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2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    Is the drivetrain Civic based or Accord based? I ask because in an article about the new 2006 Civic hybrid, a Honda exec is quoted as saying the new hybrid drive train will be adapted to other models that share the *civic* drivetrain.

    I wonder if this is code for the Element and CR-V?
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    Speaking in generalities in addition to the 4 cylinder Accord, the CR-V's engine is also similar to the Element, the TSX, and the RSX. Not the exact same, but similar. I'm not as sure about the tranny. Other Honda products have 5 speed AT and since Honda is known to use the same components I imagine they are pretty similar. I'm sure someone will know for sure.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    The CR-V uses a K series engine. The K comes in two displacement variations and several states of tune.

    2.0L variant - Used in the RSX, Civic Si, and RSX Type S. This engine is good for anywhere between 160 hp and 210 hp. The torque provided by the engine is good for small cars, but not really enough to suit many Americans in larger vehicles like the CR-V.

    2.4L variant - Used in the Accord, CR-V, Element, and TSX. Produces anywhere from 160 hp to 200 hp, but with more torque than the lower displacement version. That makes it good for the larger vehicles.

    The Accord and Element share the same tuning. The CR-V has it's own unique torque curve even though it produces the same amount of horsepower. The TSX uses a third state of tune to produce the most torque and the most horsepower, but at higher rpms.

    Each of these uses more or less the same type of transmission. They will have different gearing, and some unique components, but they are all very similar.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I think they mean the "new" Civic drivetrain. Which is the R series engine. The R18 is the first of them.
  • stacey4stacey4 Member Posts: 1
    I bought the AWD CRV about 2 weeks ago and have noticed a vibration around 65 MPH. Haven't had it checked out yet.
  • firebird05firebird05 Member Posts: 1
    My CRV vibrates too when I get to 80 I'm not really sure what is wrong w/ it. My boyfriend works on cars and he said that he is not sure what is wrong w/ it, he said that it may just be something wrong w/ my stering, cause I have a 98 CRV. But were gonna look at it and talk about it and if I get any news I'll let you know
    :D
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,175
    At 80 mph, it is likely to be just simple wind resistance.. All CR-Vs are susceptible to buffeting from semi trucks and even cross winds.. It really seems to be noticeable above 75 mph.. My '98 seemed to exhibit this characteristic more than my second generation '02 model...

    Although the car might do 100 mph, you are really pushing it, once you get above 85... The vibration I'm referring to is sort of a shimmy in the front wheels..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • motordavidmotordavid Member Posts: 39
    Our '03 has had "wheel shimmy" from about day 2, at nearly any speed, though at highway speeds it is developed over the past 2 years into nearly horrible.
    -I've had a Stlr "wheel balance and alingment" on the oem wheel & tire combo, on my dime.
    -A add'l wheel balance on a Hunter top of line balance machine via priv. garage.
    -18 months ago I installed new, near Plus1 sized aftermkt wheels and tires: 2 Hunter balances on these in the past yr and a half.
    -another wheel alingment at a privateer specialist: he noted the Toe was the
    worst he had ever seen
    -another wheel balance at Stlr, my dime; said everything was "fine" and that CR-Vs were not designed for high speed?! You can't make this stuff up.
    -two new front tires on the Plus 1 set up w/another Hunter alingment (4 diff balance shops at this point, by the bye)

    We still have a low, slight wheel shimmy at even low speeds, espc. up hills under very low throttle and 15-25 mph, a near violent wheel shake at highway speeds, eg 55-70, accompianed by a feeling like driving on square wheels, and the near ubiquitous PTTR situ.

    The Stlr says all the above is "normal", lmao, I've about given up. I've owned and driven a lot of cars over the the past 40 years; none has ever run so rough or been so front end glitchy as this thing. I realize the fans and zealots here, love theirs...I would just like to "like" ours. BR,md
  • fishhead41hfishhead41h Member Posts: 5
    Do I need to go to my dealer for Honda Antifreeze, or can I get it at any parts store??? Thanks Fishhead
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I'm not sure about the 2005 model year, but for my '99, the answer was yes.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Do I need to go to my dealer for Honda Antifreeze, or can I get it at any parts store??? Thanks Fishhead

    If you can find BLUE antifreeze that is specifically designed for Honda engines at your local store, then yes. Otherwise Honda dealer is your answer.
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    "....and the near ubiquitous PTTR"

    Really? So there's close to a half million 2G CR-Vs on the road and they all pull to the right? I better stay off the roads. Me thinks you've let a few here cloud your perception of what really is (and isn't) a problem.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    "....and the near ubiquitous PTTR"

    So there's close to a half million 2G CR-Vs on the road and they all pull to the right? I better stay off the roads. Me thinks you've let a few here cloud your perception of what really is (and isn't) a problem.


