235/75 means a pretty tall sidewall. That's not going to be as nimble as CR-V owners would like. Heck, I wasn't happy with 205/70R15s and swapped for far better 225/60R16s (on my Forester, though stock sizes are the same).
A roughly 3000 lb vehicle can't tow much more than, say, 2000 lbs or so, else the trailer would weigh as much as the vehicle pulling it. So a small upgrade would make sense, but big boat owners should look at the MDX.
The CR-V has sold well with the current formula, so Honda won't change that much. The Escape has eaten into that 35% figure, however.
Suzuki is pretty tiny in comparison. Not even a blip on the charts. Resale value on the Grand Viagras is pretty awful, too.
The MDX can't tow very much either...3500lbs for a trailer. One MDX owner actually overheated his transmission (yes, it had the outrageously priced optional coolers) towing his 3500lbs boat up a mild grade over a short distance. Boy was he angry! Don't forget that the MDX is really an Odyssey with an SUV body and AWD.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I'm trying to join the reader's forum @ HONDASUV.COM, but it says they are no longer taking new members. Anyone know how to get on? Let me know! I just bought a 01 CR-V SE and loving it. I sell Pontiacs and Buicks- I have been the talk at the dealership! It's amusing to note that many people approach me alone at work asking me more about it.
Rafdmf1 - Well then hang out here for a while. I'll see what's up over at the CR-V IX. How did you try to sign up?
Scname - The XL7 is a neat idea, but really it's just a stretched GV. I haven't ridden in one, but most reviews have given me the impression that it suffers from the same quirks as the GV.
LadyK - The compact sedan market is a crowded place to do business, but that hasn't stopped Honda from charging high prices for the Civic. I suspect that the CR-V won't be too different. This is why I'm expecting the new model to be refined, rather than redesigned. Expect changes like LEV status, maybe rear disks brakes, added equipment, better NVH, crash safety, and other enhancements.
Honda is kind of odd about pricing. They charge quite a bit for their standard cars (CR-V, Civic, Accord,...), but they under-cut the competition in the luxury division (TL, CL, RL, and MDX).
Not as tall as 31X10.50R15 most 4X4 owners use as a starting point.
"... That's not going to be as nimble as CR-V owners would like."
Nimble? I thought we were talking SUV's here, not sports cars. If I want NIMBLE, I'll go with a Miata or 240Z.
"A roughly 3000 lb vehicle can't tow much more than, say, 2000 lbs or so, else the trailer would weigh as much as the vehicle pulling it. So a small upgrade would make sense, but big boat owners should look at the MDX."
I realize it is not going to tow a 24 foot boat or camper, but small ones are QUITE popular, you know, especially for small families (2 kids or less).
I own a 2-wheel drive model CRV and have been generally happy with it. I sure wouldn't want to tow much more than a mower trailer with it - but never have tried towing. My original tires are getting threadbare and I wonder what suggestions ya'll might have for my next set. I'm not a real wild driver and managed to get 40,000 with the first set. btw I've heard that a hybrid Honda SUV was coming down the line, a powerplant like the Toyota Prius would be economical [I've always felt the 22 mpg I get was low for a 4 cyl vehicle]... anyone heard such?
John - This is where I got my start. I have a picture from the MD meet that I need to send to you. I'll explain in an e-mail.
Squatch - The reasons why the CR-V, RAV4, Tribape, and Forester are so popular are because they do not share the poor handling and ride of the truck-based utes. This is yet another reason why vehicles like the (Grand) Vitara, Tracker, and Sportage are selling so poorly. Most of the people buying these car-truck hybrids (I'll get into the name in a minute), are not looking to head off-road, tow a boat, or pull stumps out of their yard. So a smooth ride, good mpg, and sharp handling are more important than beefy looking tires. In fact, one of the most common complaints from GV owners is that the stock tires are too big (in this case they are too wide).
Mid-size and full-size SUV buyers do look for towing ability. However, the average buyer for the mini-ute class does not. There are exceptions like yourself, but there are not enough of you to make Honda sacrifice the other 99.9% who want a good handling vehicle.
