2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

maryclover · October 2003

Hi all,

I'm picking up my new 2004 on Friday and am finalizing the options. Excuse my ignorance, but do you think I need a subwoofer? Is it a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to have installed later?

Any imput will be greatly appreciated.

stevedebi · October 2003

The engine computer will not start the engine unless YOUR key is in the ignition. This has the same effect as a kill switch.

kyfdx · October 2003

subwoofer is easy job for the dealer to do later. You lose the tray under the seat, though. Its kind of pricey for what you get, but at least its the complete pkg, amp and subwoofer. If installed at sale, its covered under the new car warranty. I considered it, but declined.

regards,
kyfdx

wgn4snow · October 2003

Our black 2003 CRV (now dirty but still sharp) drives on the highway and accelerates MUCH better than any of the 4 demos I tried. Passing on a 2-lane highway is not an issue, and I have never had to stomp on the pedal to get the engine to react. Not to gush over a new car, but the transmission feels more robust than I expected from a 4-speed Honda automatic.

I'm not sure if it's the customers to kick the #### out of the demos, or if it's the saleperson who takes it home every night, but there is defintely something different between the demos and the car that was delivered to me. Fortunately the difference is in my favour!

My 70mph highway mileage (loaded with luggage+family) is consistently better with the CRV than with my Acura 1.6EL (a 4-door Civic Si).

ateixeira · October 2003

I imagine your car has adapted to your (aggressive) driving style, so the ECU dials up max power as needed. As opposed to, say, a slow-going fuel miser, with an ECU leaned out for max fuel efficiency, perhaps?

-juice

andrelaplume · October 2003

Do all 2002 CRVs or later need a special key with a chip to start them...if such is the case I want to negotiate a few extra keys in the deal I were to make a purchase...how many keys come with the car?

stevedebi · October 2003

Two keys are provided with the car, along with two fobs for the EX model. The keys cost about $80 to replace, and the fobs are about the same cost.

You also get a third "valet" key, which won't open the glovebox.

jmurman42 · October 2003

I too was considering the subwoofer for my 04. After listening to the cd and radio, I dont think that I will need it. The stereo is pretty nice, stock.

Jerry

wgn4snow · October 2003

juice,

re: I imagine your car has adapted to your (aggressive) driving style...

Actually, that was the surprise. Still in the "break-in" period (1st 5,000kms), I have been very gentle on the car. Never stomping, never taking the rpms above 4,000, and avoiding hard braking. In fact, I have been driving just like a good 'ol fuel miser. Yet, the CRV still has lots of power, and the mileage is there (I too check with every fill). That is what has impressed me. I still have no idea what the car might feel like if you took it to 6,000rpm (although I have a pretty good idea what the mileage would be like!).

hawaiiguy · October 2003

no need for the kill switch---that Honda key will disable anyway of starting the engine...

fenris99 · October 2003

The Wrangler AT/S tires come in 225/70/14 size, which is about 0.4% off the CR-V stock tires. Anyone try these? They seem like a great all-weather tire!

Comments? Opinions?

ateixeira · October 2003

14" rims? You'd need new rims, steelies maybe with those mud/snow tires.

Also, I'd be concerned about clearance for the brakes. Stick with 15"s.

-juice

fenris99 · October 2003

any recommendations on good 15"?

ateixeira · October 2003

Seems like people like the Dueler H/L? It comes in the stock size, but is more passenger-car oriented than the standard H/T tire.

-juice

varmint · October 2003

CR-Vince (aka Slugline) has the Dueler HL tires and has been very happy with them.

fenris99 · October 2003

I shall look into this.

3328 · October 2003

I'm thinking about buying an '03 (if I can still find one) or '04 EX and I can't decide whether to get the manual or automatic transmission. I've always owned cars with manuals and I'm a bit hesistant to make the switch to an auto. However, the auto CR-V gets SLIGHTLY better mileage and it has a lower final drive ratio so I suspect that the engine isn't working as hard at highway speeds.

Does anyone know the engine speed (rpm) of the manual and auto at various speeds? Is the auto noticeably less "peppy" than the manual? Is the manual "buzzy" at highway speeds?

