2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

gwapo · June 2001

just bought a CRV-EX... gonna get it on monday!

tm2001 · June 2001

I am in the market for a 02 cr-v. Can any of you current cr-v owners tell me what is Honda's recommended oil change milage and does the manual say anything about the use of synthetics?

slugline · June 2001

7500 miles for "normal" driving and 3750 miles for "severe." The use of synthetics is OK, but it does not alter the change interval. Kinda takes away one of the touted benefits of synthetics in my opinion. Since we are anticipating a redesigned engine in the '02 CR-V, this might give Honda the opportunity to revise the maintenance schedule as well. . . .

tddixon · June 2001

For what is worth - I was talking this week to a Honda dealer in NC who said that the indication from Honda was that he wouldn't be able to start ordering '02 CRV's until November, with an arrival date of 01/02. We talked about changes and colors, all of which have been mentioned before in other posts. Sounds like a 3 month wait may actually become a 6+ month wait. Bummer!

mikefm58 · June 2001

You can pick up the remote for the keyless entry on ebay for less than $20. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get the keyless entry for an Accord LX? I don't think Accords ar pre-wired like the CRV.

sasquatch_2000 · June 2001

...how hard it is to program these.

Do you think clever thieves can get a "skeleton remote" which allows access to ANY Honda?

Or maybe something which scans down the frequency/combination list to come up with a possible matching code?

I wonder if you drive through a garage and keep punching the button, how many might go off...

My mother and aunt both had Toyota Corollas which were keyed IDENTICAL! I doubt this is unique either.

tatu1 · June 2001

Well, I hope that isn't true, because I can't wait 6 months, I'll just go buy a Forester instead. For what it's worth, I don't think most dealers have a clue. I called two dealers today, one said there willl "probably be a 6 cyclinder option" the other said "No change at all to the engine...." Reminds me of my experience with local Mazda dealers, I was calling to ask about the Protege wagon and the dealer was telling me they won't come in until the fall, had to tell him the dealer across town had them in already....

varmit · June 2001

That Honda Rep that we met with said that the official release date was September 15th. While this could be subject to change, I don't think that he would've been that far out of the loop.

It's possible that your dealer is worried about selling the rest of his '01 models and doesn't want people to wait for the new ones.

varmit · June 2001

Squatch - Here's an old review that might interest you.

http://ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/library/longterm_leehutchins_2_00.htm

sasquatch_2000 · June 2001

Thanks. That was somewhat encouraging.

Maybe the 2.4 litre motor and some better seats will help this guy out quite a bit.

The CRV is nice. It's a Honda, and will serve most people well. I guess it comes down to I need an SUV more than a beefed up wagon.

I hope Honda reads these boards. Memo to Honda: Build a truck, then build an SUV on that.

Thanks again,
Sas

varmit · June 2001

Oh, I wasn't expecting that review to prove anything. I just thought you might find it more interesting than the tale of when I went to pick up groceries....

varmit · June 2001

Ladychaos - The engies that Izusu/GM are/were going to provide are little tiny diesels for Civics in Europe. They were not buying truck engines. Here's a good link for news, but check out the very last question all the way at the bottom.

http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories0611/yoshino611.htm

shaq2kobe · June 2001

the engine described in that article is for Honda's new subcompact car Fitta ( i believe it has just debuted in Japan). According to the original article, it should be made available in Europe and Asia in 2002, but it is not a diesel engine, it is a gas engine.........

varmit · June 2001

You were supposed to pick up your CR-V on Monday, but we haven't heard from you. How's it going?

canadiancl · June 2001

he's too busy enjoying it too much and doesn't have time to post here anymore!

ebbysmom · June 2001

varmit
Thanks for the information on the 2002 CR-V. I really need a new car, so I hope that what I read about the 6 month wait is wrong. Please keep the information coming.

varmit · June 2001

Ebbysmom - You are welcome. But please remember, I don't have any real information about the 2002 CR-V. I only have speculation. Some guesses are better than others, but they are still just guesses.

varmit · June 2001

I've proposed a New England CR-V meet over at "that other forum" and so far I've gotten a decent response. Enough so that I figued I would mention it over here as well. I'm looking at late Summer or Fall and the location would probably be in the White mountains of New Hampshire. Specifically, just south of Franconia Notch.

I'm leaving the agenda very open at this point and will gear the event toward whatever the attendees would like to do. There is a good spot for dirt road driving (not off-roading) where we spin tires and enjoy the great outdoors. If there is an interest, I can probably find some modest jeep trails not too far from the area as well. The entire area is a wlderness tourist trap with lots of things for families and would make a great weekend getaway.