    I have to agree with drive62 that "ubiquitous" is a gross exaggeration. I believe that at most, a few percent of CR-Vs experience the problem. That's still thousands of CR-Vs with the problem. And PTTR was a problem with some 1st Gen CR-V's, too.

    And I disagree with drive62 that it isn't a problem. If your CR-V has PTTR then it is a problem, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

    JM2C
  • finn1125finn1125 Member Posts: 1
    While making tight radius turns or spinning tires on wet pavement a high pitched noise eminates from the rear wheels/axle area does anybody have a suggestion as to what this might be..
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    You have an LX with RT4WD, or an EX or SE, right? Sounds like this is your problem:

    Edmunds CR-V FAQ #3 - RT4WD Fluid Needs Replacing

    Good luck.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is it speed-dependent? If so it might be wheel bearings. We had one go out on our 626.

    -juice
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    Maybe I'm being a bit sensitive but you say "have to agree" like I never have made a decent point. I think I tend to take a logical objective look at many of the issues reported here and express my views which I don't think have been too "out there".

    As for the PTTR. I agree that someone who experiences it has a problem. Just like someone whose door rattles has a problem. Lots of problems with vehicles out there.

    From what I have gleaned, the PTTR is related to either an alignment issue or a tire issue. Sure, some have posted about bent frames or this or that but that has to be the exception and not the rule. Until someone proves otherwise I believe the problem can be solved by addressing one or both of the aforementioned issues.
  • steve royalsteve royal Member Posts: 82
    drive62,
    You are "out there" on the CRV PTTR problem being an alignment issue or a tire issue. You need to go back and read the multiple posts on PTTR and how virtually everyone that had the displeasure of PTTR had the dealer try these remedies (alignment and tire rotation and change) that did nothing to rectify the problem. The Honda dealers and Honda Manufacturer repeatedly state that PTTR is a natural and accepted phenomena of the CRV. Steve
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  • jimcojimco Member Posts: 7
    I think I’ve narrowed down my choices to the Honda CR-V LX AWD or the Toyota Highlander 4-cylinder, 4WD Base and I’d like your opinion.

    Based on Edmunds TMV, the price I can expect to pay is only $2422 more for the Highlander, which makes it a good value, considering the extra features it has. That includes an $800 incentive/rebate on the Highlander.

    I drove both of them today. The CR-V seems more responsive when I accelerate but the Highlander has a more comfortable and quieter ride. I live in the mountains in Colorado and have a 20-mile commute that is mostly uphill from work to home. Both cars downshift a lot when I accelerate going up the mountains but the Honda shifts a lot smoother and is less noticeable than the Highlander.

    The Highlander has more safety features, including limited-slip differential, brake assist, and traction control. It also has more amenities such variable-intermittent wipers, a cargo cover, auxiliary visors, and a clock separate from the radio.

    The gas mileage is about the same – 27/22 for the CRV and 25/21 for the Highlander.

    I like the size of the CR-V. The Highlander is larger than I need.

    What are your opinions?
  • fredddfreddd Member Posts: 14
    If safety is a major concern of yours you might want to take a closer look what the CR-V offers standard. I don't know what the highlander has standard, so you may well be correct in stating it has more safety features, but the CR-V has side-curtain airbags, front and rear, as standard equipment. After taking a close look at the results of simulated crashes on the highway sefety whateveritis website I came to the conclusion that curtain bags are crucial to car safety. It influenced my decision to go with the CR-V over the Pilot LX, on which curtain bags are an option.

    Good luck.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    The CR-V seems more responsive when I accelerate

    This isn't suprising. The CR-V LX RT4WD is about 300 lbs lighter than the Highlander 4 cylinder with 4WD, while the engines are nearly identical in terms of power and torgue.

    Is there a reason you aren't comparing the CR-V to the Rav4? Although the comparison then tilts the other direction. The Rav4 is about 300 lbs lighter than the CR-V and slightly smaller overall.

    Both Toyota and Honda have excellent reputations for quality and reliability. Either would be an excellent choice.