Any opinions/advice/personal experiences that you can share would be much appreciated.

Decisions, decisions...

Thanks in advance!

jmurman42 · October 2003

Our 04 EX manual is about a week old now. Let me say that I work at a Honda dealership and I drive and sell about 95% automatics in CRV.

I find that the power on the manual to be about 25% greater in the manual than in the auto. The reason for the greater gas mileage is the gearing in the automatic. I am so impresed with the manual, it is REALLY fun to drive...and I do drive a lot of CRV's.

Here on the East coast the manuals are very hard to get. I searched Honda yesterday for a customer and found just 3 in Maryland. My advise woudl be if you find one, jump on it.

varmint · October 2003

3328 - Part of the reason why the EPA rates the 5 speed lower than the auto is because of their testing methodology. While testing the car, they shift it at a specific speed, which is different than shifting when the engine reaches a specific rpm (what most drivers do).

With the last generation of CR-V's we've found anecdotal evidence showing that the 5 speed gets better mileage than the auto (the first gen CR-Vs were rated the same). The second generation hasn't been around long enough to gather good data on the subject, but so far they owners of both trannies are reporting similar mileage.

kyfdx · October 2003

The final drive ratio on the Auto is lower.. Revs much lower at speed than the manual. That said, I doubt the mileage difference is significant. If you like the manual, I wouldn't get the auto. If you are worried about power, the new generation CRV has gobs of torque, and is fine with the automatic. I wouldn't say the same of the previous generation. I had a manual '98, and I wouldn't have bought that car with the automatic.

regards,
kyfdx

vman05 · October 2003

Hello everyone. I am new to Edmunds but have enjoyed reading all the different posts and takes on the V. I will be in the market for a SUV sometime late next year and the CR-V is on the top of my list.

I was able to test drive a 03 about a month ago and was quite impressed overall. But like a lot of people on this forum I wish Honda would change a few things like the OEM tires, maybe a bit more travel for the front seats. Both of these issues I believe could be easily taken care of by Honda without a major redesign.

Now that Toyota has freshened the RAV 4 and increased engine power to 161 HP does anybody think that this will force Honda to at least boost HP in the CRV before the major redesign in 07? It seems like maybe the 2005 model might be a good time to do it.

Thanks Vman05

greenmachine03 · October 2003

I purchased a '03 on friday after reading this site. I found the information here extremely usefull. I was able to get a great price ($17,823).

varmint · October 2003

Vman05 - Ford offers a 200 hp Escape. The Santa Fe and Vue offer about 195 hp. If Honda does upgrade the CR-V's engine, I doubt it will be a result of Toyota's move with the RAV4.

What most are expecting in 2005 is the addition of more features and perhaps a return of the SE model. With that, we might see painted bumpers, leather seats, upgraded audio, and some other trim bits. An engine upgrade is a possibility, but I wouldn't bank on it.

dave_cl · October 2003

I have a 2002 with 45,000 km on it. The A/C is not as efficient as it was when the vehicle was new. Has anyone inspected the air filter which is located behind the glove box? I checked in the manual and then went to the vehicle, but I was afraid of breaking something while trying to press the clips. Which way should they be pressed? The instructions and diagrams in the manual don't help very much.
Thanks.

andrelaplume · October 2003

$80 for a key! Again I ask, do these 'chip' keys come standard on a CRV LX? What if you loose the key in the middle of no where...not like you can carry the spare since your spouse likely has it. I read the post about the key fob...what is that?

THANKS!

jmurman42 · October 2003

80 for a Key? We get 35 for them...and yes, DONT lose one in the desert.

Didnt your salesman explain to you what the Immobilizer <sp?> system is? Civic CRV PIlot and Elemant are about 35 to replace a reprogramm...Accord on the other hand is $150!

ateixeira · October 2003

The 5 speed's final drive is a very short 4.77:1, something like that.

That explains why 0-60 times are competitive with many V6s in the class, and also explains why the auto gets better mileage.

