2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

varmint · February 2003

I still like the snow. However, my wife wants me to clear most of it off the roof (otherwise the trapped water could cause a leak). We'll see how I feel after that project.

ateixeira · February 2003

Listen to your wife. Seriously.

We had 2 feet of it on our roof, it forced a new leak, poured water all over the soffit that covered the front porch, and made the entire front soffit collapse.

So now I have an insurance claim for a roof fix and a full replacement of all that soffit pending, and a contractor coming to my house right now.

At least MD's been declared a disaster area, so the insurance guys have funding assistance plus more adjusters in the area doing their work quickly.

So yeah, listen to your wife. If not, and to bring this back on topic, you'll be using your 'V to haul some new roof shingles and flashing pretty soon.

-juice

kyfdx · February 2003

If you go plus one, the advantage is you can use Honda Pilot factory wheels, which are 16 x 6.5, and fit perfectly... 215/60-16 tires. I swear I am going to do this. Okay, maybe not.. but, I'm thinking about it...LOL

ateixeira · February 2003

If so you could buy used rims cheap. The Pilot's tires won't do you any good, though, as they're way too big.

-juice

varmint · February 2003

If you prefer the OEM look, you can also use the 16" rims from the Element. I've seen CR-Vs with rims from the Ody and Prelude as well.

Juice - The roof is fine.

ateixeira · February 2003

You're luckier than me!

I'm still waiting for an adjuster to call me up. At least they have the funds since it's a disaster area.

Meanwhile, real-life varmints (squirrels) may try to make a home in that mini-attic, so I'd better seal it off!

If lots of Honda rims are interchangeable, try Club Si for used ones.

-juice

surfbabe1977 · February 2003

We purchased a Black CRV EX Auto in late October last year, with some minor customizing. We absolutely love it. I only have a couple complaints...the saddle interior color is awful (IMO), thank goodness we got black! I wouldn't buy a CRV at all if I had to get a saddle interior. Also, I just can't quite get the steering wheel in the right place where it is comfy for my and so that it's not blocking the speedometer (we MUST see that right?!). It's not a big deal, but slightly annoying.

On the other hand, the CRV is perfect for us! It is only me, my husband, and our cocker spaniel, but the space is amazing. Fold up those back seats and BAM all that space! Plus we love all those cubby holes to put stuff. Those are great. But I have to say, for us, we are most impressed with the 4X4 part. Our other car is a Mustang and horrible in the snow. We live in CT and recently got 20" of snow on top of the 6+ we already had on the ground. We had to do some shoveling, but overall, and considering our other snow storms and winter road conditions, the CRV has done wonderfully. So well in fact, we have ordered an Eternal Blue Pearl EX Auto to replace that "I refuse to go anywhere in the snow" Mustang.

Knock on wood, we've had no problems, not even minor ones, and we're extremely happy. The CRV meets our needs without being too large and cumbersome (did I mention it turns on a dime which is great for all this parallell parking and tiny, non existent parking spaces here in the NE) and doesn't guzzle gas like some of the other larger SUVs.

Completely satisfied!
Just call us,
His & Hers CRVs ;0)

insur_suvs · February 2003

I was told by the sales guy who sold me my 03 EX that the 04 would have changes to the rear bumper (trying to correct the horrible IIHS rear bumper crash results). Varmit and Ateixeira, could you send some of that snow down here to cool us off in Miami? We are in the low muggy 80's. I don't know whether to be jealous of you guys or just thankful! At least you guys don't have to put up with hurricane season and be biting your nails from June to the end of October!

jfigueroa1 · February 2003

I have an idea when was the last time you went on vacation, well it is time to go and relax driving away in the snow. smealing the cold ari as you drive i guess right now it the time to do it.
Greetings from sunny Miami.

insur_suvs · February 2003

I think you have the right idea. On my last vacation the most north I got was Orlando. Driving in some snow for a day may just be what the doctor ordered (not to mention a way to give the AWD system a good test)!

varmint · February 2003

Juice - Good luck with the adjusters. My next concern is if we'll get water in the basement as all this stuff melts. I feel like I'm fighting a war on two fronts!

