2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

stever

I especially like the ones where the driver loses it and "parallel parks" between two trees without an inch of clearance between either bumper. A true off-roader would tread lightly and never think of cutting one of them down, right?:-)

Steve
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beatfarmer

The two outermost vents you mention(not the side window defrost vents) have seperate controls that allow you to vary the amount of air you get out of them. It is the dial located right nex to the vent (see owners manual for more specific details). Why is it designed like this? ???? My old Civic had these controls on every vent and even a large vent above the dash that was seperate from the defrost vents. Seems like they simplified the configuration a bit.

robr2

All 3 Hondas I have had do this. No matter where you set the control, some air always flows out of the 2 outer most dash vents.

Best of Luck.

gkoff

If you look up Dynamat on the Internet, it will tell you their phone number. Call it and ask to talk to their sound material expert for autos. I forgot his name, but there is only one guy. He is quite good. I bought their Headliner for under the hood. It is easy to apply. All you need is a hairblower to heat up the sticky side and press onto underdide of hood. You cut the sheet to fit. That made the biggest difference in noise level. Next step is to do front doors. The inner panel comes off easily with just a few screws. Only trick is to detach the inner door handle from lock mechanism. You have to rotate a small plastic cap where the latch rod connects to inside door handle. Then lift up on rod to detach from rest of lock linkage. Now inner door panel is free. I think the Dynamat material for doors is called Extreme. Again, it has a sticky back that peal and stick. Cut it in pieces and stick to door metal. Use as much as you can to cover inner door metal surfaces. Side benefit - ut it under door speaker frame and sound from radio gets about 50% better. You won't believe how much sounder and solider the door will sound. Road noise is reduced about 50%. Last thing I did was to put Dynamat floor mats under front foot areas. All you have to do for this is to lift up the floor carpet and slide the material under. I ran it as high up the inside firewall as I could. Just cut to fit. It just lays under the carpet, no sticking is needed. I did unscrew the passenger side seat to put mateial under it. That was easy. The floor material has a lead sheet imbedded in it which blocks noise. It helped about 30%.

Doing these three things really helped. But we also an Avalon and nothing is as quite as that, so subconciously that is my target. About all that I can think of after this is quieter tires, unless anyone can offer other ideas.

Good luck and let me know if you find other tricks.

olafpeterson

I just purchased a new 2001 Honda CR-V three weeks ago. Everything is wonderful, but I have a question. What is that little "Not for use with more then 3 KG" hook on the back of the swing out door used for?
My initial thought was that it can be used for hanging a trash bag when you are picnicking and the door is open. Why would you need an multi-directional socket for it, if that was all it was for. There is nothing in the manual (that I could find).
Someone must have found a use for it. Maybe you hang your fish on it???

varmit

No. Don't be silly. The fish should be put on ice in the compartment under the picnic table. I thought everybody knew that! :-)

The most frequent suggestion for the tailgate hook is to hold grocery bags upright in the back. The idea is to prevent them from toppling over and spilling their contents on your way home from the market. I've also used it to hold a trash bag, to hitch my dog's leash, to hang a camp lantern, and to hold things off wet or muddy ground while organizing gear in the back.

hiskid

Hi,

I had my heart set and already picked out a new SE with lock nuts,wood-grain trim for stereo,plastic mat for rear door, and I got a price quote of 23,700. How does this sound? The dealer is kind of firm because it just came in and they haven't even pulled the plastic off yet. Also, my brother busted my bubble by saying they are death traps and are simply not safe due to roll-overs and collision hazards. Can anyone give me some feedback and ease my mind before I make the leap?
Thanks forever!

canadiancl

I grab it to pull the gate shut.

hiskid: Don't listen to your brother. All SUVs are more prone to rollovers compared to cars. Simple physics. As long as you don't do anything silly, it's safe.

bmorisette

I was in the dealership last night and the salesman I spoke with said that the hook was to hang wet bathing suits from.

I'm debating buying one of these for my wife and I and I have a couple of questions.
1. Is it possible to get the "SE - Special Edition" model without leather. We have a dog and he'll just scratch it up but I really like the idea of the privacy glass.
2. What kind of mileage have people been experiencing with highway commuting in New England or other hilly regions.
3. My wife is very short (4' 11"). Any input from similarly vertically challenged owners regarding your experiences with driveability would be very helpful.
4. Honda offers a whole sheet of cool stuff that you can get installed at the dealer. Has anyone had a bad experience with these extras. I'm a little worried because they are installed at the dealer and they may not meet up to the "Honda" standard of quality. I'm looking at the fog lights, passanger armrest, and the side and rear running boards, and the roof/ski rack specifically.

