Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
It is. You still have to question their methods though. I guess they have their reasons.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5767
and even though the park brake it in a funny spot you get used to it!!!
BEST SMALL SPORT UTILITY (CRV)
BEST LARGE SPORT UTILITY (PILOT)
BEST VAN (ODYSSEY)
Best luxury-ute went to Volkswagen with the DEBUT of the Touareg and Chevy got Best Pick-up with the Silverado...
So Honda doesn't win all the titles. But don't expect C&D to rate an SUV like an old Ford truck: rattles, recalls and cheap plastic interiors don't cut it.
Hondas are good value, well screwed together and have high tech engines. I would call none of them trucks since they all are family cars that give you option of traveling in bad weather with some light off roading.
If you need a goat to go up a mountain or tow an ocean liner, look elsewhere.
freeber - they like Chevy even more - the Silverado has been on that list ever since its last redesign...I believe it's been best pickup for 3 years straight so far.
The Escape bumped the CR-V from that list when it first came out. Then the new CR-V came out and won. Since then, the Escape hasn't even been in the competition despite some minor improvements.
By the way, Honda's rattle (they just take a little longer to develop), are recalled, and have cheap plastic interiors too.
Funny, I remember hearing the same things that freeber is talking about from all the Honda folks when the Escape beat out the CR-V a few months ago in MT.
check it out here http://www.unimogtrucks.com/
Odie
That still doesn't mean Honda's don't rattle which is what was originally posted. Even a Mercedes or Lexus will rattle eventually so who cares? You'll still have to deal with it eventually.
Besides, I never said Honda's weren't of slightly better initial quality. I'm not the one who hates everything about Honda. I've been on your side before.
Honda's engines are what really make their vehicles shine. There's nothing special about any of the other 40,000+ parts. Slightly tighter fitting interior panels are nothing a few good potholes can't take care of in a hurry.
"If you think the CRV has a cheap interior, what car has a great plastic interior?"
None. Actually, the Liberty has a pretty nice interior. It's not quite as plasticky as the rest.
You're not going to get a great interior in any of the small SUV's. Look to the luxury versions if you want that.
Nissan, Infinity, and others are going into their brushed chrome look dashboards lately. What's that gonna look like after a few years of wear and tear?
Honda gives YOU that. That's how you feel about Honda products and that's fine. A lot of people feel that way about other makes as well.
Having the moon roof and window switches on the same side requiring the same hand to operate both, is not my idea of a well laid out interior either. Makes it very difficult to close both at the same time after you just parked and are ready to get out. Our Civic is laid out like that and I believe the CR-V is too. I know the last gen was.
By the way, you can get leather in the Escape. I know I have it. Problem is, it's not exactly the softest leather you've ever seen. But it's still mighty comfortable. However, that too has been addressed in the 2003's with a better quality leather. You can even opt for a seat heater if you so wish.
"Fords and even Subaru's love to throw in that cheap looking fake wood trim and chrome plastic that will look worse in 3 years when the finish wears and peels off."
Honda uses the same materials. Plood and all. Hondaman even has some of that fine plood in his Canadian spec CR-V. Go look at the interior of a new Accord EX. The plood inside that thing will make you want to hurl it's so ugly.
To be fair, some 2003 Escape's come with that metal looking plastic which does not look good at all if you ask me. It looks fake, it is fake, and it just shouldn't be there. Especially with the optional beige interior.
On a different note, does the CR-V have a feature where you can still operate all power accessories (windows, moon roof, power seat, etc.) after the vehicle has been shut off? I just learned of this feature on the Escape a few months ago and it actually is pretty useful when you forget to roll a window up or want to eject a CD. The catch is you have to do what you want to do before a door opens or an interval of time passes.
Actually, in Canada (maybe in U.S. as well!!) I could of ordered the real stuff BUT VERY EXPENSIVE! I kind of regret not getting the Titanium look.
Would you rather it be called "cheap looking fake wood" from one of the previous posts?
How about faux wood?
FWIW, I actually prefer that auto manufacturers use fake products when the reproduction is of decent quality. Honda leather actually stinks. It's thin, surface dyed, and wears rather quickly. However, their faux leather looks just like the real stuff, it lasts much longer, and is easier to clean. Real wood is typically burl wood, which is made from old growth trees (endangered stuff). While it's only a veneer, I still prefer that they leave it on the trees and use a good reproduction instead.
Funny thing is, it's true. Meanwhile, the plood on the TL and MDX should really be replaced by the one on the Accord.
I've never liked the look of wood in any vehicle whether its real, fake, inside or out. The only time wood should be part of a vehicle is if its for a pickup truck flat bed.
whichsuv: I too very much prefer the feel of manual tranny vehicles compared to automatic trannys. However, when I test drove our Escape, the excellent power delivery of the V6 easily overcame my preference for manuals in this vehicle. Although I have to admit the Escape is really my wife's primary vehicle while I drive the SuperDuty (5sp) daily. At times she misses the 5sp as well as she loved it in the Probe we used to have.
To each your own....
