2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

ateixeira

Be aware that a 215/65R15 tire is actually smaller in diameter, so from the profile it'll fill the wheel wells even less.

-juice

scname

That's odd, my dealer's invoice include 440 des. is $21039.52. Another poster said 21040.

bochHonda did say dealer cost instead of invoice. Wonder what's the difference.

Spyponder

Shellymeister,

Which Yokohamas did you end up getting for your CR-V? I will be replacing my OEM CR-V tires soon (36k miles and showing signs of age...) and am looking for suggestions.

THanks,
SP

artdecho

juice.....since your tire swap appears taller and gives you more ground clearance, didn't you screw up your odometer/speedometer settings and affect your gear ratios somewhat too? I know a 205/70-15 can be plus-oned to a 215/60-16.....how far off would a 215/65-15 be?
oh & thanks, shelleym... for the info...sounds like a win win situation....

damsel2

Hey Folks,

I've been with you all in spirit for months. Now I really need your advice: I don't know if I'm INKY's "mystery" buyer, but I did put down a deposit an 02 CR-V from Mark Roberts in September (brave, huh??) in part as a result of the information supplied on this message board. Approx. three weeks ago, my salesman was able to give me the VIN (starts with "J"!)--but still no car! I understand the delay could be caused because of the brief delay in distribution, but he says Hondas are "hard to track" and that he has no ETA--whatsoever! I find it hard to believe that they have no idea where this vehicle is, as the dealership has already purchased it--hence the VIN. What do you all think? Anyone know if they're piled up at the Port of Long Beach getting their seatbelts adjusted? Or, am I getting some sort of run around? I would really just like to know when to expect it--is that information really that hard to come by?

Other info.: He says car was "assigned" (i.e., shipped?) on Nov. 2. Thanks so much.

canadatwo

205/70/15 = 26.3"
215/65/15 = 26.0"
225/65/15 = 26.5"
215/60/16 = 26.2"
225/60/16 = 26.63"

Of course, real world may be a bit different.

Offsets, wheel widths, and clearances (especially when wheels are turned) need to be considered.

diploid

I don't know...as someone already posted, the new Civics have the openings in the well, also, and so far no major problems have been linked to it.

I have good faith in the Honda brand, and I trust that the engineers would not make a vehicle only to have it bring problems to its owner (especially with such a salient problem as this).

While it may seem obvious that yes, maybe dirt can enter into the other parts of the car, in actuality, it hasn't been proven yet. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

scname

There's steel bar that runs through the holes linking steering mechanism together. I think Honda choose to put it there instead at the bottom to 1) lower engine/transmission thus lower center of gravity. 2) increase crash protection for the cabin.

Hope it doesn't backfire on Honda.

Anyone know what's the load rating on 02's roof rack ?

What fog lights are Canadians getting, the Japanese type that mounts flush to the hole or American recessed ovals ?

scname

There's steel bar that runs through the holes linking steering mechanism together. I think Honda choose to put it there instead the bottom to 1) lower engine/transmission thus lower center of gravity. 2) increase crash protection for the cabin.

Hope it doesn't backfire on Honda.

Anyone know what's the load rating on 02's roof rack ?

What fog lights are Canadians getting, the Japanese type that mounts flush to the hole or American recessed ovals ?

robertsmx

Honda usually time tests its vehicles so I wouldn't worry too much about open wheel wells. It is certainly not cost saving, something they could have done elsewhere. Must have to do with accomodations under the hood.

reiner4

Back in July '99 I put a deposit down on a hard to find Supermarine Blue '99 EX Auto in the SF Bay Area before it had even left Japan. I was given similar feedback (VIN # and all) on its progress of being shipped, its arrival to the Port of Long Beach and so on. Though they had no control over its transportation progress the information they provided, or lack thereof, proved to be true. The whole process took about 7 weeks, which was a plus since I was able to save more for the down payment, not to mention it was the most anticipation I had experienced since childhood. To top it off, being the longtime Honda owners that we are, we never even test drove a CR-V prior to taking delivery. Essentially we just sat in the front & rear seats to ensure there was enough room and we were sold.

Unless the Dealer you're working with has a negative reputation I think you're fine. The VIN# is the key.