As always, we'll try to get some sponsors for door prizes and maybe play a rousing game of pin the tail on Paul Hogan. :-) Most of the time we just eat, drink, and be merry. Feel free to offer suggestions or contact me by e-mail.

yachtie · June 2001

If there are any real surprises in the engine department for the new crv I would expect a hybrid gas/electric rather than a 6cyl or a diesel.About a year ago when Honda was bringing out the Insight they were making noises that the next Honda vehicle to take that approach would indeed be the next generation crv.They have been very quiet on that topic recently and may be ready to make a big splashy announcement about it just before the release.

There is probably no real reason for it not to occur as they have already had real world testing on the system on the Insight.If they did this they would then steal Fords thunder as Ford have been advertising that they would have the first hybrid engined suv.

On my serious wish list for the 02crv is the same awd system as on the MDX, complete with "unstick" button.

Yachtie

gwapo · June 2001

Hey Varmit... Canadiancl was right! i'm just too excited driving my CR-V around town
and exploring how great the car is!

we immediately found a use for the generous cargo space... picked up my computer
desktop (all boxed) from fedex and also the computer table.

the way the rear seats fold into a flat cargo floor.... KEWL!

center tray... what an excellent place to park my bag/briefcase (read:e-z access)

performance... great! ... although my friends recommended a Maxima...

passenger space... THE BEST!

price... guess what... got a price a bit lower than carsdirect/edmunds

shifter... i used to drive w/ one hand on the stick (manual) but i gotta get used to holding
the steering wheel with both hands... and avoiding turning on the wiper when shifting :P

driveability... just like driving a sedan with excellent visibility!

cup holders... six? how generous!

radiator fluid... so hard to check the level...

picnic table... can accomodate more than a couple dozen beers

*sigh* i wanna stare at it constantly (like in the commercial "raindrops keep fallin on my head")

origenx · June 2001

Re: #822 of 1368 2002 by scname Mar 24, 2001 (08:18 am)

He scname, you really think that photo in the Yahoo! cr club of the 2002 CR- is legit? Do you have any more info about it, such as other changes and pricing?

tomf11 · June 2001

want to install a bolt on hitch. It would be nice not to have to drill holes. Where's the best place on line to buy,for the lowest price.Has anyone installed a hitch to this yr,CRV. Thanks Tom F.

carguy50 · June 2001

I know the escape is young, but if you had a choice between the two, which would you pick? I know there is a healthy cr-v bias on here, but if we can assume (for the sake of argument) that the escape gets the kinks out for '02, why should i get the honda?

rsholland · June 2001

Because there will be a brand new (and much improved) CRV for '02.

Bob

suvshopper4 · June 2001

Carguy50: Ford v. Honda.
Buy from the manufacturer you trust more.
ejp

chas215 · June 2001

Many of you keep saying that the CRV will be much improved for 2002 but does anyone really have some solid information about the changes/improvements? For example, will the gear shift lever still be on the steering column? Will the spare tire be hidden as it is in Japan and elsewhere? What about styling? I'm also considering a 2002 Santa Fe or PT Cruiser and would welcome any thoughts about comparisons.

rsholland · June 2001

but knowing Honda, I'm sure the new CRV will be much improved. It is reportedly a bit larger and will have a 2.4L engine with horsepower/torque comparable to the current Forester.

Bob

varmit · June 2001

Carguy - The vehicle that you buy should be determined by what you need it to do. If you don't need the V-6 in the Tribape, then I'd say go for the CR-V. Even if Ford gets the "bugs" worked out for '02, I doubt it is going to match the CR-V in long term reliability. There are more problems than just those that it has been recalled for.

On the other hand, if you do need the V-6, then don't buy the CR-V. What good is a car that lasts forever if it doesn't do the job that you need it to do?

Chas - We can't answer any of that until more information is released. Everything posted above is based on rumors. If you're cross shopping the PT Cruiser, then my guess is you don't need an SUV. Take a good look at the Forester. It's probably the best of the small wagons.

rsholland · June 2001

I agree. We're very happy with the Forester, which is our second Subie.

Bob

slugline · June 2001

Curious: What color did you end up with? I see that you've discovered the goodness of having the flat floor. (Column-mounted shifter is an asset in this car.) FYI, the coolant bottle is not bolted in place -- it can be lifted straight up out of its bracket, which may make checking the fluid level easier. In my opinion, the difficult fluid to check is the transmission; the dipstick is "well-guarded."

canadiancl · June 2001

No, I'm not referring to the Honda execs! Although.....hmmm. Anyway what I wanted to say was that Honda likes to put the tranny dipstick in all their models way down near the bottom of the engine where you near a broom handle-like and burn-resistant arm to access. And why couldn't they have put the tube for the CR-V oil dipstick a little more out in the open? Just try to thread the dipstick in after drinking too much coffee!

origenx · June 2001

So, does ANYONE know if any of these pics for the 2002 CR- is legit?

http://images.ofoto.com/photos89/1/74/15/77/76/0/76771574103_0_ALB.jpg

http://images.ofoto.com/photos89/1/74/15/77/88/0/88771574103_0_ALB.jpg

origenx · June 2001

The 2001 CR-V brochure mentions the "Remote Entry System" as standard on the EX and SE. What exactly is this? Does it qualify as or include some sort of alarm/security system?

