The second generation Honda CRV

Honda CR-V is very reliable and holds its value well even as its mileage pushes past the 100,000-mile mark.. Net photo

The Honda CRV faces stiff competition from the Toyota Rav4. Both cars have been on the market since the mid-1990s and each model has had good reviews from car drivers. Any car buyer looking for a small SUV is bound to put both the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav4 on their shortlist.

In Uganda the Rav4 was better received compared to the Honda for a number of reasons including Rav4’s vast availability, which means less pain with spare parts, superior resale value, and Honda being a less trusted brand than Toyota.

Exterior
Looking at the CRV, you shall notice that it is certainly a handsome car. Cute but not as cute as the Rav4, probably because of its apparent larger size. From the outside, you would not guess that this car is actually based on the Honda Civic platform.

The boxy frame look gives it a rather tasteless yet functional appearance. However, compared to the first generation, the second generation CRV definitely looks better in a progressive fashion though still bland compared to competition from other brands.

Interior
The CRV’s basic concept comes from the Japanese market, where smaller cars work better than bigger ones and where consumers prefer to outfit a smaller package with more comfort and luxury options. In styling and tone, the interior looks like it was lifted directly from one of Honda’s sedans, and there are all of the amenities for comfort and convenience aboard that you might find on a Honda Civic or Accord.

Everything is laid out intuitively. Gauges are easy to see and are well lit. The automatic transmission is column-mounted to allow the centre area to be open for storage or to walk to the back. The cup holders are low and out of the way, and there is even an accessory tray that is hinged on the passenger seat to hide away when not needed.

The interior room is generous for a car its size. Nevertheless, just like many cars of its time, the interior design is barely inspirational and the dashboard looks aged.

Driving dynamics
Because the CRV is based on its smaller siblings particularly the Civic, on the road, the CRV shines. Its suspension is not too cushy, nor is it sporty. It is just right.

Under the bonnet you shall find a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine, which in many cases proves insufficient to carry around the weight of this car. Furthermore because it resembles an SUV, many think it can comfortably carry anything putting unnecessary loads on the engine. Like every “soft-roader,” this CRV was not really intended for roads more rugged than your average Kampala feeder road, but its sufficient ground clearance shall give you peace of mind in situations where a lower car shall find a hard time.

Value
The resale value of the CRV seems very terrible with many buyers opting for the Rav4. Its spare parts too are often a hard sale so many auto shops do not stock them. In addition, the CRV requires religious servicing, a practice many CRV owners have ignored hence giving it a bad rap in terms of reliability.

Fuel consumption is excellent for a car its size, a plus in these times and times ahead. And there is just no local specialised Honda dealer that you can run to if you have no choice.

Overall, spec for spec the CRV is quite similar to the Rav4 for all generations but it is one you shall struggle with severally in Uganda. This is due to its low resale value and expensive parts. While the later generations look and drive better, choice of the Rav4 over this shall always make sense in Uganda. If you must drive a Honda CRV, get a much newer generation specifically the third or fourth generation where reliability and quality has improved drastically.

Changes
In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. New 16 inch wheels replaced the previous 15 inch versions. Changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators and two separate H1 bulbs for low beams and high beams, the previous setup used H4 single bulb for both low and high beams.