Of all the Japanese cars, Honda is not the most common brand in Russia. However, these machines are still found on our open spaces. This is especially true for the eastern regions. “Honda” has established itself as a whole with a good side. This is a cheap, reliable and unpretentious car. But how does this brand show itself after years of operation? Let's try to find out on the example of the Honda HR-V. Owner reviews and features of the machine - further in our article.
Description
So what is this car? Honda HR-V is a Japanese three-door mini crossover. For the first time this car was born in 1998. Serial production of the machine lasted until 2006.
This model, according to the manufacturer, combines the characteristics of an off-road and comfortable car at the same time. Both right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions were produced.
Appearance
The design of this machine is peculiar. Externally, the Honda is similar to a hatchback, but the huge wheels and ground clearance allow this car to be classified as an off-road class. The front of the car has intricate halogen optics with orange turn signals, as well as a high streamlined bumper. The hood is nondescript, there are practically no radiator grilles. Nevertheless, the ugly car can not be called. Even now, she looks unusual. Today, the Japanese are trying to make the design more close to European standards. Honda HR-V is the exact opposite. In general, the car has a pleasant appearance and is unlikely to cause someone a negative impression.
Body
What do they say about the body of the car Honda HR-V 1999 owner reviews? Unfortunately, the Honda is less resistant to corrosion than the Toyota, but it does not rot as much as the Nissan does. After almost 20 years of operation, various pockets of rust appear on the body. But through corrosion is rare. The paintwork holds well, but much attention needs to be paid to the rear arches. It is here that rust most often begins to appear. Once a year, the owners recommend processing the arches with some kind of protective material (movil or mastic). The most resistant to rust are the hood, doors, roof and, importantly, the bottom.
Sizes, weight
This car has a fairly compact size. So, the total length of the body is exactly 4 meters, width and height - 1.65 meters. The wheelbase is 2.36 meters. The curb weight of the Japanese crossover is 1309 kilograms.
Salon
Interior design is more Spartan - say the reviews of the owners. Honda HR-V 2000 has a simple interior design. So, in front there is a usual three-spoke steering wheel (on some versions it is four-spoke) with a pillow, an arrow instrument panel and an ascetic center console.
On the last is a cassette player (which many owners have already replaced with a more modern one), a control unit for the stove and a pair of airflow deflectors. On the passenger side is a deep glove box that locks with a key. The seats in this car are moderately hard, covered with velor. The seats have a wide range of adjustments, but the side support rollers are not very pronounced. Among the positive aspects in the car Honda HR-V 2000 reviews note plastic. Yes, it is tough, but non-marking and does not scratch. It is also easy to wipe from dust. Surprisingly, the cabin has good insulation. As for the free space, it is enough in front, despite the compact size of the car. But the back can comfortably accommodate only two, although the sofa is designed for three people. Honda has air conditioning. According to reviews, 1999 Honda HR-V copes with the heat. It’s cold inside a couple of minutes after turning on the air conditioner. The stove works well here, which is relevant for the northern regions of our country. The level of equipment is modest, but everything you need is in the basic configuration. This is a mechanical sunroof, as well as an electric power window and side mirrors.
The trunk in the Honda is small - only 285 liters. However, you can always fold the back of the back sofa. As a result, a flat cargo area is formed. With the seats folded down, the boot volume is 522 liters, which is pretty good.
Specifications
As a power plant, a non-alternative atmospheric four-cylinder gasoline unit was used here. With a volume of 1.6 liters, it develops a capacity of 105 horsepower. We also note that a couple of years after the release, the Japanese used VTEC technology on this motor. Thanks to this, the total power increased by 20 horsepower.
The previous engine accelerated the car to hundreds in 12.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 160 kilometers per hour. The engine marked VTEC is more dynamic. So, with it, the car accelerates to hundreds in 11.3 seconds. And the maximum speed increased by 10 kilometers per hour.
What do people say about the Honda HR-V 1.6 in reviews? The owners note that this engine has good traction. However, he still does not like to work at low speeds (for example, in traffic jams). At the same time, the motor spins easily up to seven thousand revolutions. Among the problems can be noted oil consumption. It can also disappear through leaking seals and gaskets. Oil burns out due to valve stem seals. In view of this, the owners recommend checking the level at least once every five thousand kilometers.
Sometimes, on older cars, owners had to change the crankcase gasket. Replacing it with your own hands is quite difficult - you need the help of specialists. To install the gasket of the oil pan, the exhaust must be disconnected from the exhaust manifold. Among other problems, it should be noted the weak start of the engine in cold weather. But this problem can be solved by installing a higher density battery.
The timing system is reliable. The belt needs to be changed every 80 thousand kilometers. By the way, the owners noticed that after 200 thousand kilometers, the liners and valves were without plaque and precipitation. According to reviews, the Honda engine does not emit vibrations during operation. Also, this motor is difficult to overheat. There are no problems with the thermostat, pump, and generally with the cooling system.
Extreme attention should be paid to high-voltage wires in case of washing the engine. If water gets in, they can break through, and the motor will not start. Therefore, high-voltage wires must be protected from moisture when washing.
Transmission
The Honda has a classic five-speed manual gearbox. What do they say about the transmission on the Honda HR-V reviews? The owners note that the gears switch quite clearly, even after years and high mileage. The clutch is almost eternal. It changes only in the tenth year of operation (and some later). However, as noted by reviews, the Honda HR-V has a short fifth gear. At a speed of 120 kilometers per hour, the hand approaches four thousand revolutions per minute. And this is far from an economical driving mode. After 120 km / h, gasoline starts to go in liters - reviews say. Honda HR-V 1.6, according to passport data, spends about 8.7 liters in the city. On the highway you can easily meet the 6.
Drive unit
Among the features of the car Honda HR-V reviews note the presence of all-wheel drive. This is one of the main advantages of the Honda. Thanks to all-wheel drive, the machine easily overcomes snowdrifts and even fords (though not very deep). Confidently, the car rides along sand dunes, as well as along the dirt road. In terms of cross-country “Honda” can make serious competition “Niva”. The Japanese also has a short base and low curb weight.
Chassis
Front on the Japanese Honda has an independent suspension with McPherson struts. Behind the beam is a DeDion. The advantage of the suspension is that the silent blocks in it change separately from the levers. How does this car behave on the go? According to reviews, unfortunately, the car does not have a high ride.
The reason for this is the short base. Although the suspension travel is quite large, it is impossible to break through it in the pits. The car goes into turns well, but aggressive driving is not its strong point.
Price
At the moment, the cost of a car starts from 250 thousand rubles. The most expensive copies can be purchased for 450 thousand. The average mileage of cars is 200 thousand kilometers.
To summarize
So, we found out what the Honda HR-V passenger crossover is. What can be said about this car in conclusion? Honda HR-V is a very good car with a reliable engine, gearbox and good cross-country performance. These machines are often used in the central and eastern parts of Russia, where the climate is quite harsh. In such conditions, these machines feel great, unlike European counterparts. If you need an unpretentious and maximally versatile car, Honda HR-V will be a great purchase. According to reviews, this is a super reliable all-wheel drive Japanese crossover.