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2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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Comments

  • vcarrerasvcarreras Member Posts: 247
    I have an 05 Ody. You can get it in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Not to mention with or without NAV/Rear DVD. With the CRV you have LX (2WD or 4WD) EX and SE both 4WD. Why not an EX with 2WD? Maybe the next generation. Could have an idea what the new CRV will be like when the Acura RDX shows up next year. It'll probably be 4WD..

    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.
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    OT. I'd have to review the seatbelt issue again but Mazda designing a vehicle whose exhaust got too hot and caused fire issues is a bit different IMO.

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mazda will install a heat shield, but it was operator error because NHTSA found operators were driving it on the highway in 2nd gear. Mazda went above and beyond, I think they're offering $500 to affected owners as well.

    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
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    "Neither the CR-V or the Element pictures you posted looked very comfortable at all. Why not just recline the drivers seat and shut your eyes? How long are you all sleeping in your car for anyway?"

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just get an air mattress and toss it over the whole thing to smooth it out. :)

    I wonder what size would fit, maybe full?

    -juice
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Dunno about you, but my carcass isn't smooth. The contours of the seats actually work better than you'd think by looking at it. Of course, that probably depends on your sleeping position.

    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:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Crank up your seat heaters and you have a heated bed! :D

    -juice
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    My Father's '91 is still running. Just the LX though so nothing fancy. It has a fair amount of rust and parts of the interior have sort of disintegrated (never been garaged, lots of UV exposure). It's been a while since I've driven it but I always thought it was a nice vehicle--for what it was intended. I'm not sure if it's longevity is a testament to Mazda or to my Father's mechanical abilities. Probably a bit of both.

    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?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Why exactly would the exhaust get so hot that it can cause a fire, no matter what gear you are in?

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Keeping the engine at redline for extended periods isn't exactly "normal use". It's beyond even what I'd consider reasonable for track use.

    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
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    I ordered a Magellan RoadMate 800 today. I had the 700 for a month but returned it when I heard the 760 was coming out soon. Ran across the 800 on the net when shopping for the 760. Lots of cool features. (www.magellangps.com) It won't fit in the center cubby so I will have to figure out another way to mount it and use the windshield mount until then.

    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.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Can you use the rear outlet to power the DVD? That might free up some space for you and reduce the number of cords running through the cabin.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Juice..I would rather have 2WD/FWD because #1. Better gas mileage. #2. I really don't like seeing the suspension under the 4WD CRV. #3 I don't go off road. #4 I live in FLAT Houston. The wife and I didn't care for the cheap interior of the LX compared to the EX.

    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.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I would like to find an aftermarket NAV with integrated hard drive small enough to fit in the storage cubby below the stereo. This way I could shut the door when I parked the car and hide it. Any suggestions?

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Honda had better hurry up with their NAV option on the CR-V. They're going to miss out on a cash cow. They're getting $2 grand for these things, I bet they cost $900 or less to the manufacturer.

    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
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    CRV LX, 2005, VIN# SHSRD.....
    is this made in Japan?
    Or where else?
    Thanks,
    Dan
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,217
    S = Swindon... Great Britain....

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  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    varmint, "Honda CR-V Owners: FAQ" #13, 11 Feb 2004 12:04 pm

    It's a Brit. But the above link describes how to read the whole VIN if your interested.
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    should i be concerned from q-ty & reliability pov if a CRV is made in GB or Japan?
    Thanksfor advice,
    Dan
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Honda had better hurry up with their NAV option on the CR-V. They're going to miss out on a cash cow.

    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
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    should i be concerned from q-ty & reliability pov if a CRV is made in GB or Japan?

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Have I not been saying the same things in the Subaru threads?

    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
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Have I not been saying the same things in the Subaru threads?

    Not that I've noticed. If I've missed it, I apologize.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's cool, there are so many threads to keep track of. Usually we talk about that type of thing under "Subaru Crew - Future Models".

