2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

robmarch · January 2004

yeah, I meant the 3.5L. it would have found a nice home in an "Si" version of the CRV

with the civic Si seats on board as well.

autosaurus · January 2004

Not having a good time with my new CRV.. steering is off center..car pulls and the brakes feel VERY spongy..like the peddal can go to the floor..it stops well and straight though.. anyone have this feeling in their CRV?..is this normal?

As an aside, the ergonomics aren't that great either..a long reach to the radio for example..I guess after having three Honda's and never having to visit the service department with any of them, this one is a dissapointment so far.
On the bright side, great room, ride and top quality of the feel of the controls -

rich96 · January 2004

I just purchased a set of front splash guards for the current CR-V. I haven't put them on yet, but when holding them up behind the front wheels, it looks like there is an extra notch on half of the front of the splash guards. It looks like the splash guards will fit, but I'm wondering what that extra notch is on the front of the splash guards. Do other people have this?

mikefm58 · January 2004

Did you even try out the CRV before buying it? Most of the items you mentioned should have been noticed during a test drive.

autosaurus · January 2004

Sure did drive it. Drove a few of them but in a 10 minute drive you cant tell much, and each one I drove including a friends, rattled, but after owning Honda's for years I assumed that it was just that car. Didnt notice much else except that it drove nice. After putting on 700 miles in two weeks I can tell you for sure it's not the "perfect car/truck" that everyone makes it out to be. But as far as this type of car/truck goes it is nice once these few problems can be fixed. The problem with Honda is that their service department isn't the best around - thank god that their cars are reliable though!

varmint · January 2004

Rich96 - I can only speculate, but it could be there for those customers who purchase the side cladding in addition to the mud guards.

motordavid · January 2004

I went out and looked at mine, and I think Varmint is on target w/his post.

I have the side cladding and they fit snugly against the cladding/lower panel. My front guards do have an odd "notch" on the inner/rear facing lower panel' no clue to its function. I don't think there are diff pt numbers for guards for those with or without the extra cladding, so I think they should fit ok. BR,md

mikefm58 · January 2004

Good luck with your CRV. I'm fortunate here, the local Honda dealer has an outstanding service dept., they're just kinda pricey.

sreiss · January 2004

I posted a little while ago with this symptom-- every once in awhile, there is a perceptible delay once I've turned the key before the engine turns over. Sometimes, it doesn't turn over at all.

The suggestion I had was to turn the key two positions, wait for the dash lights to go out, then turn it over. The idea was to allow something (fuel pump?) to prime. Usually this is better. Sometimes, it doesn't make a difference. I usually remove and reinsert the key (and release and re-depress the clutch).

I have about 1500 miles on the V ... I'm starting to think I need to have service take a look at it. Anyone else see this behavior? THX-- SAR

varmint · January 2004

SAR - Sorry. Your case is the first I've seen.

kizhe · January 2004

from experts on two things:
1.In North East we have a very cold weather.
  Is it a good idea to bundle the front of a car
  with some kind of protective shield?
  I know that thermostat takes care of temp
  control, but what if the engine is not able to
  heat itself enough for the working temp.
  When we move the wind shield factor is huge.
  I've been in northern Canada, and I noticed
  that most cars have some kind of shield -
  sometimes just a piece of card box paper.
  All cars have a block heater receptacle at
  front - so they can heat car at night.
  Parking lots have electrical connectors too.
  When we drive in a cold temp we create most
  serious damage to the car. One cold start=500
  miles or so (correct me if this figure is
  wrong).
  So, do we need to bundle up?
2. Sometime ago varmint mentioned in one of his
  posts not to use cruise control during breaking
  period. He said that new engine do not like to
  go in the same mode for a long time.
  O'k, what about the engine after breaking
  was up. Is it good for a car to go for
  extended period of time on cruise control?

varmint · January 2004

Doubt it. You can install an engine block heater if you start to have problems, but I don't think you'll need it. I haven't in four years and I've spent plenty of weekends in ski country with the car exposed to the wind.

As for cruise control after break-in, yes, absolutely. Cruise all you want.

sabrina9 · January 2004

Need some info for the suit....

I know the CR-V is based on the civic. Is it essentially the same engine?

Is the oil filter on the CR-V used for any other Honda?

