2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

ateixeira · September 2003

I recall zeuslewis (*) commenting about chip mods, the warranty is basically history if you do it. Just a warning.

-juice

* he's a great resource here at Edmunds.com, he testifies in Lemon Law cases and knows the ins-and-outs of warranty coverage

rdworski1 · September 2003

I took the offer. My dealer said he was going to give me 7500 in trade but I even doubt that now. I had another offer of just 7000. The guy wanted me to take his number down and seemed confident that I would call him back! I replaced the CR-V with a MAZDA MPV and paid only $19.5k with a lot of extras. That was almost $2000 below Invoice. Prices are very low right now on new and used cars.

varmint · September 2003

I don't have a list of parts either, but I doubt that is what you really need. Even though the block is the same there may be minor or major differences in any of the parts that are bolted to it. For certain, you are looking at a new head (valves, timing, etc.). Along with that, you might need a different exhaust system, intake, cooling system, injectors, oil pump... Finding out exactly what you need to make it work would take quite a bit of time and money.

A turbo would be much cheaper if all you want is power.

varmint · September 2003

Muffler is definitely hosed. It rattles and makes ugly Chevy V8 noises. Gotta wait for the insurance adjuster before I can get it fixed. I may end up in a rental!

ateixeira · September 2003

Time to update the profile, it says Daewoo?

When new prices are so depressed, used has nowhere to go but down. At least you are only paying the difference, which is no more than it would have been a year ago.

-juice

icephoenix · September 2003

I was originally going to buy a Pilot or Endeavor, but now that common sense has grounded me, I'm going to buy something a little more economical to save money while I'm in graduate school. Of all the smaller mid-size and small SUVs, the CRV seems to retain the nice appearance and quality that larger SUVs enjoy. Also, as a previous Honda owner, I can attest to their quality builds and exceptional resale value. After extensive research (two to three hours a day on average for a couple weeks) spanning over most every model of SUV, I've pretty much decided on the CRV.

After looking at the competition, I can't help but like the CRV the best. I've gone to the dealership to see a KIA, Saturn Vue, and a RAV4 up close. Of those, I only test drove the Vue because I disliked the KIA and my wife disliked the RAV4 (in terms of aesthetics). After driving the Pilot and the Endeavor, I wasn't much impressed with the Vue. I thought that the interior had shoddy craftsmanship and the faux (supposedly it was real cow) leather really left a sour taste in my mouth. About the only thing that really caught my attention, was seeing the salesman give the side of the vehicle a couple heavy pounds. The firm pounding pushed the door panel in around 2-3 inches, and then it sprung out to normal, which was impressive I thought. That being said, I still can't get excited about the Vue due to the above mentioned gripes.

I have never considered a CRV until last night when I noticed one in the parking lot at a local park. I thought that it was a Pilot when I first noticed it out of the corner of my eye. After closer inspection, I noticed that this Honda was smaller. I checked it out and was surprised that it was a CRV. It looked a lot different than the late 90's model that a friend and I almost flipped during a test-drive (long story) and it seemed a lot more refined. I went home and did a lot of research and it seems to be a great vehicle. It has a good price, good features, a good name behind it, and it appears highly refined compared to its near competition. This evening I'm going to test drive a fully loaded EX and then I'll probably buy one in the next month or so (after I contact a few dealers and secure a deal, of course).

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy introduction; I'd now like to ask a few questions of owners/those with much experience with the CRV:

1. In terms of handling/off-road compatibility, how does the next generation CRV compare to its older counterpart?

2. How has your (2002/2003) CRV held up for you? Have you experienced a lot of problems or has everything gone well as one can hope for?

3. What did you pay for your CRV (EX model) and where did you get it?

4. Has anyone who owns a CRV come across any after market tail-light covers? I really dislike the height and color of the tail-lights.

5. Right now I live in Iowa, but I will be moving back to Alaska when I graduate. For those that live in northern climates, how has the CRV handled the snow and ice?

6. What about the competition do you like better than what Honda offers with the CRV?

and lastly...

