2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

rockycow

Here is the latest from the Honda Owners site:

Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?
   Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.
   American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.

I would interpret this to mean if you meet the severe service criteria in your owners manual change the oil at 5K if you meet the normal service criteria change your oil at 10K
Happy motoring
rockycow

richk6

I only drive about 5000 miles per year on my 02 EX. I change oil every 6 months,(about 2750 mi), the reason being my dealers maintenance book recommends changing every 5000 miles OR 6 months. Is this a bad practice?

inkie

If you only put 5000 miles on your EX per year.Your oil picks up more contamination and it would be to your advantage to change more frequently like: every 3 or 4 months.

inkie

I just happened to go through some helpful articles from the Popular Mechanics 2000 calender and they write. I quote: "There is no such thing as breakin oil on a new car. The first oil and filter change should be at 500 miles to remove contaminants, abrasives, and wear particles. Refill the crankcase with oil of the manufacturer's recommended grade and viscosity."I wonder who is right? Honda or their sources?

ateixeira

I'd go with what Honda publishes.

Subaru does not use a break-in oil (we asked), but if Honda says they do, they probably do.

-juice

rockycow

It doesn't make sense for Honda to address the issue of a break in oil if, indeed, they do not use one. What purpose would that serve? I think Popular Mechanics is "off base".

stever

I always wondered if Honda just thinks that it's better to leave "dirty" oil in a new engine a few thousand miles so the filings, etc. will "polish" the cylinder walls to a nice sheen. That would mean their break-in oil is just regular motor oil.

Makes for good conspiracy theories at least :-)

Steve, Host

scname

Not to polish the cylinders but develop wear patterns that match the piston rings for a better seal. Not doing so would result in increased oil consumption , less efficiency, more polution during the life of the engine. According to some Honda mechanic.

stever

Sounds good to me. I must have read that somewhere in my net travels :-)

Steve, Host

matt479

I went in for my first oil change at 7,500 miles. Oil level was good, however it was getting dark. Other fluid levels were holding very well. Only way I can see to make the 10K mark before changing the oil is by driving very carefully. My owner's manual says to change the oil every 5K to 8K. Dealer suggested every 3K, to of course get more business. I'll stick with the manual so as not to void the warrantee and do regular checking by myself.

ropedart

This is a nice version of the CRV and disturbing. Apparently Honda America Marketing deemed it necessary to have a sparetire on the rear door for a SUV image. They know full well the implications of the door mounted tire. Expensive damage in rear end collisions! An organization so large knows everything you can imagine. There are studies going on all the time. Computer crash simulations and crash tests are done in house in secrecy. I swear they know the image benefit vs safety of that tire location. That wet bin under the floor is simply the location for the Element donut or the Fullmark donut. One reason I will not buy a CRV is because of that tire. Lets hope Honda America wakes up and does the right thing with that tire. Take it off the door.

tomsr

In suburban environments there is no practical reason for an externally mounted tire.If you get a new car every 4 years there is a good chance the spare will never touch the ground.But it does
add a look of ruggedness.I guess a rear mounted
spare on a Yugo makes it an SUV.

ropedart

What the Fullmark really means with that bare rear door is that Honda has a choice of doing it or not. Perhaps they should offer a base model without the door mounted spare. Offer a choice for people.

At least they should have extended the bumper to clear the wheel.

robmarch

it might cost more to repair in a small accident, but I'm not sure the safety is negatively affected by having the tire there. I don't mind having it on the door, and probably wouldn't mind having it in the car. But, I do like having a full size spare, rather than the donut.

ateixeira

Element has a donut hidden away.

Funny thing is, I think Honda got it backwards.

The Element is being shown on the beach in advertising, and most beaches require a full size spare (and other equipment). So technically it isn't allowed to go where they're suggesting you take it! That moonroof for surfers to change out of their wet suits is useless if you get stuck in soft sand with only a donut spare.

Meanwhile, the CR-V's rather hilarious "SUV for the real world" ads show CR-V passengers loading up and driving off on pavement. So it made that sacrifice in order to have a full size spare that you're much less likely to use (compared to an Element driver, supposedly).

I'd like to see Honda just stretch the rear bumper out a few more inches, so it's the first thing that would contact a pole or flat surface.

-juice

robmarch

I'd like to see Honda just stretch the rear bumper out a few more inches, so it's the first thing that would contact a pole or flat surface.

-juice

Great suggestion. Problem solved

ateixeira

...or how about a Safari package with the spare tire on the hood like some of the old Defenders had.

Note to self: cut down on the caffeine consumption!