    (better than an Explorer or Escape, for example)
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    I've got an '04 HL and a '99 CRV, but know a couple folks with the current gen. CRV and based on what you've stated I think you'd be happier with the CRV. You said the CRV is more responsive and just the right size for you. But then again, if safety features are high on your priority list, go with the HL. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.
    .
    One more thing, how are the dealer's in your area? I'd prefer to take my business to the place that is more likely to make it a pleasant buying experience and has a good rep in the service dept.
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    I have read the posts. I don't agree with your assessment. Plenty of people had the problem resolved. Maybe they had a better mechanic do the work. The majority of CR-V owners don't have this problem. Enjoy your Vue.
  • jimcojimco Member Posts: 7
    Is there a reason you aren't comparing the CR-V to the Rav4? Although the comparison then tilts the other direction. The Rav4 is about 300 lbs lighter than the CR-V and slightly smaller overall.


    I also considered the RAV4 but have pretty much ruled it out. It does drive nicely but it's very small inside and the insurance would be $120/yr more on it. The insurance on the CR-V and Highlander are almost the same.
  • jimcojimco Member Posts: 7
    I don't know what the highlander has standard, so you may well be correct in stating it has more safety features, but the CR-V has side-curtain airbags, front and rear, as standard equipment.

    You're right. Those are safety features that the Highlander doesn't have. I was thinkng of the steering safety features but didn't make that clear in my post.

    Thanks for the insight.
  • jimcojimco Member Posts: 7
    One more thing, how are the dealer's in your area? I'd prefer to take my business to the place that is more likely to make it a pleasant buying experience and has a good rep in the service dept.

    We have a Honda Accord now and have taken it to the dealer a couple of times. We have been very happy with their work and their courtesy. I agree that it is an important factor. I don't know anything about the Toyota dealer.
  • saabgirlsaabgirl Member Posts: 184
    Good problem to have. I drove them both and bought a CR-V EX, partially because of the standard safety features, but also because the CR-V was better equipped for less $$$. Look at the standard features on an EX and then do the "Price this Vehicle," adding the same features to the base Highlander. Also, I like having a rear window that flips up and easily accessible tie downs under the front and rear. A minor point, perhaps, but the Highlander looks to me like an inflated Forester. But either way, you should expect years of trouble-free service.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Keep in mind as well that at trade it time, a 4 cylinder Highlander would be a tougher unit to trade or sell. People look for the 6 cylinder models.
  • daryll44daryll44 Member Posts: 307
    That being said, the above comment about the 6 cylinder Highlander being more desireable for potential buyers at resale time....might not be true. If gas stays high or goes even higher, people will actually pay more for the smaller engine. But all of that being said, I agree that the CR-V seems to better hit the sweet spot for size, fuel economy and safety. Highlander is a little bigger and the 4 cylinder ones usually are sparce on options.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Remember that in high altitudes you lose power due to the thin air. If you find the Highlander at all underpowered, it'll only get worse as you climb to higher elevations.

    The only way around that is with turbos, or with a vehicle that has more than enough power for you.

    -juice
  • tamarastertamaraster Member Posts: 107
    The CR-V for 2005 comes standard with ABS, traction control, stability control, plus all of the airbags - that seems like a lot of safety features to me. (I just bought mine two weeks ago.)

    At safercar.gov, they list the Highlander and CR-V as having the same star ratings for all the types of crashes and rollovers, but they say the CR-V has a 19% chance of rollover in a single-car accident, versus 17% for the Highlander, if that's a big concern.

    I live in Colorado tpp, and probably half of my first 1000 miles of driving was in the mountains. We took four people and a day's worth of stuff up through Rocky Mt Natl Park and over Berthoud Pass a couple of times and I didn't find the car underpowered for those trips at all. (It seems very similar in power to my turbo Passat, with perhaps a bit more pick-up at low speeds and a bit less when cruising on the highway.)
  • usnycususnycus Member Posts: 28
    Any experience with CRV, driving in snow/rain?

    Good/Bad/????
  • steve royalsteve royal Member Posts: 82
    drive62,

    Maybe the actual info from Honda Manufacturer will help enlighten you. The drift or PTTR is not related to a tire rotation problem or alignment problem for '05 CRVs. Try this link: http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Honda/1114758000000_1115622000000_05-022/221.html

    The NHTSA website also contains PTTR complaints indicating tire rotation and alignment did not solve the problem. I do not believe I ever indicated that all '05 CRVs have the problem. So far so good with the Vue, thanks for the good wishes. Steve
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    Any experience with CRV, driving in snow/rain?

    Do you mean the RT4WD versions? Or the FWD version?