The word "hybrid" was initially applied to describe hybrid SUVs (part car and part truck). It is also used to describe hybrid powerplants like the Prius and Insight.
Tallal - Honda is going to release a hybrid powered Civic within the next year. If it sells well, then a Hybrid CR-V will follow. Ford is going to beat Honda to the market with theirs in 2003. Here's an article on what the big three are up to. http://competitionpress.com/news/carnewstory.mv?story=na67369nb63771nc13069
I am looking forward to seeing a 2002 before pursuing a purchase. I am hoping for better aerodynamics. The RAV somehow is rated over 30 with the 5 speed which I have driven. CRV drag coefficient is barn door poor. I guess Honda will stick with 2wd LX auto, etc etc. I do hope EX has roof as standard equipment. That in its own will cause a minimum of $500 price increase. Factor in the poor economy etc and that could be the extent of price increases. I will admit I was not impressed with the 01 Civic. I cancelled my EX order when I drove the car. I noticed the changes and decontenting. I bought a 99 Civic stick instead. INKY
"This is yet another reason why vehicles like the (Grand) Vitara, Tracker, and Sportage are selling so poorly."
They are?
"Most of the people buying these car-truck hybrids (I'll get into the name in a minute), are not looking to head off-road, tow a boat, or pull stumps out of their yard."
I will give you the stump pulling. I would think most ARE heading off road, and would like to do some towing. I argue that if a smaller one was offered which did this, with Honda quality and style, people would buy it for sure. Many are so brainwashed that they need a huge vehicle to tow even if it is a small boat or trailer.
"So a smooth ride, good mpg, and sharp handling are more important than beefy looking tires. In fact, one of the most common complaints from GV owners is that the stock tires are too big (in this case they are too wide)."
I can't imagine that complaint. Who do they complain to? Where did you hear that? I want tires that ARE beefy, not just LOOK beefy. What happens when you hit a sharp rock in your street tires?
"Mid-size and full-size SUV buyers do look for towing ability. However, the average buyer for the mini-ute class does not. There are exceptions like yourself, but there are not enough of you to make Honda sacrifice the other 99.9% who want a good handling vehicle."
If only Sportage quality were nicer, and/or they had a diesel engine. The Liberty is nice, but too small a space in back. I think the Wrangler with a heavy duty, rugged trailer is looking better and better each day I am on these boards. Take out the back seat and put down some carpet remnants for the dog, and then the only complaint would be poor gas mileage.
I got the seats through Auto Leather Interiors. They were sponsors of the Mid Atlantic CR-V Meet. Each owner who showed up got a coupon for a decent discount on a set of seats.
The seats are all leather (not leather trimmed, and not leather seating surfaces only) and include things like map pockets on the back and armrest covers. I dunno if Mark will maintain this discount for long, but you can contact him through the web site. E-mail me if you have questions.
Yep. I haven't checked recent sales stats, but the last time I checked the CR-V was out selling the GV by more than 8 to 1. I'm sure that the number has dropped for the CR-V, but it probably has for the GV too. Most folks who bought the GV did so because it offers a V6. Now that the market has the Tribape and Santa Fe to offer, why buy the GV?
With regard to the GV's tires, I've read that comment over and over here at the Edmunds boards.
You make a good point about people buying a mid size SUV when they may only need a smaller one. But you can also apply that to the whole market. The facts are that only a tiny tiny percentage of SUV owners go off-road. Even less actually tow things. That's why the CR-V sells so well desite not being a pro in these categories.
I don't know about mileage being the only complaint with a wrangler. Mine was in the shop constantly, had no acceleration, and handled terribly on the highway. If you are thinking about one as a third car, it would be great. But, as primary transportation it leaves a lot to be desired.
I haven't had to replace my tires yet (though I will soon). I think that Ron replaced his with a good set. You'd have to investigate his web site for details.
The Jeep does leave a lot to be desired in QC department, but I think at this point, it is only one of 2 marks in the minus column versus many in the plus column.
