Read any set of reviews and you'll find out the CR-V has a lot of friends - do the same for the Freelander and you find it has very few friends. The contrast between these two British built vehicles of similar vintage and some common parts could not be more stark. So I'm writing this without all the technical guff which others have already covered. It's written for the people out there thinking of getting a CR-V because the sad truth for owners is that some of them are now getting extremely cheap - £1500 - £2000. Even the 2001 second version with a revised look is down to £5000-£6000. Both versions of the CR-V are extremely well put together and it doesn't seem to have any of those incipient, commonly recurring faults that so plague other 4x4's. The early ones, 1996 - 2001 divide themselves into two main versions - the LS and ES. The one thing you probably need to look for in deciding is Air Conditioning - only originally standard in the ES although you may find many later LS models fitted with aircon. The roof bars too are standard on the ES but they are only decorative - a bit like go faster stripes that were a fashion in the 1990's. Leather seating was available on the Executive ES model.
It should be noted that there are a number of Japanese imports floating around - cars previously used in Japan but shipped to Britain where second hand prices are higher. They tend to have lower mileages year for year. The easiest way of spotting an imported model is from the obligatory additional mirror the Japanese put on the nearside wing presumably to improve visibility down the left side of the vehicle. The number plate panel is also slightly different in design, made for different shaped number plates. The main difference between the first model and the second is the rear door. On the first version you need to lift the rear window upwards before opening the rear door sideways. On the second version, the door frame incorporates the top hinged rear window so they open together. The benefit of the original arrangement is in carrying dogs. The half door makes it easier to check dogs tails are clear of the door on closing. The top window can also be closed very gently without slamming. The later version is just more cumbersome without the same degree of visibility of whats happening inside the vehicle. Clearly, some people really like the two door arrangement, others don't. It's worth comparing the mechanisms. Another difference lies in the positioning of the opening roof panel. On the early CR-Vs it was centrally placed which can cause some wind buffeting at speed. On later models the aperture was moved forward and this reduces the buffeting felt. By the way, some CR-V's will have had tow bars fitted - well worth choosing one fitted with a tow bar if you have a trailer, boat, or caravan. The automatics tow perfectly well whatever they may say but if you have a heavy tow, a CR-V is not the best option. The manual gearbox may provide some extra control of wheel speed on rough terrain and on sand. CR-V's are not likely to have started rusting - the bodies are well protected against the elements and the mechanicals are good. If buying one with high mileage, you should check that the cam belt was routinely replaced in the appropriate services - I think it needs doing at around 60,000 and it costs a few hundred quid. Most of these vehicles seem good for 120,000 + without incurring any major repairs. Just as well as Honda main dealers are not the cheapest. Of course the good thing about getting an older 4x4 is that you can forget about dings, dents, paint chips and scratches and start enjoying life - using your vehicle to the full to support your hobbies and interests. Most CR-V owners would probably agree with me that buying an older CR-V is likely to be a very safe proposition.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: plenty of room in cabin and boot. Good climate control. Decent seat upholstery, well laid out cabin Disadvantages: ot as funky looking as the RAV4, wheel spin before 4 wheel drive takes hold.Handbreak is a bit unreliable on hills
littlebean 12.08.2003 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Honda CR-V
Advantages: The interior is excellent, loads of space, lots of storage areas. Disadvantages: Very disapointed with the middle lap belt, most cars now have an inertia reel there, this has a lap belt and the catch is different, so many times in the night people have got the two swopped and been unable to click the catch
Scatcat 13.02.2001 (13.02.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Honda CR-V
Advantages: The interior is excellent, loads of space, lots of storage areas. Disadvantages: Very disapointed with the middle lap belt, most cars now have an inertia reel there, this has a lap belt and the catch is different, so many times in the night people have got the two swopped and been unable to click the catch
Scatcat 13.02.2001 (13.02.2001)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Honda CR-V
very helpful by (80%):
helpful by (20%):