    Yes, the RT4WD works wonderfully in snow and ice. I've lived with my '99 CR-V EX for 3 years in Rochester, NY (heavier snow falls) and 3 years in Indianapolis, IN (less snow, but colder temps) and I haven't had any problems.

    The RT4WD also performs well in wet conditions. Just remember that the RT4WD doesn't make you invicible. You still have to drive cautiously in poor driving conditions. I'm always amazed at the number of mid to large SUVs in the ditch after the first snow fall of the year. non-car smiley

    My CR-V came with BFG Touring T/As which lasted about 40,000 miles. I'm currently running Yokohama Avid Touring tires (in the stock size). I do not run snow tires in the winter.
  • fredddfreddd Member Posts: 14
    Hi everyone, just thought some might find my impressions of interest.

    In no particular order:

    Milage so far, mix of highway @80 mph, country roads, some city is 24.21449 -- this includes a lot of semi-jackrabbit starts.

    5 speed auto seems great - rpm's @80 mph = 2600, not bad at all. Power seems to me to be totally sufficient. My other car is a saab turbo, it's faster, but not by a whole lot. Just like the saab 4 cylinder, you can't be afraid to be heavy with the gas pedal -- responds very well, very nice surprise. I don't think this car needs any more power except for towing, but that is not what it's designed for.

    Haven't had a chance to really try the realtime 4wd. But I have driven it around a farm a little - so far so good.

    All the noise people always talk about is the tires. They are all-season tires, they make noise, big deal. Engine noise is what it is -- it revs fairly high, personally I like it. Sunroof is too noisy above 60 mph.

    Twice I have had a carseat and two adults in the back seat, both times the passengers commented on how much bigger it was than they expected it to be. First time both adults had shoulder belts on, no problem.

    Not sure I like the seats. A few years ago I had a civic (1998) which had terrific seats. What I liked most was that the engineers scooped out a section of the door armrest where my left knee fit perfectly and very comfortably, wish the CR-V did this. Also, maybe it's because my saab has very, very good seats, but the seats seem too short - no thigh support. The back seats have really too much leg room, it actually seems excessive, so why not make the front seats a little longer? Still, after a 2.5 hour drive I had absolutely no stiffness or pain, very orthopedic, just not real "comfy".

    The auto shifter - 4 times now I have, when trying to put the car in gear, put the windshield washer on instead. On the last occasion I did so while talking to someone standing at the driver winder, thereby spraying them with washer fluid - embarrasing. However, the walkthrough is genius in a car this small (although it really isn't that small -- it has more cargo room than a jeep grand cherokee!). With a 2 year old I LOVE the walkthrough.

    Parking break is not awkward at all, very easy to use, I don't understand that complaint.

    Handles nicely, no fear of rollover. Good brakes.

    That's all I can think of right now, I may add more later. Hope someone finds this useful or interesting.
  • tamarastertamaraster Member Posts: 107
    I've had mine about 1000 miles too (also 2005 EX auto). It is noisier and bumpier than my turbo Pasat wagon was, but MUCH quicker and more powerful. (It's not like I didn't expect more noise and bumpiness.)

    I agree with most of the comments above. I have short legs, so the seat length doesn't bother me. I'm glad that, unlike with my Civic of a few years ago, the seat goes straight enough for me (in that Civic, I always had more recline than I wanted - I like a really straight seat back when I'm driving).

    I also agree on the parking brake convenience. I would add that not only is the pass-through potentially good for that purpose, but it means a TON of storage space there between the seats for bags, purses, etc., for both front and rear passengers (no hump between the seats helps). I love that.

    I also like the little pseudo-tire-well that lets me keep all of my basic car supplies (extra oil, flashlight, paper towels, etc.) from rattling around all over the cargo space.

    And we can put both of our bikes in the back with the 60 side of the 60/40 split down as long as we take the front wheels off, so that's very useful too.
  • fredddfreddd Member Posts: 14
    Yes, great room there between the seats. Finally, a good place to put the Chinese food! And my wife's purse.

    So far I have only used the tire well to hide my camera when parked. It's good for that too.

