2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

varmint · May 2006

You may be right, Juice. But what I've been told is that the FF-L and the FM platforms are essentially kissing cousins. The only major difference being which wheels are driven.

varmint · May 2006

The current CR-V is classified on Edmunds.com as a mid-size SUV because the interior passenger volume is right on the cusp of the small and mid-size classifications. If I recall correctly, 1 cu.ft. less would make it a compact SUV.

(Technically, the LX is a mid-size and the EX/SE models are compacts because the moonroof cuts into the cabin volume.)

The new one is likely to be a compact. And it's possible the new RAV4 now has more than 106 cubes for passengers. So, they would be in different classes.

But the reality is that Edmunds doesn't know anymore than you or I. I mean, they post a pic from an Australian website and claim the CR-V has gotten smaller. Yet the text that goes along with that pic claims it has gotten larger.

If anybody is getting the story straight it's because they guessed right.

jowett · May 2006

A canadian online auto magazine today quotes a "source" that says CRV will be available with a hybrid powertrain in late 2006.
Also claims FIT will come with the Insight hybrid powertrain in 2007
Anyone with confirmation of this?

stever · May 2006

Wouldn't be too surprising since even Porsche is supposedly working on a hybrid Cayenne. There's nothing recent in the rumor mill over in the Future Hybrids: Which Model Will Be Next? discussion but that would be another place to ask.

Steve, Host

kathyc1 · May 2006

AHA! That's exactly what I recommended for someone else because of the noise my 2002 Civic was making recently. Glad to hear it's not something just my car was experiencing.

jfigueroa1 · May 2006

I have an 02 lx 2wd well the crv is in FL me VA A friend is giving me a set of rims/tires from an 02 accord four log nuts will this fit the crv.

ateixeira · May 2006

I don't think so...isn't it a 5x100mm lug pattern on the 'V?

-juice

kyfdx · May 2006

5 X 114.3, I'm pretty sure... same as the Pilot and Odyssey...

chong67 · May 2006

I am about to flush my raditor in my 2002 CR-V.

Can anyone give me the details on how to flush and do I have to buy the genuine Honda antifreeze fluid?

thanks!

robr2 · May 2006

IIRC, Honda is pretty picky on coolant. I'd go with their's to avoid any future issues.

chong67 · May 2006

Is there any steps on how to do it?

jfigueroa1 · May 2006

thanks guys.
fig

lgs · May 2006

Hi guys,

I'm cross shopping the 06 CRV and the 06 Rav4, both being the 4 cyl versions.

The CRV seems to clearly be the better vehicle for the money, due to the fact that it has a 5spd auto, and side curtain airbags.

I'm confused as to what the hype is on the new Rav4, considering it doesn't have these features, (air bags only on the highest trims, which I don't want to pay for, and a 4spd auto on the 4cyl) despite being recently redesigned, and commands a price premium at the dealer.

Am I missing something, or should I just go ahead with the CRV purchase. I don't intend to wait for the CRV redesign.

vagabondchef · May 2006

I plan on buying a 06 CRV 4WD LX Auto as this is the last year they will made in Japan and have the best build quality by far. The New 07 CRV's will be lower and more car-like in size next year and will cost more. I've driven the 06 RAV and was dissapointed as the build quality is way down. I plan to buy a CRV and keep it as long as I can and get 200000 miles out of it.

I would go ahead and buy the CRV. You can't go wrong with the price, qality and the gas mileage.

All my friends have them and love them, plus the insurance and upkeep is cheap.

Good Luck!!!

leavenfish1 · May 2006

"The New 07 CRV's will be lower and more car-like in size next year and will cost more."

Eh?? I read on this forum that it will be BIGGER and more like the RAV4

varmint · May 2006

Most of the hype stems from the availability of the V6. Without it, the new RAV4 is nice, but not ground breaking.

That said, I think the 4 cyl RAV has some strong points. They managed to keep a good dose of "sport" in its handling. Maybe not as good as the previous models, but still pretty good.

varmint · May 2006

Nobody knows anything for certain about the next CR-V. So far, we've had various sites post the same spy pictures with some concluding the new model is bigger and others concluding it is smaller. The original publisher of the photos (an Australian magazine) claims the vehicle has grown, but the dimensions they published are in fact smaller than the current vehicle. Mixed messages galore.

The current CR-V is already bigger than the new RAV4. Though I guess that depends on which dimensions you're look at when you measure. Are we talking length, height, interior space?

blueiedgod · May 2006

I plan on buying a 06 CRV 4WD LX Auto as this is the last year they will made in Japan and have the best build quality by far.

Only some are made in Japan. If you are on the west coast you have a good chance of finding a Japan made LX. Most of the CR-V's on the east coast are from England, except for SE's and Manual EX's, which are mostly from Japan.

varmint · May 2006

Regardless, the differences in quality between the UK and Japan-built CR-Vs are not worth fussing over. Products from the UK plant have won many awards for quality and dependability.

