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I'd really like to see both the new RAV4 and CRV start giving better mileage into the 30 mpg range. Can't believe Toyota only offering a 4 speed auto on the new 4 cylinder RAV instead of 5 speed auto/manual.
I have also driven the Mazda5 and know about their recall. Stupid people driving the automatic at 65mph in second gear causing the exhaust fires. I liked it but not sure of it's reliability. The M3 has been great but the Mazda6 has fallen according to Consumers Report. I keep my cars about 10 years and that's why I like Honda or Toyota better. They are not perfect but still better then most.
I liked Mazda at one point (IIRC you had a Mazda) but then Ford came in to the picture. Long time ago actually, my father's '91 Escort is essentially a Mazda. Although it seems like Mazda is the stronger partner (their platforms are the ones being used for Ford global projects) I still can't seperate the two.
Hey, I had a '91 Escort also, GT model with the 1.8l engine from the Protoge LX and later used in the Miata. Great powertrain but the interior fell apart.
The 3 does well, so we should expect the 5 to do well also, given it's the same chassis and powertrain and it's built in Japan, I believe.
NAV - the Garmin Street Pilot c330 is small and has what you want, I'm not sure if it fits in that cubby in the CR-V's center dash but it might. Garmin also has an even smaller unit, the Street Pilot i5:
http://www.garmin.com/products/spi5/
The screen is small but if you want a small size that's the way to go.
Tom Tom also has small ones that might fit in the CR-V's center cubby, though maybe not the 2002 models which had that tiny little space that would not even fit CDs. I never got that. :confuse:
-juice
I'm not making recommendations. I'm just posting how the seats/bed work for the posters who have asked.
To answer your questions... Sleeping in the fully reclined driver's seat is no better than sleeping on an airplane. And I've slept overnight while camping a few times.
I wonder what size would fit, maybe full?
-juice
The first time I slept in my V, I used a Z-Rest foam pad (egg-crate looking thing). It didn't change the comfort level much. I didn't use it the second time and by then I'd installed leather seats. So my sleeping bag slid on the smooth leather surface. I almost ended up in the footwell at 2 am. :confuse:
-juice
As for the Mazda5. I'll bow to the resolution given but something still seems amiss to me. Why exactly would the exhaust get so hot that it can cause a fire, no matter what gear you are in? Similar to issues related to the CR-V, wouldn't that occur in other vehicles too?
Mazda designed the 5 to be a vehicle with sporting intentions. The automatic is a manumatic that allows for manual operation. Mazda presumed that drivers would remember to shift when in manumatic mode so it didn't engineer in an automatic upshift. They didn't. So prolonged driving at high speeds in 2nd gear caused an overheating of the exhaust system which resulted in the fires.
Maybe I cut Mazda some slack because I like an underdog. I don't think Ford influenced the Mazda5 much.
That Escort had a Ford engine, though oddly the 1.9l went distributorless before the 1.8l Mazda unit did. And the smaller engine was the upgrade, because it had DOHC. Useless trivia for your car buddies.
I doubt the CR-V could handle redline for long without some sort of consequence. What car could?
-juice
The other problem is I now have my satellite radio and nav competing for dash space. Not to mention the need to plug in both plus a phone charger and a portable DVD player for the kid on the trip from NC to NY for Thanksgiving. I am planning to go to RadioShack tomorrow and get a triple outlet to install under the dash.
Matrix too small plus you ride too low. Don't care for the Scion unless it's a TC. Would rather have a Toyota WISH or Honda FRV or Stream.
Also looking hard at the FIT. Really nice. I saw a couple in Mexico last month. They should be here in the Spring.
Element comes in EX/FWD, an alternative to that is Scion xB
Even if you get FWD you still get the same suspension. It does not change. The only thing missing is the drive shaft and the pumpkin. Which will look really stupid. I always laught at people who buy FWD SUV's. If you don't need AWD/4WD buy a wagon.
Fit is coming over next year.
I have considered the aftermarket NAVs from Pioneer or Kenwood, my only concern is that I do not want to loose the 6-CD player functionality. Can you have both?