Surfbabe1977 - You'll have to bring those rigs to the next Honda SUV Olympics. We have a few active members from your neck of the woods.

ateixeira · February 2003

You can have all the snow I had to shovel off my roof! You just have to haul it to Miami in the back of your CR-V. :-)

Also shoveled the stuff away from the sides of the house to prevent a wet basement. Yuck.

I usually love snow, but I'm tired of it already. Time for spring. Looks like we're getting one more snow storm, maybe Thursday. Another test for AWDers.

FYI, it was funny, my neighbor has an Audi A6 quattro and was bragging about it, then proceeded to get stuck in a mount of snow the plows had left. It was pretty hard not to laugh. AWD is a start, but you need some ground clearance, and even more common sense, too. Careful out there.

-juice

trilliumsteve · February 2003

We just had our first big dump of snow in Ottawa -- about 32 centimeters or about 12.5 inches. We have had lots of little snowfalls this year, but nothing this big. Not quite the 24 inches you folks in the northeast US got, but still a pretty good one. Thing is around here, the snow doesn't really melt much until spring, so it just keeps piling up.

In any event, the 2002 CRV -- with Toyo snow tires -- handled beautifully. One of our neighbors tried to get down a local street in a Corolla and got stuck. We had no such problems. Here's to spring!

icdchess · February 2003

Picked up my new 2003 a week ago Saturday. Drove 1000 miles since to our home in the snowy Poconos. It was great!! Fit 5 people and plenty of luggage, got 26 MPG, and was surprisingly peppy. However, we did note a problem with the passenger side rear window. It was intermittant (had nothing to do with the lock out on the driver's panel). Worked sometimes and not othertimes both with the switch at that window and the one on the driver Fpanel. Is that a problem anyone else has seen?

ateixeira · February 2003

By any chance could the mechanism been iced over? It's been so frigid that any tiny bit of water would have frozen up.

Then maybe it heats up, melted the water, and worked OK? Just a thought.

-juice

icdchess · February 2003

Picked up my new 2003 a week ago Saturday. Drove 1000 miles since to our home in the snowy Poconos. It was great!! Fit 5 people and plenty of luggage, got 26 MPG, and was surprisingly peppy. However, we did note a problem with the passenger side rear window. It was intermittant (had nothing to do with the lock out on the driver's panel). Worked sometimes and not othertimes both with the switch at that window and the one on the driver's panel. Is that a problem anyone else has seen?

fito1 · February 2003

I am thinking about buying a 2001 CR-V EX with 60,000 miles and need everyones help.

1) If the normal maintenance schedule has been followed, how long and how many miles can I expect out of this vehicle???

2) Any idea what a decent price for this CR-V would be? It is a Certified Honda Vehicle with a 100,000 mile warranty, no deductable $0... .

Thanks...

insur_suvs · February 2003

Have any of you installed the Honda "base carrier" (roof rack) yourself after purchasing an 02 or 03? If so, was the installation easy, and did you notice any increase in wind noise? I'm thinking of installing one in my 03 EX. Did have the fog lights and running boards installed a week after purchase, now I think the roof rack might just be a nice touch (might even increase resale value a little).

varmint · February 2003

Fito1 - The older CR-V was one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Plenty of owners have passed the 200K mile mark without needing significant repairs. That said, no one can truthfully answer how long a vehicle "should" last.

strager · March 2003

Can anyone who has driven a Civic comment on the 2002 CR-V's steering feel? I recently had a chance to drive a 2002 RAV4, and found it's steering light and not really fun to drive compared with the Civic sedan in the city.

I like a firm, well weighted steering and was wondering if the 2002 CR-V provides such a driving experience. I did very briefly test drive a 02 CR-V many months ago on the freeway, but don't remember the steering feel since I was quite distracted by the road noise.

robmarch · March 2003

I have a 2002 CRV, and my sister has a 2002 Civic EX. I think both vehicles have a relatively "weighty" steering feel, not overboosted. The trade here is that it's a little bit slow to leave "center", but it makes for a nice stability factor when you're going straight. Once you get used to the on-center feel, it's easy to drive, and pretty responsive.