Good Luck and enjoy your new 'V'

jmurman42

the invoice on a 2002 Ex auto CRV is 20,599...440 freight making the total 21,039

Jerry

zops

I paid 22233, or about 500 off sticker, but decided to add security system (which I'm surprised in not standard on the EX to begin with) and the front mud guards. Total 22533.

trilliumsteve

I contacted the editor of a Canadian online automobile magazine about the wheel well hole question, and he said that the question has come up before, but with respect to the new Civic. Here is what Honda said at that time:

"As far as the new wheel house design on the 2001- generation Civic, the open design allows for clearance of the high mounted tie rods. There is no effect on winter performance. This design has been thoroughly tested in all climates, including Canada and there have been no negative issues. Water, slush and snow do not accumulate any more than in the older design. The open design has less places for mud and snow to get stuck and should lead to a cleaner engine compartment. There have been no reports of problems from any Canadian customers since introduction last year."

By the way, this magazine (CanadianDriver.com) reviewed the 2002 CR-V, and gave it the thumbs up. Here is the link:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/02cr-v.htm

Spyponder

Well, Honda explained the wheel well issue very well. Sounds swell.

Time to move on to the next nit-pick...

varmit

I sorta recall a Honda press release talking about how the new strut suspension is better than other strut designs because the tie rods are longer than normal and almost meet in the center of the engine bay. I'm not a guru on suspension bits, though. I could be mistaken.

ateixeira

artdecho: I thought that too, but I had another car follow with with a FRS radio, and at the same speeds our speedometers were within 1mph of each other. I guess you should always check to be sure, otherwise have your speedo re-calibrated.

Another thing I cannot explain - I gained a full 3/4" of ground clearance. I guess there is variation from each tire manufacturer, but it should have been far less than that (1/3" according to the math above - thanks). Maybe there is less tire deflection?

I think the wheel well holes could be a weekend project for the DIY folks that want it. Not a bid deal IMO.

-juice

joepa3

Hello everyone. First time poster. I have a question, especially for previous CRV owners. We are considering the CRV but have a concern about the lack of power adjustable front seats. I am 6' and my wife is 5'2" (we dont dance much). I work days, she works evenings and the CRV will be the sole commuting car for us both. Thus the seat height will be adjusted twice/day, 5 days a week. Our old taurus seats did not stand up well to that sort of daily use and we are concerned that this may also be a problem in the CRV. Any thoughts are appreciated on wear and tear of the seat adjustment mechanism. IF Honda offered auto adjustable seats with memory we would buy the CRV tomorrow.
JoePa

shellymeister2

The tires I chose are YOKOHAMA AVS intermediate 215/65/15. As I posted earlier, they are excellent. I already have about 600 miles on them and are very impressed. One warning, however, if you like a long tread life, these tires are probably not going to last more than about 25-30,000 miles- based on reviews I have read. Shorter tread life very often is the price you may have to pay for stickier tires. On the other hand, tire prices have actually dropped in the last ten years- so today you can actually get a better tire for a lower price than in the past.
Lastly, the tire/wheel height on the new setup is so close to the original, that the wheel opening looks identical, but since the new tire is slightly wider, the tire looks more aggressive.

varmit

Joepa - I've never had, or read of, a problem with the mechanism breaking. I've got about 50,000 trouble free miles on mine and I do frequently adjust the seats (mostly to accomodate cargo and passengers). Though I probably don't move them as much as you will.

ateixeira

Ignore what I said about the 215/65 tires, then. Nothing like first hand experience like Sheldon's.

JoePa: not too many power seats in this class of SUV (small imports), in fact I can't think of any. Sorry.

-juice

rburnard

"but does the new CR-V have an outside temperature meter?"

Yes, the Canadian version has a temperature meter. It's in the digital display above the odometer. The temperature sensor is at the top of the front window where it looks a bit tinted.

Ordered my 02 EX-L (with leather) last monday. Have to wait until mid December to get it since it's still in Japan.

ateixeira

You could get an aftermarket thermometer. Or a Forester (they've had them since 2001). ;-)

-juice

tidester

joepa,

We're glad you finally decided to post and we look forward to hearing more from you!

tidester
Host
SUVs

hayduke01

No '02 CRVs available in Colorado Springs. Thought I'd take a look since I was in the dealer's part of town. Salesperson said that they had five, and that they were all gone, but expected more later this week.

The Only CRV I saw on the lot was an '00 model. Prcie painted in the window was more than $17,000.00. I have no idea if they actually expect to get that kind of money for it, or if it's just to make '02 buyers feel better about paying MSRP. Didn't even try to talk price, so don't know if they're getting sticker, or asking for more.

