2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

cookie102 · October 2000

Thanks for your reply.

To answer your question, I have never had the rear diff fluid checked or changed. I have followed the Honda service menu, plus oil and filter changes every 2500 - 3000 miles.

I have an after-market warranty (Warranty Gold - Platinum), that my local guy accepts. I am a little bit to blame to, as my local dealer accepts this also. To be blunt, I would rather give my local guy the business; however, I also do not like the wait and see atitude, so I will be calling the dealer.

How "hard" is it to change the rear diff fluid? Any harder than an oil change? What is the fluid type/brand to use as a replacement?

BYW: I have the high mileage because I used to drive 150 miles rountrip every day to work. After about 25 - 30k miles, I noticed that the OEM tires (Goodrich) are REALLY bad in the rain, to the point where I got paranoid about driving when it was wet, real - time 4wd or not! Have you had any experiences like this?

Thanks again for the advice.

dmac7 · October 2000

For those of you wondering about the availability of the new models, my wife and I just reserved a 2001 CR-V (EX, 5 speed) yesterday. We were told by the dealer that this would be their first shipment and it should arrive around the second week of November.

Another dealer in our area said that their first shipment had already been sold and that we would have to wait until December for a 2001. We found that there were no 2000 models (EX 5-speed) left on any of the local dealer lots, so we had to go with a 2001 model.

beatfarmer · October 2000

Go over to http://www.hondasuv.com/ and click on the under the hood link. Look on the right side for Rear Differential oil change for some info. If you haven't been to this site before, you should look now. One of the best collections of info on the CR-V out there.

The fluid is a Honda specific CVT fluid. There is a new formula out now for the CR-V so ask the dealer if they have the new stuff. If you can get the rear up on ramps or stands, you can get under there and change it yourself.

Can't fault you for giving your business to the local guy, but use all of the resources at your disposal.

The BFGs still have good traction for me, but I have only 18,000 miles on them.

beatfarmer · October 2000

Motion sickness is caused by conflicting information reaching your brain. for example, if you read in a moving car, your eyes are fixed on a stationary object but your inner ear senses motion. Some people are affected by it while other aren't. Different types of motion can also affect you differently (you might get air sick but not sea sick). One way to fight it is to focus on things outside of the car (which is why the driver doesn't get sick usually). Also, try a Dramamine or the sickness patch to help fight the symptoms. Hope this helps some.

hondabro2000 · October 2000

Let me include the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo to my top ten favorites.... not only do u get a V6 205hp engine, a 10 year, 120K mile warranty, but you also get a Gateway computer. Considering you can usually get $2K-$3K off sticker, not a bad deal overall.

dfielding · October 2000

Beatfarmer: Thanks for the reply, what you mentioned about focusing on things outside of the
vehicle makes sense. We will try it.

varmit · October 2000

Paul - No regrets here. My wife and I made the decision to purchase a CR-V back in March of 99. If I were buying now, I'd take a close look at the Santa Fe and Tribute as well. My only complaint is the noise at highway speeds. My wife doesn't like the passenger seat for long trips, but this is more of a niggle than a complaint. We suspect that having the seat cushion adjustment from the driver's seat would improve this.

Regarding car sickness: Beatfarmer has the cause correct. I've never had anyone experience this in our CR-V, but it did happen with other cars. I blame it on my wife who will often turns to talk with the rear passengers. They focus on her (a fixed object) with the moving background behind her. When she's not yapping with them, they feel better. She just loves the idea that her conversation makes people sick :-)

crvbuyer · October 2000

Hi,

Does any one know where I can find the fair price for CRV cargo mats/cargo cover and the passenger side armrest(installation included)?

Thanks,

--crvbuyer

tomcat99 · October 2000

Check out these sites: www.hparts.com, www.partscheap.com, and www.honda-accessories.com.