I think the CRV is a nice vehicle to drive on the highway and around town, but I'm not bothered by it's level of road noise. I would recommend that you drive it again to check the steering feel for yourself, and get another chance to see if the noise level is acceptable for you.

alabamablue · March 2003

What are the biggest differences between a 1998 and 1999 CR-V other than the motor HP? Is 83,000 too many miles on a 1999 model?

varmint · March 2003

Alabama - The 1999 CR-V also had an upgrade to the cloth material used on seating surfaces, illuminated window switches, two additional cupholders, and a few other minor touches. Slugline has a great model year chronology that spells out all the details.

My '99 has about 75K on it. 83K is high, but not so high that I wouldn't consider it.

tomsr · March 2003

I find it top heavy when making a quick turn and
less stable than a Civic.The elevated viewing level is nice though and the room to haul stuff is great.If HONDA made a Civic wagon they would not sell as many CRVs.That's marketing though.

alabamablue · March 2003

Thanks for the link. It is a great source for a potential CR-V buyer. Are there any gotchas in buying a used CR-V? Is there any colors to avoid? What is stored underneath the picnic table?

varmint · March 2003

"What is stored underneath the picnic table?"

Fresh fish. I thought everbody knew that!

rver2 · March 2003

My 02 CR-V has about 12,500 miles. Honda says it doesn't need to be changed until 3 yr/30K miles (unless it has really been through a lot of dust in its young life). In fact, when I called the Honda dealer, they told me all they do at 12,500 miles is blow it off with an air compressor and put it back in. Just for curiosity I called the auto parts store and they sell them for about $19. Honda dealer sells them for $36. Just kind of wondering at what point others have been putting in a new air filter.

slugline · March 2003

. . . are a couple of blankets, a gas can, jumper cables, a tarp. . .

You can hide items in there that you don't want to be visible to passers-by.

Audio nuts can go nuts with the volume under there to create custom subwoofer enclosures.

Fish storage is just the beginning. <GRIN>

gary_william · March 2003

the center head rest, of course. I couldn't see out the back window with it in place.

reed4 · March 2003

I use time intervals to check my air filters. I usually check them once a month and never use one longer than six months. It's the ONLY way you engine gets fresh air which equals better performance and increased mileage.

Reed

ateixeira · March 2003

What, no beer on ice in that cooler? :-)

-juice

gary_william · March 2003

only when it is parked, since I hate to have the beer all shaken up when I get to my destination, and the ice water would slosh all over the interior. Now, if someone were to make a secureable top that would hold the ice in... or even an adaptor to hold a beer ball and still allow the tap to pass through... hmmmm, think of the possibilities!!

ateixeira · March 2003

Sounds like a fun weekend project...LOL!

-juice

varmint · March 2003

Slugline - Weren't you the one you installed a drain to take care of condensation when using the "under-table" storage area as an ice chest?

For newbies: The fresh fish example is from an old CR-V commercial. Most of the time, I have blankets or auto-related hardware under the table. When taking my greyhounds places, I store food items under the table so they can't get at them. Muddy boots or wet gear also go under the table when returning home from camping.

slugline · March 2003

Varmint -- 'Twasn't me. Hint: www.gostevo.com

I can only aspire to reach that level of gadgetry in my CR-V someday.

jfavour · March 2003

I have been driving my '02 V more lately as my '00 Accord has a SRS sensor problem (parts on order). My wife usually drives the V, but we have been taking it out with our kids as a family hauler more now. I love the V. I almost hate to say this, but it is definitely more fun to drive around town than my Accord V6. It is very tossable and lively, where my Accord is sedate. I love going around a corner in the V on snow covered roads and goosing the accelerator to feel the RT4WD kick in a bit. I am anticipating the day (probably far in future) when we trade the Accord on something new and I "inherit" the V as my daily driver. I never thought this vehicle would be as much fun to drive as it is. Don't get me wrong, I love the Accord too, but it is almost too perfect and well mannered. I like the rougher edges of the V better for in town driving.

BTW, I use my undertable area for my winter essentials, like blankets, jumper cables, emergency snack, etc.

mlandau1 · March 2003

It drives and acts very well. No problems in the New Jersey snow this week.
I had a very pleasant buying experience at Honda of Essex (in northern NJ). Art Carter takes care of internet sales and is very easy going.

stever · March 2003

Please, no salesperson's names. Looks too much like soliciting.

