2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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  • gatorgreggatorgreg Member Posts: 91
    Hey all, here's a couple pics I took yesterday of a fresh off the truck 2WD Satin Silver EX E along with my Satin Silver V. I was very impressed with it. The sales guys were just starting to check it out and they were all pretty excited - I heard one salesman say to his buddy "this thing is tite bro!" :):):)

    image

    image

    I've got lots more of the pics I took posted HERE in case anyone would like to see them.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That thing towers over the already tall CR-V.

    No spare on the back, either, though they had to use a donut.

    I even prefer the tail gate setup. Why oh why does it only seat 4, though?

    -juice
  • quadocquadoc Member Posts: 3
    image
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Looks a bit odd with the taillights photo-chopped, but congrats on your new vehicle!
  • dave_cldave_cl Member Posts: 54
    Ugly!
    It looks like something the KGB might have been driving in the 1960s.
    I'll keep my CR-V, thank you very much.
  • jlmannjlmann Member Posts: 1
    It took about three months to get my hands on one, but my Clover Green EX Auto was finally delivered last Tuesday.

    Lots of good advice on this board helped me make the final decision.

    Thanks, all.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    Why doesn't Honda give us the temp gauge and the windshield washer fluid level light? I thought they kept prices down by limiting options. Seems to me they'd just make'em the same.

    Drove the new V for the first time last night. Very nice. Well mannered and not too big for the wife. It's her car and I'm a bit jealous.

    Talked to the dealer about the Element. He said they put the sunroof in the back so surfers could remove the glass and stand up in the back while they get in to drier clothes. Interesting.
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    I love the side cladding on the V. I'm generally not a fan of the plastic look but, I think it really adds a bit of toughness and character to the V. Not to mention the functionality. I'm the guy that parks (and makes his wife park) way in the back of the parking lot so I don't get door dings. With the cladding she can park anywhere she likes and we really don't have to worry about inconsiderate weasels!

    I can't get over how solid the doors are. And those seals! I HATE to slam my doors but, you really have to put your arm in to the door to shut it. This is definitely not my 00 Civic Hatchback. I'd also like to know who is complaining about road noise. Heck, how quite do you want it? Airplanes cost millions and I've never been in one that was silent (or even very quiet for that matter).

    Bring on the snow.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I don't like that Photochop either. If anything, lower the taillights to bumper level.

    I dunno about that surfer story, if the Element is designed for the beach, why use a donut that wouldn't move 3 feet forward before it sunk in the sand and got you stuck? Plus the windows aren't tinted dark enough for full privacy.

    -juice
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The dudes I've seen hanging out near Scripps/La Jolla are changing out of their neophrene in the street in the residential neighbor with a towel wrapped around them, so I bet they'll think the Element will be a big improvement.

    Steve, Host
  • soccermum02soccermum02 Member Posts: 47
    I do the same, but also I always back into the parking spot so that it's rear end is protected and I can pull out when leaving.

    Regarding the tail lights - I like them right where they are - very functional. When you are in a long parking lot that cuts through the middle of town, you can see all the V's and what they're doing.
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    After much concern about these tires, I have personally come to realize after owning our V for a couple of weeks now, (and having our first rain then followed by 8 inches of snow) ,two things.
    1 The reports on road noise are correct. We do find them noisy.
    2 The reports on poor traction are TOTALLY WRONG.
    A couple of weeks ago, I posted that after talking to our local tire shop, he said that these were very good traction tires. After the last couple of days, he is 100% right. They are probably one of the better all season traction tires that I have had. I am starting to thing he was right, when he said, that the reason people rate them as poor traction, is because since they are a noisy tire people right away don't like them, so they rate them poor on everything. I guess we rate tires like we rate politicians!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm curious, are you rating them for traction on snow, rain, or dry pavement? I found them OK in snow, but that's about it.

    Bridgestone gives it a "B" for wet traction. Some tires are "A" and even "AA" rated.