Happy shopping!!!

spycygrl · October 2000

I was originally considering buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee until I figured out the monthly payments (ack!). A friend has a CRV & loves it. I've always been a Honda buyer (had a Civic for 9 years) and think they are great cars.

I will be living in L.A. & mostly driving this on city streets & freeways. I will not be 4-wheeling. I will also be using it to cart furniture etc from my parents house in Sacramento back down to L.A.

I noticed that several reviews I've read mention a difficult cargo door. Anyone have info on that?

Also, has anyone here compared (test drove, etc) the CRV to the Toyota RAV-4. Consumer Reports seems to like it better.

thanks.

ascottcrv · October 2000

Just completed installing upgraded front, rear and tweeter speakers in my 2000 CR-V. They sound great. The tweeters are especially good. Bought from www.honda-accessories.com $159.12 total price.

CAUTIONS ABOUT INSTALLATION:
1) Read tweeter instructions carefully. Especially No. 4 where it says to remove the inner door handle cover. AFTER REMOVING THE SCREW; SLIDE IT FORWARD, DO NOT PRY IT OUTWARD. IT DOES NOT SNAP OUT! Didn't break mine, but almost.
2) Be very careful when reinstalling the door panels. It is easy to scratch the plastic on the tweeter cover. VOICE OF EXPERIENCE.

Otherwise, installation is a snap. (About 2 Hours)

cbutcher · October 2000

Any suggestions for buying at end of year? How much leverage do i have? At invoice? My dealer called and asked if i wanted to reserve a 2001 which would be in next week.

There's still several 2000 LX, EX, and SE's.

johnlw · October 2000

I bought at the end of the month, in July. The dealer threw in a 5 year 75000 mile bumper to bumper warranty to seal the deal.

Now with a Honda, their reliability may make it a cheap throw-in on the deal, but I like the comfort it provides. You might ask for that. I found that the Honda year end savings price they gave me was fair, less than the Edmonds recommended price.
Bottom line, you should be able to get a good deal on a remaining 2000.

varmit · October 2000

Spycygrl - The rear cargo door may be a problem if you are loading while parked at curbside. If you park in a driveway or parking lot, there's little or no problem.

Pro's for the CR-V are its cargo volume, passenger capacity, content, and reliability. Cons would be handling (not that its bad, just that there are others in this class which are better) and interior noise.

Since you're not headed off-road, the Forester may also be a good car to look at. Also the RAV4 has recently been redesigned and new ones are showing up in the dealerships now. Both suffer from a cramped backseat, but they handle well and cargo is still decent.

As for Consumer Reports, take their reviews with a grain of salt. Their criteria for the best mini-ute are the same criteria would be applied to a station wagon. They stress the car-like attributes (handling and ride) and ignore the SUV parts (off-roading and hauling capacity). There's nothing *wrong* with this, but it's not the same measuring stick used by other magazines and many consumers.

The best source of information is still your test drive, though.

johnlw · October 2000

A factor to consider on whether to buy the CRV. Look through Edmunds topics and see how many maintenance and reliability complaints there are about various makes of autos. Then see how many complaints there are on the CRV--zero.

I do not know about the RAV 4 but most CRV jowners weem to be pretty happy. I am, it was a bargain.

tomsr · October 2000

Does anyone know if the 2001 CRV will be any different from the 2000?I looked at the new Rav4
today and it offers lot's of stuff not on the CRV.
EXAMPLES: moonroof,CD&Cassette,removable rear seats,16 inch wheels.The competition is fearce.
Why can't we have Escapes power and handling with
Toyota/Honda reliability and Hyundai prices?
Dream on.

slugline · October 2000

. . . has no significant changes over the 2000 model. There is a new shade of silver and the white SE is no more. In the U.S., floormats and childseat tethers become standard equipment.

The greatly anticipated "makeover model" is due for the '02 model year.

varmit · October 2000

Tomsr - As Slugline noted, the overhaul for the CR-V isn't until 2002.