-juice

warren19

How many of you here have ever backed into a pole in a parking lot? If someone hits you from behind, then it's not your fault. I wouldn't lose any sleep over your spare being on the rear.

beatfarmer

A flat on the beach...wouldn't that be the ultimate airing down?

lotlizard

I don't have time to read this whole message board, and would appreciate impressions from CRV owners. We are comparing it with Tribute.

We like the red CRV, but we strongly dislike the muddy color of the interior and Honda gives no choices. Is there any way to find out what colors will be offered in '04? Also, why do the tires have a treadwear rating of 180? Those can't be expected to go much more than 20 or 30K. Is this a sign of cost-cutting that belies other quality issues? Has road salt in the engine bay been a problem other than cosmetic? Are there any general problems with CRV? Tribute has vastly superior tires (treadwear of 520, good color combos, and offers leather; however, it gets worse mileage and there's the historic reliability factor). We do not tow anything.

Thanks for any comments.

robmarch

I have almost 20k on the original tires, and they are just beginning to show some wear. I think the tires are the most disappointing part of the car, which I've been extremely happy with. If they're a dealbreaker, it's pretty cheap to replace the tires to something you're more comfortable with.

The interior is available in grey also, on certain colors, if you really don't like the tan. I've had no problems with road salt, or otherwise.

I'd recommend a test drive, I think if you're not towing anything, the CRV is a very competitive, complete package.

robr2

...the treadwear ratings on the tires can only be compared across the same brand. A 180 in one brand may be equal to a 520 in another.

My Dad's 02 CRV has about 12K on it and he has had zero issues. It's been to the dealer once for an oil change.

Honda traditionally keeps color choices and combos simple and minimal. It provides for ease of product planning and manufacturing and simplifies choices for those buyers who can't decide :-).

You can have leather done aftermarket at a place like Classic Soft Trim (www.classicsofttrim.com) at a reasonable price.

Good Luck.

matt479

Has anyone chipped and/or looked into chipping their CRV?

icvci

tirerack.com lists the warranty on the Duelers as 60,000 miles. That doesn't seem too bad to me.

ateixeira

Yeah beat, don't air down too far! 18psi worked for me.

How many of you here have ever backed into a pole in a parking lot? It's already happened here. One person's daughter did, and it cost her $1500 or so. It's not worth putting a claim on your own insurance because they'll increase your rate for the next 3 years.

lotlizard: tried a grey interior? Also, look for a CR-V with the Bridgestone tires. Hopefully you can find that combination in one vehicle, plus the model and transmission you want.

-juice

inkie

I am not familiar with car lingo or some aspects of car mechanics. So could you explain chipping ??? Thank You.

varmint

Lots to read.

Inkie - I think he means installing a performance chip. Personally, I have not seen reports on any that have worked for the CR-V.

artdecho

Interesting to see the Fullmark/spare on the door debate resurfacing! I'm with you, Ropedart.....CR-V would be much more appealing with the tire off the door (and a proper hatch or even a split tailgate like the Element to boot!) If a donut will fit in the well under the floor, it's already the right diameter, so can't be too hard to make it a bit deeper to fit a full-size spare
(although Gatorgreg's monster truck tires are another story!) 90% of the SUV's out there (both truck and car based) don't need a tire hanging on the back door to look tough (including two of the toughest, FourRunner and X-Terra), so why does the CR-V?

inkie

Thanks for your explanation and welcome back!

chuckk1

'01 CR-V SE owner here: I test drove the Mazda Tribute before buying the CR-V. It was a close decision for me as I do like Mazdas in general. I found the Tribute fun to drive. Now that I have the CR-V with 18k miles, have absolutely no problems with it, and have enjoyed accessorizing it with little things. I think what swayed me, was the Ford engine in the Tribute. The tires have the noise of any all weather tire, and have found them to be alright, and I am not a lightfoot driver, I do a daily, hard commute, and give, and expect no mercy. The vehicle performs without complaint.

ropedart

I heard rumours that CRV is sold as a 10 person vehicle in the Phillipines. 3 in the front, 4 in the middle and 3 in the back. Can you believe it! Well I just went to the Honda Phillipine site and it took a while to load but its there. Look at Interior.

http://www.hondaphil.com/crv_specs.asp#Interior

Anyone tried ordering the 3 row seat?

ropedart

Juice
Honda got it backwards on the tire. That's interesting. The research was not complete enough?
Around here you cannot even drive on the beach.

dft7

Did you ever get a reply to this?...My 03 EX CRV is getting very low gas mileage....bought about 2 weeks ago....12/mpg....anyone else with a similar experience?....need help and advice...please

jedai

My 03 CRV EX is getting about 24 mpg average in 40% highway and smooth local traffic. Lowest is about 21.5 mpg mostly local. Tire pressure is about 30psi. If you get too low gas milage, check the tire pressure and increase it. Higher tire pressure gives better gas milage at the expense of slightly bumpy ride.

rlei

Rats, I get 27-28 mpg average (mostly smooth rural driving) on my 2000 civic LX. So switching to CRV won't make too much difference then (comparing to jedai's 24 mpg). Nice to know.

varmint

Unless you are riding on four flats, tire pressure should not have an impact as significant as what Dft7 is reporting.

