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.
22nd Feb 2010, 19:58
Original Reviewer again. Have added another 200 miles or so since my review (See? I told you I drive A LOT.) Anyways, I've driven mostly highway at this point, filled it up once and got approximately 27 MPG. Not too bad, nothing like my Civic that got 45+ MPG, but I didn't expect it to get that anyways.
I also noticed that while it has no trouble moving at highway speeds, once you get above 60 MPH, it has almost no acceleration. Passing can be a bit difficult because of this, however, I usually travel at about 55 MPH, so it's usually me that's being passed anyways, HA HA.
Also had my first problem: Interior overhead light bulb blew (OH NO!! It took the dealer about 3 minutes to replace. Would've done it myself usually, but since it's under warranty, why would I?)
Also noticed that tires needed balancing today, not sure how I didn't notice on the test drive, but the dealer is fixing that for free too. That's just basic maintenance as well.