-juice

maryclover · October 2003

Hi all,

I just picked up my 04 CRV in Chicago and drove it back to NYC. It handled like a dream and I got about 22 mpg on the highway.

My question is about the power outlets. How do they work? I tried to plug my cell phone adapter in and it wouldn't work. Someone said it's because I have a lighter adapter for the phone and not a 12v adapter. What's the difference? My dealer had no service guys in on the weekend to look at it and I didn't realize it was a problem until late Saturday. If anyone can explain this I'd really appreciate it. I have a Coleman cooler with a cigarette adapter as well and I'd hate to have to buy all new adapters to fit the new car.

Thanks
Mary

kyfdx · October 2003

My power outlets only work with the ignition in the ON position. Cigarette lighters work even when the car is off.

regards,
kyfdx

varmint · October 2003

I've got a air pump that works with the 12v outlets. It was advertised to work with cigarette lighters. It does require that the key be in the "on" position, though.

banddexpress · October 2003

Just wanted to say how amazed I am about the gas mileage I only have around 500 miles on it but the first tank it averaged around 23.5 miles a gallon. That is mostly city driving some highway. I traded in a hyundai elantra and it didn't get any better then this as a matter of fact I think it did worse. Anyway still loving it so far hope to have great luck with this.
Brent

theracoon · October 2003

$80 for a key! Again I ask, do these 'chip' keys come standard on a CRV LX? What if you loose the key in the middle of no where...not like you can carry the spare since your spouse likely has it. I read the post about the key fob...what is that?

All 2002 and later CR-V models have the immobilizer chip. As jmurman42 suggested, you can find it cheaper, and don't lose it.

The key fob is the remote entry transmitter. It unlocks the doors so you don't have to put the key in the door locks. You can buy remote entry as an accessory for the LX.

sfsmith · October 2003

I replaced mine at 35000 miles. You really have to press hard to get the clips out. If I remember correctly they press out from the inside of the glove box. Filters come in pairs, I bought mine at the local NAPA dealer for $20-25. I had a mouse nest on top of the back filter. The filters are fairly easy to install and the clips go back in easier than they come out.

aggie1995 · October 2003

I must say that my wife loves her CR-V and we have not had any problems to date to complain about.
(Except that transmission down-shifting thing that mysteriously worked itself out?)

But we just got our 3rd recall/saftey notice on the 2002 CR-V. This one for a Auto Transmission Shift Cable. Apparently it will slip out of park!!!

We have never had so many recalls on any vehicle we have owned.

Ford F150 4x4 (great truck!)
Chevy Z71
Nissan Pathfinder
Acura Integra (great little car!)
Honda Civic

This 2002 CR-V has had the most! While we haven't had any problems in day to day driving it is a HUGE annoyance to keep going to the dealer to have them fix yet another recall issue.

Makes me wonder if I should get an extended warranty on our CR-V before the factory warranty runs out?

robmarch · October 2003

is the 3rd notice a new recall? I just got it yesterday.

the recall notices have been timed with my oil changes, so it hasn't been an inconvenience to me.

I expected a few of these to be a possibility since it was a pretty new model.

ateixeira · October 2003

Don't sweat recalls, it's actually when a manufacturer takes responsibility for a defect and agrees to fix it for free. That's better than having them deny a problem and not fix it.

I don't think it's necessarily any indication of long-term reliability. And if you get a recall after your warranty expires, it's still done for free.

Just as an example, the 2001 Civic had 5 recalls, for instance. The 2001 Kia Rio had 1, but would you predict it'll be more reliable in the long term?

-juice

aggie1995 · October 2003

1. ABS Brake control Unit problem Recall
2. Throttle Cable Recall
3. Transmission Shift Cable Recall

Actually now that I think about it we had another one also but I have to look it up in my files to remember what it was about. It was taken care of at the same time as the throttle cable.

The ABS issue took 5 months to get fixed becuase Honda sent the notices out well before getting the parts and codes available to the dealers.