Honda uses the same quality control provisions and procedures in all their plants. If Swindon were a brand new facility, I might be concerned. But it's been operational for a long time.

ateixeira · May 2006

The V6 and the 3rd row have drawn a lot of attention for the new RAV4. Plus it's a fresh design. There's also a DVD option, and rims up to 18" in size.

Things like those drew raves from the media. That gets the attention of consumers.

Your basic 4 cylinder model without all of those isn't nearly as exciting, but those things get buyers in to dealerships, and they'll often settle for less without even realizing it.

Having said that, even the basic vehicle isn't bad, 23/28 MPG for a 4cyl auto/AWD, 16" rims, plenty of space, plenty of dealers to service them, and longer powertrain coverage.

-juice

fnamowicz · May 2006

As long as the spare is off the rear door and the rear window flips up I will take the 2007 CR-V over the RAV4 any day.

varmint · May 2006

A new rendering of the 2007 CR-V has surfaced and it includes many of the same styling we've in the ugly photochop from a few months ago. It also includes some of the details we saw in the spy pic of the back end. In short, it has some credibility.

The CR-V has been Tribecafied.

stm378 · May 2006

Var,

Where might this new rendering be located? I wanted to check it out and see what you meant.

-S-

BTW, good use of your new word, maybe one day we'll see Tribecafied in Websters.

varmint · May 2006

Temple of VTEC. News and Rumors. Currently the first article.

I'm sure Inside Line will have an article on it soon.

ateixeira · May 2006

I hot-linked to their photo for copyright purposes...

Dunno, I actually think the D-pillar looks OK from this angle, much better than the previous rendering. It's more Infiniti FX and less sagging Minivan. Let's hope it looks more like this from the profile.

The grille is OK, I just wished the lower intake lined up with the headlights, that would make more sense, create a better flow.

-juice

wheelz4 · May 2006

I'm thinking that's what this rendering is. The D pillar is identical to the Rd-x, not the "Stream-like" one shown in the spy photos. Looks like the taillights are conventionally placed too, not the "upper tier" lights the CR-V has had from the start and continued on the mule caught testing in Australia. I think they just took an Rd-x and put in elements of the grill shown on some earlier renderings. Too bad there was no news on the Stream in the article, as that's due in Japan even before the new CR-V.
Anyway, we should be seeing something concrete fairly soon.
If it does resemble this, it would seem Honda is emphasizing "sport" at the expense of "utility"

varmint · May 2006

No, not just a photochop. I mean, yes, it's a rendering. It's not a photo. But it's not just an artist's best guess. The guy who created that image has seen the real deal.

Here's another spy shot. It's from the side, so you cannot see the grille or nose. However, you can see the same protruding lower bumper which curves out from under the headlights. There are also many of the same lines we saw in the spy pic from Australia a few weeks back.

Eveything we can see in the rendering matches what we can see in the spy pics.

http://forums.autoweek.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/31-32352-747094-48549/a.- - jpg

I should say that aside from the grille, this is a decent looking rig. The profile and rear views are nicely proportioned and have a decent amount of character. But that frontal facade is simply hideous.

robr2 · May 2006

Yeeeesssshhh - only a face a mother could love. That underbite of an grille isn't pretty.

I'm taking this with a grain of salt. I realize that Honda stylists are going for more distinctive looks, but I don't think they'd do it on a major model. On new products (Ridgeline), they should take a risk because there's no history to ruin. But on major sellers, distinctive restraint should be the rule.

stevengordon · May 2006

Looks like another Alabama to Utah trek this year, but solo for me (no kids this time). I was wondering if anyone has camped out with their CR-V on a cross-country trip. Where do you find a campground? Are they KOAs?

Back in my youth, I'd leave work and drive overnight from Cedar City, UT to Tucson, AZ and I'd pull of somewhere on the Navajo Reservation to catch a few hours of shuteye. But there really aren't any places to pull over off the interstate, unless it's an official campground, right? That makes it tough to plan out; I tend to drive until I'm ready for sleep, and I'd love to try using the CR-V as a tent.

BTW: can you sleep comfortably in the CR-V?

Anyone sharing their experience would be most welcome.

ateixeira · May 2006

Those fenders flare out a bit, I like that. Reminds me of some Mazdas, only more subtle.

These all seem to vary a lot, I like some and hate others. Let's see the real deal, unmasked.

-juice

varmint · May 2006

I forget which model you drive.

I had the first gen and slept in it a few times. No problems except that my sleeping bag would slide forward a bit. The bed kinda sloped toward the dash and I learned to park with the front wheels higher than the rear. I also had leather seats.

The second gen CR-V's bed is no good. It's more like a lounge chair.

varmint · May 2006

Actually, I'm finding all of the various spy pics to be quite consistent. Even that initial rendering from Popular Mech is consistent with much of what we've seen.

The first "photo" from down under (which pictured the CR-V from the rear while it followed an RDX) gave us a look at the tailgate, the fender flares, rear bumper, and the shape of the windows.