Look at this neat bit I dug up. If only they could do this with the Liberty platform...
The Jeep®.....renowned for it's history. It has carried soldiers into war and brought them safely back. It has carried missionaries into the deepest jungles in the world. It has carried millions of civilians far down the road less traveled. So what do you get when you combine a heritage that rich with functionality of a present-day SUV?.....the Scrambler.
The Scrambler was a SUV before SUVs were cool. It had the go anywhere attitude of a Jeep with pickup truck usefulness. The many top configurations made it even more useful. Add a full hardtop and you have a modern day SUV. Add a full softop and you have an extended ragtop with space for the family and gear. Add a half hardtop and you have a pickup. Add a half softtop and you have a ragtop pickup. What other vehicle can compete with that?......none. It was produced from 1981-1986 with @27,000 units being rolled out. We can only assume that the Jeep "Scrambler" was a product of the marketing department whereas the Jeep engineers insisted on the CJ-8 denotation.
So if the Scrambler was so great, why did they only make @27,000? Well, quite simply, it was ahead of it's time. It came along as America was coming out of a gas crunch and the emphasis was on economy, not utility. Well, just like your bellbottoms, utility is now in style. With the new push towards utility and the desire to drive something that didn't come from today's cookie-cutter SUVs, the Scrambler has stormed back in popularity over the past few years. Naturally, the increased demand and already limited supply has driven the cost of the Scrambler up. So if you have one, you own a piece of automotive history. Where does that leave us? Why are you here? Both questions can be answered by saying that Scrambler owners are a dedicated bunch who love their vehicles and possess a desire to share our knowledge. We are here to help in that mission. If you are a Scrambler owner, you have found your campfire to sit around. This is your virtual garage with your fellow wrenchers/jeepers to share your knowledge and increase others. So grab a hold of the passenger grab bar and enjoy the ride.
I actually agree that Jeep could sell a larger rag-top. Too bad the Land Rover Defender has been the only recent offering from any of the automakers in the US (that I can think of). It was out of my price range.
How many CR-V drivers out there have put tires large than 205's on their CRVs? How large and any rubbing?
Corynat - One or two owners have installed larger sneakers on their 'V, then decided to remove them. The loss of acceleration was too great. If you decide to move up to a larger tire, I'd only make a modest increase.
I've read with a lot of interest all of the discussion on the 2002 CR-V. I am in the market for a CR-V now. Will I gain by waiting until September for the 2002 or should I purchase a 2001? I am particularly interested in safety and the possibilities of side air bags. However, I also like the SE. Any advice? Also when will Honda begin to release official pictures?
and give a warranty equal to other Japanese companies. Don't their vehicles deserve a warranty better than GM. Doesn't Honda have faith in their products. One has to wonder.
Squatch - I take mine off-road. While the CR-V is no Jeep, it's done everything I've asked of it. I'd say the issue has been addressed.
Corynat - That's something that I can't answer for you. Everyone has different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn't. All I can say is that two owners (that I know of) felt that it wasn't worth it. I don't recall the details. I also know of a few others that have upgraded the tire size and find it okay.
Hey there Goonga-Ron! I just posted a link to Gadget's home page. Are you still running on the stock tires? I remember you talking about tires, but now I can't recall if you've actually made a change or if it was just something on your wish list.
Vmaturo - Honda doesn't need to. Companies like Kia and Hyundai can't sell their cars without one. Honda doesn't have that problem.
You have to remember that Honda doesn't sell cars to you and me. Honda sells cars to dealerships. A longer factory warrantee takes money out of the dealer's pockets. That is bad. Dealers will also find it harder to sell extended warrantees. Add to this the fact that the dealer has to service the cars under warrantee and make less of a profit on that end as well. It's bad business and car companies don't do it unless they have no other choice.
Ebbysmom - This past weekend, we had a CR-V Meet that was attended by a Rep from the local Honda offices. He reported that the next CR-V will be very much like the new Civic when it comes to content. We asked about side air bags and he said that it was likely.
With that said, we can't really be sure. These are only rumors.
