2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

cybernut04 · September 2005

This is from the "do as I say, not as I do" side of me, but my advice is to wait, do more research on the CR-V, and seek out opportunities to drive the other vehicles you mentioned. In the months leading up to our purchase of an '04 CR-V, I did a lot of online research on the CR-V and Accord. We were replacing a four-door sedan, and initially I was going to get another four-door sedan (the Accord). The more I researched, the more apparent it became that the CR-V was the better deal - more features for less money.

But I have kicked myself many, many times since our purchase of the CR-V that I didn't take the time to research and test drive other small SUVs. I went with the Honda reputation and my own personal and very positive experiences with two other Hondas I have owned. That was a mistake. Although I still think that the CR-V is a good little SUV, my experiences with my CR-V have not been positive at all. The seats still do a number on my back (only a very small number of CR-V owners have serious problems with the seats), the first oil change resulted in a double-gasket, an oil leak, and smoke - but no fire (again, a small number of CR-V owners have had problems with engine fires), and so on.

The 2006 CR-V may be the very best vehicle for you, but you owe it to yourself to take some time and look at competing makes and models. Whatever you buy, chances are you'll have that vehicle for quite a while, and I just think it makes a lot of sense to invest the time in research and test drives before you invest the money, you know?

Good luck!

varmint · September 2005

I'd suggest that you get those additional test drives. If you can take a weekend, call around to the not-so-local dealers and see who has the cars you want. Make an appointment with them. If you have to drive 6-7 hours to get what you want, it could save years of frustration with a vehicle you don't like.

epm1 · September 2005

See message #14893

girlygirl · September 2005

Does anyone know what the idle RPM's should be? Mine is idling at about 800 and it's rough. Is this something that should be adjusted? Thanks :confuse:

newcar_lover · September 2005

I think you should wait until there are more CR-Vs in stock. Test drive with at least 2 or 3 CR-Vs. If you find one with problem pull to the right (PTTR) then forget that one. My 2005 CR-V EX has PTTR and they could not fix it after 3 trips to Honda service department. The 2006 is pretty much the same as the 2005. I hope they fix this problem. Do a search of "PTTR" on Honda CR-V Owners: Problems & Solutions. I heard other people has AC compressor blown up on previous years (2002-2003). I'm crossing my fingers. I'm still like my V but PTTR is annoying and dangerous sometimes.

newcar_lover · September 2005

My (2005 4WD CRV) idle is very quiet. I think normal idle is between 700-800 rpm. If you think it's rough (vibration?) then you should bring it to dealer to have it check out.

ateixeira · September 2005

Wait - you've had the hunk-a-junk for what, 10 years now? Another month or two won't make much difference.

-juice

smalbany · September 2005

I purchased a 05 CRV earlier this month. On the test drive I found that the vehicle had PTTR. I agreed to purchase vehicle only if PTTR was corrected. They performed service as described in Honda TSB 05-022. PTTR was corrected. Also, make sure they align the steering wheel as the last step in the repair process. At least in my case, my CRV now drives straight & true.

minya63 · September 2005

I am not sure if this subject has been covered in the past or if this is even the right place to post it but regardless, I need some help. I have a '04 CR-V EX that I bought (not financed or leased) in Aug. '04. My CR-V now has close to 32,000 on it. I ended up having to do huge amounts of driving in the past year to deal with an ongoing family health crisis (my Father had a massive stroke yet survived and is now very handicapped). I live in Brooklyn, New York. My CR-V has been great except for an A/C related problem that resulted in the warranty replacement of the compressor/condenser. I want to get an extended warranty before my 3/36 is up. I prefer Honda Care but maybe there is something out there also worth considering I do not know about (AAA?). My question is: why do the Honda Care ext. warr. vary in price from dealer to dealer so much and then you go online and there are some dealerships (authorized) in the midwest and the west coast that offer the same thing for hundreds less? Is this legit and has any one on this board bought an ext. warr. online? My dealer, Apple Honda in Riverhead, Long Island gave me a price of $1,800.00 for a 3/36 extension yet online I found 4/48s with $100 deductables for around $1,180.00 !?!? Please someone enlighten me!, I called Honda America and Honda Care and they were both clueless and not helpful. I plan on keeping the CR-V another year or 2, so the ext. warr. must be transferrable. Thank you ahead of time to anyone who can help me out. Next time I will rant about how much the OEM tires - Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts stink!
minya63

