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2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Excellent job, varm. Nice to have all the information in one place like that.

    This may be overdue, but I think this group ought to nominate you the CR-V Community Host. It's a position that other groups use, including the Subaru Crew. The Cougar Support Group also has Community Leaders.

    In both cases these are besides our gracious Edmunds hosts, and not Edmunds employees at all. They are just helpful enthusiasts and Town Hall members.

    What do the rest of you folks think?

    -juice
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    Yeah, Varmint for prez! Uh, make that Varmint for host!
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I've always liked the sound of "King Varmint", actually.

    The two of you can be my campaign managers. I'll handle all soft money myself. =)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually, that sounds like a really big rat. You have the runt of the litter that is the smallest rodent, and then you have the King Varmint. ;-)

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    You've been demoted to coffee boy.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    YEAHHHHH, Varmit for King!

    P.S. I like my coffee black...
  • kizhekizhe Member Posts: 242
    Long live the KING !
    And you, people, have to behave... or you may end up with a 'PRESIDENT' :-} .
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cream? Sugar? ;-)

    -juice
  • icvciicvci Member Posts: 1,031
    That's two votes from me. Maybe I could get my hands on some leftover punchcards and we can have an all-out scandal?
  • sarakaysarakay Member Posts: 19
    Just got back from a test drive in a 2004 CR-V EX. Loved the vehicle! But my back hurts - lots of tension right underneath the shoulder blades.

    The salesguy said I could borrow a CR-V for a couple of hours to give it a good test. I plan on doing that, to see if I can adjust the seat so it's more comfortable. (Salesguy also suggested that the plastic covers on the test drive vehicle might be a factor.)

    Any suggestions as to how I could play with the seat to solve this problem? Could it be a combination of the seat height and steering wheel position? I love everything else about the car.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just a thought, but try the Element's seats. Same mechanicals, even though it looks very different.

    -juice
  • aggie1995aggie1995 Member Posts: 318
    I wish the CR-V seats had a seat cushion tilt feature. I think that would solve alot of my comfort issues with the V

    You could try a lumbar pillow and see how that will work.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Sarakay - Are you coming from a car? Cars tend to have a more angled seating position. You sit lower to the floor and lean back with your legs straight out (like a reclining chair). With the CR-V, you sit higher off the floor and should position your body in a more upright angle (like a dinning room chair).

    I've read posts from many who are new to the CR-V and tried to sit in it like a car. It doesn't work. Start with the seatback in a bolt upright position. Then gradually adjust it so that you can comfortably reach all the secondary controls (switches, gear selector, radio, etc). Lastly, adjust the steering wheel to meet the position of your body.

    It may be that you simply don't fit well in a CR-V. No one seat fits everyone. But experience on these boards tells me that moving from a car to a CR-V often takes some adjustment because of the seating position.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4020218&sr- c=msn

    Lease residual studies place the CR-V at the top of the pack for the second year.
  • bkcla2bkcla2 Member Posts: 2
    I want to push down the antenna but have no idea how to do that. Can anyone help?
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    Any chance Honda will make ABS available on the 2WD or base 4WD during the 2004 model year? I don't have enough headroom with the moonroof.
         Salesman told me the rear seats don't recline, but the brochure shows them reclining. I looked but didn't find any way to do it. What's the trick?
         Salesman also said driver's seat adjustment is only tilt and not overall height of seat cushion. This was an EX4WD. Isn't there a fully height-adjustable seat available?
         Thanks for any input.
  • echiang62echiang62 Member Posts: 14
    The antenna screws on and off for some odd reason. I don't know why they do that.
  • bkcla2bkcla2 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks echiang62. What kind of tools do I need to low down the antenna? Can you give me more details?
  • echiang62echiang62 Member Posts: 14
    I am sorry, I guess I should have been more precise...the antenna twists off (with fingers) rather than screws off. You twist it counterclockwise if you want to get it off. I found that the antenna was very hard to twist off initially so I used a wrench to twist it off to start. I made sure that I did not twist it on to tightly so that it will twist off fairly easily with just your fingers
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The rear seats backs should have a pull lever on the top - lift and adjust.
  • sarakaysarakay Member Posts: 19
    Thanks for the suggestions about making the driver's seat more comfortable. I'll try them out when I take my second test drive. Hope I can get comfy in this nice vehicle.
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    Looks like the CR-V (and all the other small utes) will finally get some worthwhile competition from Nissan, at least in Canada, anyway. No word on if it's coming stateside but you'd think it would as well.
    http://autonet.ca/AutonetStories/Stories.cfm?StoryID=10439
    With a superior AWD sytem to the CR-V, a somewhat wipeable interior like the Element and a proper rear hatch with no damage-prone rear spare hanging on the tailgate, it should do well if Nissan prices it competitively.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    With only the 4cylinder coming to NA, this looks like a half-hearted attempt. Even the V6 version has lost comparisons to the CR-V. I've seen the XTrail in person. It looks nice, but it's actually quite small.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    X-Trail has been around for along time. It should have been brought here to compete with the first gen CR-V, but Nissan didn't. Maybe they thought it would overlap the XTerra too much in terms of price.