Steve, Host
I think it was more the color than anything else. Like bess, I don't care for wood or plood inside of any vehicle. Although the wood inside the BMW 7 series' sedans is quite fetching. Probably because it looks, feels, and is real. The yellowish stained plood with dark swirled grain in the Accord was God-awful looking. It kind of reminded me of that leopard print you see everywhere nowadays. Only really shiny.
Here's a picture. Trust me, it looks even worse up close.
http://www.hondacars.com/models/accessory_detail.asp?ModelName=Ac- - cord+Sedan&Type=Models&Category=Accessory&Num=ACRD403- - 234
pimp gold tone Honda badges and the faux walnut accent pieces.
It's done in moderation and far surpasses that pic you're showing.
Do you guys really think that plood in the above picture looks good?
It may not be as excessive, but it's still looks hideous and waaaaay out of place to me.
GREETINGS FROM SUNNY MIAMI.
FIG.
I washed both the Accord and the Escape this weekend. I never really noticed but the Accord also has plastic arm rests! and you Honda fans bash the Escape for the same darn thing!???
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-02-25-crash-tests_x.htm
Call it a way for private company to justify federal funding, maybe I am wrong but call it just about the $$$$$.
Greetings from sunny and warm Miami.
v/r
Fig.
Sure, no one can argue with that logic. The problem is that SUV's are getting much better at winning while not getting any better at protecting their own. This is a bad thing. In some cases it's even getting worse for the occupants of both vehicles involved.
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/0303/074.html
"If Honda sedans were substituted for every SUV, the old earth wouldn't know the difference."
Really? Let's see some concrete numbers that support your argument. How about something more than an old man's unsubstantiated theory. Or do you figure you have one foot in the grave (as your picture would suggest) so forget about everyone else and their future?
GM ALONE sold approximately 55,652 SUV's in January. Using EPA tests, GM's best vehicle (Saturn VUE) will spew 12.9 pounds of smog forming pollution per 15,000 miles. So we'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say all of their vehicles are as clean as the VUE (that's a joke). So, that's 717,910.8 pounds of crap in the air from ONE month of sales alone! If we insert Honda's cleanest (practical) car the Civic Hybrid, (it spews 1 pound per 15,000 miles) that's a difference of 662,258.8 pounds.
That's only GM. That's only one month. That's their CLEANEST SUV.
And you don't think that'll add up?
In case someone failed to mention, (or more likely, your mind is failing) there is a limited supply of fossil fuel. I'd think you'd be able to figure out that using less fuel per vehicle would make that limited resource last longer. And how about this, larger vehicles require more materials (plastics).
Given your stance on conservation, you probably don't recycle. After all, how much space does one pop bottle really take up in a landfill?
Nice attitude. Sad. Very sad.
P.S. Nice ascot.
He obviously doesn't understand that the environment is more than just the ozone layer. Our health and that of every other organism on the face of this planet depends on clean air. To suggest that cleaning up the environment by acting responsibly is futile, in my opinion, is just plain ignorant.
1. The Escape comes with a V6. This provides significantly better towing ability and acceleration "feels" stronger. However, it only comes with an automatic transmission, which saps some of the power from the drivetrain. A five speed CR-V (not the automatic) will match the Escape on the track.
2. While neither vehicle should be considered a death trap, the CR-V scores significantly higher on the IIHS off-set crash test. The CR-V also scores higher on the NHTSA frontal and side tests, but most feel they both do well enough on those.
3. The CR-V has been ranked much higher in Consumer Reports reliability rankings and only the RAV4 scored higher in the JD Powers Initial Quality assessment. The Escape is at the bottom of the pile in the Consumer Reports rankings.
There are many, many other differences, but those three are the ones that seem to matter most.
Which is only an educated guess so far. They have not seen enough to make an informed decision yet. On the other hand, the CR-V has already earned it's ranking from the performance of it's last generation.
None of this gurantees that you can't get a lemon from Honda either.
Nope. Data is only used for the current design. The data for the 96-01 model is not included. It's reputation stems from the relatively flawless performance of the old design, but not the statistics.
No, but the odds will be more in your favor with the Honda.
uga91 - Sorry about that digression. This fourm is very much about both vehicles. I'd have to say that if towing isn't youre intended purpose for this vehicle, the CR-V is a better choice. Based upon interior versatility, fuel economy, past and current reliablity records, and performance numbers.
In my opinion the only major design flaw on the CR-V is the side opening door. Otherwise, there isn't much I'd change.
Other than leather, there really isn't an option on the Escape that isn't standard on the EX CR-V.
The V6 is better for more than just towing. It moves the vehicle much more confidently when loaded with 4 adults and pounds of gear. Being able to selet 4wD is also an advangate, rather than waiting for you to get stuck and then have the 4WD kick in.
Odds are better with Honda on not getting a lemon.. If we all could get real data and if Honda would quit hiding data from the public this may be a different story, ya think??
What incentives for the Escape? I don't think $500 bucks is much of an incentive..