Thanks,
Barney

beatfarmer

I assume your brother is a safety expert/ER doctor/state police officer, i.e. someone with the statistics and ability to back up that statement. All of the hard data I have seen concerning the CR-V points to it being a safe vehicle. I wouldn't put my two kids and wife into it unless it was safe. Do the research yourself and ignore the armchair safety expert.

Barney, if you don't want the leather, get an EX and go with aftermarket tint. You lose the hard spare tire cover and cassette deck too. But the EX can usually be had for much less than the SE.
I average about 23mpg in the winter driving around hilly MD. I average 25mpg in the summer.
Can't help with the wife, but she needs to feel comfortable to drive safely.
All of the dealer accessories should be OEM. They are factory quality parts. The kicker is the installation price of the parts. If you want to DIY any of the accessories, you can and save much money. Check over at www.Hondasuv.com to see reviews of different accessories and install stories. You can also look at places like www.hparts.com and www.partscheap.com to see what accessories are available and how much they cost.

canadiancl

My wife is barely 5'2" and she seems to have no problem driving the CR-V.
You shouldn't have to worry about the quality of the dealer-installed parts (unless the guy doing the installing is really incompetent). Prices may be high though.

varmit

Hiskid - Safety is a complicated issue and I've spent a great deal of time sorthing through the facts and the opinions. Here's my summary:

The CR-V earned 4 and 5 star ratings for the driver and passenger seats in the NHTSA front impact tests. It also earned two 5 star ratings for the side impacts (front and rear seats). Note that it did fall over on its side in this test; reminding us that these vehicles are top heavy and you NEED to wear a seatbelt. The IIHS also has an offset frontal crash test. The CR-V didn't score as well in this one, but ranks in the middle of its class.

Based on safety alone, I'd also recommend the Subaru Forester. While it did not score as highly as the CR-V in the NHTSA tests, it did score the highest on the IIHS test. If you can afford the top end model, it comes with side curtain airbags (option maybe?). Since the car hasn't been tested for side impacts, these are a good idea. The old RAV4 was good, but I don't know if the new one has been tested.

As far as rollovers go, your bubble bursting brother has a good point. They are a factor. However, what he may not understand is that something like 90% of all rollover deaths happen to people NOT wearing seat belts. Rollovers are dangerous because they increase the likelyhood of 'tumbling' within the cabin and also ejection from the vehicle. So wear a belt and make use of the CR-V's clear view of the road.

varmit

I'll second Beatfarmer's suggestion for the EX. Adding tinted windows isn't all that expensive. Although, I have two greyhounds and have always folded the rear seats for them and not had to deal with claws on the seats. On short trips around town I don't even have fold the seats. I'm actually thinking about aftermarket leather for my EX. (You can get a good deal if you attend the CR-V IX sponsored event in MD.)

Personally, I love the look of the SE, but I wouldn't want to give up my EX's 5 speed gear box! :-)

Umm... I forgot who asked about MPG... I'm getting 23-25 in the Winter and 24-26 in warmer months. I'm South of Boston, but I can't say it's extraordinarilly hilly here. My MPG may be higher than average because of the 5 speed tranny.

sasquatch_2000

go look at Manchester Honda, but I am not sure if they have a web site or not.

DON'T pay at the dealer!!!

Same applies for stereo. Get the cheapest there is, then go to Rayco or a local (not chain) shop well known for reputation.

lmahler

I have had my 2000 EX for 8 months now, and love it. There is road noise, sometimes more so when you are climbing up a steep hill, however I don't have a problem with that. Overall I bought the CRV because I love "Honda reliability", Ilove the fact of being higher up in the saddle, and I love the style and design.

maluso

Hi folks. I'm trying to decide between a used Suburu Forester and a Honda CR-V and am hoping for some advice. I've done some research and both look like good, reliable vehicles. I currently drive a '92 Suburu wagon but want a newer vehicle with less mileage that will be better for my daily 70 roundtrip mile commute. My biggest concern is that I'm a rather large person and am wondering which would be more comfortable. I'm also a woodturner and occasionally haul around lumber/short logs/chainsaw and need a vehicle that can do that. Finally, I'm pretty sure that my budget is going to limit me to a used vehicle.. probably around $16,000. Any advice out there? I'm posting to both discussion topics.. hope this isn't considered rude.

