2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

tcpip1 · December 2003

That's for 4x4, auto RAV4.
Here are the mpg numbers for the 2004 RAV4 (from toyota.com):

Manual: 24/30 (2WD), 21/26 (full-time 4WD)
Auto: 24/28 (2WD), 22/27 (full-time 4WD)

The 2004 CR-V (from hondacars.com):

Manual: 21/25 (real-time 4WD)
Auto: 23/29 (2WD), 22/26 (real-time 4WD)

The RAV4 is lighter.

ateixeira · December 2003

IMHO if the problem can be traced to an oversight in the TSB, then yes, it is Honda's responsibility and should be covered under their basic warranty and/or under the industry standard 12 month warranty for repairs. They have to be accountable for procedures they draw up for their recalls.

If the problem is traced to a mistake by the technician at the dealership, it's the dealer's problem. In some cases a manufacturer would help out and/or offer additional dealer training to correct the problem.

The 2004 RAV4 is getting a 2.4l engine with more power and torque, it should be more relaxed and perform better overall than the current engine. I'd suggest you try that new one and compare it to the CR-V's 2.4l mill.

-juice

stevedebi · December 2003

I test drove a 2003 RAV4 - it had plenty of acceleration and a nice ride, but was way too small. I personally would have preferred the higher gas mileage of the smaller engine. It is a small SUV.

sabrina9 · December 2003

Despite my, ahem, problem, I would still go with the CRV. Friend has a RAV4. It IS smaller. Went camping. CRV held much more than RAV4. Suggest RAV4 if single, no kids type of thing.

rroadking · December 2003

I have a 2003 LX. My wife was broad sided on the passenger side of the vehicle at an intersection. Upon impact, she was thrown to the right with her head ending up in the glove box area of the dashboard and her left thigh striking the steering wheel. I am aware that the steering wheel air-bag will not deploy on an angle hit such as this, but my concern is that the seat belt did not hold her in the driver's seat. Are the seat belt tensioners also built for a front collision?

tcpip1 · December 2003

I agree that CR-V is more practical than the RAV4. I wish that Honda can offer more standard safety features on the CR-V. I had a minor accident on a snowy day before. And, driving in NJ is not an easy task (many congested roads filled with aggressive drivers). That's why I pay more attention to the safety features offered on each car. I plan to test drive both in the next few days. Thanks.

stevedebi · December 2003

I suspect that the tensioners engage upon sudden slowing down. However, in a sideways impact like that the body would slide out even if the tensioners engage and lock the belt, because a three point seat belt isn't desinged to hold directly sideways. If you have the EX (or ordered them on an LX), the side air bags will deploy in this situation, which may help some.

The extra safety features are the main reason I got the EX over the LX: Side impact air bags, EBD, ABS. Plus I consider the RT4WD a safety feature.

mikefm58 · December 2003

Sorry to hear about the accident, hope no one got hurt. I must say, I'm a bit surprised the seat belts didn't hold her back.

autosaurus · December 2003

I've been looking at a few cars the past couple of months.. Have actually sat with a salesmen on a few occasions to buy and when the sales manager or Business manager was called into the picture, which seems like std practice, they killed the deal. I walked out when if someone actually tried to salvage the deal they would have had a sale.
The latest was a Honda dealer in northern NJ. Promised $21,500 for a CRV EX Auto. I had a trade, 2000 Civic Ex Coup auto - 64,000 miles. I knew the value of the car going in..They offered my almost $2,000 less than trade-in. said they had to wholesale the car out. Business manager got into the act and when I said that wasn't an acceptible offer, he just stuck out his hand and said have a nice day!

While I like the CR-V, I think thats the last time I'm dealing with Honda.

The cars might be good but the dealers are another story. The worst I've experienced.

aggie1995 · December 2003

Post your details on the Real World Trade In Values Board and see what your car should get on a trade in.

/direct/view/.ee9c851&tid=edmu- - nds.t.townhall.top10..3.*

If you are using Edmunds or KBB for gettign trade-in values the dealers quote at $2000 less may have been correct. Edmunds and KBB are significantly off in their valuations of higher mileage cars like the civic.