sky23213 · September 2005

There's a special discussion board - Warranties - just go through the Browse by Topic drop-down on the left of the screen. In there you'll find even a thread for Honda extended warranty. Read through the posts - it' extremely helpful.
But to summarize it - I think you can still get extended warranty with 32K. Honda changed the terms recently, I beleive you could still buy Honda Care with up to 36K. As far as the difference between dealers - they all sell the same thing as far as Honda Care is concerned. Contract comes from Honda Finance. The few that sell it online just sell it close to cost, while for your friendly neighbourhood dealer it's one of the biggest moneymakers.
I bought mine - 6yr/120K $0 deductable for $956.00 - from Bernardy in MA.It's a Honda/Audi dealership.
As I've said before, there a few guys in the Honda forums that are extremele kowledgeable and helpful, so they might add something esle or correct me in the details. Good luck!
As far as the tires - join the club.

ateixeira · September 2005

Golden Rule:

If you buy from Honda, it's a warranty.

If you buy from any 3rd party, it's an insurance policy, not legally a warranty.

My choice of words is ironic, because Warranty Gold (they used to advertise heavily on Edmunds) went bankrupt and the "warranty" they sold is no longer worth the paper it's printed on. At least do a credit check before you invest in an insurance company, which is basically what you're doing.

Go with Honda's.

-juice

jinva · September 2005

It actually says this on Honda's website, but I don't know whether to believe it or not. Except for two new colors, this is the only other difference I've heard of between 05's & 06's.

tidester · September 2005

People have a lot to say about that in "Warranty Gold" Claims.

tidester, host

asgx32 · September 2005

Does anyone have any suggestions of rims that I can put on my 2000 EX

epm1 · September 2005

Check out http://www.tirerack.com
they have large selection of wheels-
when you get to wheels click on size and they will display on honda in picture.

kamalsny · October 2005

I have a 2001 Honda CR-V with 102,000 miles.

when i come to a complete stop and don't put my foot on the brake, the car shakes a lot like theres no tomorrow. Anybody know why. Thanks

mikefm58 · October 2005

How do you come to a complete stop without putting your foot on the brake?

tidester · October 2005

How do you come to a complete stop without putting your foot on the brake?

You're driving uphill? But you only come to e complete stop very briefly.

tidester, host

kyfdx · October 2005

Standard shift? Come to a complete stop, then let off the brake?

kamalsny · October 2005

let me be more clearer...i come to a complete stop USING the brake and than i lift the food off the brake while waiting at the traffic light and the car shakes..or rattles....any suggustions as to what this is about...???

tcasboy · October 2005

Why do you have food on your brake? Just kidding. You need to take the car in and have somebody look at it. I can't imagine anyone can tell you what is wrong based on that description. Could be any number of things, perhaps a broken or loose engine mount?
Good luck.

leedouthitt · October 2005

This is my first post on Edmunds. I am first time car buyer looking at a 04 CRV. But, honestly, I would like it to look more aggressive in terms of larger tires. Does anyone know the largest size tires I can put on the CRV without a lift kit? 17s? Will this give it more clearance? I am new to all of this and appreciate everyone's help. Thank you.

varmint · October 2005

Do you want larger tires (like a monster truck)?

Or, do you want larger rims with the same overall tire size?