But I agree with ateixeira that my CR-V should be a great long term vehicle.

varmint · October 2003

There was also a seatbelt recall back during the first month of sales. Honda was very aggressive about getting that one corrected and even towed cars.

jose18 · October 2003

Hello everyone.
Didn't get my gas cap tight so the light came on.
Called dealer, he told me it may not go off by itself. Said I'd have to bring it in. Don't really want to make a special trip for this. Could anyone tell me how to reset this? Thanks
PS It's a 2002 EX

jmurman42 · October 2003

Have you gotten set up with Hondas Owner Link? This is basically your CRVs own site. You get all of any recall info right on line, can set up servicing etc.

Go to http://www.hondacars.com for the link.

robmarch · October 2003

I thought the throttle cable recall was a 2 part job also, and I thought the other recall was for another cable. Maybe it was a parking brake cable? This would make the throttle cable, parking brake cable, and transmission cable?

Any cables left up there?

aggie1995 · October 2003

I've been registered with VIN# on the Honda Owners Link for 6 months for both my Accord and CR-V.

during that time I have had 5or6 recall letters mailed to me on both vehicles.

The owner's link site still and always said
"There are no current safety recalls for your 20XX Honda XXXXX"

So it doesn't instill a great deal of confidence in me that the site is accurate for any information.

Honda! Don't offer the service if it doesn't work.

aggie1995 · October 2003

Parking brake cable sounds right! Good memory.

There is always the Ignition cable left ooops i guess Electronic ignitions did away with that...

tomk17 · October 2003

jose18,

On other Honda models multiple (like 10-12) car startings during your normal driving over a few days makes the light go out. Worse case another fill-up or 2 should fix it. I would no go to the dealer unless it does stays on for 3-4 weeks.

sabrina9 · October 2003

You think you all have problems with a few recalls!!! Brand new 03' CR-V, bought in MArch. 6 months later, I am driving 20-25 MPH (car has 8K on it). Engine starts smoking, by the time I pulled over, engine completely engulfed in flames. I jump out - Car totalled. Never did any service on car except oil change about a week earlier. No problem I figured. Car under warranty. Wrong. Honda says their "investigation" concludes (surprise) it was not a manufacturing defect, but won't say what the problem is. Told me to get the money from ins. co. A CAR WITH 8 K ON THE ODOMETER ERUPTS INTO FLAMES IN 2 MINUTES AND IT IS NOT A DEFECT????? Real Nice. Doesn't seem to be oil change issue since car did not sieze and filter and plug were still in the burned car. Honda has completely dropped the ball on this and won't even talk. Me thinks there is something going on. Any other cases? I thought the recalls were bad enough but this is really bad.

robmarch · October 2003

sometimes. For a lot of reasons. Even brand new ones. I'm pretty sure you would find a few similar stories on nearly every car made in decent volume out there. If the dealer did something during the service, they would be responsible. You might want to pursue this angle to try to get the information from Honda as to what they concluded, as the dealer may try to use this info in their defense.

If you don't want to file an insurance claim for some reason, talk to a lawyer about your options.

Good Luck!

aggie1995 · October 2003

Either get an attorney or have your ins co fight this battle with their attorney. You will not get anywhere on this by yourself.

Using Honda's Normal Service Schedule the first maintenence you have to do is at 10,000 miles. And at that point only oilchange and rotate tires.

You did the oil change prior to the 10,000 mile point so you should be covered as far as having done your part.

I never usually say this but....

GET A LAWYER, QUICK!

mikefm58 · October 2003

I agree, Honda has dropped the ball, but I wouldn't get a lawyer just yet. Either the dealer or Honda MUST tell you (make sure it's in writing) what caused the fire before concluding it wasn't caused by defect. Did you persist with both the dealer and Honda? My suspicions from what you've said are the dealer is at fault and is hiding. Can you take it to a different dealer or even an independent shop? Might be worth the tow charge and labor, which you should be able to charge back. And please keep us informed what you find out. I've never heard of this happening on a Honda or Toyota.

mikefm58 · October 2003

Take a knowledgeable friend with you, as a witness, and also his/her automotive expertise can help you.

robr2 · October 2003

Let your insurance company handle it. They will determine liability and if it isn't you, they will pay you. You then move on. They will chase the insurance of whomever is responsible for reimbursement.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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