    -juice
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    Iam rating them on the snow and ice we drove through yesterday.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Gotcha, in that case I agree, they were not bad in snow. I replaced mine with some touring tires that aren't as good in the snow, but much better at dry/wet grip.

    -juice
  • qguqgu Member Posts: 93
    Those tires are only OK on dry pavement. I drive extra careful in Snow/Ice because I personally tested my V. My experience agrees with the survey. BTW scoring 5.1 out of 10 in snow traction is not good for me. You can find far better tires at similar prices.

    Here is the link:

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Dueler+H%2FT+D684&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=075SR5684OWL
  • denise31denise31 Member Posts: 21
    I am having major paint issues with my 2001 Honda Accord and I am going to trade it in. Does anyone have any information about whether or not Honda still uses lead-based paint? and also, I'm trying to decide between the 2003 Honda CR-V and the 2003 Toyota Highlander, and ANY feedback is truly appreciated.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I'm trying to decide between the 2003 Honda CR-V and the 2003 Toyota Highlander, and ANY feedback is truly appreciated.

    Looking strictly at pricing the CR-V is much cheaper than the Highlander. In fact, according to Edmunds TMV the most expensive CR-V is about the same price as the cheapest Highlander. Why not include the Pilot in your comparsions, as the cheapest Pilot is about $1,300 less than the most expensive Highlander (again according to Edmunds TMV).

    JM2C
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    (BTW scoring 5.1 out of 10 in snow traction is not good for me.)
    Are you sure its your personal experience with the tires, or like my local garage man said " Sometimes what we read can play tricks on our minds"
  • ssoto1ssoto1 Member Posts: 66
    I have a 2002 cr-v and my brother has a 2002 toyota highlander,I drove them both the toyota beats it.It rides like a camry,not like the civic based crv.I want to trade my crv for the toyota.
  • 2002hondas2002hondas Member Posts: 18
    Of course the Highlander rides nicer than the CRV. But you're going to pay for that nice ride. And then you have to ask, will it keep it's value as well as the V? It sounds like your comparing the wrong mini-ute. The Highlander is more like a mini-to mid-sized ute. It usually comes with a V-6 and other niceties that others don;t usually offer. SImply stated, the CRV is just a great value with reliability to boot. That's why I chose my 2002, anyway. Best of luck with your Highlander and higher pay-out.
  • hondaman02hondaman02 Member Posts: 250
    The Highlander is compared to the Pilot NOT the CRV!! The Pilot beats it no problem!

    The CRV is compared to the RAV4
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Denise - Unless you plan on towing, the CR-V will offer pretty much the same utility as a Highlander. They are pretty much the same size and have similar mpg figures (if you get the Highlander with the four cylinder engine). Though the CR-V will feel more "spirited" under acceleration. The CR-V is going to be much less expensive, but Ssoto is correct about the refinement. While the CR-V is no slouch, the Highlander has a more luxurious feel.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Hondaman - Compare a 4cyl Highlander with a CR-V and you'll see they aren't that different.
  • robmarchrobmarch Member Posts: 482
    I passenged in the highlander, and thought it was a comfortable SUV. If you're looking for a smallish/midsize SUV with a comfortable ride, it's worth a test drive. I'd definitely include the Pilot in the comparison, as well as the Nissan Murano.

    The CRV has great cargo space and utility for a small SUV, as well as one of the most comfortable and roomiest back seats I've been in. It does have a little more road noise, which you could fix with quieter tires. The price is excellent also, in my opinion.

    I would recommend driving them all, sitting in the front seat and back seat, and getting the one you love.