My point is do I need to worry about buying an additional alarm system as an option or aftermarket accessory? Or does this factory "RES" suffice as one?

danielle9916 · June 2001

Okay, this is to anyone that can help me. I want to get a Honda CR-V. How reliable are they? How roomy and what is the general cost that you have gotten them for? I want a 4x2 automatic and it has to have a CD player. does anyone have one like this? what was the price? thanks.

zircon · June 2001

After throwing bombs in the AZZZZZtek forum for months, I have decided to post on a site for a vehicle we own and enjoy. My wife drives a 2000 CR-V EX (I think that is what the loaded one is called up here). No problems to date (13 months).

However, for Father's Day my kids got me a tire pressure guage. I checked the tires and the good news is that they are made by BF Goodrich. The bad news is that they are rated for 35 PSI. The inside door gives a recommended pressure of only 26 PSI. (I got the gift early yesterday, so last night, over drinks with company, we went out and checked their 2 Chryco minivans as well as the CR-V. Both gave recommended inflation of 32 on tires of the same capability as the CR-Vs). It must be a coincidence, but the Exploder was also listed for 26 PSI by Ford while Firestone recommended 30 or thereabouts.

I am really afriad that Honda is pulling a Ford here and intentionally telling people to underinflate the tires to make the vehicle stable! Why else such a huge discrepancy in recommended values by the tirer manufacturer and the car maker? I dropped the pressure in the tires to 29 and they looked flat - drooping side wall etc. I refuse to drop them farther. They ar rated B for temperature (not C like in the Exploder), plus the CR-V is a lot lighter than the Exploder, so perhaps the risk of a problem is much smaller. Disquieting - yes.

So, what's the Buzz on underinflated CR-V tires??????

varmit · June 2001

Gwapo - Now you need to post a picture for us. Glad to read that you're having fun.

Origenx - I'm getting a membership required message when I try to access those pics. If they look like any of the one in post 824, then they are most definately fakes. E-mail me and I'll explain why.

If it looks like this...

Then it might be a decent sketch. Mind you, this drawing appears to be based on spy photos of a test mule. The test mule might be designed to look completely different than the production version. So basically, we have no idea.

Canadiancl - Those dipsticks are a pain. Someone over at the CR-V IX painted the oil stick tube with florescent paint. Seems to work well.

Danielle - You have a lot of research ahead of you. Deciding which car to buy is never easy. Anyway, here's a few answers.

In last year's ratings, Consumer Reports rated the CR-V as the most reliable SUV on the market. It was in the top ten regardless of category. In this year's rankings, it was the most reliable vehicle in any class (car, truck, van, etc..). Only the Escape/Tribute and Santa Fe can compare with the CR-V in terms of interior space. None of those is going to have the same reliability though.

You can get a CR-V LX model, which is a 4x2, but the CD player is not an option. You'd have to buy an aftermarket one and get it installed.

Zircon - Lower the tires to 28 psi. When the car is shipped overseas, the pressure is jacked way up to prevent "flat spotting". The dealer is supposed to lower it when the car arrives, but most of them forget.

slugline · June 2001

Origenx: The remote entry system is not a security system. All it does is save you the trouble of using the key to lock or unlock the doors.
danielle9916: CR-V's do not come out of the factory in the exact configuration you specify. There is a 2WD LX model that just happens to be auto-tranny-only, but it comes with an AM/FM/cassette stereo standard. It typically sells for around $18k. A Honda CD player (list $370, $250 if you buy online) is available as an add-on accessory. However, I would strongly recommend consideration of aftermarket CD headunits with more features and quality for the same or lower price.
The CR-V has gained a reputation for being trouble-free. This is one of the more recent awards from JD Power and Associates:

http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/pressrelease2.asp?StudyID=460&CatID=1
zircon: I'll first say that the sidewall rating is not the recommended pressure. Its a "don't-ever-exceed-this-and-if-anyone-ever-says-to-they-are-high" number. Now, I myself am uncomfortable with 26 psi and keep my Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts to 30 psi despite making the ride is a little more stiffer.

stb1014 · June 2001

Our 2000 CRV EX has a slight problem with the front doors, and I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed the same. When parked on a slight incline (eg., our driveway), the front doors don't hold in the open position. If we open the door all the way, it will hold for a couple seconds, then if anyone accidently bumps the door, or bumps the car, or even looks at the door, or a hummingbird burps nearby, then the door closes without warning. This can be somewhat irritating, especially when you get hit in the back by the door while holding our 2-year old son. The back doors don't have this problem.