I take it you got the pull to the right fixed last month - tire pressures off or alignment needed?

Steve, Host

surfbabe1977 · March 2003

I just wanted to let everyone know that we got our new Eternal Blue Pearl EX Auto a week ago today! It looks beautiful next to our 2002 Nighthawk Black EX Auto. You can call us satisfied CRV owners! We live in Connecticut and got 9" of snow yesterday, needless to say I had to be out and about a bit, the CRV handled the snow and roads wonderfully! I miss the sportiness of my Mustang, but the CRV was a perfect fit (for both of us)!

mlandau1 · March 2003

but he is so unlike most car sales people.
The problem with the pulling to the right was my friend's CRV. I just picked up mine a week ago. Varmint pointed out a new TSB about pulling to the right and the dealer in CT was then happy to fix his.

stever · March 2003

Ah, missed that in your other post. Congrats on the new ride.

You too Surfbabe1977!

Steve, Host

tomsr · March 2003

I would like to have a little more zip,would rigging up a ram air cold intake improve it?I know K&N makes kits for some cars but not the CRV.
Race cars use it why not street cars?Anyhow with gas $2 a gallon I'm glad I don't have the Explorer
I use to have.Who needs lot's of power when you have to fill up every 200 miles.I get about 300
miles on a tank and am not afraid of getting run over by anybody due to lack of power.My Comfortable Runabout Vehicle is all I hoped for.

rablake · March 2003

Hello .. I have been reading this forum for a while and it helped me decide to purchase a 2003 CRV EX last month. Thank all of you for so much information. Now to the three questions: First, does the CRV have a clear-coated surface over the paint (silver, in my case) ? I am ordering Zaino polish and they make one for clear-coats and another for "regular" paint. Second, any wisdom out there on how long one can store a 2003 CRV before it makes sense to disconnect the battery ? This is a vacation house car which may sit for a few months at a time. I installed a spin off battery disconnect, but don't have any experience with lengthy periods of non-use and the effect on the battery. Third, where is everyone ? I am only seeing posts through 10459 as of now. Thanks again for all the information.

stever · March 2003

Either on Spring Break, enjoying warmer evenings or "discussing" cars over in CR-V vs Escape :-)

Steve, Host

theracoon · March 2003

1. Yes, the CR-V is clear coated.

2. Since you installed the simple spin-off disconnect, why not disconnect it every time you leave the vacation house for more than a few days?

3. I don't know about everyone else, but I was in New Orleans.

johnnyrf · March 2003

1. Anybody able to lease a CRV at less than MSRP? I am in CT.
2. Salesman yesterday tells me that al future CRV's as of APril will be coming from England. Quality issues? Anybody?

robmarch · March 2003

I drove the CRV for the first time in a month or so the other day, and noticed a noise when I was going around a traffic circle with a tight radius. It sounded like a "whirring" noise from the driveshaft, so I was assuming it might be the RT4WD trying to kick in around that tight turn. But, it usually kicks in without any whirr, more like a quiet "clunk", on slippery surfaces.

I just wanted to hear if anyone else has heard anything similar. I've got about 20k miles, so I'd think that the diff fluid is still good.

surfbabe1977 · March 2003

I am also in CT. I'm a full time commuting college student and interning part time, so I'm busy as a bee!

Both of our CRVs, 2002 and 2003 are from England and no problems at all, nothing (knock on wood?!).

scname · March 2003

Got a letter from Honda, my 02 ABS control unit should be replaced. Oh, well....

rablake · March 2003

Thank you for the clear coat information. I figured as much but the brochure lives with the car and the Honda web site did not say as far as I could see. I guess clear coating is so common it is assumed these days. Yes, the spin-off battery disconnect is easy, and I have a 9V plugged into the cigarette lighter (power point for the younger segment of the population), but I am not sure the 9V really keeps the computers running. If I was leaving it for a month, I would leave the battery connected. For a year, I would pull the plug. In between I will err on the side of caution and take the battery off line. Thanks for the info. BTW, the first 2-300 miles were enjoyable and trouble free although it will take me awhile to automatically find the shifter on the dash (not all that different from my first car a 1961 Corvair, back in 1966) and the hand brake location is new for me as well. If those are my worst problems, I am home free.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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