7. After having your CRV a few months, are you almost as satisfied with it as you were during the "honeymoon" phase (the car, not the wife

)

That's all I can think of right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

robmarch · September 2003

reliable turbo kits are few and far between, and are actually pretty expensive.

TSX parts will be available very cheaply in parts yards soon, as they are wrecked. Honda is infamous for engine swaps and head swaps, etc., so I just figured there might be a couple of cheap things to swap that would make the bulk of the difference.

Seems like the KA24 isn't getting a whole lot of coverage in the magazines yet, but it's accord application may change that. I bet there are many more accord tuners who want the TSX motor than CRV owners

robmarch · September 2003

I'm 100% satisfied with the 2002 CRV. If I was buying today, though, I'd give strong consideration to the Forester XT, even though I think the CRV is more usable. The CRV has decent power, but the Subaru 2.5T is a sweet engine. The 2.4L's 162 lb/ft of torque make the motor work much easier than the previous CRV motors, though, and it's definitely enough to get around town and pass on the highway.

My biggest gripe with the car is with the OEM tires, which I replaced with Yokohama T4's that are better in every way. and cheap. I think the CRV will do fine in snow for you as long as you keep good tires on it.

Good Luck, and have fun test driving.

ateixeira · September 2003

Fair warning: make sure you can afford the XT and its premium fuel diet before you test drive it. Everything else will seem slow after that. Just a heads up.

Test drive a couple of them back-to-back. Sounds like you've decided on the CR-V on paper, but you really ought to confirm it on a nice drive. I doubt you'll be dissappointed, but it's still a good idea.

-juice

varmint · September 2003

Rob - TSX engines will be hard to find. When you do find one, you'll have to compete with the Accord tuners to get it. Go to the local salvage yards and get your name on the list now.

icvci · September 2003

The insurance on an XT is sure to be much higher than that on a CR-V.

We love our 2003. Got the side cladding to prevent door dings. We just got back from a 3814 mile road trip from Michigan to Colorado and I can honestly say I enjoy it every time I drive it.

ateixeira · September 2003

Not really, owners are getting insurance for an increase of less than 10% vs. non-turbos.

YMMV, so it'd be wise to get a quote before you dive in.

-juice

robmarch · September 2003

hypothetically speaking, of course.

The CRV is my wife's primary vehicle, so I'm looking from the perspective of 5 years or so when I might get to mess with it

theracoon · September 2003

1. In terms of handling/off-road compatibility, how does the next generation CRV compare to its older counterpart?

The RT4WD system is the same and ground clearance is nearly identical. The 2002+ has a slightly wider and longer track.

5. Right now I live in Iowa, but I will be moving back to Alaska when I graduate. For those that live in northern climates, how has the CRV handled the snow and ice?

One word: tires, tires, tires. Get a set of steel wheels with good snow and ice tires for the winter.

7. After having your CRV a few months, are you almost as satisfied with it as you were during the "honeymoon" phase

Mine is a '99 EX which I bought new. If I was forced to replace it today I'd buy a new CR-V.

sharris · September 2003

My girlfriend bought a 2003 CR-V earlier this year. It is, I think, the LX 2WD model (i.e., least expensive). I want to add keyless remote as a birthday present for her. Anyone have any idea what a fair price would be? (Honda's web site indicates $119, not including installation.)

icvci · September 2003

www.handa-accessories.com/crv or www.manhonda.com

Either will have a good price on keyless entry.

rerenov8r · September 2003

A very well run site has it for $85. Use the saving to treat her to a night out, well maybe dessert.

http://www.hondacuraworld.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&- amp;Product_Code=08E60-S9A-100&Category_Code=HCRV

zorba2 · September 2003

Hello,
I just test drove a new CR-V and once I stopped
the car, I smelled some funny smell (like brakes)
in the car, and then when I looked and sniffed
outside of the car, there was the same smell
on the front right end. I know for certain that
the hand break was not pulled or anything like
that. The dealer tried to convince me that this
is the smell coming from something that the factory sprays at the bottom and it comes off the
manifold, since the car is brand new ( it had
actually 110 miles on it), but I wouldn't buy
his story. I was wondering if anybody has heard
anything like that. I'll greatly appreciate your
input.
Thanks
-Zorba

stevedebi · September 2003

I had the smell on my new 2003 as well. It is a protectant they put on the engine or exaust. It burns off after about 100 miles. I have smelled it for the last several Honda's I have bought, but this smell was stronger than any of them. I am at 1300 miles, and there is no smell.

