2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

llofgren · June 2004

In these days of high gas prices I have been trying to see the highs and lows for mileage on my new '04 CRV AT AWD.
Best: 31 mpg on a 170 mile road trip 95% Highway. I drove 63 mph = 2400 RPM with cruise on AMAP and very slow accleration.
Worst: 21 mpg in town exclusively with a Yakima after market rack on, not watching accleration very closely.
I'd like to try another highway trip at a lower speed and see if I can do better than the 31 mpg.

bshel · June 2004

congrats to your daughter, Bob - hope she really enjoys her new ride. I went from a 94 Accord to 2004 EX Chianti V and am really loving it!

ateixeira · June 2004

Get a trailer or go off road, I think you could get that worst number to go a bit lower. ;-)

-juice

llofgren · June 2004

Yeah, Juice, I'm sure you are right on that. What is your best and worst with the Sub?

Les

ateixeira · June 2004

Best is 30.4 mpg, worst was 20.7 mpg and that was a week I spent on the sand in the Outer Banks. Average 25.

That was until I towed - I measured mileage on a tank where the trailer was not disconnect even once, and I got 17.3 mpg! Ouch!

Then again pulling an extra axle and 1500 lbs, that really does it in. But a friend tows with his Troopers and gets 10mpg routinely.

Wait and tow that trailer when gas prices settle down a bit! :-)

-juice

varmint · June 2004

My wife and I just did a trip to NH and got 26.4 mpg. Not bad considering I had an extra 75 lbs on the hitch basket and about 200 lbs of dogs and gear on the inside. During the winter, when it's cold and we have skis on the roof, we get about 21-22 mpg for the same trip.

ateixeira · June 2004

Yeah, aerodynamics play a big role. The trailer I was pulling was shaped like a big box, hardly slippery.

If you look at the MDX's tow rating, it's higher for a boat due to its slippery shape.

-juice

rockycow33 · June 2004

Want great mileage? Drive 60 mph. I did after hitting a deer and got over 30mpg. Got about 23mpg at 80mph. With speed limits at 75mph I sacrifice mpg for mph

ateixeira · June 2004

True, wind resistance goes up with the square of speed. Slow down to get better mileage. The CR-V ain't exactly shaped like an NSX, either.

-juice

stever · June 2004

Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004

Steve, Host

varmint · June 2004

If not, better get in training.

2004 Honda SUV Olympics

smsuvundecided · June 2004

Steve that may be the "Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicle for 2004" but it's not "my most wanted" and that is what counts.

kalaban · June 2004

Hi Folks! New to the boards here. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a Honda CRV EX.

I looked at the Rav4 and was unimpressed with the weak engine. I also considered the Hyundai Santa Fe, but have read too many horror stories.

I have done as much research on the CRV and just test drove the EX and know it's what I want. We own a 2003 Honda Odyssey and really like it. We have always had Honda's and never had problems with them.

Any suggestions, concerns or recommendations??

bshel · June 2004

none.

Enjoy your EX - it is a great vehicle!

mr_bots · June 2004

You were unimpressed with the performance of the engine in the Rav4? I thought the engine in the Rav4 was more than adequate, I haven't driven a CR-V in a while but I think they were both similar to each other. If it was an 04 Rav4 you'll probably be unimpressed with the performance of the CR-V, they're both 2.4L I4 engines with power and torque ratings within 1 or 2 of each other and a Rav4 weighs quite a bit less than a CR-V.

ateixeira · June 2004

Do check out the new 2.4l RAV4 (it gets the Camry's engine now) and I'd add the Subaru Forester to your list.

All three tend to be at or near the top among car-based small SUVs.

-juice

cybernut04 · June 2004

My wife loves the '04 CRV EX we have, and with one exception, I love it as well. The exception (I've mentioned it here before): the seats.

We bought the CRV at the beginning of March, and it's only been the last couple of weeks that I've been able to drive it without experiencing a lot of lower back/leg pain. There's something about the construction of the seat - the actual shape - that hits me the wrong way.

I have gone to two doctors about the back pain. It turns out that I likely have sciatica, and there are pain meds and exercises that help.

But, I can drive my son's '94 Civic, my daughter's '99 Escort, and our '04 Sienna without experiencing any pain. Until recently, I couldn't say the same thing for the CRV.

I went to the Healthy Back Store in Northern Virginia and bought a McCarty's SacroEase car seat insert ($150) that worked like a charm on my back. Unfortunately, it pushed me too far forward in the seat, and my right leg started to hurt (it's not like there's a LOT of legroom for the driver in a CRV).

So, I returned the seat insert and tried a homemade remedy. I took a small towel and folded it in such a way as to fill the middle of the seat back, from the seat cushion up the back maybe four inches or so. It's not very thick, so it doesn't scoot me forward in the seat, but it gives just a little more support/cushion to my lower back.