Yeap, if you are willing to do the work, you can build in-car PC based on EPIA or any other Mini ITX board and touch screen LCD. Then you add a USB GPS receiver and software and you have instant DVD/MP3/GPS/Internet access... The cost is minimal compare to the "off the shelf" system. Board with processor will run $150, Hard-drive (depending on size) $40-$100, GPS receiver with software $100 or less, touchscreen monitor $300-$400. But no one will build it for you, YOU have to build it your self. There are even Linux packages specifically made for in car computers.
Costco now has Magellans in stock. Saw them Wed night.
Tom Tom is advertising (the ads are funny).
And who could miss the Garmin ads with Yao?
It's the next cash cow. Honda has cash in or sit on the side lines and let those 3 aftermarket vendors rake in the money.
I will say this - once you get used to NAV, not having it is like driving in the stone ages.
-juice
is this made in Japan?
Or where else?
Thanks,
Dan
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It's a Brit. But the above link describes how to read the whole VIN if your interested.
Thanksfor advice,
Dan
C'mon juice - stop stirring the pot. Subaru better get on the stick as well - their lackadaisical attitude towards offering NAV leaves them selling them for 1/2 of what Honda gets. At least Honda has been making a few bucks on it for the past 4-5 years.
"Oh no - if it doesn't enhance Symetrical AWD or the boxer engine we won't touch it." :P
I wouldn't worry. Quality standards are equal in both facilities. Further, the CRV has been coming from Swindon for the eastern 1/2 of the US since 2002. My Dad's UK built CRV has been perfect for 70K miles.
This is a Honda thread so I was just trying to stay on-topic. Subaru has been adding it as an option as a mid-year update so availability is improving.
-juice
Not that I've noticed. If I've missed it, I apologize.
I'll admit I'm a recent convert, probably because I sampled NAV on a loaner for 4 days, and then proceeded to buy my own portable aftermarket unit.
I was the type that used to say my NAV was a $3 map and a compass. But for that you really need a good co-pilot, and you'd still have a lot less information than I would.
-juice
1. We like the appearance (most of it :-)).
2. It's within our budget.
3. We have a toddler and need the safety features.
4. We like Hondas, the reviews, reliability, etc.(also have a '94 accord).
5. It has "medium" cargo space we can use when needed.
Living here in Houston for 12 years, we felt we didn't need the 4WD and the additional price and possible maintenance that goes with it. Seat covers in the EX were much better but we also felt we can live with the LX seats --- this is a matter of personal taste and understand vcarreras and wife.
You say that wagons can do the same job and I somewhat agree with you. However, I PERSONALLY prefer the look of an SUV over a wagon. But I don't laugh at people who drive wagons or minivans for that matter. You know why? Because everyone has preferences and reasons behind each purchase.
I am almost ready to close a deal for a LX 2005, FWD.
And is preferable to a wagon or a SUV.
We also have a 3 mo toddler and we prefer the 2WD CRV despite being “laughable” .
One very important aspect those who are laughing about a 2WD CRV are missing, is that this vehicle is based on a CIVIC platform. Even structural, this is not a “body on frame” like a genuine SUV ( Jeep, Explorer).
4WD fits the heavy and rough SUV's, not the light, compact sedan based CRV.
And not at least, let’s not forget the marketing factor on many illiterate drivers.
Dan
Yes. You need to buy and install the Honda XM tuner/receiver, and then activate the service.
G
1. We like the appearance (most of it ).
2. It's within our budget.
3. We have a toddler and need the safety features.
4. We like Hondas, the reviews, reliability, etc.(also have a '94 accord).
5. It has "medium" cargo space we can use when needed.
Living here in Houston for 12 years, we felt we didn't need the 4WD and the additional price and possible maintenance that goes with it. Seat covers in the EX were much better but we also felt we can live with the LX seats --- this is a matter of personal taste and understand vcarreras and wife.
You say that wagons can do the same job and I somewhat agree with you. However, I PERSONALLY prefer the look of an SUV over a wagon. But I don't laugh at people who drive wagons or minivans for that matter. You know why? Because everyone has preferences and reasons behind each purchase.
FWD SUV is a Station wagon, lol. So, I guess I was right, you got a station wagon.
I just find it funny that people buy SUV's with 2WD. If allt hey want is cargo, station wagons and hatchbacks are great for it. I had a 2002 Civic Si prior to CR-V. I was able to transport:
3 people and 12,000 BTU windows A/c unit (big sucker)
Fully assembled Honda lawn mower
Fully assmbeled Ariens snow blower
31 inch TV in the box
Maytag dishwasher in the box
5 people in relative comfort.