How much power steering fluid is in this vehicle?

thanks

stevedebi · January 2004

Can't speak to the others, but the Civic engine is smaller. The CR-V shares the engine with the Accord and Element.

I gather the power steering fluid amount isn't in the owners manual?

icvci · January 2004

Our 03 CR-V EX uses the same filter as my mothers 02 Civic EX. Here's a quote from Manchester Honda's parts site. (A favorite of mine.)

Honda has recently discontinued the Oil filter part number 15400-P0H-305. As of September 7th, the Oil filter will be the same for all Accord, Civic, CR-V, CRX,Del Sol, Element, Odyssey, Pilot, and Prelude models. Honda has a new design that is smaller and more efficient. It is recommended to always replace the drain plug washer with oil changes.

stever · January 2004

Wind chill only applies to living flesh. The Honda won't get any colder if the wind is blowing. link

I lived in Anchorage for 20 winters and would turn on my block heaters for an hour in the morning while my coffee was brewing when it got down to 10 or zero F, but I never did anything to block the engine air. Some people did, but I never found it necessary.

Steve, Host

tidester · January 2004

That's correct but just to clarify - the Honda will cool more quickly when the wind is blowing!

[Edit: I just noticed the article does point that out - sorry for the redundancy!]

tidester, host

stever · January 2004

Thanks for fleshing that out :-)

And keep those radiator hoses under the hood!

Steve, Host

sabrina9 · January 2004

Just so everyone knows, In the problems and solutions thread there have been three more reports of CRV fires. Bringing the number to SEVEN. Now it has hit an 04. Still all after the first oil change.

sabrina9 · January 2004

Seeing that there seems to be a trend with regards to CRVs and the UK plant I have another question,

Are CRVs the only Honda vehicles made in that plant?

hostwanabee · January 2004

Check out Car Plant 1, (CR-V's only) you might be on to something regarding the plant, they're imported into Baltimore for the Eastern region, I assume. It appears that the Civic lineup is made in Car Plant 2.
http://www.mfg.honda.co.uk/Internet/HUM00254.nsf/All/5DSTNTJSEO?o- - - pendocument

sabrina9 · January 2004

Thanks. If I can figure this out, Honda can....It can be plant specific. Most of the bad Firestone tires were traced to one plant, even though several made the identical tire. I bet the VIN numbers on these cars can easilty be traced by Honda....if they want to look.

The good news about having more fires is we see a pattern develop, which I think is becoming evident. The bad news is obvious....

autosaurus · January 2004

Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do at the time of an oil change? My dealer, of course, says they have never heard of any fires in a CRV due to an oil change!!!
Thanks

sunangela · January 2004

How do I tell if a used CRV is equipped with AWD? Thanks

vman05 · January 2004

Just wondering how well the fog light's work on the CR-V? They're an expensive option ($610.00 Canadian). Not sure if they are worth it.

autosaurus · January 2004

I'm looking to put some protection for the carpet in the back of my CRV and was looking at a Cargo Tray. I noticed that Honda also sells a Cargo Liner which is much more expensive. Does anyone know the difference between the two?
Thanks

autosaurus · January 2004

The Honda brochure states that the CRV has rear seat heat ducts but I cant locate them. Anyone know where they are located??
Thanks

stevedebi · January 2004

I think they are under the front seats, but I haven't checked - this is Southern California, you know...

icvci · January 2004

They are under the front seats kind of hidden under a hump of carpet.

varmint · January 2004

Angela - Poke your head under the back end. If there is a mechanical lump about the size of a football between the two rear wheels, then it's an AWD model. If there's just a frame with a big hole in it, the vehicle is 2wd.

robmarch · January 2004

this problem is often traced to the immobilizer system. Do you have multiple chip equipped keys on your key ring? sometimes that does it. Or, it could be a faulty key, have you tried your other set?

good luck

khodabear · January 2004

Hello,
I'm comparing a 1997 and a 2000 CR-V. Both have about 88,000 miles, both have leather interior and similar equipment.
The 2000 is FWD, the 97 is AWD.

Price is about the same but with a bit of dickering the 97 could be 1,000 less. Roughly 9,000 and 8,000.

What I really don't know is if there is a major body style difference between the two. It seems that most lists show 98 through 2003 as being the same - what about the 97's?

I've driven a 2001 and liked it but have not been in a 97 - I'm looking at this one tomorrow.
Any thoughts about these two? Presuming same condition and previous care?