The new RAV4 does look nice, but that equipment that you listed will cost you a pretty penny.

It looks like they addressed half of the most common consumer complaints. The first RAV4 was criticized for the small backseat, modest cargo space, cartoon styling, buzzy engine, plastic interior, cost for options, and lack of a rear bumper.

This new RAV4 has better cargo capacity, better styling (though still a bit 'radio controlled'), a better engine, and a better interior. They fell short when improving the backseat, cost for options, and rear bumper.

It's definitely a better product than the older model, which already had a lot going for it. I just dunno how it will fare against the Escape/Tribute and Santa Fe this year. Next year the CR-V gets an overhaul, and, in 2003, the Forester gets a redesign. Also expect competition from Saturn, the next Jeep Cherokee, and a larger GV.

It'll be interesting to see what the 'standard' becomes. Originally, the standard was a small 4 cyl mini-ute with entry level trim packages. Now we also have a second group emerging as slightly larger, more powerful (6 cyl) utes with higher content.

rondo74 · October 2000

Has anyone had the simulated wood audio panel trim installed on their CR-V? How is the quality of the plood? Does it look "out of place" in the interior? The pic on the honda-accessories.com site looked pretty nice, but I haven't seen the wood panel in person to better judge. I don't actually have a CR-V yet

but I am planning on purchasing an SE model within a month, and was wondering if the fake wood would be a worthwhile option. Admittedly, it is the least important add-on that I am considering, after the passenger armrest, front mudflaps, and additional speakers.

rel · October 2000

I installed the panel on my CR-V this past weekend. I really like how it looks, and I generally don't go for these things. The quality is reasonable and it adds a little color and pizazz to the dashboard. It's *VERY* easy to do yourself. I have also added the passenger armrest, front mudflaps and leather steering wheel cover. I am quite pleased with all these add-ons. I bought them online and saved a lot of money

rondo74 · October 2000

rel - thanks for the info re: the wood dash panel. I'll have to think about it some more once I actually get the car.

Another question - I recently examined a CR-V in my local Honda showroom, and I couldn't locate the "rear seat heater ducts" that were indicated in the brochure's features list. Are they concealed? Now that I think about it, my dad's 1996 Accord also supposedly has the rear seat ducts but those aren't in plain view either. I guess I was expecting them to look like the front dash vents... could someone clarify?

hondabro2000 · October 2000

rondo,

The heater ducks are underneath the two front seats. They're like feet warmers.

As for wood panels, u can search Ebay for one. I bought one for my Lexus for only $120. Similar ones sold at dealerships run $700. It only took about 30 min to install the complete set. Looks awesome!

mkpt · October 2000

Is there a consumer friendly way of defeating the automatic dimming of the dash board lights and/or clock when the car's lights are on?

I keep my headlights on whenever driving. Several years ago, I read that research demonstrated increased visibility of your car with the lights on, decreasing the likelihood of being hit by someone daydreaming.

varmit · October 2000

I think that someone over at www.hondasuv.com did this accidentally when installing their fog lights. You might want to ask over there. Sorry, I'm not much of an electrician myself. Good luck.

beatfarmer · October 2000

I'm not sure where to get one, but a daytime running lights kit will put on your lights without dimming the dash.

mckee4 · October 2000

New to this forum, but thought I'd add my perspective. Don't own any small SUV, but will
probably buy one within 6 mos. I looked at
and test drive a 2001 Toyota RAV4, but basically just looked at the 2000 CRV EX/SE. Both are nice
and seemed to be of typical Honda/Toyota build
quality (I've owned both Toyota's and Honda's ).
RAV4 rode very nice, but is still deficit on
interior space. RAV4 AWD model will run 23K with Toyota packages, which are way too expensive to begin with. Gulf States Toyota will add a surcharge of $ 289.00 just for purchasing a Toyota. I think Toyota should've knocked off $500.00 off MSRP and went from there.