Thanks,
Diane

beatfarmer

Test drive both and see which one you like best. Now check the local papers and see what used models you can find in your price range. You won't know until you try.

varmit

Maluso - No it's not considered rude to post in two topics. If it were every single topic that had CR-V or Forester in the description, well...

Both vehicles will suit your needs. While the CR-V has more overall interior space than the Forester, the Forester's front seats are roomy enough. The only fit issue might be putting people behind you in the back seats. The Soob falls a bit short there.

As for cargo space, the CR-V has more cubic footage, but the Forester can fit a larger single box. Call it a toss up. I will say that the bed configuration in the EX and SE models will allow for some very long wood inside the car. I've fit 9 and 10 ft planks in mine. More than a Forester is likely to handle, though the soob has a higher roof rack capacity.

Both get about the same MPG and are very reliable. Also take a look at the new RAV4.

bmorisette

I checked the websites you recommended and you are definitely right about saving lots of bucks on parts. The dealership I've been talking to (Herb Chambers Honda of Boston) gave me a price list of Honda OEM add-ons with installation included and all the stuff I wanted would add up to a little over $3K. Pricing the same stuff off of both websites came to about $1400. www.partscheap.com will even mail or fax me the instruction sheet on how to install each accessory. Thanks a lot!
In a related question, has anyone self installed any of the following accessories. How hard was it to do?:
-Passanger Arm-rest
-Retractable Cargo Cover
-Leather Steering Wheel cover
-Cargo net & Tailgate net.
-Roof Rack
-Ski Attachment
-Front Splash Guards
-Side & Rear Sport Trim
-Fog Lights

Thanks,
Barney

varmit

Barney - Most of those installs are easy enough, though I've only done the passenger armrest myself. The most difficult would be the roof rack.

This should be a link that might help. There are other instructions and reviews of products at the same site.

CR-V IX

Hey, Beatfarmer. Are you going to make it to the June CR-V meet in MD?

shaq2kobe

I went to Herb Chambers in Seekonk,Mass and Metro Honda in Rhode Island and they were willing to add the fog lights, passenger armrest,retractable cargo cover, and hard spare tire cover for no charge, the trim and the ski rack would have cost me, but maybe if I haggled a little more I probably could have paid for the parts w/o install charge..

varmit

Hmmm... All of the sudden we have a bunch of New Englanders coming out of the woodwork. I'm halfway between Boston and Providence myself. Maybe we should organize a NE meet this Summer.

goreds3

Hi.
I called my dealer today to have my brakes inspected, oil changed and tires rotated. I scheduled the APPT. for Wednesday. They suggested I get the 30,000 "scheduled maintance". They will change the plugs, check valves etc. for $350 !(This does not include changing the brake pads) I think getting the brakes fixed is a bigger priority(plus oil change) Should I get this "scheduled maintance"? I do not think I should get it. Honda is so reliable.(Wifes 99 CRV). My 01 Nissan CC plugs do not need changed until after 100,000 miles. Thanks for any input !

swguy

What is this I hear about the Power Window controls? They are on the dash I understand, but are they really that difficult to deal with? Also, where is the Passenger's window control? In pictures I have seen, I couldn't see it anywhere.

Does anyone have the Fog Lights installed? Are they worth the extra money?

spain

I hear that Honda will be coming out with a more upscale SUV similar but less costly than the MDX. Does anyone know anything about this vehicle? Any links to sites that might show what it looks like? When is going to hit the US market? Thanks for any help you can provide!!

snowchief

goreds3,

I personally recommend getting the 30k, 60k, 90k...maintenance done. My wife drives a '99 Accord EX and we had the 30k maintenance done last month. I believe Honda is the most reliable vehicle out there, but I also believe in preventative maintenance. You should be able to find an "authorized" service center to do the maintenance for less than the price you quoted. I believe we paid approx $240 including parts and tax. I think the valve adjustment was the best part of the 30k maintenance... I've noticed that the car idles a bit more soothly and have realized a very slight increase in gas mileage since the maintenance. Just my 2 cents worth...

drew_

Look for the de-contented (Honda) version of the Acura MDX probably in the summer to fall of 2002. It will apparently bear more than a passing resemblance to the MDX.


Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

canadiancl

I find that the power window switches, being located on the dash, is actually quite handy to use. You just have to extend your left arm a little to reach them. A very natural motion, especially if you have long arms. The passenger switch is located where the power lock switch on the driver side is located. That part I don't like. They should have put a power lock switch on both sides and perhaps located the passenger window switch on the dash just to be consistent.

hhls

Ok, I've been looking at the CR-V EX for awhile now and as some of you know I've gotten a decent price in my area and was really close to buying. I notice, however, that the Suzuki Grand Vitara appears to be a great value. Has anyone had any experience with the GV? Anyone compared it to the CR-V? One downside is the GV does not come with a 4 cyl, and the mileage is not as good as the CR-V. I lean toward the CR-V for lots of reasons, the reputation for reliability being a top factor. But, I feel I need to give the Grand Vitara a chance. Any input? Thanks!

hshin

I have 2000 CR-V and am up to buy mask nose.
But somebody told me that mask nose may cause engine overheat in summer season.
Anybody has a comment?

beatfarmer

When I bought my CR-V in '99 a good friend for mine bought a GV (she had a Sidekick prior to it). The GV is ok if you don't need to use the back seat. The is no legroom (0...nada...zip) back there. The front seats felt cramped too (my friend doesn't mine, she is only 5'2"). It drove well enought but didn't feel as solid as the V. The suspension was boulvard soft and the steering felt numb. The small v6 didn't have the expected punch and acted more like a four, since I had to rev it to get any power. Since she has had it, she need a new radiator, and brakes at 25k. She also complains about the mileage, which seldom breaks over 20 mpg. But she still likes it. She never drives off the pavement, so the only area where it has an advantage over the V is never explored.

I'll take a 'V any day over a GV.

Hey Varmit, I should be there in June.

[Deleted User]

I recommend opting for the 30,000 mile service with your Honda. I agree, Hondas are reliable, but no vehicle will be reliable unless properly maintained. Proper maintenance for the CR-V includes the 30,000 mile service.

The spark plugs shipped with many Nissan engines can last more than 100,000 miles since they are double-platinum tipped, which helps them survive longer than traditional spark plugs. The Honda spark plugs in your CR-V are composed of more traditional materials that last only 30,000 miles (on the average). By replacing your Honda plugs regularly, you help ensure proper and optimum firing in the engine cylinders. The Honda 30,000 mile service also includes a number of other much-needed services such as air and fuel filter replacement, valve adjustment, and fluid changes. These services will make sure your CR-V runs optimally and prevent damage from neglect.

If you want to save money, you may be able to find an independent mechanic who will do the same services for less money. Based on my past experiences, I recommend sticking with Honda parts and fluids, but that’s just a matter of opinion. It’s all up to you.

varmit

Hhls - The strong points for the GV are it's off-road abilities and V-6. However, the power from the V-6 is sucked up by a poor automatic tranny. If you get one, get the 5 speed. The weakest points are cargo space and passenger capacity. Reliability isn't bad, but it isn't going to be as good as the Honda.

If you need something to head off-road, the GV is a good bet. The ladder frame, V-6, and traditional 4X4 system are perfect for that application, but they make on-road life a bit more difficult.

Beat - It'll be good to meet you. I've enjoyed your level-headed commentary here.

30K check up... It's a good idea to have the service done, but, as posted above, anyone can do it. Another thing that is also worth doing is to have the differential fluid replaced.

varmit

Latest from the rumor mill

Recently there has been much talk about the engine used in the Honda Stream being the same block planned for the 2002 CR-V. I cannot stress enough that these are rumors, and even though I think that this one is a "good" rumor, it's still a rumor.

Here's the deal: The Honda Stream is a mini-van looking wagon based on the Honda Civic platform. It seats seven and is roughly the same size as the current CR-V. It's new, and it's only going to be sold in Japan (at first).

The hoopla over the Stream is based on its engine. This is a 2.0 liter four cylinder block. It weighs roughly 10% less than conventional blocks of the same displacement. It makes use of Honda's VTEC-i technology along with some sophisticatd emissions and exhaust toys. It was designed to be super clean and to provide an exceptional MPG rating. In the Stream, this engine is getting approximately 33 MPG. Expect less from a boxy SUV shape, but probably more than the current model.

That's the news most people like to hear.

In its current form, this small block is rated for about 154-156 HP at 6,500 rpms. Not bad, but not enough to please the folks who want a V-6. The torque increase is even more controvertial. It is rated for about 138-140 ft. lbs at 4,000 rpms. Not a big enough increase to please most people who only read numbers. However, the majority of peak torque is supposed to be available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpms. A nice flat curve and at a readily accessible rpm. Is it enough? Only test drives will tell...