I live in Denver and have not owned AWD before. FWD has been fine so far, so I don't think that is a major issue for me.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Peter

varmint · January 2004

Khodabear - Go here to read about the differences between model years. FWIW, the CR-V model life (in the USA) was from 1997-2001. The second generation started in 2002.

khodabear · January 2004

kyfdx · January 2004

I don't know where you live, but that makes a major difference on the value of AWD. Be aware that the leather has to be aftermarket on each of them as leather wasn't offered on those models. $8000 seems like an awful lot for a '97. Of course, $9000 seems like a lot for a '00 FWD model also. Unless those prices are negotiable by more than a thousand to the downside, then I'd keep looking. One more thing, the '00 has more horsepower (bumped up in '99).

regards,
kyfdx

khodabear · January 2004

Well I drove the 97 today.
You're right that the leather is aftermarket--but nice.
The 2000 models did offer leather as an option package. I've seen one other besides the FWD one that I cite in the OP.

I was surprised that it didn't lack appreciably for power - but then I was driving on flat roads - but then that's the type of driving we do.
It snowed today - just an inch or so - and so I could try the AWD out on a slippery parking lot. It was better than the FWD only on my minivan.

It's nice - the asking was 8750 but they'd sell for 7750 which is 2,000 below what they say they owe.

If by your post you're thinking $6,000 for a 97 in good condition I'd sure like to know where. Every one I've seen - CRV or RAV4 - that isn't well over 130,000 miles is at least $8000 if not $8500. I have seen them over 150,000 miles in the $6000 range though.

Peter

kyfdx · January 2004

I was thinking that $7K for the '97 might be all the money, but I can't quite see it from here. LOL. The leather on the '00 is still most likely aftermarket.. I've only seen it on the SE models, which were 4WD EX models with body colored bumpers. 88K miles on a '97 sounds like its had an easier life than 88K on an '00. Plus, 4WD is what really separates it from other economy cars. I've had two CRVs.. both generations, and have nothing but good to say about them.

regards,
kyfdx

peggylou · January 2004

I was wondering what kind of gas mileage you guys actually get with the CR-V? Especially anyone in California with our reformulated gas? I don't get anywhere near city sticker with my Windstar, not even on all highway driving.

I am looking at CR-V, Rav-4 and Prius (totally different animal I know) to replace my soon to be mercifully shot Windstar. Can anyone offer why you decided on CR-V for your choice? I am so confused, and after 2 minivans, it will be a big change. I have 2 kids, one teen, one 7, and 3 small dogs. We never really fully utilized hte space in the van, but still want to make sure I have enough space for comfort, but still get decent gas mileage.

stevedebi · January 2004

I get about 21 in mixed. The worst I have gotten is about 20, the best about 28 (on a trip to New Mexico). I live in LA.

I think that the other two vehicles will be too small for your needs, if you have to carry all kids and dogs at once. I went from a minivan to the CR-V because I was tired of maneuvering and parking the darn thing. Both the Prius and Rav 4 are smaller.

Course, you can't beat the MPG of a Prius.

ateixeira · January 2004

If you like Prius, consider all the benefits many people overlook:

* extended range
* HOV lane access (in some states)
* tax deduction
* no sales tax (also in some states)
* superb torque at idle
* luxurious quietness at slow speeds

Notice I didn't even mention gas mileage. I was totally impressed. It pulls up so quietly you'll think your uncle's Lexus is as loud as a chain saw.

-juice

varmint · January 2004

I really like the Prius, but with that much cargo, I think you're better off with the RAV4 or CR-V. I'd add the Forester to your list, unless you've already crossed it off.

peggylou · January 2004

Thanks for the feedback. I crossed the Forester off my list after just sitting in it. I just can't handle seats where my rump is wider than the seat. I do like the Outback, but really want the side airbags and/or curtains and you have to pop for limited version to get airbags and even then no curtains avail. Also was totally turned off by Subie dealer spending the whole test drive telling me how the Subie was better than Honda, and had better resale value etc (which is not true here in Ca anyway). Maybe hte 05 Outback would be good, but I hope to have a new car before then.

varmint · January 2004

There's also the Element. Good for dirty puppy dog feet and low price, but certainly controversial-looking. The CR-V gets better mpg, though.