The guys there will need all the info about the car including what part of the country you are in, and detailed condition of the car not just good, fair, or excellent.

FYI: about 6 months ago a 2000 civic LX Coupe with 55,000 miles was pegged at about $7,500. Yours is an EX with more miles but now 6 months older, so I would guess that the $7,500 figure is still accurate. But post there and see what the experts tell you.

varmint · December 2003

Roadking - It depends on the angle of the impact. Seat belts will lock during sudden deceleration. If she was turning away from the impact at the time of the collision, the vehicle may have been pushed slightly forward, as well as to the side.

I do hope she is okay.

rroadking · December 2003

The wife says that she did brake hard and swerve, but seat belt still did not lock. I will have Honda take a look at the tension system when it returns from the body shop. And yes, she is ok. Thank you. The bumps and bruises will go away.

kyfdx · December 2003

I don't think if my seatbelt tensioners pulled back at maximum, that it would keep me from sliding out of the shoulder belt to the right. I'm not sure any car would. Just my $.02

regards,
kyfdx

mikefm58 · December 2003

That has also been my experience, that the trade-in value listed on Edmunds is not actually what you're getting w/o the dealer inflating the purchase price of what you're buying.

It's because of experiences similar to yours that I've never owned a Toyota. Though I love some of the vehicles, the Toyota dealers here in Orlando are a royal pain, won't leave me alone in the car lot, I get swarmed by the sales people as soon as I get out of my car, and the couple of times I put in an internet price request, they called me numerous times for months. I actually had to be rude to them so they'd leave me alone. I could just imagine what it'd be like trying to get a deal in the show room.

At least in your case, the Honda dealers simply shook your hand and said "have a nice day". Try going to a Carmax and check autotrader.com to see if the trade-in offered is reasonable.

ateixeira · December 2003

Hope she's OK. Pretty good argument for an EX next time, though, to get the side air bags. Escape also offers them. Subaru made them standard, plus those protect the head. Vue has curtains optional IIRC.

This is good stuff, and it'll trickle down to other models soon.

-juice

sreiss · December 2003

I have a brand new 2004 CRV EX 5Spd ... had it for about 6-7 weeks now. It's the first vehicle I've had with the electronics in the key, so I'm not quite sure what to expect.

Every once in a while, there is a noticeable pause between turning the key and the engine starting to turn over. I'm used to there being instant reaction, so it always startles me. On the odd occasion, say 4-5 times now, the engine will just crank but not catch, as if it's not sparking. I've learned the best thing to do is to take out the key, re-insert, and then it works fine.

I'm starting to think I need to consider this a warranty item. Anyone have any experience as to what is 'normal'?

Thx

ateixeira · December 2003

Let the fuel pump prime, to build pressure in the fuel system. Put the key in the Start position, wait just 2 seconds or so, then start her up.

-juice

icvci · December 2003

(Juice that is) I usually wait for the engine lights to turn off then turn the key.

On another note, I changed the oil in the V last night for the third time. (18,000 miles and it hits one year next week.) I can't get over what a complete pain this vehicle is to change the oil on. There is no way to avoid spilling oil when you take off the filter. (Short of punching a hole in the filter and putting a cup under it and that's just a PITA.)

And one more thing, what about the darn air filter? Why can't we use nice clips like everyone else? Screws? I have to undo screws to get the filter cover off? That's garbage.

2yearleaseonly · December 2003

I am an over the road salesperson driving almost 30,000 miles a year. Seat comfort is imperative when you can drive up to 7 hours a day. I had an old accord which was just brutal on the behind after a long drive. I am thinking of buying one, but for obvious reasons can not take it for a 300 mile 7 hour test drive

Does anyone out there use the CRV for business and how does it do for you? How do people like this truck after 6 and 7 hour vacation drives?