I realize that this is a completely unscientific sample. FWIW, Saturn dealer didn't have the VUE, but expected to get it later this week.

canadatwo

a 0.3" increase in tire height should only give you a 0.15" increase in ground clearance (50% of height gain)

You are probably right, just a difference in manufacturer specs to the standard.

When I had an Escape last year, I replaced the absolutely terrible stock Firestones with an identically sized 235/70/16 Cooper winter tire and the Cooper Tire had to be at least an inch wider.

inky

I really think Mark Roberts has less control and knowledge of shipping because of their small size. It was explained to me that since 1-2 CRVs will come in at one time, Honda holds Mark Robert vehicles to fill a truck destined for Bartelsville. If the dealer has a VIN your CRV is not far behind. You are not the mystery person since they give no referral until final sale which makes sense. I need to get out and drive the new CRV to see what I am missing. Good luck and let us know. By the way. Every time my mark Roberts Honda came in, there was no warning. Just hey the truck pulled up and there it is.
INKY

ateixeira

That's another good point, the first number in a tire is the section width (widest portion, in the middle), not the tread width. A lot of SUV tires, for example, bulge out a lot more, so the tread on some LT tires labeled 245 is still more narrow than my 225s.

We went to get a Volvo test drive certificate stamped (more freebies, the wife is nuts about this stuff) and it's right next to that Honda dealer. Still no new CR-Vs, they had 3 of the old model out front. No Odysseys either, guess they have a real problem with inventory!

-juice

scname

honda news,.. next year's Accord in Japan will have 2L ivtec standard, wagons get the 2.4L ivtec. No word on US model.

zops

I basically ordered the EX early this week and was told it was being produced 11/28.
From experience, how long should i expect to wait.
Any others who waited and how long from date built to arrival.
They said once in the US it would take 2-3 to destination.
I presume 2 or 3 weeks on a ship from Japan, right!!

hayduke01

Saw Ateixeira's reference to freebies for test driving a Volvo.

A catolog I was looking at (Brookstone, I believe) offered a $50.00 gift certificate for test driving a Chrysler product. As I was thinking of ordering a couple of things from the catalog anyway, I'll probably go drive a Grand Cherokee. Test drive has to be before January 15th, then you have a few weeks to send in the coupon.

Will post the 800 number to request a catalog if anyone's interested.

A free watch wasn't enough to get me to another dealer for a test drive, but the gift certificate will do it.

cattman

Oh man, I love these...
I've gotten free Motorola radios, a beautiful Kelty backpack, and numerous gift certificates... and have yet to actually drive a car... just told the salesman I was going for the freebie, and he just signs off on the voucher(rather than waste his time)...

canadiancl

When I brought my car in for service today, the service rep was nice enough to let me use a '02 Civic as courtesy car. The Civic as you all know has the same dreaded hole in the wheelwell. This car had about 1000 miles on it. I opened the hood, looked around inside and as far as I could see, the engine, even the components closest to the hole, were still almost showroom clean. Now I realize 1000 miles may not be enough to accummulate significant grime, but at least it APPEARS that the holes may not be that big of a maintenance issue. Then I got to thinking (which is dangerous at the best of times) that maybe when the car is in motion, there is an underhood airflow which blows OUT OF the holes, thereby creating a sort of invisible shield against dust and dirt kicked up by the tires.

What do you guys think?

ateixeira

Please do share the number (my e-mail is in my profile). I think my wife has gotten rich with that type of offer. Me? I just like sampling cars.

Hey, I read that the Civic will offer a sport package on the EX coupe model, with 16" wheels and springs and shocks. I wonder if that program would spill over into the CR-V?

-juice

conix

Hi all,

I just got my 2001 CR-V LE (Canadian SE). I like the car a lot!

However, I have a couple of questions. I never drop 4x4 before, so I don't know if it's just my cr-v or all. I only drove 50 Kms so far (but with my eyes fully concentrated in picking up strange noise), but at above 60Km/h I noticed that there's vibration in streering wheel, and it seems to get worse as the speed is higher. This seems like a typical tire balancing problem, but it's hard to believe it's the way it's supposed to behave.

Also, I noticed that there's a lot of noise that is not coming from engine, tire or wind. I'm not sure if this is normal, as it seems like it's coming from rear wheels. Is this noise normal?

canadiancl

"but with my eyes fully concentrated in picking up strange noise"

I hope you at least kept your ears on the road!