If you like the look of the SE model, you might consider waiting for the new model and have a bit of custom work done. I just had leather seats installed for less than the cost of the factory ones. I've also considered having my bumpers painted with the same pattern that is used on SE models. I like the look and, with the underside left unpainted, it's still functional. I've gotten one quote that was less than $600. I just spent that much on seats, so I can't run out and have the bumpers done now. She Who Cooks might have something to say about me spending that much money right now. :-)
Manufacturers offer the shortest warrantys they can and still sell cars. Dealers have a love-hate feeling on factory warrantys. They love the volume it gives their shops and the guaranteed margin on parts, but dislike the discount they have to give on Labor. Most auto brands have less than 50% service retention after the warranty is over, so the dealers know they lose half their possible customer pay business. The manufacturers that offer long warrantys do it as a marketing ploy to get people to consider brands they would otherwise ignore.
I have a new 01 Se. When the vehicle is running in Park and I hit the brake pedal to take it out of Park, I hear a clicking noise in the steering column. Anybody know if this is normal? You can hear the noise each time you hit the brake pedal. Let me know- THANKS
After backing up, stopping, and moving forward again, I will get a click the first time I hit the brakes. The mechanic at the dealer tells me the CRV has self-adjusting brakes and the click is the caliper adjusting or some such thing. Checked with a motorhead at work and he says that sounds logical, so I don't worry about it. Not sure if yours could be the same thing. Only get it the one time. I have an 00 SE. First Honda. Gotta give them credit. They built a tight car. Hope you enjoy yours.
"...Besides, with the rear cargo window popped open like that, the driver creates a minor suction that he has to overcome in addition to towing the boat."
C'mon! You mean to tell me the engine is that weak that it can't "overcome suction" from and open window? What do you think it is, a 747? I have never heard anything like that in my life.
The part I had never heard of was that it "has to be overcome" by an automobile engine. Our family alone had at least 3 or 4 station wagons since the early 60's and this was certainly not a consideration (they all had the rear window retract into the tailgate/door).
Just bought a 2001 CRV-LX2WD. I like it a lot. I got it for 17495+tax and tag which is not that bad, considering they gave me a really good deal on my eel Sol. I want to add the Honda key less entry system, but I am not going to buy it from the dealer...$199..no way. I found other interned sites that sell it for $96 and it is the EM system. My question to you guys is... how hard is to install it? The dealer said it is already installed, I just need buy the remote and program the remote. The dealer said it takes about 5 minutes to program the whole thing. He said that the whole system works through the radio. Is this true? Is it that simple? I would hate to go into the electrical system .... thanks for your help
LadyK and Sasquatch - That CR-V looks parked to me. I think it's safe to say they wouldn't have been driving with the glass hatch open.
Mihai - The remote entry hardware is installed in the door. All you need to do is purchase the key fobs and program them.
I'm not sure if these instructions are for the remote entry or for different alarm hardware, but this should give you an idea of what would be involved.
Doesn't work through the radio on the CR-V. Some Civics were like this but not the CR-V.
Squatch and LC. Did you read the write-up on trailering the boat. Andy Reed really did tow his 2125 lbs. Bayliner with his CR-V. Would I recommend doing this? No.
Suction? I thought that was what kept the car on the road.
I put 235/55/17 tires on my CR-V. No rubbing at all unless I have the steering wheel turned to the end for a tight turn. Yes it decreased my acceleration but the CR-V doesn't have great acceleration to start with. Wider tires with low profile definitely makes it look more sportier (no racing please-you'll be left way behind).
The 2002 CR-V will have side air bags and a choice of 2 or 3 new colors. I asked a dealer in NY about the change in the body style and if there would be an option for a tow package and a 6 cylinder engine. He said that my guess was as good as his. All he knew about the changes was the colors and the air bags. He said that they would not know about the body style until September. I too am in the market for a mini SUV. Unless the 2002 CR-V has a 6 cyl engine and a tow package, I will be looking at other manufacturers. The Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape are on my list.
