2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

robmarch · October 2002

have you driven both? That's probably one of the best ways to distinguish. The Kia has a great warranty, but I'm not sure how Kias compare to the rest of the industry, reliability wise. It's something to look at.

Which gadgets did you like in the Kia over the CR-V? depending on what they are, you might be able to have them installed in the CRV aftermarket, also.

the two cars look pretty similar to me, and if the prices were the same, I wouldn't see myself going with the Kia based on the engine alone. If the Kia is more expensive, the comparison would get worse for me. Unless you're towing, or will be doing a lot of fully loaded driving, I think the 4 cylinder in the CRV is definitely adequate.

varmint · October 2002

Dubsgroup - I just saw a Sorento on the road for the first time. It's a great looking truck, so I can understand your interest. Here are a few things to consider.

Gas mileage. The Kia sucks gas. If you really like the V6, I think you'd be better served with a Mazda Tribute or Hyundai Santa Fe. Personally, I think the Tribute is the best looking, too.

Safety. Since you mentioned kids, you might be interested to know that the CR-V earned top scores in all three crash safety tests. At this time, the Sorento is unproven.

ateixeira · October 2002

Actually, you couldn't have picked two vehicles more different in concept.

The CR-V is car-based, with a unibody frame, fully indy suspension, with no low range. It's very fuel efficient with a peppy 4 banger that likes to rev and generally very user friendly. It comes with a short warranty, but it's a manufacturer known for reliability.

The Sorento is a full-frame truck, with a low range, and great off road potential. The V6 is thirsty (but gas is cheap) but offers great torque even at very low rpm. It offers the most comprehensive warranty in the business, and comes from a manufacturer that is trying to rebuild its reputation after a rough start in the US market.

Each has its appeal, but for you I'd guess the Honda is better.

I can see the appeal in the Kia, too, though. I drove a Sedona and that engine is very torquey, and feels like it makes a lot more power than it does. If you go off road a lot it's the easy choice. The warranty sort of eases major concerns about reliability, and I think it offers a lot for the money (though IMO the Sedona is more of a bargain).

-juice

daveghh · October 2002

Something to think about....
Honda CRV's have a reputation for having a phenominal resale value, as far as I know the KIA'a have not had as good of a record. Even if you buy a Kia at the same price as the Honda the Kia cost significantly more becasue its reslae will be significantly lower.

The Kia Sorento looks cool though...

seguy · October 2002

for the Sorento also.

lok888 · October 2002

I don't see any reasons why we can't get all the goodies on our CR-Vs. I compared those in UK and Japan. They have color-keyed bumpers, door handles, side moldings & mirrors (except the base model). In addition, the UK version has leather upholstery and heated front seats, headlight washers, automatic climate control and DVD navigation. For all these, this SE Executive edition costs $21,395.00 pounds in UK. Well, all I want is the body colored bumpers. I guess we won't see this happen until the SE edition comes like the previous generation of CR-V. Don't we see one concept CR-V in some auto shows?

ateixeira · October 2002

That's a lot in US dollars.

They Open Air concept was great. It would probably cost close to $30 grand, though.

-juice

lok888 · October 2002

ateixeira - I am not sure the exchange rate. The top of the line model in UK properly costs much like the Pilot LX in US. I think the cost of the automobile is cheaper in US than everywhere else in the world. Anyway, I like to see the color keyed bumpers.

robr2 · October 2002

...21,395 British pounds sterling = 33,391.60 US dollars.

sfsmith · October 2002

Yep, I broke two of them. One on the large side panel for passenger side, and one for the sill panel on the rear door....didn't replace either one ...seems to work fine I don't hear any rattles or have any pieces 'moving around

surfbabe1977 · October 2002

Segross & Inkie, thanks for the input, I have checked out the hondapartsforyou. We are also in CT so we have to pay sales tax on our order, but if they match other prices, we'll have to see because they were a little higher on some things we wanted. Anyway, thanks for the post.

We are looking to install Honda's security system on our CRV with the hood switch too. If anyone else has experience here, please post! We'll post in a few weeks and let you guys know what happened with it!

ateixeira · October 2002

$33.4k, yowsah, even more than I thought. Prices in the UK in general are higher than the rest of Europe.