CRV felt roomier and just as solid. CRV EX/SE body sytle is 4+ years old but holds it own. Price on
CRV is definitely more competitive for the level
of equipment you get. Unless Toyota offers some
real good deal, I probably won't consider the RAV4
at this point d/t costs. CRV will definitely be
worth more consideration in future purchase.

beatfarmer · October 2000

The new RAV just about matches the current CR-V. Toyota has improved the specs of the RAV, but it doesn't really shine over the 'V. Also, my biggest gripe with Toyota is with how they nickle and dime you with all of the "Options". My guess is you won't find a good deal for a while on a RAV until the market for them sorts itself out. If people are willing to buy at MSRP+, then there is no reason for the dealers to discount. If they don't sell well, then look for the discounts.

It's funny how Honda is seen as establishing benchmarks for other manufactures to meet or beat.

ustiny · October 2000

I have a 1998 CRV EX I am selling. It is in Mint condition and is the cypress green. It has 47,000 highway miles. My wife used it back and forth to work which is almost 400 miles a week, so most of the driving was just her inside. We just bought a 2001 Odyssey. We are in New Jersey and are asking 15,750. If interested email me at ustiny@concentric.net

ustiny · October 2000

I have a 1998 CRV EX I am selling. It is in Mint condition and is the cypress green. It has 47,000 highway miles. My wife used it back and forth to work which is almost 400 miles a week, so most of the driving was just her inside. We just bought a 2001 Odyssey. We are in New Jersey and are asking 15,750. If interested email me at ustiny@concentric.net

hammerg · October 2000

Howdy everybody, I haven't been around here in a few months, but I wanted to impart a little discovery I made. The load rating for the stock roof rack is "a little" conservative. This weekend I loaded 11 sheets of 1/2" 4x8 sheetrock on the top of my wife's CRV (I couldn't fit even 1 inside, my original plan). These sheets weigh about 50 lbs apiece. Do the math. I exceeded the 75 lb. capacity at least 7 fold. I drove the 3 miles home w/ no problems, albeit slowly. Should you do this every day? Of course not, but in a pinch I think you'll be fine.

hammerg · October 2000

I almost traded the CRV in for a 2001 Toyota MR2S this weekend. Slightly different car, wouldn't you say? My '99 EX w/ a bunch of options and 16000 miles was "only" worth 14 grand. Kelly blue book and NADA say it's worth 17 grand plus. JOKE!! Needless to say we're still driving it. I'm still having my "roadster dreams", though. What am I gonna do about those?

mckee4 · October 2000

Tend to agree with all previous posts concerning
the 01' RAV4. Dealers will probably be selling
them at MSRP or above until the next wave of
compact SUV's hits ground. Case in point is
the Nissan XTERRA. Couldn't find one for months
below MSRP or above. Now into it's 2nd year, it's
not uncommon ( at least in Houston, Tx. ) to find
20 - 30+ in dealer lots looking pretty. I haven't
checked lately, but I'll bet dealers are loosening
up a bit on price negotiation for the 'X'.

According to my way of thinking ( and I don't
want to dis' anyone's opinion of the 01' RAV4 ),
it is overpriced for the level ( or lack thereof )
of equipment you get.

At this juncture, I'd seriously consider a CRV EX
over the RAV4 AWD ( w/options ) d/t mainly a $ 2K price difference, bottom line.

trinitycargirl · October 2000

Just bought a 2000 Cr-V, my drivers side door began clicking every time I hit a little bump, took it in to the dealer and they fixed it, now i still here a little click everyonce in a while. has anyone else had this problem?

april65 · October 2000

Hi everyone--

thanks for your help on this message board.
I just bought a 2001 silver lx in western new york. the dealers here were tough. I paid $19,332 for the car with floor mats, before tax, title, reg.
Any thoughts on the price?

