2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

hawaiiguy · April 2003

Bought the vehicle two weeks ago, and tonight was the first time to wash it. While wiping the antenna, it looked crooked in a certain area--but looking more carefully, it was shaped that way from top to bottom (like a wire loosely entwined around the antenna and then coated over in black).

Is this a way of getting even better FM reception by Honda?

kyfdx · April 2003

The shape decreases wind noise... So you don't get an annoying whistle.

kyfdx

tomf11 · April 2003

I did replace the head unit, it took a long time as I was afraid of breaking something.

The Crutchfield instructions are easy to follow but I found that the Honda instructions more useful.

The first thing I would advise anyone attemting this project is to before removeing the OEM unit make sure what works,( speakers) as after I hooked up the replacement the left front door speaker did not work.

After a about a half hour of messing around I pluged the old unit in and the same problem, found out the speaker was never pluged in, from the factory.

Following the instructions was easy, remove a screw here, pull panel down here, bla bla bla, the only thing that worrys me is how hard to pull.

I would never do a install again, its worth $30-$50 to have it done, if you can find a good shop that won't break anything,( knows what they are doing) and put it back together with out leaveing anything out.

If your not particular, and don't mind a loose panel here a screw missing or striped here, give it a try.

Mine went back together fine, I just don't need the aggravation, as I am very picky about my vehicle.

My .02 cents.

Tom

william21 · April 2003

Plan to drive all three, but had specific questions about the CRV:

1) Has anyone had the dealer add keyless entry to the LX and how much did it cost? We do not need the EX with the moonroof and AWD.

2) How much is the Honda Care Warranty? I believe I read a post that stated between $800 and $1,000 for 7 year or 100,000 miles.

3) How does the 2wd/fwd perform in minor snow/slush?

Also, any comments about the three models would be appreciated.

stever · April 2003

Also check out the Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute vs Saturn Vue and CR-V vs Escape discussions.

Steve, Host

robmarch · April 2003

just a counterpoint...most of the places that will charge you $30-50 to install aren't the top quality installers. I know I'm more careful than all of the installers in my area, after watching them do an alarm install

ateixeira · April 2003

Periodic vortex shedding. I love that phrase. That's why the antennae is wrapped like that.

-juice

dmcbud · April 2003

I'm presently SUV shopping - probably narrowed down to CRV or Suburu Forester. Local dealer here in Mass. is offering "Canadian" version that has leather interior with heated seats - also exterior is slightly different monotone. Dealer indicated that it is technically sold as used car, but that dealer will match normal warranty. Has anyone out there heard of (or better yet bought) one of these? Also, torn about manual or auto trans. Recent cars have all been 5 speeds, but I'm considering switching (partly due to lack of arm rest in manual). Lastly, is 4WD effective in snow and ice, as opposed to AWD in Subie? Thanks for any insight!

stever · April 2003

steve_ Feb 16, 2003 12:22am

Steve, Host

tomsr · April 2003

I too thought about the Escape,Santa Fe, before getting my CRV.The Escape has a lot of power but
is noisier and rides rougher plus the overall feel is poor quality.The Santa Fe is slow taking off but is quiet and smooth.It was a close second.
I have owned a Subaru and it was rattling at 40k
miles so I passed on that.The Highlander was looked at but did not offer all the CRV has unless
you spent $5k more.If they all cost the same I would have gotten the Highlander Limited Edition.The only thing about it, is it's for chicks.The only negative about the CRV is at 80mph
it downshifts on hills meaning it either needs more power or I need to drive slower.

ateixeira · April 2003

The dealer you bought it from might honor the warranty, but that's probably it. And what if they change ownership?

Buy an american model and add aftermarket leather for about $900. Catskins is better than most OE leather. With heat it's about $1300.

You can get the armrest extension with any Forester, plus factory leather. Then again, you can install the armrest yourself on a CR-V, as long as its position doesn't interfere with shifting. Or have the upholstery shop install it for you.

As for Subies rattling, well, the Forester and CR-V are tied on top for CR's reliability rating in this class. Noone's perfect, but these two are as good as it gets (with a few exceptions for both, of course).