Princofglm - I would go ahead and order either the Escape or Tribute (personally I prefer the Tribute). I doubt very much that Honda is going to put a V6 in the next CR-V.
You may be right about the airbags and color changes. What your dealer is telling you is consistent with everything that I've read or been told. The Honda Rep at our CR-V meet mentioned that the '02 model will probably have similar trim levels to the Civic. He mentioned airbags as an example (but still wouldn't promise anything).
Tried changing my own oil but std filter wrench doesn't fit. Bought expensive Honda wrench but doesn't fit std filters from K-Mart. What gives, do I have to purchase exclusive Honda parts?
When changing Oil filters, you should only hand-tighten. Been doing it for over 10 years. Only time I ever need a wrench is when I get lazy, go to Jiffy lube, and they tighten it with what seems like an impact wrench. Just get it as tight as you can with your hands.
Comments
A roughly 3000 lb vehicle can't tow much more than, say, 2000 lbs or so, else the trailer would weigh as much as the vehicle pulling it. So a small upgrade would make sense, but big boat owners should look at the MDX.
The CR-V has sold well with the current formula, so Honda won't change that much. The Escape has eaten into that 35% figure, however.
Suzuki is pretty tiny in comparison. Not even a blip on the charts. Resale value on the Grand Viagras is pretty awful, too.
-juice
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Scname - The XL7 is a neat idea, but really it's just a stretched GV. I haven't ridden in one, but most reviews have given me the impression that it suffers from the same quirks as the GV.
LadyK - The compact sedan market is a crowded place to do business, but that hasn't stopped Honda from charging high prices for the Civic. I suspect that the CR-V won't be too different. This is why I'm expecting the new model to be refined, rather than redesigned. Expect changes like LEV status, maybe rear disks brakes, added equipment, better NVH, crash safety, and other enhancements.
Honda is kind of odd about pricing. They charge quite a bit for their standard cars (CR-V, Civic, Accord,...), but they under-cut the competition in the luxury division (TL, CL, RL, and MDX).
It has some potential.
"Towing is not a factor in this class."
Bzzzt! Thanks for playing. Towing is important to potential SUV shoppers. If they had it, it would help sway ME in that direction BIG TIME!
Not as tall as 31X10.50R15 most 4X4 owners use as a starting point.
"... That's not going to be as nimble as CR-V owners would like."
Nimble? I thought we were talking SUV's here, not sports cars. If I want NIMBLE, I'll go with a Miata or 240Z.
"A roughly 3000 lb vehicle can't tow much more than, say, 2000 lbs or so, else the trailer would weigh as much as the vehicle pulling it. So a small upgrade would make sense, but big boat owners should look at the MDX."
I realize it is not going to tow a 24 foot boat or camper, but small ones are QUITE popular, you know, especially for small families (2 kids or less).
http://network54.com/Hide/Forum/6308
btw I've heard that a hybrid Honda SUV was coming down the line, a powerplant like the Toyota Prius would be economical [I've always felt the 22 mpg I get was low for a 4 cyl vehicle]... anyone heard such?
When did the topic change to power plants? I think we need more nukes.
:-)
Squatch - The reasons why the CR-V, RAV4, Tribape, and Forester are so popular are because they do not share the poor handling and ride of the truck-based utes. This is yet another reason why vehicles like the (Grand) Vitara, Tracker, and Sportage are selling so poorly. Most of the people buying these car-truck hybrids (I'll get into the name in a minute), are not looking to head off-road, tow a boat, or pull stumps out of their yard. So a smooth ride, good mpg, and sharp handling are more important than beefy looking tires. In fact, one of the most common complaints from GV owners is that the stock tires are too big (in this case they are too wide).
Mid-size and full-size SUV buyers do look for towing ability. However, the average buyer for the mini-ute class does not. There are exceptions like yourself, but there are not enough of you to make Honda sacrifice the other 99.9% who want a good handling vehicle.
The word "hybrid" was initially applied to describe hybrid SUVs (part car and part truck). It is also used to describe hybrid powerplants like the Prius and Insight.