Most folks consider the second option enough to improve the "look" of the CR-V. But such a change does not degrade the performance of the CR-V. You could probably get a set of 2005 rims and tires reasonably cheap if you search "for sale" sites for used parts. With people doing aftermarket upgrades, there are plenty of owners looking to make back a few bucks on their oem parts.

Taking the other route (big honkin' tires) will give the truck a more aggressive look and change the performance parameters. For example it could be a better off-road vehicle with the extra ground clearance and large contact patch. However, any improvements in those areas would be off-set by poorer performance in terms of acceleration off the line (more tire to rotate), more tire noise (greater contact patch), and possibly degraded braking performance.

tonyz1 · October 2005

I have a 1998 CR-V. What is proper torque value for spark plugs?

ateixeira · October 2005

Try to get light rims, because if you add a lot of unsprung weight and increase rotational inertia much, you'll end up with a slower, poorer handling CR-V.

15" -> 16" is a Plus One. Honda did this for MY05, with a slightly bigger tire to boot. You might find a used one off a vehicle that someone else upgrade to 17"s, that might be the most cost-effective option and with OE rims you know the fitment will be perfect. Get all 5, the spare too, because the diameter changed.

17" is a Plus Two. At that point you pretty much can't avoid adding weight unless you go with an expensive forged rim. And then you're probably buying the wrong type of vehicle, get something sportier instead.

Here is a Tire Size Calculator you can use to help with picking sizes. You want to end up with an overall diameter within 3% of what the OE sizes are. That's plural because 04 and 05 have different sizes, and of course both fit.

Good luck.

-juice

theracoon · October 2005

I have a 1998 CR-V. What is proper torque value for spark plugs?

18 N-m or
1.8 kg-m or
13 lb-ft

cgphil1 · October 2005

The driver of a 93 Chevy Malibu slammed into the passenger side of my silver 2003 CRV EX last week causing it to roll over several times. Luckily I always wear my seatbelt so was able to get out with only a slight scrape on my knee. I have read several comments about the safety of the CRV and have now proven it. The insurance company has totaled it and is offering me an actual cash value of $19,000 (subject to negotiation). I bought it new in December 02 with no extras (has auto trans) and it has only been driven 28,500 miles with zero problems. My question is, is this a reasonable offer? Edmunds quote a TMV Dealer pricing of $20,393 and Kelly Blue book quotes a Dealer asking price of $21,075 both subject to negotiation. I am in the Boston, MA area if location makes a difference.

mikefm58 · October 2005

Try posting over in "Real World Trade In Values".

ateixeira · October 2005

Holy Cow! Glad you were OK.

Terry in RWTIV will give you an estimate, but that would be for a dealer wholesale offer as a trade. You should demand retail.

Tell them Edmunds' and KBB's numbers to try to get them up a grand or so, maybe split the difference. They should take care of you given what you've been through.

Did you get pics of the damage? Sounds wild.

-juice

robr2 · October 2005

They should take care of you given what you've been through.

He's talking about MA insurance - he's lucky they haven't tried to repair it spit and baling wire and telling him it's as good as new.

Sorry - had to vent.

varmint · October 2005

Yikes! Glad to hear you're okay.

Ditto what the others wrote about asking Terry in the trade in value threads.

langer · October 2005

Anybody know how to turn off maintenance light on '02 CRV?

tamaraster · October 2005

I don't know for sure, but on my Civic a few years ago, there was a slot somewhere in the dash (near the maintenance light) that you could stick your key into. (I think any key-shaped thing would work - it wasn't like a lock that needed a specific key.) So look for some kind of hole around there that something could be stuck into.

theracoon · October 2005

The procedure is in your Owners Manual.

non-car smiley

theracoon · October 2005

but on my Civic a few years ago, there was a slot somewhere in the dash

The 1st Gen CR-V (1997-2001) has a reset slot on the guage cluster. Starting with 2002 the slot is gone.

langer · October 2005

Thanks! Who would have thought it would be in the manual!!

anythngbutgm · October 2005

HA! So true, so true...