A 5 door Civic (not available in the US), Mazda5, Focus ZX5, Mazda3 wagon, upcoming Honda Fit, are all cheaper alternatives to an SUV. IMHO.
I bought CR-V, despite loving my Si because of the snow we get here in Buffalo, NY. And because I got stuck in the snow a couple of times due to low ground clearance. If none of those apply to your climate and you don't go offroading in the mud, why waste money and gas on an SUV, which is not really an SUV (2WD) to begin with?
Each component carries its own warranty. I have been building computers for a while, and the OEM warranty is usually better than Dell's or Gateway's. You get full 3 year warranty with most computer components, some even offer lifetime warranty such as memory and video cards.
That's the key phrase, blueiedgod. Many people don't have any experience with building their own comupters, and are intimidated by the thought of doing so or just aren't interested in building one.
I used to build my own but bought my last system (a Dell). I've been less than thrilled with the upgradability of my store-bought system, so I'll probably build my own the next time.
JM2C
Are you sure? You almost had me running to check that, but I'm pretty positive I carefully checked before I bought. Is that from the sticker or just something heard somewhere?
As to wasting money and gas, you really seem uninformed. We got the CR-V LX FWD out the door for about $20k which is, guess what, the average price of a car these days. As to the mileage, it gets 23/29 mpg which is still better than our old accord's mpg. I'm not sure why you are touting your 4WD "cute" SUV. "U" is for utility and not just 4WD. If one's able to use it as such, then I'm happy for that guy including you who I believe had good reasons for getting a 4WD. But you have a mini-SUV (like I do) so don't act as if you have the best SUV out there.
I've been following the CR-V forums for a few months now and some of your suggestions are constructive. However, sometimes you just don't respect other people's choices and for a so called blueidgod, you certainly need more character. :sick:
Also, I might add that the choice in station wagons is rather limited. Going with a 2WD mini-SUV might get you the same thing as a true station wagon, but there are many more choices in styling available.
-juice
If none of those apply to your climate and you don't go offroading in the mud, why waste money and gas on an SUV, which is not really an SUV (2WD) to begin with?
YOU ALMOST GOT IT! Rephrasing:
If none of those apply to your climate and you don't go offroading in the mud, why waste money and gas on a 4WD SUV? (ok, let's say gas mileage is almost the same as a 2WD)
I think anyone who bought a CR-V whether 2WD or RT4WD is head an shoulders above many other SUV buyers just because of the gas mileage, size, etc. I'd find people other than CR-V buyers to criticize (if you are so inclined).
4WD fits the heavy and rough SUV's, not the light, compact sedan based CRV."
Well, a Civic with highly beefed up suspension, and completely redesigned for SUV use. I have taken my 2003 for light off-road and had no trouble in very washboard conditions. Of course, I have the AWD. In 2003, it was a no-brainer, since only the EX had the EBD and other safety systems.
A final note: My 2003 CR-V turns a couple of feet shorter than my wife's 2002 Civic EX. Go figure...
Yes, but the OP lives in Houston. So do I.
It floods here. The city has determined that it knows how to fix the flooding, but it can't afford to do so, which means if you live here, you need something with decent ground clearance for the 1 to 2 times a year the city floods severely.
I was thinking about trading my Saturn for a Scion xB when I ended up in water up to my windows on the way home from work. After that experience, I started looking at the RAV4, CR-V, and Santa Fe because they weren't low to the ground. I ended up with a 2WD CR-V (used with 5,000 miles) and don't regret a thing.
-juice
One other question: what accessories do you brother & sister CR-V drivers consider to be essential?
TIA for your guidance.
I just find it funny that people buy SUV's with 2WD. If allt hey want is cargo, station wagons and hatchbacks are great for it.
Cargo space was not the most important reason we got the CR-V (see original post). Heck, if all I wanted is cargo space, I would have bought another minivan w/c I believe has more space than a station wagon or a hatchback.
And he could have bought a Subaru. It's also got a high clearance for snow and has AWD to boot. Why didn't he? Because he liked the CR-V. Same reason as we had.
regards,
kyfdx
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-juice