The RAV4 is the fuel economy king. I don't know how long you keep your cars, or how big your kids will get. The answer to those questions make me curious if the RAV4 will have enough space to be comfortable.

The CR-V has the most space. Gas mileage is good, but not class leading. The EPA estimates for the automatic seem to be pretty accurate. Most folks get between 22 and 26 with the automatic. In the past, the EPA has underrated the 5 speed model, but I don't know if that's true of the new ones.

icvci · January 2004

I've taken a few trips in our 03 EX CR-V.

One was to escape the blackout last summer. Went to Northern Michigan (about 300 miles round trip). With my wife, our 6 month old daughter in her car seat behind me driving, two dalmatians (45 and 60 lbs. in a 26 1/2"W x 42"L x 30"H crate), a Pack-n-Play, a Fisher Price take-a-long swing, a bag of toys, a camera backpack, a diaper bag backpack, a Coleman 50-qt Xtreme Wheeled Cooler, a Graco Metrolite stroller, a large dufflebag with 3 days worth of clothes, toiletries, swimsuits and towels, and some kind of floor pad with rainbow shaped rails play thing for my daughter.

Then, in October we took a 3814 mile trip from Michigan to Colorado. Packed up all that stuff and spent a week with the in-laws in Gunisson.

Mileage has been good for a small SUV. I don't get the range I'd like as the fuel gauge is off a little. I have pushed it until I thought it was near empty but, I won't do it with my wife and child. (Ran out of gas once in a CRX and my wife was really unhappy.

The trip to Northern MI really loaded up the V. We absolutely could not have done it in a smaller vehicle. One HUGE bonus of the CR-V is the fact your young one can ride in the car seat in the middle and there is still plenty of room on the side for your teen. Plus, if the youngster gets fussy, there is room for you to sit back there too. It won't be the most comfortable seat but, it is safe and not too bad.

Plus, it is one of the safest vehicles on the road per NHTSA crash tests.

I'd avoid the Element with a childseat. There isn't room for 3 across.

stevedebi · January 2004

The tax break expired on Dec 31, 2003.

While listing benefits, you should also list the drawbacks:

1. Have to replace the batteries at no later than 150,000 (about $3K, I think).
2. Unknown environmental cost of creating and disposing of said batteries. I have never seen a study about this - what is the overall impact.
3. Extra cost over the cost of a similar small car - again about $3K, if I remember correctly.

Not knocking the Prius, but one should consider all aspects of a purchase.

ateixeira · January 2004

If they're lap dogs you'll be OK in a Prius. CR-V is a lot roomier, though.

The battery is guaranteed for 8 years, that's longer than most owners will keep it. And 8 years from now, no doubt it'll cost a lot less to replace those batteries. It's tough to forecast, though.

FWIW, the '05 Legacy will have side and side curtain air bags standard, even the base 2.5i model. Should be in dealers by April.

-juice

kizhe · January 2004

I have fog lights on my CR-V and I like them very much. I got a lots of other 'gimmick-junk' options too, but fog lights proved to be the most useful option.
They look small but:
1. they help during rain, snow and fog,
2. they give vertically flat but horizontally
wide beam, which is a good help on a narrow winding road (like in the mountains or on narrow winding driveway). During bad visibility conditions they show you white dividing lines and side of the road too.
Fog lights are expensive but they worth it.
You may buy fog lights kit(instruction and harness included) much cheaper on-line like on
www.handaccessories.com for US$238 or even cheaper elsewhere,
if you can install them yourself.
Go for it!

stevedebi · January 2004

I think that is 8 years OR 150,000 miles...

icdchess · January 2004

Noticed recently that my 2003 CR-V EX (21,000 miles) with Auto Transmission will roll backwards when the car is on an incline, and I take my foot off the brake.

Since I had never noticed it before, I brought it into the dealer, and he told me that is what CR-Vs do. It is natural and expected.

Having driven many, many automatic transmission cars in my lifetime, I am a bit skeptical that ONLY my CR-V has that trait.

I am VERY curious if any of you with newer model automatic CR-Vs (2002, 2003, 2004), have noticed that your car rolls backwards.

Or does it, like every other auto hold its place?
Thanks!!
Steve

kizhe · January 2004

How steep was your incline?
I got CR-V 03. Did not notice anything like that.
I did not try it on REALLY steep hills, but on moderates it never rolled back.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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