    I disagree, BTW, XTerra is entirely truck-like and X-Trail would appeal to a different customer.

    Any how, at this point, to make a serious assault on the US market, they would surely bring the next generation model.

    -juice
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    X-Trail is within an inch of CR-V's dimensions, so unless you consider the CR-V "quite small", I really can't agree. (LxWxH......CR-V on top)
    178.6 70.2 66.2
    177.6 69.5 65.9

    The Altima 4 cyl. (which is what it uses) is at least the equal of the CR-V's 4......there is no V6 X-Trail, however , lack of a 6 hasn't really hurt the CR-V.
    I agree with Juice in that the X-Trail is getting a bit long in the tooth (although they did freshen it this year).....it would be nice to get the "next" generation.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Juice - The X-Trail was first shown at the Paris auto show in 2000. So it's not any older than the Escape or VUE.

    Wheelz - My bad. I was thinking that the X-Trail came standard with a 2.0L 4 cyl in other countries (with an upgrade to a larger block).

    As for size, get inside one. I spent some time looking one over while in the BVI. The cargo area is actually pretty decent. It has a regular shape to it, much like the Forester. But passenger space is limited.
  • autosaurusautosaurus Member Posts: 90
    I just bought a 2004 CRV -EX auto ..paid $21,800. A little higher than some other quotes I got but those other dealers refused to give me anywhere near what this dealer did on my 2000 Civic EX Coupe, and they didnt play any of the games the others did. Finally an honest straight forward dealer..After what I went through, I almost gave up on the Honda..
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Cool, glad to see you're happy with your purchase. I personally never try to negotiate the deal as two seperate purchases, one for the vehicle I'm buying and another for my trade-in. After doing extensive research on what I'm buying and trading in, I simply go in with an out-the-door price in mind, keeps things much simpler for me.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    varm: but those are old too. That's 5 years already for the product life cycle.

    Time flies. The Pilot seems brand new and Honda will have a new one next year, I heard.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Maybe my timeline is incorrect, but as I understand it... The X-Trail was a (production ready) concept in 2000, then released as a 2001 model in the 2001 calendar year. Which puts it a few months older than the 2nd generation CR-V.

    Mid-cycle maybe, but I wouldn't call that old. I expect the redesign would be a 2006 model year.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, 5 years seems to be the norm nowadays. It'll be less for the Pilot, right?

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I've heard no reliable rumors about the Pilot undergoing an FMC earlier than the typical 5 year standard. But I can speculate...

    The SUT that Honda will have at the next auto show has been described as "the way Honda will build all new light trucks". It's possible this means that they have a new platform in mind. This would coincide with the new crash structure promised for the next Ody. And also the expected FMC for the MDX.

    In other words, if Honda is going to revamp the lines for the new Ody and SUT, they might just overhaul all models built on that platform. Sounds exciting, but I have my doubts. If that happened, all of Honda's trucks would grow old together. In 5 years, they would have no fresh designs. Staggered releases are better, in that regard.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I guess Pilot might come a year later.