Tallal - Honda is going to release a hybrid powered Civic within the next year. If it sells well, then a Hybrid CR-V will follow. Ford is going to beat Honda to the market with theirs in 2003. Here's an article on what the big three are up to. http://competitionpress.com/news/carnewstory.mv?story=na67369nb63771nc13069
oh, and on the powerplant thing, I put in a :-) for the humor impaired.
;-P
I will admit I was not impressed with the 01 Civic. I cancelled my EX order when I drove the car. I noticed the changes and decontenting. I bought a 99 Civic stick instead.
INKY
They are?
"Most of the people buying these car-truck hybrids (I'll get into the name in a minute), are not looking to head off-road, tow a boat, or pull stumps out of their yard."
I will give you the stump pulling. I would think most ARE heading off road, and would like to do some towing. I argue that if a smaller one was offered which did this, with Honda quality and style, people would buy it for sure. Many are so brainwashed that they need a huge vehicle to tow even if it is a small boat or trailer.
"So a smooth ride, good mpg, and sharp handling are more important than beefy looking tires. In fact, one of the most common complaints from GV owners is that the stock tires are too big (in this case they are too wide)."
I can't imagine that complaint. Who do they complain to? Where did you hear that? I want tires that ARE beefy, not just LOOK beefy. What happens when you hit a sharp rock in your street tires?
"Mid-size and full-size SUV buyers do look for towing ability. However, the average buyer for the mini-ute class does not. There are exceptions like yourself, but there are not enough of you to make Honda sacrifice the other 99.9% who want a good handling vehicle."
If only Sportage quality were nicer, and/or they had a diesel engine. The Liberty is nice, but too small a space in back. I think the Wrangler with a heavy duty, rugged trailer is looking better and better each day I am on these boards. Take out the back seat and put down some carpet remnants for the dog, and then the only complaint would be poor gas mileage.
The seats are all leather (not leather trimmed, and not leather seating surfaces only) and include things like map pockets on the back and armrest covers. I dunno if Mark will maintain this discount for long, but you can contact him through the web site. E-mail me if you have questions.
With regard to the GV's tires, I've read that comment over and over here at the Edmunds boards.
You make a good point about people buying a mid size SUV when they may only need a smaller one. But you can also apply that to the whole market. The facts are that only a tiny tiny percentage of SUV owners go off-road. Even less actually tow things. That's why the CR-V sells so well desite not being a pro in these categories.
http://www.geocities.com/RONS99CRV/Gadget.html
Look at this neat bit I dug up. If only they could do this with the Liberty platform...
http://scrambler.cj-8.com/
The Jeep®.....renowned for it's history. It has carried soldiers into war and brought them safely back. It has carried missionaries into the deepest jungles in the world. It has carried millions of civilians far down the road less traveled. So what do you get when you combine a heritage that rich with functionality of a present-day SUV?.....the Scrambler.
The Scrambler was a SUV before SUVs were cool. It had the go anywhere attitude of a Jeep with pickup truck usefulness. The many top configurations made it even more useful. Add a full hardtop and you have a modern day SUV. Add a full softop and you have an extended ragtop with space for the family and gear. Add a half hardtop and you have a pickup. Add a half softtop and you have a ragtop pickup. What other vehicle can compete with that?......none. It was produced from 1981-1986 with @27,000 units being rolled out. We can only assume that the Jeep "Scrambler" was a product of the marketing department whereas the Jeep engineers insisted on the CJ-8 denotation.
So if the Scrambler was so great, why did they only make @27,000? Well, quite simply, it was ahead of it's time. It came along as America was coming out of a gas crunch and the emphasis was on economy, not utility. Well, just like your bellbottoms, utility is now in style. With the new push towards utility and the desire to drive something that didn't come from today's cookie-cutter SUVs, the Scrambler has stormed back in popularity over the past few years. Naturally, the increased demand and already limited supply has driven the cost of the Scrambler up. So if you have one, you own a piece of automotive history. Where does that leave us? Why are you here? Both questions can be answered by saying that Scrambler owners are a dedicated bunch who love their vehicles and possess a desire to share our knowledge. We are here to help in that mission. If you are a Scrambler owner, you have found your campfire to sit around. This is your virtual garage with your fellow wrenchers/jeepers to share your knowledge and increase others. So grab a hold of the passenger grab bar and enjoy the ride.
