2000 Honda CR-V from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Very little, but it is early days for me - one interior fitting has come loose, but that's it so far.

Recently purchased a used example. It had covered 110,000km when I bought it, but you'd never guess - paintwork and interior have worn the distance very well.

OK, so it is a style free zone and is probably underpowered. The 2.0 engine is passable with only 2 people in, but struggles when loaded up. It is adequate around town, but you won't win any races in it. It handles safely, but you are aware of increased ride height through the presence of body roll on tight corners. However, surely nobody buys these things on the basis of performance and handling. The auto gearbox is a little clunky and could really do with another cog. My only other serious complaints are that the the split tailgate appears to be an "affectation" and does not really enhance practicality (the opposite in fact) and the remote locking system relocks if a door has not been opened within 30s of activation. Whilst this has obvious security benefits, it does mean that a careless driver could lock their keys in the luggage compartment.

Where this car really scores is as a utilitarian multi-purpose vehicle. The interior is very well thought out with loads of space and storage. The wet-storage area is a really good idea altough the folding picnic table is probably a little OTT! Although the inside is a little sparse to look at it is very comfortable on long journeys - mainly due to the high up driving position. Although it won't cope with serious off-road work (and I don't believe it was ever designed to do so), the increased ride height and part time 4wd have been invaluable on many trips on gravel/unsealed roads which we have so many of here in Oz.

The build quality is top drawer, despite the use this car has had, there are no creaks/rattles and the engine bay is resolutley oil and grease free.

Don't buy one of these expecting it to be a high performance road car as some comments on this site apepar to expect. If you are looking for something that is reliable, practical and versatile then it's well worth a look.

Update from owner - sold the car after 12 months - I needed a bigger vehicle. The CRV had 125,000km on it, never missed a beat and I would recommend it without hesitation...