Car Reviews

Honest John Reviews Honda

Honda HR-V (1999 – 2006) Review

Honda HR-V (1999 – 2006) At A Glance

2/5

+Reliable, well-built urbanite with 4x4 looks and, in many cases, 4x4 hardware.

-Not that spacious inside. Problems reported with CVT autos. Windscreen can be prone to cracking.

Honda's 'High-Riding Recreational Vehicle' was launched in 1999 in the UK in two door format and four wheel drive.

Reviews for Honda HR-V (1999 – 2006)'s top 3 rivals

Nissan X-Trail
3/5
Excellent, honest vehicle, decent to drive on road and best in class off road. Better than original Freelander.
Suzuki Ignis
2/5
Perky chain cam engines, good build quality, decent cabin space. High off ground. 4x4 useful cheap transport...
Toyota RAV4
3/5
Bigger and now 5-door only. More luxurious but not as practical as previous RAV-4. Car-like road manners....

Model History

May 1999

Be-spoilered suburban style wagon with part-time four-wheel-drive. 3-door: 13' 2" long by 5' 7" wide, weighing 1,200kg and capable of towing 1,200kg. Cheaper than CRV with smaller 1.6 engine offering 103 or 123bhp VTEC. CVT auto option.

April 2000

4x4 5-door version of HR-V added from spring 2000 together with two-wheel-drive version of 3-door. 5-door is 13' 6" long. Two power outputs: 103bhp for 1.6 and also available with 4-speed torque converter auto. 123bhp VTEC version 5-speed manual and 4WD only.

June 2006

Last UK sales of first generation Honda HR-V

December 2014

1999-2006 Honda HR-V shown to be the most reliable SUV in Warranty Direct's Claims records.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

Make sure screen isn't horizontally cracked (a common fault).

Problems with CVT auto where fitted. Needs fresh ATF every year. if still under warranty Honda has a replacement "clutch starter kit" which solves the thump when drive is engaged. Have noticed cracked screens on cars at auction.