So far - knock on wood - it works. And I'm really happy it does. For my wife and I, the CRV is the perfect size SUV. It's got lots of features we really like, we like the way it looks, the way it performs ... it's a really neat compact SUV.

But check out the seats. I went for two test drives and didn't notice a thing. Maybe I was too caught up in checking out other aspects of the CRV - I don't know. And the vast majority of CRV owners (darn near every other CRV owner) have no problem at all with the seats. Your mileage may vary, as they say.

carm11 · June 2004

i'am thinking of trading my 02 silver crv ex with 30,000mi for a 2000 lexus rx300 with almost 40,000, the crv has never let me down, but the ride and overall quality of the rx300 is impressive, am i making a big mistake here. thanks

ateixeira · June 2004

Not necessarily. If you think you'll be happier with a more luxurious car-based SUV and can afford it (and the other costs that go along with it like insurance and gas), then by all means, go for it.

I'm a car enthusiast and being happy with what you own definitely has value.

Consider a CPO model to hedge your bets, the warranty will actually be longer than what you have left now, by far.

-juice

nyfocus1 · June 2004

Hi carm11,

Let me know what you decide. I'm looking to replace my wife's 1996 Taurus wagon sometime this summer with either a new CRV or Subaru or a used Lexus RX300 (my wifes dream car). The new cars would cost around 21-23K while the lexus would be 26-28K (depending on year, mileage, etc). My wife can't see spending MORE for a used car. I, on the other hand, say that when you are talking these kind of number, you may as well pony up the extra few $$ & get something you really like.

varmint · June 2004

Kalaban - If you already own a Ody for utillity purposes, then you have a wide range of small SUVs to pick from. The CR-V, Forester, and RAV4 are all good vehicles. You can't go wrong with any one of them. Picking between the three (or any others) would require more information. Such as, how are you going to be using it? Will you be towing, hauling dogs, hauling kids, hauling bikes, kayaks, off-roading, deep snow, etc...?

Carm11 - I dont think anyone would blame you for wanting to move up to the RX300. Its a terrific vehicle. Just make sure you get your price straight, and understand that both maintenance and fuel costs will likely be higher with the RX than the CR-V.

Varmint
2004 Honda SUV Olympics

kalaban · June 2004

cybernut:

I have a surgically repaired lower back (plates, screws, bone fusion -the works) and I actually thought the seats felt good on my back. However, I may have been caught up in the other aspects of the test drive, so it's not a good indicator for how much the seats may bother me. I think I'll try another tests drive and focus on this aspect.

Thanks for the input, it's greatly appreciated.

kalaban · June 2004

Varmint:

I would be hauling a dog (Big Lab), 2 kids, my wife and I and groceries/picnic stuff.

kalaban · June 2004

Mr_bots:

I test drove the Rav4 and the CRV on the same hill that I have to travel to get to my home. The Rav4 engine had an obvious strain and needed to go into overdrive to navigate the hill, whereas the CRV had no problems.

I have read reports (consumerreports) and other message boards where there are concerns with the RAv4 engine.

bshel · June 2004

kalaban,

V - seats: I have very straight posture - & like to keep seat upright - find it quite comfortable to be driving these past 4000 miles. Some owners who like to recline their seat, plus having a more upright "truck" position to the floor/pedals - have found the seating to be more awkward. Take it for a longer test drive if permitted.

ateixeira · June 2004

Was the RAV4 the 2.0l model or the new 2.4l? I'd think the bigger engine would be fine.

Take the kids and the dog with you and try one more test, see how you all fit inside, see how they all like the car, how easy it is to get in and out, etc.

The dog may prefer a low step-in height in the cargo area, so check that. See if he can lay down in the cargo area with the seats in place, and check out the cargo liners that are optional on these vehicles.

I think any of them will get the job done.

-juice

varmint · June 2004

Technically, dogs should be crated for trips in the car. Having them loose in the car makes for a nice 80lbs projectile if you have an accident.

Going without a crate, any of the small SUVs should serve well enough. A big Lab or even a Rottie will fit comfortably in any of these vehicles. My two Greyhounds are a challenge because of their long legs and height. But even they fit.

Varmint
2004 Honda SUV Olympics

hkjcrv · June 2004

Hello,

I'm looking to buy my first NEW car, and I'm looking at the Honda CRV EX. I have been in love with it for several months now, so I know that it is what I want.

I am searching dealers for a good deal, and I have been offered a quote of $22,300 (MSRP $23,040). I have been told that in this area (western NY), there is such a high demand for CRVs that the dealers will barely budge on the prices because they know they can sell them to somebody else.

Does this sound about right?

