1997 Honda CR-V LX 2.0L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Good fuel economy for SUV, but rubbish vehicle overall

Faults:

Car died on me 3 times within the first year of ownership 2 times on the highway. It almost caused an accident once... later was recalled.

Suspension started wearing out at 40,000.

Wind noise whistling at 50km/h.

The car leaks into passenger footwell and dealer cannot fix.

Cruise control stopped working at 23,000km.

Engine squeaks now.

General Comments:

This car was not very reliable.

It is extremely slow, and will not drive it over 90km.

The car has extremely intrusive engine, road, and wind noise.

The 4x4 system is a joke really, as sometimes it won't transfer enough power to the rear wheels.

The car gets reasonable fuel economy.

Must say the looks of car have aged well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2010

1997 Honda CR-V EXL 4WD 2.0 litre from North America

Summary:

Not sexy, but runs great

Faults:

I ripped off the brake light cover when I was loading something into the car.

Driver's side power window is getting a bit slow.

Automatic transmission downshifts a bit more rough than it used to.

General Comments:

This is a seriously reliable, workmanlike car. It definitely won't win any acceleration battles, but it has enough power. Runs great and pretty decent with gas if you keep it under 85 mph.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2009

4th Apr 2013, 01:57

I ended up selling this car at 180,000 miles. The wheel bearings went out about 175,000 miles. The amazing thing is that nothing went wrong with the car otherwise. And the interior held up really well to camping trips, a big dog, moving, etc.

Overall a very well built automobile. If Honda hadn't changed the shape of the CRV so much, I may have bought a new one.

1997 Honda CR-V from North America

Summary:

Great buy

Faults:

Tires replaced 75,000 and 160,000.

Power locks replaced at 165,000.

Brakes 60,000 and 185,000.

General Comments:

Most likely one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.

I received the car from my parents (who bought it brand new in 1997) when I graduated from college in 2005. Honestly, I have beat the car up and haven't take care of it at all, and it hasn't given me a single problem. I don't get regular oil changes, and often just let problems go until I have no choice but to fix them. The car is approaching 200k and still shows no signs of stopping.

On a number of occasions have gone on 400+ mile trips to Western Maryland, through the mountains, knowing the car needs an oil change, and have had no problems.

The car is very roomy with plenty of luggage space. The factory stereo system can actually put out some good noise, but you will need to get an after market CD player.

I doubt I will be able to sell this car for any real value because of the damage I have done to it for the past 4 years, but any other car under my care probably wouldn't have made it much past 2 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2009

1997 Honda CR-V from North America

Faults:

Nothing yet but tires.

General Comments:

This is the second one I've owned. The other was in an accident. I looked at other small SUVs this time around, to see if I would like anything else. Rav4s and Kias look like junk compared to my old CRV, so I bought another one, and am so glad I did. I love it!!! Again!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2009

1997 Honda CR-V from North America

Summary:

The best vehicle I've ever owned.

Faults:

New air conditioner fan replaced at 247k.

Driver's door lock at 280k.

General Comments:

Hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned! That says it all.

Yesterday I watched the odometer roll over 300k.

Other than oil changes, timing belt changes, tire replacement and other standard maintenance items, the only 2 actual repairs were the air conditioning fan replacement and the driver door lock.

I have hauled landscaping materials, including trees, transported my kayak, driven rough roads, and saved myself a fortune in delivery charges by bringing beds, furniture and anything else I could squeeze in or on top, home.

I purchased this vehicle the first year it appeared in Canada, and it was one of the first sold in Vancouver. I was a bit apprehensive about buying a vehicle in the first year it was introduced; what if they didn't have all the "bugs" worked out yet? Well, I guess if you build a vehicle with no bugs... no problem!

My advice - keep up regular maintenance and it will last and last and last and...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2006

8th May 2011, 08:11

I agree 100%, these are awesome vehicles. Mine has 309,000 and runs great. The other day I was kind of bragging to a guy about how many miles mine had, and it turns out his had 447,000 miles on it. These vehicles are unbelievable. The main thing on these engines is to keep valves adjusted every 25k, because they will actually tighten over time.