    Good luck!
  • qguqgu Member Posts: 93
    I personally experienced poor traction in the last several snow storms in New England. My CRV has less than 5000 miles and the tires should be considered new. I checked tirerack.com trying to find a set of better tires after I learned the traction problem. The survey just confirmed what I have learned. Drive carefully in snow.
  • hondaman02hondaman02 Member Posts: 250
    qgu.............buy winter tires. 4 seasons don't work well in snow!
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    The best thing by far for snow is definately snow tires. But like my post before qgu's reply,I feel that as far as a all season tire goes they are good for snow traction. But you know, a really do agree with a friend of mine. For years all he buys are performance tires. He believes that he would rather have the comfort and quietness of a tire, and let the AWD back you up when conditions are bad. Pretty hard to argue with someone who drives 200 kilometers a day, and never falls off the road!! Maybe he is right, " Its all in your driving skills" he claims.
  • matt479matt479 Member Posts: 26
    I don't understand why people think these tires suck. Last weekend I was up in Mammoth, Ca. when they got over a foot of snow. It was the mild storm before the big one that brought 6' of new snow. CRV performed like a champ! I could sense when the AWD kicked in. The back got lose a couple times when I made a left from a stop sign. But I could tell the AWD kicked in and corrected the back. Duelers felt solid. I have 7K miles on them. The handled the snow and ice great. They handle the rain fine. I'm wondering if the problem is more that people are trying to drive in the snow like they drive when it's dry. You got to take it slow in snow, even if you have snow tires and AWD.
  • matt479matt479 Member Posts: 26
    Another thing - I have not experienced this excess road noise problem from my Dueler's that other people are having. I can barely hear them.
  • warren19warren19 Member Posts: 28
    Matt, I agree with you. I drove in 6 inches of snow without any problems whatsoever. Half the battle is knowing how to drive in the snow. A lot of people obviously don't know how.
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    Thanks guys, I was really beginning to think that I was the only fool that thought these tires were not that bad. Maybe we are the only ones that know how to drive!!!
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    Thanks guys, I was really beginning to think that I was the only fool that thought these tires were not that bad. Maybe we are the only ones that know how to drive!!!

    I have no problem agreeing that the tires are "not that bad." Why not expect something better?

    Personally, I haven't had problems with mine, but I have noticed the noise at highway speeds (turning up the radio can take care of most of it) and I regularly hear the tires "squeal" when turning and "chirp" when I start from a light in dry conditions. And I'm a fairly conservative driver. I live in Western NY, which may not get the more extreme winter conditions in some areas of Canada, but we do get a fair amount of snow and ice.

    When I replace them next month I won't be buying another set of Dueler H/Ts. I'll be going with a tire that has a better rating for handling in all conditions, and a lower noise rating.

    JM2C
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    Jack of all trades, master of none. There is no such thing as the perfect tire.

    You have to figure temperature, inflation, snow, ice, dirt, type of pavement, type of snow (depending on temperature) into the equation. Hey, if they don't work for you buy something else. I think manufacturers generally put the best tire on the vehicle for all situations.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Pink Floyd's "Learning to Drive"...

    I think that te Duelers are probably adequate, but nothing special. Some folks just have higher standards.

    As for driving in the snow, here's a little experiment I posted in another thread.

    varmint "Realtime AWD in CR-V" Dec 17, 2002 4:00pm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We test drove both when we were shopping for my wife.

    The CR-V feels like a compact, that's good and bad. It's far more fun, spunky, tossable, because it's lighter. More efficient, too. Passenger space is great, but width makes it tight for 3 across. Cargo space is good if you can slide the seats forward.

    The Highlander is more refined, far more quiet IMO. The V6 isn't quicker 0-60, but it can pull more weight without a strain. It does not feel sporty at all, though, my wife yawned after driving it. The rear seat is wider if you seat 3 across, and cargo space is better. The AWD is a full-time VC setup. The center differential means both axles can get power all the time without binding.

    So, if you crank up the tunes, so engine/road noise doesn't matter, and only need to seat 4, I'd go with the CR-V.

    If you're looking for budget luxury, though, the Highlander is better. You do pay more, but then you're getting a V6, more towing, and features like stability control.

    Pilot doesn't have that, nor does it offer a moonroof. I'm guessing you don't need 8 seats and like that moonroof, am I on target?