-juice

varmint · October 2002

You can't compare prices just using the exchange rates, though. Take the US vs Canada for example. Prices in Canada are generally lower, but the tax structure is completely different. There may also be differences in import duties, logistics, and service trends. In short, the cost of doing business may be very different from country to country.

For those who want to know why Honda doesn't doesn't offer the same equipment seen in other markets, the answer is quite simple. Americans will buy CR-V's without it. We have enough disposable income that we can spend more for less. In countries where that income is harder to come by, the manufacturers have to offer more enticing products.

ateixeira · October 2002

Supply and demand. :-)

-juice

lok888 · October 2002

$34K for top of the line CR-V. I can buy a Pilot EX-L with RES.

ateixeira · October 2002

Here, but what about in the UK. I bet the Pilots will cost more there, too.

-juice

PS I guess if you want a CR-V and live in the UK, move to the US!

carm3 · October 2002

thanks, figuerao1 i'll try it tomorrow.

cosmo18 · October 2002

Hi, I am looking for an aftermarket car alarm for my 2002 CRV EX. Can some people comment on the name brands, the price and where I can buy the most popular aftermarket car alarms for the CRV? Thanks. Any help is well appreciated.

tidester · October 2002

Check out Aftermarkets & Accessories.

tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

soonbaek · October 2002

Hi,

As a potential 2003 CR-V Ex/auto buyer, I would like to ask where 2003 models are being made. You can tell by looking at your VIN #. If it starts with letter 'J', it's made-in-Japan. (Please correct me if I'm wrong) If it starts with letter 'SH', it's made in England.

For 2002, I know it was made in mostly Japan and few from England. But I've being hearing/reading rumors that Honda will make most (if not all) in England.

Personally, I prefer Japan made CR-V. Thanks in advance!

mainemanx · October 2002

Our dealer gave us a VIN beginning with "JHLRD ..." for our "in-transit" 2003 EX auto. We seem to be getting both Swindon and Sayama versions here in Maine. But I really believe there won't be a significant difference ... both versions have their engines and xmissions made in Japan and 85% total Japanese content ... all this despite my wife being Japanese :-)

soonbaek · October 2002

I really want made-in-Japan CR-V :-)

Please post review when you get your CR-V. And congrats

dgiovanni · October 2002

Just a small thing for my fellow Canadians, I was on the Honda Canada site (http://www.honda.ca/HondaEng/Models/CR-V)this weekend and they are listing the 2003 model. The one additional change they made for the Canadian market was the availability of the colour "eternal blue pearl" without having to buy the EX with leather. I'm glad I waited for 2003.(Our American neighbours have two additional colour choices.)

I have been reading about Japanese and English built CR-Vs in the USA but I believe we only get ours from Japan. Could someone correct me if I'm wrong.

lok888 · October 2002

Is the CR-V EX already included the factory security system or just a keyless entry system? If not, you can go to car stereo places or Best Buy for under $200.00. I think you can put away your keyless remote. The factory remote will works but it is just too much thing to carry.

daveghh · October 2002

You can get the security alarm from honda...

http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvelect02.html

for $163. You can use the existing remote.

piedra · October 2002

I purchased my CRV in 4/02. At the time, the dealer gave me an extended warranty called "Honfidence." The dealer said not all Honda dealers offer this. This warranty gives me coverage to 100,000 miles for free. The catch is that all service has to be performed by that Honda dealer in order to receive warranty service,if needed, after the manufacturers warranty expires. Specifically, the service intervals are 3,750, as opposed to 5,000 miles( I meet the criteria for severe driving conditions). I was wondering if this is really a good deal. I mean I don't mind going to the dealer for service but I'd rather go every 5000 miles and follow the regular service recommendations. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

varmint · October 2002

Exactly what do they cover for that time?

theracoon · October 2002

The dealer said not all Honda dealers offer this. This warranty gives me coverage to 100,000 miles for free. The catch is that all service has to be performed by that Honda dealer...

Sounds like something that dealer is offering that has nothing to do with Honda. Since it was free you only have to consider the extra cost of shorter service intervals the Dealer requires and the loss of savings from doing some of the service yourself. I assume you got some sort of document that explains exactly what they cover and what you're required to do so the warranty isn't voided? If not, ask for it in writing and then read it carefully to see what is and isn't covered.