Everyone take note - FOR ONCE, the salesman was right!!!??!?!?!??

Is it the end of civilization as we know it?

kentkmok · September 2003

My 2003 CRV had a strange smell at 500miles too, but I thought it was the A/C. Now I am at 1k miles and there is no smell too. Maybe it is the "end of civilization" as stevedebi pointed out.. <grin>

cheely · September 2003

I've looked thru posts re: snow. We get real snow here (120"+ a year) and my driveway can have a lot of fresh snow when I come home from work. It doesn't help that the driveway is 300 ft. long, uphill and gravel. Until now I've been driving real 4x4's. I can walk up the drive to get the snowblower out, but that gets old. Anyone have experience with CRV in more rigorous conditions like this? I'm tired of 15 MPG vehicles. Thanks

robmarch · September 2003

I'm asuming you're on snow tires?

icvci · September 2003

My driveway is 80 ft uphill and our CR-V did just fine in the snow last year. Although, there was never more than say 1 foot and that was in a drift. Our driveway isn't a very steep incline, maybe a 5 foot difference over that 80 feet.

I'd think the gravel part would be to your advantage as my asphalt drive is a much more slippery surface. Personally, I think what you described is exactly the limited off-road situation this vehicle is built for. It's why I bought it.

varmint · September 2003

Cheely - With the proper equipment, the CR-V should do fine. It has decent ground clearance for getting over deep snow. Add snow tires for the winter and chains for the particularly rough days. A skidplate may also help by leveling deep snow under the body. Honda now offers one for the 2nd gen CR-V (cool looking, but not cheap).

The Saturn VUE also has decent clearance for deep snow, but the AWD system is slower to react than the CR-V's. The Escape and Tribute also have good ground clearance and the reactive AWD system has a locking feature to boot. The downfall is that mpg averages are half way to the 15 mpg figure you're trying to avoid.

tigerinroc · September 2003

Yay.. Finally information of the the 2004 CRV is available now at hondacars.com!

penske_fan · September 2003

So what's the difference? I was hoping for painted bumpers like maybe a SE version.

varmint · September 2003

Traditionally, Honda introduces an SE when the model is getting old. The CR-V isn't old, yet. As sales fall off (possible the end of this year), Honda might bring back an SE trim.

As for differences between 2003 and 2204 models, you'll have to look very hard. The Saddle interior has been changed and the passenger door now has a door lock switch.

desertman · September 2003

The price on the 2004 EX has been bumped by $150. I assume the other trims have seen similar hikes.

gerry100 · September 2003

As we speak, my wife is taking delivery on a 2003 AWD LX 5 speed to replace her 1998 Volvo XC.

The CRV is to be in a secondary role,around town with an occasional 3 - 400 mile trip and primary grocery getter during snowy conditions. We've gota 200 ft driveway, slightly uphill and live in Upstate NY where snow/ice can be severe. The Volvo handled this duty very well.

Milieage will be 10K a year or less and we plan to keep this car for 10 plus years.

Any pointers, advice, breakin recommendations etc.