    One other thing regarding my original post -- that milage figure was based on driving mostly with the AC on. I think it's safe to predict that for my driving style I will be averaging over 25 mpg. Our other finalist was a jeep grand cherokee. @ 15,000 miles/year the difference in milage would be about $650/year, based on 2.25/gallon for gas. That's almost $55/month extra in gasoline alone. When you factor in the added cost of ownership -- more scheduled maint., larger tires, not-as-good reliability -- plus depreciation, it makes it very hard indeed to justify buying an American gas-hog.
  • tamarastertamaraster Member Posts: 107
    Whenever I drive American cars (always a rental), they just irk me, so I have never seriously considered buying one. For instance, the Ford Focus was really praised in all of the press, but when I had one as a rental car I absolutely hated it - and I was driving a Civic at the time, so it wasn't that I was just used to a higher class of car or anything. It's probably just that I'm used to Japanese cars. Maybe if I were used to American cars the [non-permissible content removed] ones would bug me the same way - I don't know.

    I seem to be getting better gas mileage so far than I was on my Passat, which had less cargo room and a lot less power. I'm very happy about that.
  • saabgirlsaabgirl Member Posts: 184
    Your family fleet sounds like ours -- we have an '05 CR-V and his n hers 2000 Saab 9-5s. I agree that the cars feel about the same from, say, 0-30. But at 80 the Saabs gladly go even faster. CR-Vs can gather speed above 70, but I wouldn't call it acceleration.

    I also mostly agree with your comments on seating. Our 9-5s have perfect seats, I'd say -- ergonomically correct, comfy and inviting. The CR-Vs seats I'd describe as ergonomically correct and not at all uncomfortable.
  • slawendaslawenda Member Posts: 101
    I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the upcoming '06 models. In particular, I doubt this but I wonder if a navigation system might be an option at some point. I have a 2004 Accord sedan with it, and can't imagine life without it. My wife needs a new car, and we are considering the CR-V, but it is completely navigation-less. Rather not get the Pilot--uses more gas and more expensive overall. I heard the 2007 CR-V will be completely new, redesigned. Perhaps that model year a navigation system will be introduced as a new option. Any thoughts or rumors about this? Thanks.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the upcoming '06 models. In particular, I doubt this but I wonder if a navigation system might be an option at some point. I have a 2004 Accord sedan with it, and can't imagine life without it. My wife needs a new car, and we are considering the CR-V, but it is completely navigation-less. Rather not get the Pilot--uses more gas and more expensive overall. I heard the 2007 CR-V will be completely new, redesigned. Perhaps that model year a navigation system will be introduced as a new option. Any thoughts or rumors about this? Thanks.

    I highly doubt that 2006 will have Nav. But, since all of Honda equipment is interoperable, you can buy another Accord NAV ($1500-$2000) and install it in the CR-V. It should fit like a glove. Another option is an aftermarket NAV, or wait until the 2007 CR-V, which is going to be completley redesgined and may have NAV.
  • dekoraidekorai Member Posts: 56
    I've had my 05 LX AWD exactly two months and done 2,500 miles. Here are some thoughts:

    1. My brother rode in my CRV two times and remarked how smooth the transmission shift is and the lack of engine noise. That's a perspective from a BMW M3 driver who likes the rev of his engine. He found the rear had amazing legroom and supportive seats. BTW, the extra rear-room was the final reason my wife and I opted for the CRV over a RAV4.

    2. I am feeling vibration in the steering wheel between 55-65 MPH. Below and above this speed, I do not feel the vibration. I need to get this rectified by the dealer.

    3. Among OEM accessories I bought online were a leather steering wheel cover (makes me feel like I drive a pricier car!), front mud-flaps (I don't like the noise of debris hitting the underside) and rear cargo-cover (since I have the LX model which has no tint). I also bought a chrome AWD emblem which I stuck below "CR-V" in the rear door.

    4. Initially, I did not like the 16" steel wheels but I gradually got used to the sight of it. The steel wheels look better on a Silver LX, but definitely not a Blue LX like mine. I might consider new alloy rims during the first tire change. Road noise from OEM tires is prominent while sitting in the rear, but I don't have a problem with it.

    5. A neat feature is to remove the front passenger head-rest and recline the seat back all the way. My wife and I take turns at the wheel on long weekend drives -one drives while the other enjoys aircraft type reclining seats ;)

    6. The foldable front tray is useful when one has to visit the cargo area to retrieve something especially when its raining outside.

    7. The ignition area has a lot of scratches from the key, courtesy fumbling for the ignition. I wish Honda had more scratch-resistant plastic there.

    Overall, I am happy with my CRV. The icing on the cake was refinancing at 4.25% for 36 months with my credit union since my dealer was charging 7.8%.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I doubt this but I wonder if a navigation system might be an option at some point. I have a 2004 Accord sedan with it, and can't imagine life without it

    I seriously doubt it, even with the 2007 model change. The CR-V is the entry level SUV for Honda (in the US), just as the Civic is the entry level automobile. You don't see a NAV option in the Civic. Honda has reserved the NAV options for the mid-level vehicles: the Accord and the Pilot (and the Acura luxury line, of course).