I hope these questions provoke some substantial feedback. Thank you in advance

kwh · December 2003

Sounds like Honda is trying to foil people like you and make you bring the car in for extra $$$ for the dealer. I know from reading this board that I could probably program keyless entry in the old CR-V, but I wouldn't even think of trying it now from what I've read here about the new procedure. Many years ago I used to do some of my own maintenance, now I rarely ever open the hood.

inkie · December 2003

I made an aluminum template {you can use oaktag and throw it away} that fits on to the filter and it extends down about 10 inches, I cover the CV Boot area with Saran Wrap or plastic Bags and open the filter until it starts dripping slowly into the waste pan. All the oil flows down the plate and into the pan. Since I've done this not much cleanup is needed.

kyfdx · December 2003

While the seat is reasonably comfortable (I've taken mine on vacation..700 miles one way), I find the armrest is virtually useless. My wife who is 5'4" likes it, but because of the short length, I can barely get my elbow on it. I was already used to it, because I had a '98 with manual transmission that came with no armrest, and learned to just lay my hand on my right thigh, when not shifting. I do the same thing now, even though I have an automatic and the armrest. But, I'm sure it would be disconcerting to some. If Accord seats bothered you, I'm not sure the CRV would be much better, other than a more upright seating position.

regards,
kyfdx

sreiss · December 2003

Thx, ateixeira and icvci. I'll try that and see how it goes.

autosaurus · December 2003

So, I get a call from a Honda dealer, VIP Honda on Rt 22 in NJ.. women told me last week to make an offer on a CRV.. I did and her manager rejected it.. So I have been looking else where.. She called me again today and accepted my numbers.. I called her back before leaving to go there..she confirmed the numbers.. $21,500 for a new CR-V EX Auto and $8,000 for my Civic Ex copu auto with 64,000 miles on it..Perfect condition. I get to the dealer..shes busy but had another salesmen work with us.. they look at my car and say yep, its in perfect condition but we can only offer $6,500!!.. I called the sales person over and they all went behind close doors.. She came out and said her management agreed to the price before I came down.. Then someone came over and said she was given the wrong info..Quote -"someone played a cruel joke on your sales person.!"

So far.."Route 23" Honda has done this and "VIP Honda" on Route 22 as well. Other Honda dealers were just rude.. So Monday I have a "confirmed deal" with Sussex Honda .. This should be good for a laugh!

If this goes the way of the other deals I'll just keep the Civic for another 70,000 miles

tcpip1 · December 2003

There are a couple Honda dealers along Rt-1, and there is one on Rt-9. Visit the dealerships at the end of this month (e.g., 12/26 ~ 12/31), and see what happens. Dealers like serious buyers.

Or test drive the 2004 Toyota RAV4, just for a comparision.

blued · December 2003

Have you tried Clinton Honda on 22? I don't know if you'll get the "best" deal, but I found them to be extremely professional and easy to work with.

I just got a 2004 EX there through the internet. The value on the trade was on the low-end of the ranges given on Edmunds and KBB, but still in the ballpark of other dealers.

Other dealers I shopped were Bridgewater (Autosport)and P-Burg. Autosport was reasonable, but my advice is to stay away from P-Burg however.

autosaurus · December 2003

Thanks for the recommendations..Rt 1 is near me.. I'll give them a try..

The price on the CRV EX seems real good..$21,500 from 2 dealers to $21,900 at another.. Your right about end of the month..it seems now I 'm gettin call backs from dealers that didn't want to deal before..now they are dealing..

Going to see Sussex Honda Monday..see what happens there.
Thanks

tcpip1 · December 2003

autosaurus:

I test drove a CRV EX auto lately at a dealership near my home. The gentleman who showed me the car is very polite and helpful. I also gave him a number $21,500 cash deal, no trade. My feeling is that I can get a CRV-EX auto for that price or lower (my target is $21,300). I just told them to think about it. People are in the malls now, not in the car dealerships.

autosaurus · December 2003

tcpip1

I might tell them I'll wait until I sell my car privately..see if that makes them move any... get just a little closer to 12/31..

aggie1995 · December 2003

IMHO the CR-V is not the car you want to spend 7 hours a day for 30,000+ miles a year.