The dealer was nice enough to replace the front door "checkers" under warranty, but it made no difference. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was the solution?

BTW, if you read this and you are considering buying a CRV--it is a really nice vehicle. The above problem is the only one we have had. Alot of people bag on the CRV for being underpowered, but it is alot more powerful than the 1990 Isuzu Trooper that it replaced, and is as fun to drive as our F150 with Triton V8.

origenx · June 2001

Slugline: So, would u suggest buying a security system directly from the dealer at time of purchase of new CR-V then, or getting one aftermarket?

BTW, what type of security system(s) might you recommended?

origenx · June 2001

Does anyone know the actual current invoice price for a 2001 CR-V EX 5M? Depending on which site I go to, I seem to get 2 figures - $18962.00 OR $19402.00. Which is it? Or, does the $19402.00 simply include the $440 destination fee, and can that be removed?

Also, does anyone know of any factory-to-dealer rebates that exist (or are in the works) right now? I am hoping to purchase a new one shortly, and need to know all the current info. Thanks!

beatfarmer · June 2001

My driveway is on a hill and the doors do demonstrate the handy auto-close feature. Not really a problem, more of a pain I've gotten used to. I just have to rember to park with the nose pointed downhill.

Sorry, can't really help.

gwapo · June 2001

slugline: I got a White CR-V

zircon: I bought a digital tire gauge and I had 35 psi on all tires (havent checked the spare)...
you say that the dealer is supposed to reduce that to 26 psi before handing me the car?

varmit: No pix yet. I'll post one after I install the side+rear sport trim, skidplate, etc.

btw, i love the keyless remote w/c unlocks the rear glass window.

origenx · June 2001

Excuse my HTML ineptitude here folks - lemme try this again:

Woohoo - it worked! Thanks varmit!
Ok, now does anyone know if either of these is somewhat legit???

varmit · June 2001

Rude hummingbirds... Can't stand 'em myself. My only suggestions would be to remove some of the grease from the detents and see if that helps.

Origenx - That first one sure is a CR-V, but it's a current model. Judging by the rims, I'd say it's an Australian model, maybe the sport package or sport classic. Good vintage.

That second one looks like artwork. I can kinda make out an emblem on the hood, but it's too small to recognize. I doubt that this is anything, but someone's idea of what they *wish* the '02 model would look like. Note the rims (very un-honda-like) and the grill, which bears no resemblance to the corporate grin.

Gwapo - Yes, reduce that tire pressure. Most of run between 28-30 psi. Leaving it at 35 psi will reduce the amount of tire that has a solid conection with the road (contact patch). This can result in faster and uneven wearing of the tires as well as poor performance (braking and handling).

gwapo · June 2001

thanks varmit! i'll keep my tires at the recommended pressure.

what about the gas? any gas station you guys could recommend? or just unleaded fuel would do?

varmit · June 2001

Regular gas is all you need. Using the high octane stuff will just cost you money.

varmit · June 2001

Origenx - I think that this is a silver version of the same CR-V that is pictured in black (your first pic).

http://www.autoweb.com.au/start_15/showall_/id_HON/doc_hnd0103301/article.html

canadiancl · June 2001

We bought the Honda-brand dealer-installed alarm with the siren kit and hood pin for our '97 CR-V and we really like it. It has been completely glitch-free. It has almost all of the features we want, ie. user-selectable passive arming, auto-rearm, different "beeps" for arming, disarming, or if a door/hood/trunk is left ajar, flashing LED light, glass-break sensor, memory recall for intrusions. Mind you, the price is high. We figured it cost us almost twice what an aftermarket system would have cost. But it integrates well with the Honda wiring. (All the new Hondas are pre-wired for the Honda alarm, so the dealer essentially just plug this control unit into a couple of connectors). Honda wiring are quite finicky. If you install an aftermarket system, even if the installer is experienced, it's still quite easy for him to tap into the wrong wire and fry the computer. And you can be sure the warranty wouldn't cover you for that.

gunga64 · June 2001

Hi

Someone in another board said in sept a newly designed crv will be introduced that is bigger and more powerful. Does anyone have the specs and is this for real?

gunga64 · June 2001

Due for release as early as September 2001, the
keenly awaited next generation Honda CR-V will be
powered by a 2.4 litre dohc VTECi engine to counter
the increases in size and weight. The increases have
been made to further distance the up-market CRV
from Honda's own HRV, a model seen to be
encroaching on CRV sales, especially since the HRV
was launched in the more practical 5 door format.
The new 2.4 unit is an enlarged version of the 2.0
litre i Series unit currently seeing service in the
Stream and Stepwagon MPVs.

I'm looking for more cargo room wonder if it has it?

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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