The photo I just linked shows the same gate, fenders, bumper, windows, etc.

The TOV rendering also has fender flares, windows, character lines, and door handles in common with the above photos. It takes it a step further and we can see that the front bumper has the same shape. (At least the corner of the bumper is the same.) And the happy whale shark grill is similar enough to what we saw from Pop Mech.

ateixeira · May 2006

TOV somehow managed to make the D-pillars look a lot better, and that's my beef with the other images I've seen.

Looks like the lower grille will have an underbite after all...that's at least two sources that have that feature.

-juice

stevengordon · May 2006

Thanks, Varmint. Mine is a 2004, the one with the lounge chair. I suppose that at 5'10", I could fit diagonally across the cargo area with the backs seats folded up against the front.

The thing I'm unsure about is how you pull off and just sleep for a few hours. Out west it's easier to pull off a highway at sundown and camp beside or inside the vehicle. But getting off the interstate to find a deserted patch of ground, without much traffic going by seems a challenge. Some rest areas allow vehicles to stay overnight, I think.

BTW: my CR-V is such a perfect vehicle for me. I may be donating mine to my wife and shopping for a new one. The style changes of the next gen. are interesting, but the vehicle design is pretty universal--it looks like how it functions. So I'm probably looking at purchasing this Sept.

varmint · May 2006

In the other images, the D pillar is masked. When you look closely, you can see the real lines of the window and pillar.

At this point, there are so many similarities between the rendering and the photos, I'm pretty much ready to say that rendering is accurate. In fact, I have yet to find anything conclusively different. The only thing that might save it, is if we're seeing a nose meant for the JDM model and Honda has something different in store for us.

ateixeira · May 2006

I realized they are masked, they make it look like the Odyssey's D-pillar to throw people off.

TOV's image looked more like the Infiniti FX, and less like the Stream minivan. That's what I meant.

Steve: Just carry an inflatable mattress in the car, blow it up, and voila, instant bed.

-juice

varmint · May 2006

The fellah who posted the TOV rendering has posted that the article (when translated) mentions that the grille we see in that rendering is for the JDM market. Which means it is very possible we'll something different here.

A wee little speck of hope.

ateixeira · May 2006

That's common, I believe, our bumpers are usually bigger to meet the federal standards in the US.

Ironically they're usually uglier.

-juice

quimbyts · May 2006

I have a 2005 CR-V Special Edition. I have noticed that the plastic wheel cover for the spare tire rotates in a clockwise direction. Despite the fact that the fit is very tight this rotation occurs. Does anybody know the reason for this?

blueiedgod · May 2006

Probably from vibration.

ateixeira · May 2006

Politically, it's probably conservative. :P

-juice

saabgirl · May 2006

In the Southern hemisphere they rotate counter clockwise.

tidester · May 2006

In the Southern hemisphere they rotate counter clockwise.

What happens at the equator?

tidester, host

jwb18t · May 2006

what the major changes will be? i.e. 3rd row seat? V6 or more powerful 4? More airbags? or other safety equipment? larger tires?

We have a 98 CRV EX that we bought in 97. Keeping it for our daughter to drive but need something a bit bigger to replace the VW Passat Wagon. Considering the Rav4, 2007 CRV, (sp), and Ford Freestyle. Thx very much.

smith1 · May 2006

At the equator, the entire vehicle levitates

smith1 · May 2006

It will be an all new design. Search this discussion for "2007" to get all the speculation. Nothing much is known for certain yet.

breckco · May 2006

Just bought a 06 ex 4wd auto. If I open the drivers door immediately after pressing the unlock on the key I hear a beep noise like I've left the lights on. If I wait a few seconds there is no sound. Is it normal?

I just want to be sure it's normal because I removed the wiring for an alarm system the dealer installed (installed on all vehicles on lot and one component removed if you don't want it). Wiring removal went well (most wires had a crimp connector that pierced wire). I wrapped wires with electrical tape for wires that were pierced but one wire was cut close to a wiring junction box, when I soldered the wires it has tension due to the shortened wire - do you think I should splice a longer wire?

varmint · May 2006

No real news on the 2007 CR-V, but I doubt you'll find it significantly larger than the '97. For that matter, I don't think the new RAV4 is any larger.

The Freestyle is a nice option, as are the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano. All three are a bit bigger, but not as big as an Explorer or even the Honda Pilot. Another strong contender would be the Subaru Tribeca if you can get past the odd styling. It has decent interior space and Subaru is offering deals on them.

sky23213 · May 2006

I don't think the new RAV4 is any larger.
I actually got to look at one the other day - looked and felt smaller than the CR-V. I don't know what all the hype was all about. :confuse: It was the 4 cyl. version, not sure if the different versions differ in size.

scegla · May 2006

"...If I open the drivers door immediately after pressing the unlock on the key I hear a beep noise..."

It does the same on mine. Why? No clue but it's normal operation.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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