    I'll be at the Detroit show on the 7th, and I'll be sure to check out the SUT. Sketches make it look a bit different, more aggressive. Also, the bed looks deeper than usual, I guess for increased capacity.

    It'll be interesting to see the packaging, what kind of rear suspension they'll use, etc. I'll be sure to get pics.

    I'll actually have a PC at my hotel on the night of the 7th, and I'll try to share any breaking news. Is there an SUT thread for that model? What else will Honda be introducing?

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I have a nagging suspicion that the deep bed is required for structural rigidity.

    Acura is supposed to be releasing the concept for the '05 RL very soon, but I can't recall if it's due in Detroit or LA.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I hope they show more hybrid stuff. I'll be considering one when the time comes.

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Rumor has it, the RL will be a 300 hp hybrid. But I'm guessing it's not the kind you'll be looking for. =)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd be more interested in an Odyssey hybrid (or Pilot). It's too early to show that concept, though. I think that's what Honda might do to leap frog the Sienna.

    -juice
  • ca_crv_ownerca_crv_owner Member Posts: 5
    I have read the postings on the engine fires... I have had some oil changes done on my 2002 CRV, upon getting home and within a few moments I notice oil on my driveway. I called the dealership and they told me that it was residue that is spilled on the frame (channel below the oil filter) of the vehicle. One time the oil was so bad, I had a puddle of oil... even after 2 days! I took the CRV back and had them check out the situation. They said that there was an excessive amount of oil that had been spilled onto the frame. I expressed my displeasure of the messes that it has created in my driveway. I now ask for special cleanup on the CRV after the oil changes. My last oil change had no residue.

    Hopefully this helps someone...... I felt the need to share this. I hope that the carelessness of the person chnaging the oil is not the cause of any of the fires, because of the residue left behind.
  • sabrina9sabrina9 Member Posts: 148
    Can someone explain to me why in Ca_crv_owner's case, that did not cause a fire.

    I think it is obvious, but I'd like to hear others. I never even saw oil on mine
  • motordavidmotordavid Member Posts: 39
    Finally stumbled in to "local" dlr, Apple Tree in Fletcher, a "burb" of Asheville,NC. Had the two recalls done. They are still unable to fix the condensation dripping problem in glove box, (when a/c is on), still can't fix the rattles we have in rear,etc. Had them do an oil/filter change, though I've already done one, and it was semi-drippy compared to my cleaner job,imo. The SerWriter noticed the mousetrap on floor of back seat: I explained that we get 1-2/week in the trap. I suggested a small hole is allowing their entry; he looked at me like I was from Mars and suggested that "Hondas don't have holes". I said it would only take an opening the size of a dime for these suckers to crawl through. (It's my Wife's car and she's a good sport w/the mouse trap accessory,Lol!). The SerWriter said they were too busy to "check for a hole",lol! Dealers are a riot, almost regardless of brand,imo. They also noted on bill that Tire Press was checked and adjusted: I took it in w/28 solid in each tire; I got it back w/ 32 in one frt, 26 in other front, 22 in L rear and 25 in R rear. You cannot make this stuff up. OEM tars are about a C to C- in snow on our steep mtn road. Shoulda got some Blizzaks for winter. The "AWD" is even less appealing: I find keeping it floored/rpms way up preferably to trying to "walk" up the inclines.
    I know there are mostly rave fans of the CR-V here, but I'm not one of them; it is a very average, very spartan car,imo.
    Happy Holidays&BR,md
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Motordavid - Flooring it like that isn't going to improve performance to the level you are looking for. Read up on the how the system works here. Pay particular attention to the third section.