The seats are good, just not meant for all day driving comfort.

They are very firm.

The armrest is useless and does not stay horizontal when the seat is reclined.

The seat bottoms only provide 3/4 support for my thigh. If it were a little longer it would be better.

The new Accord seats are Magnificent!

mikefm58 · December 2003

You're playing the game well, stick to your guns and you'll get the deal you're looking for. Also, I know selling you're car yourself can be a pain but I've been able to save $1000-$1500 by taking that route rather than doing the trade-in.

icvci · December 2003

I'm 6' and I find the seats quite nice. I like the arm rest and use it regularly. I suppose there are vehicles that are more comfortable but, I'm not going to judge the CR-V against them. Why?

I drove from Michigan to Gunnison CO in 23 hours. My longest stint in the drivers seat was from MI to NE (about 15 hours I think) and I stopped because I needed to sleep, not because of discomfort. Personally, I prefer a nice firm seat to a mushy unsupportive one. Could I have been more comfortable? Sure! There will always be more comfortable cars.

stevedebi · December 2003

I like the seats now, though I didn't at first. However the driver's arm rest is too short. I solve this (when driving alone) by draping my arm over the passenger arm rest, which is just right for the tall driver.

deeztoo · December 2003

Can the passenger's air bag(s) be turned of on the CRV?

kizhe · December 2003

to icvci: "There is no way to avoid spilling oil when you take off the filter."

I found an easy way to take off the oil filter without spills.
You need to have a little more time for it.
I put front wheels of my 'V' on a small ramp in my garage.
I unscrew the oil plug ( oil is hot) and leave the oil dripping in a pan overnight.
Next day, wearing protective glasses, I crawl underneath, unscrew the filter, using a tool,(may buy the tool in any store like Pep-Boys) and protect filter with a small piece of paper rug.
Quickly unscrew the filter and immediately put it vertically (with the hole up). Usually you have several drops of oil which easily absorbed by the rug. You DO NOT have ANY spills using this method - just leave oil to drip overnight - most oil will drip through the oil plug hole.
The longer you wait the better - more of the bad stuff would drip off.

varmint · December 2003

I've got a '99 model with different seats, but this is what I've learned reading about seats.

The upright seating position is generally better for the lumbar region of the back. A raked position (leaning back) requires more support, as your weight is distributed over more of the seatback. Raked seats with poor lumbar support are the worst. With an upright seat, the weight is transfered straight down to the cushion. The seatback does very little (which is good). Unless you have existing back problems, a CR-V-like seat is pretty good in this regard.

However, a short seat cushion reduces the amount of support for your legs. This means your tush takes the brunt of the weight and may cause that beloved numb tailbone feeling. The CR-V doesn't do so well here.

Firm seats (not stiff seats) are better for long distance travel. A soft seat will contour to your form (which is comfy in the short-term), but over long trips it will hinder circulation. Most companies aim for a middle ground.

I'll echo what Aggie wrote above. If the new Accord works well for you (functionally), then it might be your best bet. The seats are at least as good as my '01 TL, if not better.

stevedebi · December 2003

You can have them turned off (an on/off switch installed) if you meet certain criteria (for example, having 4 or more kids - one of them would have to sit in the front seat). You have to fill out some forms and get them approved by the government, then find someone who will install the switch. This is the only legal method.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/airbags/airbgQandA.html

icvci · December 2003

Thanks for the tips.

I generally don't have much time to change the oil. I put the V up on ramps, let the oil drain while I put the other car up on a jack and stands. Replace the drain bolt on the V and put the pan under the Protege5 and drain the P5 while I replace oil and filter on the V. I wonder if the used oil spilling on the dust boot will cause long-term damage.

inkie · December 2003

I belive the cv boots are made of buna N rubber which they say is pretty chemical resistant. But in my experience working with these materials they can become brittle from long periods of exposure to solvents,contaminated oil, etc. Thats why I cover the boot its a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing it. Also the oil seems to get on the frame and it leaks for quite a while if its not covered. And I do agree with you its the most difficult oil change I have encountered.