All seriousness aside, that vibration is not normal. Could be wheel balancing problem. Or could be the tires are out of round. Those OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/T are not your best tires. Get your dealer to try something simple such as flip flop the 2 front tires, or check the wheel balancing. If that doesn't work, they should perhaps replace the tires.

BTW, what city are you from? How much did you pay for your LE. I saw an ad for an LE in Vancouver that was going for about $5,000 less than an '02 EX-L. I thought that was a hell of a deal.

varmit

Conix - First check to make sure that the tires are not over-inflated. When I picked mine up from the dealer, it had about 34 psi in each tire. With tires that hard, you may be feeling more road vibration than normal. They should be 26 (though mine seem better at 28).

theking

The Canadian CRV has DRL,heated mirrors,outside temp gauge. Why not in US models??? Does Honda think that no area of US is not vulnerable to freezing roads or snow??? What gives??? How much extra would these items add to vehicle???

hayduke01

Here's the URL to order the Brookstone catalogs:

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/catalog.asp

They send two catalogs. I saw the Chrysler gift cerficiate offer in their Hard to Find Tools catalog.

rburnard

We also have the heated leather seats on the EX-L version. Also in that trim level we get body coloured bumpers, door handels and side trim, a hard spare tire cover and the moonroof.
Not gloating here, just pointing out more differences.
My 02 EX-L is on order...2 more weeks...

rburnard

What's everybodies opinion on this extra? I had it done on my last 2 Civic's but opted not to have it on my new V. I can still do it but I'm really not sure it it's worth the expense.

zops

I oredered earlier this week and they said it was being built on 11/28 and could come before year end.
IS this realistic. ANyone else order and how long to arrive.

varmit

DRL's, outside temp, heated mirrors...

Because it's not a common option in this class. Same reason why there's no wipers on the headlamps, no navigation system, no Bose sub wuf, no automatic climate control, and no power seats.

Here in the states, this is an entry level SUV. Canadians on the VUE board are already complaining the CR-V LX doesn't come as a 2wd and it costs too much. When it comes to equipment, Honda determines a middle ground that meets the needs of most and leave it at that. This saves manufacturing costs which in turn can be passed on to the consumer. (It also means less chances for error in the manufacturing process, or IOW better reliability.) Take a look at the RAV4. If you pick and choose options you can pay $24K for a RAV4 that doesn't have much more equipment than a 21K CR-V.

scname

Saw it at the dealers, pick it up tomorrow. Offered $795 for the 7 year Honda warranty, dealer want 995 but sounds like 895 is his bottom line. I didn't take it.

Its been one smooth transaction. Price is $500 over invoice on Ex auto. Dealer didn't try to sell me any accesory or paint protection.

Tires are dualers, was hoping for Goodrich.

alex17

What part of the country do you live?

What dealer?

scname

dealer is Gillman Honda in Sharpstown. Salesman is Moon. I think you can get that price anywhere in the country. You just have to be paitient, tell the salesman to call you when he's willing to sell for $500 over invoice. Honda builds 300k CRVs a year, supply is coming in en mass.

My new car has 5 miles on the meter. Glad I didn't take the demo with 64 miles. Only waited 10 days for it.

varmit

Scname - Congratulations! Take care with the break in period. Owners of the RSX are having trouble with cars that are not properly broken in. I dunno if the same problems could come up with the CR-V's detuned 2.4 version of the block, but better safe than sorry.

Post pics when you have some.

tmanmiata

scname - Congratulations!
Is the Honda extended warranty any good? How is it compare to something like warrantydirect.com or 1sourceautowarranty.com?
Does anybody know what is the suggested top speed during break in?
varmit - what kind of trouble the RSX owners have?
The local dealers here in Dallas want MSRP (one with "mandatory" paint protection). I kind of expected that, just want to test them out. I ordered my EX from Mark Roberts. It is going to be about a 4.5 hours drive. Anything I should be watched out for starting break-in with a 4.5 hr drive?

silverody

In Wash DC/Balt area, most dealers are asking MSRP + std accessories? Best I could do was 350 below MSRP.

Its coming in about 30 days.

jmurman42

Honda has INCREASED their production of CR-V to 125,000...last year they built and sold 115,000. Thats a BIG difference from 300K

Jerry