Good luck!

theracoon · October 2002

GMTA

;D

beatfarmer · October 2002

I had a dealer offer me this when I bought a Civic in 95. The fine print stated that I had to have all service performed at the dealer and had to follow their "recommend" service schedule. For the extra money you'd have to put out to receive the "free" warranty, you could buy Honda Care for less and be covered nationwide.

2002hondas · October 2002

I was going to order an Alarm from Handa-accessories, then I discovered that Handa is actually a local dealer in my area. They said they'd give me the same price on the alarm and install it for about $120. That's worth the $$ to me to have someone else do the work - the online instructions looked a bit complicated (for me, anyway).

piedra · October 2002

Here's what the Honfidence warranty covers:
1)Electrical: Alternator, volt regulalator, wiper motor, all elec wiring, harness and starter motor, elec ignition module(2) Engine: all internally lubricated parts and exhaust manifolds.
3) Transmission: All internally lubricated parts. Does not include clutch plates/packs, fly wheel, or throw out bearings.(4) Front suspension: Upper and lower control arms, control arm shaft and bushings, upper/lower ball joints, spindle and spindle supports.(5)Brakes: master cylinder, power brake cylinder, vacuum assist booster wheel cylinders, hydroliv lines and fittings.(6) Steering: internally lubricated parts within the steering box housing, power steering pump, and power steering assembly.(7) drive axle: complete assembly. Negated if I don't replace the protective axle boots when recommended.(8) Heating and A/C: heater core, heater water valve,a/c compressor, condenser and evaporator.Sorry for the long post......but I'd rather not take the car in,every 3750 miles,if this Honfidence warrenty plan is a waste of time. The dealer I have to use is 50 miles away, none are closer. This is my first Honda and shouldn't most,if not all, of the above last at least 100,000 miles? Thanks again for the feedback.

ateixeira · October 2002

Sounds like a trap to force you into using them for (possibly overpriced) service.

I seriously doubt they'd cover a $2000 transmission replacement at 99k miles just because you had your oil changes there. They say up-front they won't cover the clutch.

I'd buy a warranty from Honda if you wanted one. beatfarmer brought up a good point - what if you move?

I think the 3/36 warranty is too short, but extended warranties on Hondas are dirt cheap. Here were some quotes I researched for my cousin's Odyssey, right here on Emunds.com:

7/100,000/0 $875
6/100,000/0 $755
5/100,000/0 $665
7/75,000/0 $655
6/75,000/0 $625
5/75,000/0 $575
5/60,000/0 $465
4/60,000/0 $415

The contact person was tdabh@yahoo.com.

I'd get the 7/75 given my typical mileage. For $655? So totally worth it.

-juice

warren19 · October 2002

Any type of extended warranty on a reliable vehicle is a waste of money IMHO. :-) If something is wrong with your car you'll find out before 36,000 miles.

ateixeira · October 2002

Question - does Honda's extended warranties include roadside assistance?

In my case, the Subaru Gold 7/100 warranty did. 7 years of not paying $71 per year for AAA saves me $497 right there.

Then factor in resale if you sell before it expires, and even on a claim-free case you would just about break even.

-juice

robr2 · October 2002

"If something is wrong with your car you'll find out before 36,000 miles."

Tell that to my 58K mile 98 Accord that just last week required a $180 oxygen sensor and warrantied PCU module (I don't even want to know what that cost)!!

I wholeheartedly trust my Hondas but realize that things do and will break after the warranty. You may get an idea of the future requirements of the car during the 36K.

As for my Ody, 2 motors per door at $400 a pop convinced me to shell out $850 for HondaCare on that.

Juice - yes HondaCare provides full autoclub type amenities during the coverage period but only in that vehicle. Roadside assistance, travel planning, etc.

ateixeira · October 2002

That's cheap, the O2 sensor on our old Mazda 626 was $220 just for the part! And of course everything on that car started breaking in years 5-7, not under warranty. We spent $2500 overall, this on a car Consumer Reports still awards a big red dot.

Sweet - if roadside assistance is included, to me it's a no-brainer if you can get the warranty for those prices.