Thanks!

kyfdx · June 2004

I see a lot of people paying that amount, but some of the better deals reported here on Edmunds seem to be between $21,500-$21,900. That isn't a big difference from where you are, but you might be able to squeeze out a little more.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx · June 2004

I agree with juice.. Try to find a CPO. Lexus has the best CPO deal going. 3 years from the date you buy, plus 100K total vehicle miles. It is an especially good deal if you drive a lot. If you buy a 40K mile car, you can drive 20K/yr and be covered for an entire 3 year period.

regards,
kyfdx

varmint · June 2004

I think you ought to aim about $200-300 lower than that. Regional demand does make a difference in how the cars are priced, but not much more than a few hundred bucks. Edmunds gives Buffalo a $67 mark-up. If you were in California, I could understand more than that, but I haven't seen anything to suggest that western NY is a monster market for Honda.

Varmint
2004 Honda SUV Olympics

ateixeira · June 2004

My dog is rather tiny, so I use a harness instead.

We were actually hit from behind pretty hard, and he was OK. Startled, though!

-juice

theracoon · June 2004

From your profile you're in Rochester. I used to live in Webster. My favorite dealer in the area was Ontario Honda in Canandaigua. Yes, it's a bit of a drive, but they definitely had the best service department. If you had to leave your vehicle for the day they could set you up with a free loaner (an older Honda, probably something they took in trade in).

I think the sales guy I worked with was named Chuck. In any case, he had the first desk to the left as you go in the main/front entrance. I was looking for an '02 Civic Coupe and his price started at invoice ($14,090). He eventually dropped another $200 off that price.

Good luck!

bshel · June 2004

I'll second that about Ontario Honda service dept. I lived in Fairport, and they were very good with my Accord.

Certainly shop in Syracuse and Buffalo area as well. You can always get your service done closer to you. I think you can get that price down, even in that market. Use emailing to those markets, instead of driving over there.

tidester · June 2004

... do not include contact information including the names of salespeople in your posts. Thanks.

tidester, host

2yearleaseonly · June 2004

Ontario Motors sold me a used Honda Accord 6 years ago and under their 3 month warranty, I had them feel a "slipping" in the tranny. I got the standard "can not reproduce". Needless to say you know where this story is heading, poof the transmission blew out 5 months later. All I got from them was a very polite "sucks to be you". I wasn't about to waste 2000 bucks on this car so I traded it in at Hoselton (in Fairport as well). Since then, in 6 years I have bought or leased 4 cars from Hoselton Supermall, and zero from Ontario Honda. I will admit the free loaner while having service was nice, but Dick Ide Honda in Penfield offers both that and the free lifetime oil changes

My lease is running out in November and I am going to buy a CRV. I will go the Internet route and am positive someone somewhere in Western NY is willing to part with an EX for 21,500. I am hoping for the rumored 16 inch wheels.

My .02

hkjcrv · June 2004

I actually contacted Ontario Honda today because I heard that they generally offer the best deals in this area. However, since they did not have the color CRV that I want (blue) on the lot, they said they would do better than $22,300 only if I chose a color they carried on the lot. They said that if I wanted to order one through them, they would MATCH the $22,300. So I think I will go with what I have, only because I'd rather not drive out to Ontario just to get the same deal that I can get closer to home. I also would rather not sacrifice my color choice to save a couple hundred dollars. If I'm going to spend the money to buy a new car, it best be exactly what I want, you know what I mean?

hkjcrv · June 2004

Just contacted Ontario Honda out of curiosity... lowest they were willing to give me for a CRV on the lot was $22,200. Not a big difference from my $22,300 and I would have to get a color I don't want. I'm going to shell out the extra $100 for exactly what I want.

When I go to the dealer today, I'm going to try to squeeze another couple hundred dollars out of them. $22,300 is still well above invoice price and I would like to get it down a little bit. Fact is, however, I'm a young female and I tend to think they won't take me very seriously. We shall see!

bshel · June 2004

Keep working them - I felt the same as you out there shopping solo for my V. I did end up with my manual trans EX for 20,700 ($700 profit for them) plus TTL. There may be less dealerships up your way than Phil/South Jersey/Delaware, but I think you have a good chance. Come prepared to the dealership if your online price quotes are too high. Be sure and let the dealer at X know that Y gave you $100 less - they should match it when they know their competing for your business.

hkjcrv · June 2004

Well, I put the deposit down on my CRV EX today. The dealer wouldn't go lower than $22,300. Basically told me that I was lucky I was getting that discount, said that they "normally aren't flexible with the prices of CRVs." However, the thing is... they ended up selling the one I had my eye on that was on the lot... so I am getting one right off the truck for $22,300. Previously, they had said they would only give me $22,300 for one that they had sitting on the lot. However, once they kind of sold it out from under me, they offered the same price for one that should be delivered within the next couple of days. I'm kind of grateful for that, I believe the one I was looking at before had been used for test drives. Anyway, I'm kind of disappointed about the failure to negotiate a lower price, but I am glad that I was able to get them down from MSRP. Now I'm just excited to get my car!

kalaban · June 2004

Still undecided as to whether I am getting a CRV or RAV4. I keep reading about the CRV not having "true" AWD and that the RAV4 does.

