USED Honda CR-V 4x4 (02 - 06)

My car

This car has a great high driving position. I have the sat-nav as an optional extra and it's very useful. It's smooth and comfortable to drive and very practical for anyone, and it would make a good family car.

My car

I have just purchased a new Executive model, having traded in a BMW convertible. OK I hear you saying, completely different cars and driving propositions, and yes you are right, however, there are some comparisons worth mentioning. Firstly, the Honda represents excellent value, at around 20k the list of extras is superb (leather, sat-nav, cruise etc), all of which cost extra in so called luxury marques such as BMW. However, in an attempt to keep down costs Honda have left off innovative features such as auto lights and wipers. The punchy 148bhp Vtec engine is lively enough for a vehicle of its size, but it drinks like a rugby player on a Saturday night, although the space in both back and front is excellent. Reliability to date is fine, although the leather seats are already showing signs of creasing, perhaps something to be addressed as part of the warranty. Overall, the Honda represents a sensible, reliable choice for the suburban school run, blends into the background and doesn't offend in the way a BMW soft-top does. However, car buying like so many high ticket items is about more than sensible choices, it's about emotional brand affinity that tells the world something about you, what you have achieved and who you are. In a world of choice, Honda represents a sensible buy that I am sure will continue to top the JD Power survey as a car of the rational-thinking man, but if you are expecting to turn heads, you'll need to take out the cheque book one more time.

My car

Excellent vehicle in nearly all ways. Easy to drive, spacious and very reliable. In fact, 'it does what it says on the tin'.

My car

I don't believe the Honda quality reports. My April 05 CR-V has been back to the garage seven times for faults. Amongst these: the sunshine roof leaked because the drains had not been properly connected, carpets were then replaced, the alarm failed and I had to drive two miles with siren blazing and lights flashing, and the driver's seat edge has shown such excessive wear that the cover was replaced under warranty - now it shows signs of chaffing again. And the car has only done 10800 miles! I have written to Honda about these faults but they don't even have the coutesy to reply.

On the positive side, the engine is good - very economical. I can get almost 30mpg towing my caravan if I drive at 'lorry speed'.

However, all in all I am not happy with the car, it's ride quality is poor and interior finish not all durable. I will not buy another Honda.