-juice

william21 · April 2003

Thanks for the comments. I also like the Highlander, but cannot justify the expense. I was surprised that the mileage rating on the 2wd Escape is only slightly better than my Venture Van. Is the road noise on the CRV really as bad as I have seen on some of the recent posts? My wife really likes the Santa Fe, but I am going to convince her to test drive the CRV. She is convinced that the CRV is much smaller on the inside even though the specs show otherwise.

theracoon · April 2003

Whether the CR-V is too noisy is something only you and your wife can determine. My '99 CR-V EX is measurably noisier than the current CR-V models, yet it doesn't bother us. I can still hold conversations with other people at highway speeds without problems.

We've driven the CR-V on several long trips, the last one was from Western NY to Key West Florida and back this past Christmas, so we've had it on just about every type of road surface. Some roads are noisier than others, but all are bearable. It's definitely noisier than a passenger sedan. Good luck.

ateixeira · April 2003

I agree - take a long test drive, get out on the types of roads you will use day-to-day, including highway travel. Road noise is the type of thing you can point out before you buy, if it bothers her.

If it seems loud, ask them to check the tire pressure, too. They usually ship them overinflated to prevent flat-spotting the tires.

-juice

ateixeira · April 2003

Apologies to those who have seen it:

http://www.honda.co.uk/newcars/accord300k.html

It's the euro Accord wagon. Acura TSX here, but not in wagon format unfortunately. Acura has lots of room below the MDX for a two-box something or other, if not a CR-V or Element clone, maybe this?

Very neat, it hints at the quality of design and engineering.

-juice

kentwong · April 2003

It seems to me that a new cr-v takes a 20%-25% depreciation in value for the first year. Is this sounds right?

ateixeira · April 2003

From MSRP maybe. From price paid, I doubt it.

-juice

rerenov8r · April 2003

The current (2003) year model is essentially identical to 2002. There is NO WAY that there is a 20% depreciation,doubt you could find a 2002 FOR SALE in most markets!!

The 2001 was ENTIRELY different, similarly the even older ones had even LESS powerful engines.

BTW don't go by the the Edmunds "TMV" used prices for CR-Vs, I don't where they come up with such OUTRAGEOUSLY LOW prices! Further the GOOFY 'customized appraisal'tool doesn;t have ANY of the DIO options and those are HUGELY popular with CR-V buyers, whether NEW or USED ...

stever · April 2003

They (the statisticians, etc.) "come up with it" from people who are hanging around the auctions and dealers around the country. Doesn't mean that a savvy consumer (like Edmunds members) can't do better than TMV.

For a reality check, ask for a second opinion over in Real-World Trade-In Values.

Steve, Host

dmcbud · April 2003

Thanks for feedback on Canadian version of CRV - think I'll steer clear.
Still doing comparisons of CRV & Subaru Forester. Does anyone know if TMV price is good leverage when purchasing CRV's (seems like due to popularity/supply of Honda's). Dealer I've been working with seems quasi-haggle free. TMV quoting me price of $21,173 (MSRP $22,060) for 5 speed EX. Seems like when I've checked previously that TMV was closer to MSRP. Kinda leaning towards CRV, since I don't anticipate any off-roading and past excellent experience with Honda's. But I do love that Forester moon-roof and AWD. Thanks for any info.

ateixeira · April 2003

Your price quote seems in line with what people here have reported. It's cheaper than what I could find last May.

If you'd like to ask about the Forester, hop over to the Forester thread under SUVs, we have lots to share about it.