Keep in mind that IF this engine is used in the next CR-V, it could be tuned to be more mean and less green. The above figures are how it was tuned for use in a mini-van that is not even sold overseas. (I don't want to panic the enthusiasts out there. This is after all, just a rumor.)

In can provide links if anyone is interested.

[Deleted User]

The only reason a nose mask would overheat an engine is if it happened to block the air vent passages and prevented cool air from reaching the radiator. Just make sure the nose mask model you purchase does’I cover or block any of the air vents in the grill or anywhere else at the front of the car.

Something else to consider, though, is damage to your paint. Nose masks can damage the paint they cover when the car becomes wet. Water allows dust and dirt to seep underneath the mask, which then acts like an abrasive on the paint. Be sure to remove the mask when it rains or snows or when you wash your CR-V. Also, be sure the paint is dry and clean before you put the mask on. Most masks warn about this in their directions.

drew_

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

cagney1

I've had my new 2001, 5-speed,CRV-EX for 2,200 miles and like the car. I've had after market speakers put in, as was suggested by someone here and they're great. Next thing I'll add (the stereo guy told me a dealer would have to do it) is a cassette deck. What kind of prices are dealers charging for adding the deck to the radio/CD player already in the car? Also, what is the net called in the back that can hold groceries, etc without them falling all over the place? Does that have to be installed? How much? FINALLY...I'm getting about 25 miles per gallon. Is that in line with other 5-speeders out there? Thanks!!

hhls

Beatfarmer & Varmit - thanks for the feedback. I test drove a Grand Vitara JLS+ yesterday and that was all it took to come to much the same conclusions you've shared. While it was 'cute', I wasn't all that impressed. After test driving CR-V's a few times, getting into the GV gave me immediate claustrophobia! I'm only 5' 6" and everything felt very 'closed in'; no room at all in the backseats, the front seats felt cramped to me also, and the cargo space is definately lacking. One more thing - that 6 cyl. didn't feel anymore powerful than the more economical Honda 4 cyl.
Thanks again for the comments!

idv1

Just picked up a CRV-LX last weekend. By reading through the old posts, you'd think I was the only person that has ever bought the LX model. Live in Idaho, where we still have 1 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. Very impressed with CR to date.

crvowner1

idv1,

Just wanted you to know that I too own the LX model (2001) It serves my needs. I am very happy with it.

5spd626ii

Hello all, I am new here and have a question to other owners. My wife's CR- has developed an odd groaning noise when ever the all wheel drive engages in slippery conditions or when making tight turns, say into a parking space or making a I turn. Has anyone else experienced this type of malady, and if so, what was it and what did it take to fix? Thanks for any info

canadiancl

Mine makes sort of a groaning noise when accelerating in reverse. Haven't taken it in yet to have it checked out.

rsavana

My dealer told me that an installed luggage rack on a CR-V would cost $440.00. This seems awful high to me. Any input on what I should get it for?
Also a solid cover for the spare was also at $450.00 which also is excessive. Your comments would be appreciated.
Bob

becwar

Our CRV used to make a noise similar to yours whenever the RT4WD kicked in. We took it in and they found that the rear differential was low on fluid. They fixed that and the noise went away.

Hope that helps.

svnla

You can save $$$ by order a roofrack with www.hondaparts4you.com ($213 included shipping) and install it yourself. You can almost always save money by order by on the Net and do the installation. Idv1 and Crvowner1, I also have the LX 2000 model. I like it, 15K miles so far and no problem whatsoever.

benf

I will be purchasing a new CR in the next two weeks. I have not decided exactly which model yet. Given the excess inventories I am seeing on all of the dealer lots, can I assume I should be able to buy one at invoice. Are there people out there buying at less than invoice? I plan on buying in the Chicagoland area. Thanks for your responses.

Cordially,
BGF

pamo

I'm in Milwaukee, and recently purchased a 2001 CR-V EX for $19,600 plus tax and title. They are dealing up here.

varmit

5spd626 - Other owners have reported similar noises and cured them with new fluid. Many folks recommend changing the diff fluid with the 30K service.

deckboat1

I bought my cr ex at the same place Pamo did for 19800. Charged me 200 more than her because I live 1 hr away.(Out In Rock ford area). Very nice dealer but I found out our salesman passed away a week ago.. My neighbor is going up there this weekend to buy. That price included dest.... comes out about 350 below invoice.

idv1

svnla & crvowner1, thanks for your responses. I just bought the keyless entry transmitters. $66 almost seems too good to be true. Has anyone purchased these from Handa.accessories website? I'll let you all know what I think when they arrive.