2yearleaseonly · December 2003

I love this forum, its a big help. I will take all your insightful comments into consideration when I get ready to purchase in the next 8 or 9 months.

The other considerations are...the CRV has high residual. I can sell it outright after 2 years with 50 or 60 thousand miles and still get a nice buck. This makes it that much cheaper to get another one. My vehicles are always kept in pristine condition even with the harsh Northeast winters and the super high miles. I have an Envoy now that I am quite pleased with, EXCEPT the 17 miles to the gallon around town. I need an SUV with better milage which will save me big bucks over time

ateixeira · December 2003

You should have seen my old '91 Escort GT. That had a Mazda 1.8l engine, a predecessor to the one used in current Miatas. But it was mounted transversely instead of longitudinally, so the oil filter was on the back side of the engine.

You could not even see it from above. The fuel injection blocked access completely.

From below, you had to snake around the hot exhaust (burning your arms) and blindly unscrew it. Hot oil would pour down the side of the block and onto your face, basically.

One quickly learned, to use long sleeves and a diaper or towel under the filter to absorb at least some of the spillage. I do NOT miss doing that. My Miata is still side mounted, but at least I can reach it from above. Both Subarus, thankfully, have bottom mounted oil filters.

I still can't believe it, but I must have change the oil on that car (107k/3k)...36 times.

-juice

inkie · December 2003

Thats pretty interesting, I bet most of the people that serviced the 91 Escort did not change the filter. At least I can see the filter on the 2nd gen. CRV.

icvci · December 2003

Try changing the plugs on a V6 Fiero. Three are easy, the other three are under the back window. That took forever, especially the first time. I was 17 and wanted to put in Bosch platinum plugs. Pulled all the wires and didn't label them. Man was that stupid.

robr2 · December 2003

"Pulled all the wires and didn't label them. Man was that stupid." You have to do that?? Been there, forgot to do that. V8 Olds Cutlass.

ateixeira · December 2003

I'd have used extended plugs, too.

I think one of the trade-offs we face with the amazingly tight packaging some Japanese manufacturers offer is limited access.

Plus, now they're really not designing vehicles with do-it-yourselfers in mind. Dealers have training plus access to tools us mere mortals don't have.

-juice

tomk17 · December 2003

For anyone looking for extra traction / snow tires for their V, I recently purchased 4. I strongly recommend the Hankook W401 snows. These were only $50 each SHIPPED TO MY DOOR from tires.com. Don't let the price fool you, these are quality snows with an aggressive yet quite tread pattern. I did the internet research for you and found many great reports on these tires. I easily made it up my 300' extreemly steep Northeast driveway with a turn in the middle with 6" of unplowed snow. Well worth the cost, plus mounted on 4 steel wheels I get to tuck the alloys away for the nasty weather. As Mastercard says; CR-V: $23K, Tires and wheels: $300, not getting up off the couch in the winter at 10PM to help my wife get up the driveway; PRICELESS.

andrelaplume · December 2003

How is the CRV in the snow with its OEM tires. We have a RAV that is absolutely awesome in the snow. (It stinks in almost every other area other than being 'cute')

How is the CRV with AWD in the snow?

tomk17 · December 2003

andrelaplume,

I can't comment on the std OEM tires in the snow, I really only tried the CR-V in 1 early snow storm where it seemed fine. I just did not want to take any chances with the nasty driveway. I'm sure others can comment however.

robmarch · December 2003

I haven't had any problems, both when I had the OEM's on there, or the Yokohama Avid T4's I have on there now. I'm in the mid atlantic, though, so we get snow, but not SNOW.

varmint · December 2003

The OEM tires are merely "okay" in slippery conditions. The CR-V could use an LSD for truly sticky situations, but the extra ground clearance makes navigating deep snow much easier.

In completely unrelated news.... I finally finished my RT4WD thesis.

varmint "Honda CR-V Owners: FAQ" Dec 3, 2003 1:17pm

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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