Living in upstate NY and having to take back roads to work makes this very important to me.

Is this fact or fiction??

gerry100 · June 2004

I love in Eastern Upstate NY. We picked up an '03 LX for the wife and since theb have noticed that they are everywhere around here.

Despite what some say about not a true AWD, the CRV does just fine on our back roads in all conditions. Of course if you want to do serious offroading or " rally" driving it's probably not the best.

In a geography where 4 WD is a real plus demand for the CRV is strong. Many people with their Ram 1500 "heemy" and other behemoths ( that they got great deals on ) are rethinking their strategy after 12mpg and $ 50 fill ups. CRVs w 30,000 miles, 2yrs old are advertised for $18K.

varmint · June 2004

Well, it depends on what you want to call fact.

Yes, it is true that the RAV4 has a "permanent" AWD system. The design is constantly sending some power to both axles. Meanwhile the CR-V uses a "reactive" system, which has 100% of the power up front until there is slippage, then it routes power to the rear. Some argue that the split second it takes for the CR-V to send power to the rear is a split second too late.

If I had to commute over a frozen lake every day, I would want the permanent system.

On the other hand, AWD is not the only consideration for bad winter weather. If you are in a position where you have to drive on roads before they have been plowed, you may also want to consider ground clearance. By this I mean the entire underside of the vehicle, not just the distance from the ground to the rear diff. It helps with getting over plowed-up snow berms or deep snow. The town trucks will often plow the main road, but not my little dead-end street. So I have to climb over a snow bank to get out after a storm.

As for off-road use, the CR-V does well enough for most drivers. Check this video if you don't believe me (Quicktime required).

http://www.allstatesservices.com/varmintinnertire.mov

Varmint
2004 Honda SUV Olympics

sg7 · June 2004

Hi all, new to this and tried to post this somewhere yesterday, so forgive me if it's a repeat. I am considering a CRV-EX and the Forester. I know there was a discussion already and I read through most. My big question is on dirt and pot holed roads in mud and snow. I have previously owned an 88' 4-runner which did fine and most recently...lost my mind and bought a 02'PT Cruiser which was the deal of the century and has been a great car except...it really is a ROAD car and can't go where I like to go. I am not talking really narly back country like they show on those insane commercials, but rough roads that can have some really nasty potholes and bad snow conditions. Any feedback in this area is really appreciated, I can't afford to make another mistake, this next car is going to last as long as the 4-runner...12 years +!

kyfdx · June 2004

In a few months, you won't even be able to remember the details of your deal.. But, you will still be happy with the car for years to come.. You didn't steal it, but you didn't get taken either. Enjoy your new car!!

regards,
kyfdx

sg7 · June 2004

Hey Varmit...new here posted the one about "rough ridin" tried to see your video for some real time driving...but it would not come up. Any thought? sg7

hkjcrv · June 2004

Hey, did anyone add an alarm to their CRV? I tossed the idea around, but ultimately decided not to get it at the time of purchase. It was something like $228 + installation from the dealer. However, I found on the HandAaccessories.com site that you can order the alarm system for $163 and then you just have to pay installation costs. This is a future consideration for me... I don't live in a high-crime neighborhood (it's suburbia), but I work downtown (although I do get to park in a parking garage, which I think makes it a little more safe). Is an alarm a good investment for a CRV? This is my first brand new car so I think I have the tendency to be a little overprotective.

kyfdx · June 2004

Are you going to hear the alarm when you are working downtown? Do you investigate when you hear other people's alarms? I think they are a waste of money.

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira · June 2004

sg7: I think either will be adequate for the types of use you describe. I've had my Forester on the beach, on the farm/orchard, and in the Pine Barrens dirt/sand trails. Pick the one you prefer.

If you do choose the Forester, you may want to wait for the 05s. Subaru added throttle-by-wire and did a little re-tuning to get an impressive 23/30 mpg with the manual tranny. The auto now gets 22/28.

Seen gas prices lately? ;-)

-juice

llofgren · June 2004

I just traded my '02 Highlander which has a fulltime version of AWD. It was awesome and unstopable. I traded for a CRV AWD and have driven the Honda version plenty here in Minnesota (friend has one)in bad conditions. And in real world severe conditions, I can assure you there is no difference between the Honda "reactive" system and the Toy "full time engaged" system. Except it drove me a bit nuts to know that the the Toyota system was dragging down my gas mileage 99% of the time when it wasn't needed.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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