    -juice
  • atthebeach1atthebeach1 Member Posts: 5
    Just wait until you hit about 15,000 miles and then the poor traction in the rain begins. I agree that in the beginning they provided adequate traction in both rain and snow. I put new Bridgestone Turenza on the 2002 V at 27,500 miles and now I realize that the Duelers did make alot of road noise. Went to West Virginia last week and was driving around in 4-8 inches of snow and these do a much better job in the snow.

    Enjoy your CR-V!

    ATB
  • mtcrver1mtcrver1 Member Posts: 3
    After more conversations than I care to remember with car salesmen who lie and make up facts I finally made a deal I can live with. Our new 2003 crv lx 4wd auto (silver) is 4hrs away waiting for us to come and get it (whew! I almost called it her). I know that I should'nt sweat the small stuff, but the most annoying thing about this purchase is that this is a $20,000.+ vehicle and Honda can't even finish building it by including the front mud/splash gaurds with it. Anyway I got the dealer to include them along with a roof rack, floor mats, cargo liner, and an engine block heater. A trip to the tire shop for 4 studded cooper wintermasters and we'll be ready for this Montana's winter (if ever gets here).
  • mtcrver1mtcrver1 Member Posts: 3
    I know you all want to know how much we paid. $20,0443.00
  • denise31denise31 Member Posts: 21
    Thanks to everyone that offered suggestions for my DILEMMA. I went to the Honda dealer today, I did not test drive anything, but I sat in a 2003 Honda Pilot and a 2003 Honda CR-V.

    I like them both, but I really like the CR-V.
    The Pilot is very roomy, and with a little more headroom the CR-V would be near perfect.

    The salesperson told me they had a 2003 Honda Element but, it was sold as soon as it arrived. I would like to see the 2003 Honda Element in person. I still like the Toyota Highlander, but I love Hondas! Hopefully, my new Honda whatever I finally decide on, won't have paint issues.
  • andriesandries Member Posts: 37
    Was looking under the hood of the CR-V tonight, and noticed little gravel stones on the engine. I mean real small,very small gravel stones. When I pulled the dipstick I noticed even a few around the dipstick. Now unless you drive on the odd gravel road, or they have sanded your streets, you probably wont notice. I can easily see were they are coming from, for the sides are fairly open. Just thought I would drop a line to see if any else has noticed? I know I will be blowing a shot of air around the dipstick when I check the oil, just to be safe. BUT THEN, my wife is always telling me I worry to much!!
  • cgphil1cgphil1 Member Posts: 29
    Picked up my shiny new 03 Satin Silver EX yesterday, Thursday and it rained all day today in the Boston area. I feel that I was lucky to get it at a no haggle Club discount price of $800.00 over Invoice or $21,151.00 + $800.00 = $21,951.00 seeing that most dealers here are unwilling to go below MSRP of $22, 860.00 because of the high demand for this vehicle. All it took was one email and one call from the dealer to reserve it. This was followed by one visit on Wednesday when it came in, test drove it and returned yesterday to pick it up. Mine was built in England and came through the port of Baltimore. I agree that the tires are a bit noisy especially over rough road surfaces but I knew that going in because of all the postings on this site, pros and cons. I also did not expect it to ride and feel like a Lexus or even like the 4 cyl. Highlander for that matter. I want to thank all the contributors to this site who have helped me to make what I personally think is a wise choice. It definitely suits my needs.
  • arkydogarkydog Member Posts: 50
    Congrats on what sounds like a great deal on your 2003 CR-V. I am assuming it is an automatic, and if so, $20, 443 is a really good deal for the new CR-Vs, according to what I've seen posted on this board.

    I know just the cargo liner alone would have cost me an extra $100 if bought as an accessory on my 2002 LX, and none of the dealers were the least bit interested in throwing in any extras on such a hot seller (orders only). I had to search for 6 mos. just to find a dealer who would sell at a price I was willing to pay ($600 over invoice). My "extras" were a spare tire cover (I had to ask for it) and the usual dealer promo chochkes!