With Escape/Trib sales trending UP, UP, UP.. looks like more people are finding the true winner here.. Escape!/Trib~!
I don't think that the difference between the two is worth much debate, but the above statement is simply wrong. The measurements for the CR-V's cargo area is taken with the rear seats all the way back.
I was looking at the JD powers site, and found for 2002:
Top 10 Reasons Cited by Vehicle Owners for Rejecting Particular Models
1. Total price too high
2. Total monthly payment too high
3. Didn’t like style/design of exterior
4. Limited availability on dealer lots
5. Salespeople didn’t act professionally
6. Was not available with rebates/incentives
7. Didn’t like look/design of interior
8. Concerned about reliability
9. Was not available with low-interest financing
10. Vehicle was too small
Using the above as a basis, I think one can see why the Escape might have a sales advantage.
1. Generally, an Escape costs slightly less than a simlarly equiped CRV.. advantage Escape
2. (same as 1)
3. My opinion, advantage Escape. no goofy headlights or taillights, and the Escape has wheels size that is better in proportion.
4. In my area, less Honda dealers, and less CRV's on their lots compared to Ford. advantage Escape.
5. See JD powers 2002 Sales Satisifaction Index where Ford scores above average and Honda scores below average. "The single biggest process-related improvement a dealership can make to increase sales satisfaction is to minimize the number of employees a customer must work with to complete their transaction". advantage escape.
6. advantage Escape. It has be stated here many times by Honda owners that the only reason ford sells more is because of their financing deals.
7. my opinion: I prefer the Ford interior layout, probably because it is familiar to me. But I'd call this 'even' as I could get used to the Honda layout as well over time.
8. reliability. Honda has the edge here according to most publications and statistics. advantage honda.
9. same as 6. advantage Escape.
10. Both are the same size. no advantage either way.
========================
Food for thought.
The V6 is better for more than just towing.
Either vehicle is a poor choice for anything but very light towing. Although the Escape is the better choice if you must.
It moves the vehicle much more confidently when loaded with 4 adults and pounds of gear
When equipped with an automatic the difference is small. With the Escape having a 40HP/40FT LBS Torque advantage in a vehicle that weights almost the same the difference should be HUGE???
Being able to select 4wD is also an advantage, rather than waiting for you to get stuck and then have the 4WD kick in.
Well, so far this winter through many ice storms, frozen solid streets and plenty of mud my CR-V with its "reactive 4WD system" has gone EVERYWHERE my Toyota Tacoma 4WD with a locking rear differential and BF Goodrich Mud terrain tires has gone. You see, when the front wheels begin to slip the rears engage so quickly that there is really no chance you will get stuck due to some sort of delay in the system. I'm not saying it's as capable as my Tacoma but it is really quite surprising how effective it is. I really don't see any practical disadvantages when comparing this system to its competitors.
If we all could get real data and if Honda would quit hiding data from the public this may be a different story, ya think??
Just like if Ford could produce vehicles that don't end up with numerous recalls. NOT. LOL!!!! What would we all have to talk about. Just to be fair though, I think Ford is learning?
Bess wrote:
1. Generally, an Escape costs slightly less than a simlarly equiped CRV.. advantage Escape
Here in Austin, the Escape is $1000-1500 more expensive. Add a sunroof and it's even more.
5. See JD powers 2002 Sales Satisifaction Index where Ford scores above average and Honda scores below average. "The single biggest process-related improvement a dealership can make to increase sales satisfaction is to minimize the number of employees a customer must work with to complete their transaction". advantage escape.
Interesting. In our case, when we decided on the CR-V, after many back to back test drives, when made one call, met with one salesperson and finished up with one finance guy. Extremely quick, simple and streess free. Guess it doesn't always go that way?? Ford guys always wanted me to wait a minute and meet their sales manager.
As I always say, both are excellent vehicles. Just choose the one that meets you needs and tastes best.
Reed
If the Escape has so many sales advantages, why did the CR-V outsell it last year? Why isn't the Escape besting the CR-V by huge margins?
Gotta be the vehicle.
Its obvious to me you have never loaded your CRV down with weight/gear. There is a significant advantage with a V6. How can you say a vehicle that has 40ft/lbs of torque and 40 more HP and the weight difference is about 100lbs that there would be no advantage??? This makes no sense.. I have loaded both the Escape and a CRV automatic down and the Escape pulled/hauled the load much, much better. Towing, I do two my two watercraft and the CRV couldn't do it... I too have traversed in snow along with my trails to my fishing spots and the Escape does just fine. There is an advantage to being able to switch on your 4x4 system BEFORE you get stuck or start to slip..
varmit.. you forget?? the Escape/Trib are selling better than the CRV.. numbers were posted in past posts..
Kinda funny.. I received my Motor Trend and Honda has 2 of the best selling vehicles... Ford has 4... Gee.... the Big bad, unreliable, shoddy quality, junk, garbage, bad Ford automaker doesn't seem to be doing so bad....
And another thing.. the recalls are old here on the Escape. There are NONE, NADA, Zero, recalls on the 02/03 Escapes.....