    JM2C
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,175
    I think we'll see it in '07, just because there is an Acura version of the same vehicle that will have it, and it can easily be offered..

    An Accord EX and a CR-V EX are nearly the same price.. I understand about the CR-V being entry-level as opposed to the Accord...but, the transaction prices are virtually the same..

    The sticker prices for NAV have remained stubbornly high (and extremely profitable), even though the manufacturing costs have come way down..

    NAV is one big cash cow for the manufacturers, and I think they'll put it in any vehicle where it will sell..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • slawendaslawenda Member Posts: 101
    The CR-V is the entry level SUV for Honda (in the US), just as the Civic is the entry level automobile. You don't see a NAV option in the Civic. Honda has reserved the NAV options for the mid-level vehicles: the Accord and the Pilot (and the Acura luxury line, of course).

    --> Actually, the rumor has it that the newly redesigned '06 Civic will have Nav as an option. One of the Civic's competitors, the Mazda 3, ALREADY has Nav as an option. Plus, the CR-V, if you think about it, fully loaded, could cost in the low-mid 20's, not much different than an Accord with Nav (4 cylinder). Afterall, the special edition CR-V has leather seats, XM radio (option), fancier exterior, why not include the Nav as an option?

    The trend seems to be that navigation systems are becoming more and more popular, more and more mainstream. It used to be only the "real" luxury models, i.e. only Acuras and Lexuses, had Navs, not Hondas and Toyotas. Now, Accords, Camrys, Pilots, Highlanders, Odysseys, ? Siennas (I'm not sure)--all have them, at least as an option. 2 years ago a Honda salesperson told me, "navigation systems are really just a gimmick..." Ask anyone who owns one, especially the Accord model, and they'll probably tell you they can't imagine driving without one (myself included) It seems to be the next step is to move down to the entry-levels, as Mazda has already done, and it seems Honda is about to do with the new Civic...Maybe the '07 CR-V?
  • daryll44daryll44 Member Posts: 307
    I have a Lexus with the NAV. It's fine and I got it because, well, for $60,000 I couldn't see NOT getting it.

    But my PORTABLE GARMIN NAV is BETTER! For about $700 (and falling!) you can buy a number of competing portable NAVS with more and more features. Mine is almost 2 years old...obsolete compared to the new stuff...but it's fantastic. The BEST part about it is that it neatly fits into a camera case for fly/rent trips. You can preprogram all of your "waypoints" ahead of time and you're on your way as soon as you leave the rent-a-car lot.

    I guess NAVs will, within a few years, become common options on all cars for no more than a few hundred dollars. I guess at that point it will be worth just having it "built in". Reminds me of the 1970s when getting an FM radio went from being a big deal to being close to standard to now being absolutely standard. But until then you are better off buying a Garmin, TomTom or similar. My one beef with the Garmin in the CR-V is that the cigarette lighter goes off. So if you stop, you have to "reboot" the unit when you restart the vehicle. The newer units, however, have a built in automatically rechargable battery that allows the unit to stay on for up to 4 hours while you make a pit stop, etc. Honda and others should have a switch that allows the lighter to remain "live" if you so choose.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Honda and others should have a switch that allows the lighter to remain "live" if you so choose.

    I just installed a second power outlet that is "always on" on the Civic. Haven't found a suitable spot in the CR-V, yet.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I got hooked on this feature after having a Tribeca loaner for 4 days, it was just brilliant. 7" touch screen and all. And to think I was adamant about buying a map for $2 before I tried one. Call me a convert.

    I think the option will spread throughout the lineup quickly. It is a cash cow, given they are getting $2000 for these.

    This one is pretty cool - goes in the dash if you have a double-DIN sized opening:

    http://www.crutchfield.com/S-0S2zlGagGHU/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=182350&I=130AVICD1

    $1500 but I found it for $1105 shipped. Just over half the price of an OE model, and it would have the OE look in the dash. Installation is about $150 at a pro, or you could do it yourself and come out way ahead.

    Not sure if it would fit the CR-V, but there are portable units that have 5" color screens and voice commands for $450 and up or so.

    -juice
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,175
    I think the lowest priced NAV out there is BMW (?), and it goes for $1800.. I keep thinking that the price will drop to $1500 or so.. then down from there..

    But, I've been thinking that for two years.. :surprise:

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