck, all touch wood 3 times please.

What's most practical about your car?

Everything. It does everything I ask it. Travel to Paris and back 4 up with luggage for a week at 3 fig cruising speed - yes. Do duties as a lorry - yes. Drive off road gravel and stone paths wet grass, streams, mud - yes (have correct tyres). Drive anywhere in heavy snow - yes (have correct tyres). All go on a Picnic - yes, it even has a fold out table from the boot and room to store camping chairs. Anyone for more Pims? Its more than a car its a CR V fully paid up member of the family and we love it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

No one item. The car is better than the sum of its parts. As a total entity its brilliant beyond belief.