DFT7 - Here are a few things to consider:

1. How did you calculate your mileage?

2. 12 mpg is way outside the ordinary range that might be explained by a heavy foot or an engine not completely broken in. If you continue to get 12 mpg, take it into the shop!

3. What conditions have you been driving in? Is the car parked in freezing temps overnight? Are you knee deep in snow? Or does is have a nice warm garage with a painted floor, mood lighting, and piped in music...?

ateixeira

I'm surprised you don't get a check-engine light if you're getting 12mpg. Gas must be passing by unburned, unless you're a lead foot with four flats driving up hills all the time!

-juice

icvci

I leave a nite lite on in the garage.

rlei

Hmm...icvci, you'll get even better mileage if you throw in some candles, music, and a Pilot to company your V. But then you might get a civic a few month later. ;-)

icvci

Pilot's too much truck for me. I hate owning an SUV as it is. Already have a Civic (for sale btw). The Civic and the V would be like a daschund and a retriever.

There were already a ton of Civic names on this message board, thats why I chose a silly variation of Civic with icvci.

Tried spelling it backwards but, someone already had that too.

jfavour

I have a '02 CR-V EX Auto and the only problem I have had with the vehicle in the 13 months (and 9500 miles) is a broken fold down tray table. The lever that you pull to release the table and fold it down has broken twice. The first time the entire tray table assembly was replaced, the second time they were able to simply repair the lever. I don't remember hearing a lot about this, so I doubt it is a common problem. Otherwise my CR-V has been flawless and a really enjoyable vehicle. I would recommend it highly.

ateixeira

Put a new hybrid Civic next to that V. :-)

Didn't someone say the new tray table wasn't as sturdy as before? Guess they were right.

-juice

basset3

I've been trying to find out what the tachometer reads at 65 to 70 mph on a 2002/03 Honda CRV with automatic transmission.

I drove a 1999 CRV at 70 mph and it seemed like the engine was screaming. If I recall, the tachometer was well over 3500 rpm.

Can anyone update me on what the new CRV revs are at highway speeds?

icvci

but, I'm sold on the Protege5. Plus, I get S-Plan pricing and 0% financing. So, it's even more attractive than I already find it to be. Just need to sell that Civic. Never thought I'd be so eager to dump a Honda. Not that it's bad, just really like the P5.

icvci

Couldn't say for sure but, I'd say at 65-70 it's around 2900-3200. Unlike some here, I find it quite quiet and nice on the freeway. Of course I have a $13,400 Civic Hatchback (not a bad car, just not very refined) to compare it to so, take my statement with a grain of salt.

2003crv

Just got my 2003 CR-V, love it. But dealer wanted $80+ for a pair of plastic front splash guards. So I bought them from HandA-accessories.com for $35 and try to install myself. However, I was not able to remove 2 of the 3 screws on the front fender (The screws are loose, but won't come out).

Does anybody have similar experience? Please, I need some expert advice. Thanks a lot.

slugline

basset3: Was that '99 a stick-shift? My 2000 with automatic transmission goes 3000 rpm at 75 mph. By this point, of course, I cannot otherwise tell that the engine is even on, because the wind noise dominates. . . .

scname

I got 02 Auto EX 4 wd
1500 @ 40 mph
1750 @ 45 mph
1900 @ 50
2000 @ 55
2250 @ 60
2450 @ 65
2500 @ 70
2850 @ 75
2980 @ 80

Now, the margin for error reading the tach is probably huge.
I used the number to calculate the least revolution the engine turns per mph. The lowest number occur at 70 mph. Maybe this is the most fuel efficient speed ?

robmarch

I know it's a hair under 3000 at 80 on my AWD Auto EX.

2003crv - splash guards

are the screws stripped? are they freely turning, just not coming out?

arkydog

I have a 02 manual LX CR-V, so I don't know if manual and auto trannies run the same rpms on tach or not. At 65 - 70 mph, my tach is reading 3100 - 3300 rpm. Not nearly as whiny as my Suzuki manual at those speeds, only a bit of engine whine on the highway.

Overall, CR-V runs MUCH quieter than I expected, except on certain kinds of road, and that's tire noise, not engine noise. Once my roof rack goes up, I expect quite a bit more singing noise, based on experience.