-juice

beatfarmer · May 2003

Mr. "Featured Member"

I rode in my Father-in-laws' '03 a few days ago and was struck by how much quieter it is compared to my '99. He only has 6k miles on his, compared to my 50k. Makes me want a new one...but I don't need it.

ateixeira · May 2003

You noticed that, eh? For those that didn't, check out the Town Hall front page. :-)

-juice

crucial · May 2003

It's time to replace the OEM shock absorbers for my V. Which struts is good? What struts did you try and what's your observations?
All comments are appreciated.

surfbabe1977 · May 2003

Maybe my husband and I are just different, but we didn't seem to notice much road noise in our 2002 and 2003 CRVs! We test drove the Escape and besides being so uncomfortable, we felt road noise was very pronounced! I guess each one notices different things!

luv2motor · May 2003

I know a few of you on this board have replaced the standard P205/70R15 tires on '02 CRVs with larger ones. I'm getting close to having to replace mine. A couple of questions. What does Honda say about changing the stock profile? Would this change-over (to a larger tire) affect any part of the warranty? I know I would want to get taller and a little wider. Hopefully there is a tire out there that offers less road noise too. Any comments? Suggestions?
Thanks!

gkoff · May 2003

Ok, who is a good chassis mechanic? My '99 CR-V developed what sounds like a chassis squeak. Here are symptons:
Is loudest in winter (cold)
Only occurs when just starting to move or just about to stop.
I have a clutch, but no noise from it
Can rock vehicle pushing on it front/back or sideways while parked but no squeak.......only just when starting to move....can't detect when already moving or shifting
Sounds like it is coming from under vehicle.
Can rock back and forth in my seat and no noise
When it occurs its like the frame is flexing because it sounds like a metal rubbing squeak noise
Mechanic took a look and could not find it.

Who has some ideas for me to check on?

Thanks,

crucial · May 2003

Check Right front strut/shock mounting. There is a TBS post somewhere about this.

stever · May 2003

Here's what's listed in The Edmunds Maintenance Guide.

Component Description:
27. SUSPENSION:INDEPENDENT FRONT NHTSA Number: 629541
Bulletin Number: 5905
Bulletin Date: FEB 2002

Vehicle: 1999 Honda CR-V
Summary:
CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A TWANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT SOUNDS LIKE A SPRING CONTACT.

There's another one about clunking going over bumps too, but that didn't sound like your symptoms. There are messages about suspension noises here and in CR-V Owners: Problems & Solutions that you can find with a discussion search.

Steve, Host

ateixeira · May 2003

Also, lube your sway bar bushings. Spray some lithium grease on those every time you rotate your tires. You've got a metal-to-rubber contact there that's constantly in motion as the suspension moves.

-juice

rajum · May 2003

Iam planning to buy CRV, Iam tall....
Some body told me that we can not adjust the driver seat in CRV , is that true?
Approximately how many inches we can move forward/backward the driver seat.

varmint · May 2003

Congrats Juice. Finally, something in return for all that typing. ;-)

Rajum - I think your best bet is to try it at the dealership. There is plenty of adjustment to the seat, but some tall folks have complained that it doesn't go back far enough. Opinions on the matter vary greatly.

ateixeira · May 2003

Thanks.

raju: check out the seat track. A Subaru owner was able to rig the power seat on his Outback to go back an extra inch or two, maybe you could do the same with the CR-V.

Honda could make it go 6" farther back and the rear seats would still be useful!

-juice

jfigueroa1 · May 2003

Looking for a after market tow hitch that will fit the 02 cr-v I do not want to drill or having to take it to the dealer have any of you gotten one that you could recommend.
Greetings from sunny Miami.

ateixeira · May 2003

Try Hidden Hitch or Draw Tite. Those are two aftermarket vendors I can think of off the top of my head. They're usually universal (or close to it).

-juice

rdietrich · May 2003

I just took delivery of a new red '03 CR-V. I also have an '00 Odyssey and I was wondering if I will run into any problems keeping the keys on the same key ring. Will the immobilizer system sense the wrong key and cause problems when I try to start either of the cars? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

robr2 · May 2003

Some people have reported problems with 2 Honda keys on the same ring. YMMV. Honda also recommends not overloading your key chain as the weight can intefere with proper operation of the ignition lock.