    Your situation is a traction problem, not a power distribution issue. Snow tires or chains would improve traction more than a different AWD system.
  • motordavidmotordavid Member Posts: 39
    I do find that getting on the throttle to be beneficial in climbing our very steep slopes, as opposed to trying to "walk up" ala J Grnd Cherokee style in 4 WD and Low. And, I do understand that flooring it, may shut down the AWD sys., though odd,imo. Interesting post you have their, though not yet convinced of the CR-V's capabilities here in the mtns. Obviously, as I posted, I wish I had grabbed a set of Blizzak WS50s. Maybe next season. Our X5, while also no Jeep, does quite well w/summer tires and exceptional w/Michelin Pilot Alpins on. It too, does better w/DCS switched off and some gas applied,lol! I fully realize it is all about coefficent of traction, as 40+ yrs of some v.fast M'cycle riding has taught me! I enjoy your posts.
    BR,md
  • hondausrhondausr Member Posts: 4
    just wanted to find out if any one here have the experience with installing H4 Xenon HID Conversion Kit - 4100K/5000K/6000K from xenondepot.com, would be interested to hear comments about it.
  • autosaurusautosaurus Member Posts: 90
    I'm about to pick up my new CRV next week and although I've driven a few of them I' havent heard any rattles. Can anyone tell me if there is a problem with these cars rattling. (seems there are quite a few posts on here suggesting they have a problem). also, are there any recalls that I shoiuld be aware of. I plan on test driving the car before signing any papers to make sure there are no rattles at least from the start!.
    Thanks
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    I have 32K miles on my CRV and no complaints but
    it is so popular my red V gets lost in parking lots.For the person who has mice you better put some D-con poison out for them.My wife's car was
    badly damaged by rats getting into the engine compartment and chewing up the belts and wiring.
    This was a new Acura too.
  • sabrina9sabrina9 Member Posts: 148
    FYI, another 03 has burst into flames, under nearly identical circumstances to the other two. It's an 03 at its first oil change. On NHTSA website. I'll make a guess. Honda won't find the cause or will find and not tell anyone. Anybody on my side yet?

    All I know is I am taking my 04 in soon for an o/c. Not because it needs it, but because when it bursts into flames, the depreciation will be less and I won't lose as much this time.

    Sarcasm aside - Has there been any change in the procedure for doing an oil change or the equipment/filters? Is the break in oil much different than regualr oil. Something is up.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Do-it-yourselfers may want to check out those drain plugs that come with valves to drain oil neatly. Some even connec to tubes so the oil pours right into your recycling container.

    Fram and Fumoto both sell such valves.

    The oil filter is another issue, but poking it and letting the oil drain first helps.

    -juice
  • tomk17tomk17 Member Posts: 135
    Autosaurus,

    I have not experienced any rattles on my 04 EX. Matter of fact, I was just driving it the other day (it's my wife's) thinking wow, this thing is solid and silent. Don't sweat it, I'm sure there are more solid ones and only a small percentage of not-so-solid builds.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    keep us up to date on your lawsuit or whatever legalities there are...I am sad to see another fire but perhaps it will help your case. What is pending with your case? When do you get your court date? Hopefully if they see hwat is wrong they correctthe problem...maybe not via a recall but via a TSB. Good luck.
  • motordavidmotordavid Member Posts: 39
    I don't know your physical size, but I'd rec'd a longish test drive, if the stealer will allow.

    I took a spin and didn't realize the lack of legroom and imo, odd seating position. I read some test the other day that stated 41 inches of leg room, but that musta been some unusual measurement, and that length is Not in a straight line or even semi-crooked position. I'm 6 ft 1, 205, inseam of 34; I ride long distances on several of my m'cycles w/ lil' discomfort. I am limber for an old guy,lol! The CR-V,imo is like sitting on a slightly padded bar stool, with short under thigh support and the worst lack of leg room in any car I've owned in 40 yrs. The seat rails could have been extended another 2-4" in rear, but they chose to "show" a more leggy back seat space I guess. Very uncomfortable "up close" to the wheel and not any move the legs around room. The "arm rest" is a joke and will barely meet your elbow. Many here seem to think it's like Singapore Airlines First Class, lol!, but it is not.

    Unless you are vertically challenged or don't plan to drive it more than in town, I'd take a long ride. My 2Cts.
    BR,md
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