    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
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Wife and I also live in Houston and bought a 2005 LX FWD CR-V to replace our old Plymouth Voyager minivan. Our main reasons for buying it:

    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.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    Thanks for the suggestion but that sounds like a LOT more hassle than it is worth. It would wind up costing $590-750 based on your numbers and I can guarantee you it would look and function like I built it myself (without a warrantee).
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    I totally agree with you.
    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
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Nah. The CR-V and several other vehicles produced in the Swindon plant have won awards for reliability and quality in the UK Press.
  • sockpuppet1969sockpuppet1969 Member Posts: 308
    The radio on my '06 CRV says XM ready. Does this mean the XM service just needs to be activated or do I need to purchase an XM turner separately?
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    The radio on my '06 CRV says XM ready. Does this mean the XM service just needs to be activated or do I need to purchase an XM turner separately?

    Yes. You need to buy and install the Honda XM tuner/receiver, and then activate the service.
  • salmonburgersalmonburger Member Posts: 2
    One difference I noticed looking at the window sticker is that the GB made CRV gets it's transmission from Indonesia instead of Japan. This might be a bigger factor than where the car is assembled. But maybe not.

    G
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Wife and I also live in Houston and bought a 2005 LX FWD CR-V to replace our old Plymouth Voyager minivan. Our main reasons for buying it:

    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?
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Thanks for the suggestion but that sounds like a LOT more hassle than it is worth. It would wind up costing $590-750 based on your numbers and I can guarantee you it would look and function like I built it myself (without a warrantee).

    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.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I have been building computers for a while...

    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
  • sky23213sky23213 Member Posts: 300
    One difference I noticed looking at the window sticker is that the GB made CRV gets it's transmission from Indonesia instead of Japan
    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?
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Yes, and you've got a station wagon with 4WD. Because the last time I looked, 2002-2006 CR-V's all looked similar. (don't know if you have a 1st gen, doesn't matter) You don't seem to get it that we also bought the CR-V because we like the appearance of a CR-V rather than the standard station wagon. That's a PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Seating up higher also gives the advantage of seeing farther ahead in traffic. We also get floods here so a higher ground clearance is also appreciated.

    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:
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Bingo!!!

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's the real problem, Honda no longer offers a small wagon here. They do sell a wagon version of the TSX in europe. The Fit will still be too small for many folks.

    -juice
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Addendum:
    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)
  • drive62drive62 Member Posts: 637
    Have to agree with the majority on this one. AFAIK the definition of "SUV" does not include 4WD, AWD or RT4WD (or any variation thereof).

    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).
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "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."

    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...
  • mrsnarkypantsmrsnarkypants Member Posts: 9
    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.

    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Careful driving in water - you won't see holes or broken pavement, and an alloy block isn't too happy about being dipped in cold water.

    -juice
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Just took delivery 2 days ago on an '06 EX. I'm pleased with it so far but am puzzled by the CD changer. After loading 6 discs, I set the changer to random mode. After a while, I realized that the changer was playing tracks from only 1 CD: the last one loaded. I would expect that random mode would pick tracks - at random, of course - from all 6 discs. The CD changers in our other 2 cars work this way. Is my unit defective or is it conforming to spec? The owner's manual sheds no light on this.

    One other question: what accessories do you brother & sister CR-V drivers consider to be essential?

    TIA for your guidance.
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Saw pictures of CR-Vs crossing a small stream in another forum. I guess the drivers were taking a big risk of messing up their engines?
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Glad you're happy with your CR-V. Just wanted to add something w/ regards blueiedgod's statement:

    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.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,217
    The CD changer in the CR-V won't shuffle between discs.. It is working as intended... unfortunately..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A quick drive over a stream is one thing. I'm talking about driving in a foot of flood water, dipping the engine block in cold water for an extended period of time. You just don't want to drive in high water like that, for several reasons.

    -juice
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Thanks, kfydx. I suspected as much.
  • nlv1nlv1 Member Posts: 28
    Gotcha. One advice around here (and probably everywhere else) is to turn around if you don't know how deep the water on the road is. I intend to follow this as it is sound advice. What is more common here in Houston are quick, heavy downpours that create "patches" of water on the street. I guess it's okay to drive the CR-V (w/ its ground clearance) through those when necessary.
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