I personally carry around either an Ody key with a house key or an Accord key with a house key along with a set of work keys, Each vehicle has a key ring with all those annoying customer loyalty tags for whoever is going to the grocery store.

hawkeye70 · May 2003

We just bought an '03 CR-V LX for my wife. When we took it on a trip from LA area to Santa Cruz, I realized something needed to be done about making more leg room if I was going to do the driving. I took the seat out and didn't see any way to "adjust" the bracketry easily, so I built adapters that offset the seats back 2 inches. They fit between the sliding track and the base of the seat and only raise the seat height 1/4 inch. Some carving of the lower plastic covers was necessary, but not difficult.

There is so much leg room in the back seat that I don't know why the front seats don't adjust back further. Other than that, we love the car.

tomsr · May 2003

I just put a tow hitch on my CRV.Very simple.
It was about $80 plus shipping.I made an extension so my bike rack would clear the spare tire when mounted on the hitch receiver.The wiring
harness was another $25 which I have not installed yet.It is more involved.I sometimes wish
I had a 5 speed for the fun factor but the auto is mighty convenient and it's resale value is helped.

safecrv · May 2003

Is there anyone here who can tell me which rear seat of 2003 CR-V has a child seat Anchor?

icvci · May 2003

The two rear outer seats both have anchors. Personally, using the anchors proved to be a headache for me. The child seat was too long and the passenger side seat couldn't go back far enough to provide ample leg room for the front passenger. So, I just use the seatbelt in the middle.

ateixeira · May 2003

Brilliant, Bill. You didn't happen to take photos, did you?

-juice

varmint · May 2003

"There is so much leg room in the back seat that I don't know why the front seats don't adjust back further. Other than that, we love the car."

Could be a safety "thing". Positioning the front seat occupants behind the B pillar may have a negative effect on crash safety. Just a guess on my part.

I'd also love to see pics of that seat modification. Thanks.

hawkeye70 · May 2003

Sorry, I didn' take any pics during the modification of the seat. As far as what the modified seat looks like installed, I really don't notice much of a difference in appearance except the seat can now travel back 2" farther than before. If anyone is interested in what the adapter bars look like, just e-mail me and I can send you a .dxf or .dwg file of the drawing I machined them from. I may even be able to create a .pdf file of the drawing - not sure yet.

knight_ru · May 2003

I have a few quick questions that someone can hopefully help me with.

-- Wife and I live in southern NJ, and have a lease on a honda civic (2000) - 3 months left. We were looking at the cr-v for the next car - but the dealer has been a bit odd with us. I asked the dealer regarding ending the lease early to buy the cr-v now, and he said that we would have to pay off the lease first (same dealership). If we went with the honda, we would be a THREEPEAT customer at the dealership, so I was very surprised. I know that other car companies agree to end leases early when there is a sale involved... is the dealer just messing with us?

-- I test drove the 4wd LX, and it seemed pretty nice. Is there much of a difference between the 2wd and the 4wd (automatic) overall other than the obvious?

-- Price I got for the 4wd LX was $20,500. Good? bad?

Thanks

surfbabe1977 · May 2003

We have 2 new CRVs and we have no problems with interference, immobilizer (I'm always putting the wrong key in), etc. It works fine, no problems.

NSORIC · May 2003

anyone hear any rumblings about the upcoming 2004's?

joey2brix · May 2003

While poking around some other international Honda sites, I came a cross this CRV site in Thialand:

www.ilovecrv.com

It's amazing that body colored bumpers on the V improve the looks 100% It also seems like the headlights and front nose look much cleaner also.
Anyone else see a difference?

a1special · May 2003

Last April, my wife's car died after 227,000 miles, and we purchased a 2002 CR-V (white). This year in April my car died with 229,000 and guess what followed my home from the Honda dealer? Yes, a 2003 CR-V (chianti red)!

gordon123 · May 2003

Hey all - my first post! This board helped a lot in my choice to purchase an 03 White EX. I LOVE IT!! I got out-the-door at $23, 628 total with cargo tray, wheel locks, front flaps and a third party brand bug deflector included. (which will come right off after bug season is over here in central Florida)

One question...the cd player doesn't seem to play discs that I burned on my computer. Is that the case with all of you? No big deal, I can access most of the same songs on my iPod in the CRV, but I thought I'd ask.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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