Inputs aprreciated

icvci · September 2003

Have it done somewhere. The filter is on really, really, really tight from the factory. Other than that, just follow the owners manual.

gene168 · September 2003

I've got an '03 EX Automatic. I'm going to buy a set of LX steel wheels for my snow tires. Does anyone have any suggestions on what are the best snow/ice tires to buy? This will be my first winter with my CR-V and I want good traction. I have an 80 mile round-trip daily commute so good snow tires are a must for me. I appreciate any help you guys could give me. Thanks!

robmarch · September 2003

you can check tire rack for tires that fit and reviews, if you haven't done that already.

kyfdx · September 2003

Check collegehillshonda.com .. you might find that its not that much to buy another set of alloys. I'd hate to have steel wheels on my car for the winter. Or, as an alternative, check the local salvage yards. You might be able to find a set of alloys from the previous generation CRV (same size) for $200-300.

regards,
kyfdx

victile · September 2003

PLEASE HELP!!!! I need someone trustworthy to tell me the truth... 2 months ago I was stopped at a light in my '03 CRV when a woman doing appx 35 mph hits me at the right side of back bumper. Prior to this my auto was driving fine. After this it pulled to the right severely. I am being told by the insurance co. that there is "absolutely no way the accident caused an alignment problem unless the frame was bent". (Frame isn't bent - but shop said was severely out of align and I have since had this fixed). Is the insurance company right or wrong?

mikefm58 · September 2003

Sounds like typical insurance crap. To me, it would seem logical that any accident from the side would cause an alignment problem, especially hit on the right, now pulling to the right. Based on my past experience dealing with idiot insurance adjusters, (who actually are smart people who will pull any dirty trick to save their company a nickel) don't waste your time calling them. If you're CRV is now fixed to your satisfaction, send them the bill with a note DEMANDING payment and send the letter certified with return receipt requested.

kyfdx · September 2003

I'm assuming its not your insurance company, but the person that hit you.. First take it back to the body shop, and tell them its not right. Its possible they will fix it. Ask your insurance company for help. If none of that works, have your lawyer get involved.

regards,
kyfdx

gerry100 · September 2003

Just got a 2003 LX 5 speed AWD ( see previous post) and have some questions for the more experienced -

-I think this is a front drive car except for those relatively rare times when the front wheels are slipping. My tire strategy for previous FWD cars has been to not rotate the tires but to replace the fronts once, then all four, then the fronts etc. This worked pretty well since the fronts wear out at twice the rate as the rears.( of course you've got to like the OEM tires enough to keep them on for 40K or so).

Would this apply to the CRV or does everybody recommend the pattern in the owners manual?

What kind of life can I expect out of the orignal Bridgestomes?

varmint · September 2003

Gerry - I don't think that's a good strategy. Tires will wear unevenly depending on your driving conditions. If you frequently travel roads with a pronounced crown, for example. Cross rotation is just as important as the move from front to back.

kyfdx · September 2003

I started out on bias-ply tires... But, when radial tires came into vogue, the rule was never to cross-rotate them. Always keep them on the same side of the car. I've always done it that way ever since.

regards,
kyfdx (going back into his cave now)

icvci · September 2003

Owners manual says to cross rotate unless, you're using directional tires.

robmarch · September 2003

mine lasted 30k before the edges were significantly rolled and the tread was actually delaminating, though I still hadn't reached the wear bars quite yet in the middle of the tread. The delamination started happening very quickly, so keep an eye on them if your edges start to round over. Alignment was good also, only a hair out of spec when I had the new tires installed.

I'd recommend using the highest pressure you are comfortable with on the CRV, for gas mileage and tire wear reasons. The body lean of the car looks like it rounds tires over more than a typical sedan.

I'd go with 33-35psi, if you are ok with the ride.

gene168 · September 2003

Thanks for all you help. I was able to make a decision on snow tires using The Tire Rack. I also got a set of 5 2003 steel LX wheels on eBay for about $50 a wheel. I know they won't be as nice looking as my EX alloys but then my EX alloys will look that much better in the Spring! Thanks again!

surfactant · September 2003

I was wondering if anyone could give advice or just chime in. i have a 2002 CRV-Ex 5 speed I have had the drivers seat fixed twice already by the dealer that I bought it from. Both times it was fixed but as time went on it loosened up and started rocking again. The first time the fixed it per the service notice (found the number here on this forum). The second time the racks on the floor were replaced. I'm really not sure what it is but the back of the seat fall back a little when taking off from a start. I have 26,000 miles worried-------are the 03 seats having the same problems any help or feedback appreciated. mark

windrider_1001 · September 2003

I just bought a 2003 CRV EX automatic about a month ago, recently I noticed that whenever I applied the brake in the forward motion the very first time after I released the emergency brake, I will always hear a sound from the rear brake area, the brake worked and this sound only happened once, after that, the brake worked as it should. Has anyone else experience anything similar to this?

