<p>We are in the process of replacing a dying Ford Explorer and still need to have one car in the family with SUV features. The CR-V seems to fit the bill and I am pleased to read that most of you have had positive Honda experiences. My first non hand-me-down car was a Honda Civic with no radio or air conditioning. It was a great car that lasted forever. I put a small boom box on the seat next to me for music. Good times.</p>
<p>One caveat about Hondas with the VTEC engine: as this engine ages, oil consumption tends to increase substantially. Honda considers oil consumption on this engine of 1 quart every 1,500 miles or so to be within acceptable limits. If you google “Honda excessive oil consumption,” you will find articles about this issue. It is VERY important to check the engine oil level every time you refuel. Oil starvation of the engine can lead to some very serious mechanical problems – and expensive repairs.</p>
<p>We have had honda/acuras for 19 years. We took advantage of cash for clunkers last year to trade in a 1991 acura legend with 230,000 miles for a 2009 civic and $4500, a sweet deal. The car still ran but due to rust and other problems had had a bad leak and was growing stuff on the floor of the back seat. We now have a 2003 Pilot, with over 100,000 miles, a 2006 accord with over 100,000 and the civic. We always do the recommended routine maintenance and have had no real issues with any of them. In between we had nissans and volvos, and had issues. We were once loyal volvo owners,had an 82 wagon that went over ten years with 250,000 miles, but the wagon we got after that was a disaster.</p>
<p>^You and I must have gotten the same Volvo wagon, bugmom!</p>