cgphil1 · October 2005

Thanks Juice, Varmint et al. Did not get a response from RWTIV but I believe I made out ok for an '03 CRV. Called the insurance co. again. They offered me $19,575 said it was the N.A.D.A value + 5% tax of $978.75 for a total of $20,553.75. Check's in the mail.

scruzer · October 2005

I need to buy a car ASAP. I've narrowed down my selection and I'm looking for a fairly new ('03-'04) CR-V and finding they are pretty rare round these parts. I'm desparate enough to go drive almost 100 miles to see an '04 EX, auto, with a 2.4 VTEC. I haven't been able to find much information about this engine on the web. Listed price is $19400 with 16K miles.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

varmint · October 2005

I can't help with local availability, but what would you like to know about the engine?

scruzer · October 2005

Thanks for your response. I am assuming this 2.4 VTEC engine is not an option, but just standard on the CR-V? The ad for the car makes it sound like it's something special (i.e. adding to the $$$). As I mentioned, this EX is almost 100 miles away from me to go and see it. I did just find another, only 25 miles away, also an '04 EX but with only 6K miles on it. Asking $21,000. This 2nd one is silver (like a gazillion others CR-Vs around here) and the first one is black (hard to keep clean, but cool looking). Oh, decisions, decisions! :confuse:

theracoon · October 2005

I am assuming this 2.4 VTEC engine is not an option, but just standard on the CR-V?

In the US, the 2.4 l iVTEC engine has been standard since 2002.

varmint · October 2005

Racoon is right about the engine. The 2.4L engine is very similar to the 4 cylinder used in the Accord and Element. It's tuned slightly differently, but nothing you'd really notice.

They've been using that engine since the 2002 model year. (Earlier models had a small, less powerful 2.0L engine.) No real changes have been made to the 2.4 unit since 2002 and it has been under the hood of every model CR-V sold in North America. There are no other optional engines. In 2005, they added a 5 speed transmission which might change how it drives slightly. They also added a drive-by-wire throttle control. But for most people these changes did not have a big impact. Just a little tweaking on Honda's part.

FWIW, this 2.4L engine is very highly regarded by the engineering and enthusiast community.

Good luck with the decisions!

scruzer · October 2005

Thanks to all. My problem right now is just trying to find one. CR-Vs are scarcer than hen's teeth around these parts!

stever · October 2005

Try the Buy a Used Car link under the Used Cars tab on the main Edmunds.com page.

Steve, Host

blueiedgod · October 2005

Thanks for your response. I am assuming this 2.4 VTEC engine is not an option, but just standard on the CR-V? The ad for the car makes it sound like it's something special (i.e. adding to the $$$). As I mentioned, this EX is almost 100 miles away from me to go and see it. I did just find another, only 25 miles away, also an '04 EX but with only 6K miles on it. Asking $21,000. This 2nd one is silver (like a gazillion others CR-Vs around here) and the first one is black (hard to keep clean, but cool looking). Oh, decisions, decisions!

Just to give you heads up on the USED Honda market. Fairly new used Hondas are not a good deal. You listed both cars at $19,000 and $21,000. I bought a new 05 for $20,500 in March. So, unless you are on an island (Hawaii or something) paying $20K for a used car when new one is couple of hundred more is senseless.

varmint · October 2005

By special request, here's a poll style question for you all...

Which feature from the current 2002-2005 model CR-V would you miss most if it were not included in the 2007 redesign?

I don't want to hear what you think will be coming... We've done that 100 times. What feature would you miss if Honda took it away?

ateixeira · October 2005

If so, I'll name what I feel is the most important feature that was recently added:

* Stability Control.

-juice

varmint · October 2005

No. Take that back. :P

anythngbutgm · October 2005

Manual tranny. Even if it isn't the popular choice, the flexibility of selecting your own gears is advantageous.

No I am not an owner, but I was an owner of a 00' LX AWD 5-spd at one point. What a great little vehicle.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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