2002hondas · September 2003

You're probably experiencing the common "clunk" sound that you hear from the brakes. There have been many posts on this subject, but I think the final say was that it's ok. It's just a noise common to '02 and '03 CRV's. Myself, I found it a bit disturbing in my '02, but when I read the posts on this board regarding the noise, I just learned to ignore it.

Generic comment re the '04 - my wife (usually the front seat passenger) hates the fact that our CRV doesn't have a power door lock switch on her side.

robmarch · September 2003

mine too. I have no problem reaching up for the door mounted little lock lever, but some people view it as an inconvenience.

okmom · September 2003

Our '03 CRV got new windshield in this April.
Now we got THREE cracks/dents on windshield again.(15k miles now)
We also have 2000 Nissan Quest (60k miles) and 2000 Mercury Mountaineer(30k miles).
So far only once Quest had a crack from highway driving. (and dents from golf ball size hails in Oklahoma)
Anyone know why CRV gets dent/crack so often?

Is there anyway to prevent from rocks?

Thanks.

driprock · September 2003

I've had my 03 EX CR-V for 3 months now:
The GOOD: Overall ride and feel; radio/CD position; rear seat room for the kids; handy storage all over the place; nice-looking exterior.
The BAD: Cheap, cheap stuff inside. I haven't been in a vehicle in 15 years that didn't have a visor extender to block the side sun; piddly armests that my arm slips off of all the time; door locks that don't automatically lock when you put it gear or reach a certain speed (again, last car I had that didn't do this was my Datsun B210); interior lights without a dash switch - the reach-up, manual switch reminds me of my Dad's '72 Maverick; and last but definitely not least, the disappointing gas mileage - I have never exceeded 20 mpg in the city...the Jeep I just traded got 15-16 city with a whopping 8-cyl...I expected better from what I had heard of Hondas.
The UGLY: The carpeting is like pretend carpeting ...can't imagine finding cheaper carpet anywhere. But, hey, that's my only ugly. Gonna ride it for 7 years.

taykinitezy · September 2003

your review looks like 10% positive 90% negative so why the heck did you buy it?

robmarch · September 2003

I haven't been in a vehicle that had a side visor extender to block the sun. What vehicles were these?

I haven't had any problems with the armrests either, but can see how some might, depending on how you rest your elbow on them. I usually rest my forearm on them somewhat sideways, so I dont' have a problem.

From your door lock when moving comment, I'm assuming you're coming from an american car. I have a Nissan, Honda, and Subaru, none of which locks the car when I hit a certain speed. I don't believe the BMW 3 series does this either. If you're concerned, I'm sure you'll get used to locking the doors upon starting the car. Many people view this "feature" as intrusive. American companies tend to view it as a convenience. Some aftermarket alarm systems add this feature, if you're really interested in it, and are pretty inexpensive. The alarm in my Nissan is set to lock the doors upon startup, for example.

your gas mileage should improve, since you've only had it 3 months. Try a higher psi and staying out of the pedal. Mileage gets better as the rings seat fully. Mine was still getting better with 5k+ miles on the odometer. I see about 24 mixed driving, 26+ highway. Long trips at ~60mph I can see even higher, depending on how much luggage is in the back. A lot depends on how you accelerate, if you have an automatic.

The carpet is not very luxurious. The mats are decent. I haven't had any problem with them, though. If this is a big concern to you, you could probably find some thicker, more luxurious mats at a reasonable price.

Sounds like most of your complaints stem from coming from an american luxury SUV (grand cherokee, I'm guessing) and moving to a small import SUV that costs a lot less. Hope you can find a way to live with the "bads" or try some of the things mentioned to get the car closer to your desires at a reasonable price.
Good Luck

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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