    Again, congratulations.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Andries - I have sand and pebbles on the top of my engine block, too. Never noticed anything around the dipstick, though. Mine is a '99 with closed wheel wells, so I doubt those holes are the culprit.
  • tugboat1tugboat1 Member Posts: 21
    I've posted this before but now that we are on the topic of tires maybe I'll get a response. Has anyone taken the plunge and upgraded to aftermarket 16" wheels and tires? This seems like a logical answer to complaints of noise and traction, though at the expense of fuel efficiency.
  • mlandau1mlandau1 Member Posts: 8
    I know it's subjective, but any thoughts would be great.
  • reed4reed4 Member Posts: 56
    Hi gang,

    Got some internet access again so I thought I'd report on the first leg of our trip. Our drive was from Austin, Texas to Riverside, Calif. About 1350 miles. This is our first trip in the V (02 EX Auto) so Friday morning when we loaded up all four of us (Myself, wife and kids 11 and 15) with two weeks worth of everything crammed into the back of the V we were all very excited to see how it would go.

    1. Gas mileage average worked out to 22.5. Cruise set to 75-80 most of the way. Also, most of the drive was into a strong cross wind/head wind that never let up. Overall, considering our pace and the fact that every space in the V was full I am happy with this mileage. Interesting note: One tankful our average speed dropped to around 65 mph because of fog and rain and the mileage went right up to 26.2 on that tank!! I would expect 25 to 28 mpg in better conditions with the cruise set at 65 mph.

    2. Acceleration and passing was excellent for a fully loaded vehicle. Very good from 50-80+mph while passing slow traffic. With the cruise set at 80 it does downshift going up the longer steep grades but still easily maintains your set speed. The engine remains incredibly smooth at any rpm. I did get up to over 90 mph while overtaking two trucks and this little engine just kept easily pulling until I got past and let off.

    3. Comfort is very good. Leg room is plentiful. I'm 5'10', wife is 5'8", son is 5'7" and daughter is 5'3" and we were all able to adjust and recline very comfortably without intruding into each others space. We do wish the head rests adjusted for/aft for sleeping but a pillow does the trick nicely. Plenty of room for your feet under the front seats as well. Wind noise is very low at all speeds. Tire noise varies greatly depending on the road surface but is never annoying. I've noticed this with all the vehicles I done this drive with.

    4. Storage: We packed this thing to the MAX!!! Since our trip is 16 days long all of us brought a months worth of stuff. Here's what's crammed behind the rear seats (and they still recline) 4 full size suitcases, 4 back packs, 4 pillows, 2 blankets, all kinds of shoes under the picnic table, 1 laptop PC and about a dozen Christmas presents!!!! Good thing the V has decent size side mirrors! Playstation2 is between the kids since it's plugged into the overhead DVD which proved to be worth it's weight in gold!!!

    Anyways, all of us are very happy with the V. We'll be around here for a week then off the visit some family in Flagstaff, Az and Santa Fe, NM on the way home. Post a report on that leg when we get back home!

    Merry Christmas All
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    That's a long drive. The most I've done is a five day trip from Boston to Florida and back. I don't care how comfy your seats are, the tailbone starts to feel it after 10 hours in the car. =)
  • reed4reed4 Member Posts: 56
    varmint,

    Yep, those gas and snack stops were always welcome. Always glad to get back in the V though!

    Reed
  • denise31denise31 Member Posts: 21
    Is there anyone out there trying to decide between a Element and a CR-V?

    If so, what do you think are the pros and cons of each vehicle???

    I am having a really hard time trying to choose a vehicle. The Element has more headroom and a box shape, and the CR-V has the cassette deck, black bumpers, remote entry system.

    Also, Honda is offering 3.49% financing for 60 months until 01-02-03, so I must choose quickly.
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