About the Honda CR-V
Ogi T purchased this Honda CR-V new with additional options for $46,000 (including all on-road costs). Ogi T would buy this car again because: “I really like the Honda CR-V and would like to upgrade it with a new one, but Honda’s new business model really put me off from purchasing another Honda. In 2015 I won an online competition from a John Blair Honda to test this car for the weekend. I used it to purchase baby stuff at the time since my wife and I were expecting our first child. We were very impressed with the comfort, functionality, and the space of the car (and 6 years later this still hasn’t changed). During her pregnancy, my wife complained of my Mazda’s suspension being very harsh and hurt her back, but this car has been very good in soaking up bumps and pot holes in the suburbs and around the city. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
I have owned the car for six years and I never have had any issue with the car at all. The car still runs smoothly and still drives like the day I drove it home from the dealer.
I have always ensure the car serviced regularly as per Honda requirement (although I feel six months service intervals has been a bit too much to be honest).
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
I have always like the way this car looks (especially from the front) and to this day I still love to look at it as I walk towards it in a car park.
It has everything I have ever wanted and need from a car (at the time of the purchase in 2016 at least, nowadays I would like to have Android Auto, adaptive cruise, and lane-keeping assist installed).
I love driving and I go on road trips with my family a lot and this car has always delivered. I have two kids (a five year-old and a two year-old), the amount of space required when you go on a trip with them is ridiculous, from a portable cot, a double pram, the luggage, and the toys, this car can fit them all in the boot.
I’m still able to enjoy a long drive in this car, with the level of seating adjustment available anyone should be able to sit comfortably for a very long time (four hours was the longest I have been). Not just the comfort, the drive has also been very smooth, while it doesn’t have ridiculous amount of power (2.5L, 140kW, 222Nm) I can easily overtake whenever I need to.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
My local Honda Dealer (Westside Honda) was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the car. Unfortunately they have closed down during Honda’s transition to agency model in 2021.
The only thing that annoys me with this car is its six-month service interval. With most service cost around $300 it adds up very quickly.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
I believe the price point was average for a car of this class at the time.
It was comparable to its other competitors I considered at the time (Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson).
It was the reputation at the time, comfort, space, LED headlights, and the blind-spot camera that swayed me towards this car.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
I wouldn’t say this car exhilarating, but it has everything it needs to be a comfortable car to take in a long journey.
The fuel economy also fairly average for a 2.5L non-turbo car this size. While on paper they mentioned 8.7L/100km, I averaged 10L/100km.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
This car had all the tech I needed at the time of purchase (2016). It was the only car that has a blind-spot camera (left side only) at the time and I found it very interesting at the time.
Compare to cars nowadays it lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and active driving assistance package (which I really enjoy in my 2021 Hyundai i30 sedan).
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
I found this car to be a very comfortable, spacious family car! I can go for a long drive and still feel refreshed when I arrive at the destination.
I took this car for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road a couple of months ago and it made me fall in love with this car all over again.
Being an SUV you won’t be able to have fun around corners like in a sports car, but this car still feel very composed. It accelerates smoothly and very rarely I feel I need more power in this car.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I really like this car and will consider buying the newer version when I need to upgrade, unfortunately Honda’s new business model has put me off buying another Honda and it ruins the ownership, servicing experience, and resale values of Honda.
Keyword: 2016 Honda CR-V VTi-L (4x4) owner review