-juice

rrube · October 2002

2003 brochure for CRV lists mpg almost the same for 5 speed and automatic. What mileage is anyone
getting with the 5 speed? I find it hard to believe they are the same and the dealer does not have a clue.

theracoon · October 2002

The '99-'01 had the same EPA mileage rating for manual and automatic transmissions. From my own experience and from posts I've seen here and on other CR-V websites the manual transmissions get slightly better mileage. Of course they changed the engine and gear ratios for the '02+ models.

YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) ;D

varmint · October 2002

Rrube - Ditto what Racoon wrote. The old 5 speeds seem to be more efficient than they were rated. I haven't seen postings from enough owners of the 2002 5 speed to see if they are also underrated.

As for why, the EPA rates the manual lower... It's because the manual's 5th gear is actually lower than 4th in the automatic (it revs higher). With most other cars, it's the other way around.

okidokie · October 2002

There are things Honda needs to improve.
Its auto trannys are not reliable. There was a recall. It is a big mechanical failure that I think is unforgiveable.

Minor problems happen too, like door locks and other small problems...

Is Honda really reliable? You decide.

daveghh · October 2002

"Is Honda really reliable? You decide."

YEP!

tidester · October 2002

You really shouldn't be so reserved in expressing your opinion! ;-)

tidester, host

daveghh · October 2002

tidester,

I know, I am way too modest when it comes to my opinion of Honda's!

robmarch · October 2002

so transmission failures are unforgivable? not to mention it was only one particular transmission that had a problem, which was fixed under warranty. It's not like there are honda transmissions dropping left and right. If you're buying a TL-s or an MDX, this issue is more important, but it doesn't seem to be a pervasive issue. definitely far from "its auto trannys are not reliable."

I'm not a honda cheerleader or anything, but I don't think your statement was a fair assesment.

ps... good luck finding a manufacturer to buy a car from that hasn't had to deal with a recall at some point. How they handle it is key.

Is any car really reliable? the answer is...it depends on whether it's your car that's broken or not.

kyfdx · October 2002

I had a '98 five speed EX.. I got 23-25 miles MPG city or highway. Previous post was correct in that 5th gear is lower than corresponding 4th gear in automatic, plus considering drag coefficient, the vehicle just isn't capable of getting better mpg on the highway. I now have a 2002 ex automatic, and get virtually the same mileage as with the '98 5-speed. Even though more power, I think it better suits the vehicle, and revs are much lower at highway speed, allowing me to achieve the same mileage figures. If the new 5-speed has the same gear ratios as before, I doubt it will do better than the automatic. (last part is just IMO)

robmarch · October 2002

he's trolling on all of the honda boards, apparently. sorry for playing along

arkydog · October 2002

I have a 5-speed manual 2002 with 3500 mi. on it. With A/C running (South Carolina), I get 23 - 25 whether city or highway (65 - 70 mph). Best gas mileage is in the mountains, where I can easily get 26-28 mpg. Compares pretty well with my 1993 5-speed (manual) Suzuki Sidekick, esp. given that the CR-V is about 1000 pounds heavier and has full-time AWD.

Now that cooler weather is here, I can now see that my mileage suffers 1 -2 mpg running A/C. Folks living in cooler climes should be able to expect better than EPA rating for their 5-speeds.

Good gas mileage is extremely important to me, so I was a little leery of buying a vehicle with anything less than 23/27 city/highway, but I liked the CR-V otherwise, so I hoped for the best when I bought the manual, which was rated at 21/25. So far, so good!

ateixeira · October 2002

The auto trannys affected were from the Odyssey, MDX, TL, CL, and some Preludes. Maybe some Accords, IIRC.

The CR-V was not affected, so that comment does not belong in this topic, at least. Definitely a troll.

-juice

theracoon · October 2002

the CR-V...has full-time AWD.

Actually, the CR-V has Real Time 4-Wheel Drive, which is a part-time system. The Hondacars.com website says:

With its unique Real Time 4-Wheel Drive system, CR-V also has all-weather performance capability. When the traction of all four wheels are needed, such as on slippery roads, the system automatically engages the wheels for maximum tire grip. Real Time 4-Wheel Drive is a hydraulically actuated system that operates only when front-wheel slippage occurs.

So most of the time the CR-V is a front wheel drive vehicle. The rear wheels only get power if the front wheels slip.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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