How many CR-V drivers out there have put tires large than 205's on their CRVs? How large and any rubbing?
Just for fun, take a look at these.
http://www.ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/exteriormenu/superswamper/superswamper_markgreenwood.htm
http://www.ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/exteriormenu/hitch/andyreedtowboat1.jpg
http://www.ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/exteriormenu/wheels/tire_geolander.htm
Now, do you still think that Honda shouldn't address this market?
Ron
http://www.RONS99CR-V.com
Corynat - That's something that I can't answer for you. Everyone has different ideas of what is acceptable and what isn't. All I can say is that two owners (that I know of) felt that it wasn't worth it. I don't recall the details. I also know of a few others that have upgraded the tire size and find it okay.
Hey there Goonga-Ron! I just posted a link to Gadget's home page. Are you still running on the stock tires? I remember you talking about tires, but now I can't recall if you've actually made a change or if it was just something on your wish list.
Vmaturo - Honda doesn't need to. Companies like Kia and Hyundai can't sell their cars without one. Honda doesn't have that problem.
You have to remember that Honda doesn't sell cars to you and me. Honda sells cars to dealerships. A longer factory warrantee takes money out of the dealer's pockets. That is bad. Dealers will also find it harder to sell extended warrantees. Add to this the fact that the dealer has to service the cars under warrantee and make less of a profit on that end as well. It's bad business and car companies don't do it unless they have no other choice.
With that said, we can't really be sure. These are only rumors.
If you like the look of the SE model, you might consider waiting for the new model and have a bit of custom work done. I just had leather seats installed for less than the cost of the factory ones. I've also considered having my bumpers painted with the same pattern that is used on SE models. I like the look and, with the underside left unpainted, it's still functional. I've gotten one quote that was less than $600. I just spent that much on seats, so I can't run out and have the bumpers done now. She Who Cooks might have something to say about me spending that much money right now. :-)
http://just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=29472&dm=yes&c=1
C'mon! You mean to tell me the engine is that weak that it can't "overcome suction" from and open window? What do you think it is, a 747? I have never heard anything like that in my life.
The part I had never heard of was that it "has to be overcome" by an automobile engine. Our family alone had at least 3 or 4 station wagons since the early 60's and this was certainly not a consideration (they all had the rear window retract into the tailgate/door).
I want to add the Honda key less entry system, but I am not going to buy it from the dealer...$199..no way. I found other interned sites that sell it for $96 and it is the EM system. My question to you guys is... how hard is to install it? The dealer said it is already installed, I just need buy the remote and program the remote. The dealer said it takes about 5 minutes to program the whole thing. He said that the whole system works through the radio. Is this true? Is it that simple? I would hate to go into the electrical system .... thanks for your help
Mihai - The remote entry hardware is installed in the door. All you need to do is purchase the key fobs and program them.
I'm not sure if these instructions are for the remote entry or for different alarm hardware, but this should give you an idea of what would be involved.
http://www.ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/interiormenu/alarm/security_remoteprogram.htm
http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvelect.html
They list the Keyless Entry for only $66 (no tax, cheap shipping). You can download the instruction manual (complete w/images) from their website too.
I plan to buy the tweeter kit for my CRV and spash guards for my Accord. Way cheaper than the dealer.
P.S. I dont work for this site or have any other relation in them.
Squatch and LC. Did you read the write-up on trailering the boat. Andy Reed really did tow his 2125 lbs. Bayliner with his CR-V. Would I recommend doing this? No.
Suction? I thought that was what kept the car on the road.
You may be right about the airbags and color changes. What your dealer is telling you is consistent with everything that I've read or been told. The Honda Rep at our CR-V meet mentioned that the '02 model will probably have similar trim levels to the Civic. He mentioned airbags as an example (but still wouldn't promise anything).