I plan on purchasing the remote door locks from partscheap. I was also thinking of buying the speakers or leather steering wheel cover. Would i be better off having a local audio store put in new speakers and a cd-player?

I was also considering the wheel locks. can these be bought at a local auto parts store (ib- do they have to be Honda parts?)

I like the vehicle alot, all but the lower back pain.

thanks again.

becwar · October 2000

hammerg,

We traded in our '99 CRV EX w/34,000 miles (for a minivan). The dealer gave us $16,500 for it (it shows as $19,??? on the invoice - the offset for the MSRP above the invoice price). Although, we were there negociating for 5 hours...

crvbuyer · October 2000

Hi,

I just ordered a 2001 CRV-EX, the car has not been delivered yet. One thing I noticed is that the CRV is using bridgestone tires. Although the dealer told me that these tires are not fallen in the "recalled tire" category, I am still a little bit concerned. Just wondering if all the CRVs are using bridgestone tires? Should I be concerned about the safety of those tires?

Thanks,

--crvbuyer

varmit · October 2000

Crvbuyer - The tires that have been recalled are Firestone products. Firestone is owned by Bridgestone, but does not share factories, equipment, or designs. The Bridgestones on your CR-V have been around for a while and shouldn't be a problem.

There is another manufacturer's tire that is used on the CR-V (I can't remember the name), but most people have found that they are noisier than the bridgestones. If you like, you can always buy a set of Pirelli tires aftermarket.

crvbuyer · October 2000

varmit

Thanks a lot for your info.

--crvbuyer

beatfarmer · October 2000

Are BF Goodrich Touring T/A's. Better on road grip than the duelers.

ahuerta · October 2000

Just bout a 2000 CRV EX last week. How exciting!
So far, so good. However, I've noticed that sometimes when I complete a turn - the window wiper lever seems to make a weird noise (like a "click" or "snap"). It's almost as if it were springing back to place after the turn signal lever clicks.

Any ideas? I appreciate any thought or feedback.

rondo74 · October 2000

I'm potentially a few days away from purchasing a silver 2001 CR-V SE. I'm most likely going to have the dealer add front mud guards, passenger armrest, cargo cover, and tweeter kit. Does anyone have any idea what new SEs are going for at this time? MSRP is $22800. I'm hoping to stay under $22K including the aforementioned options... does this sound reasonable? (I'm in the Chicago area)

april65 · October 2000

i don't know about '01 se, but in my looking I was offered a '00 se for 21,300, which I thought was good considering invoice is about 21,000. As for the other dealer add ons, check partscheap.com for prices, and calculate a fair labor price.

hope it helps

ps still wondering if my 19,332 for '01 lx was a good price

varmit · October 2000

Beat - Thanks, I was drawing a blank on the tire brand.

Rondo - From what people have posted here, it sounds like Chicago can be a tough place to get a good deal. Still, under 22K sounds doable to me. Be persistent.

crvdc · October 2000

April 65, how long ago did you buy your CR-V? I too experienced an aching lower back when I first picked up my CRV. I loved it, but missed the lumbar support that I had on my Accord. But, after about a week, the aching went away. I guess my back got used to the seat. But, I haven't made any long trips yet so no idea how that will be. I did post the question in this forum about it and someone referred me to a website that offered a solution... tearing off the seatcover and putting a towel inside and putting the seatcover back on. I'm not about to do that. Didn't receive any other suggestions. Anyone else out there have this problem?

reiner4 · October 2000

Yes.....and though my back got use to it, I found that driving a +/-100 mile daily commute, it needed good some lumbar 'stretchng' ! Just today I bought a dark-grey lumbar support pillow at the local auto parts store for about $8.00(USD), in preparation for an 800 mile rountrip next weekend. Already makes a noticable difference.

Good Luck !

hondaman21 · October 2000

Just thought I'd share another great thing that the CR-V can do. My girlfriend and I both have CR-Vs (hers is a 98 and mine is a 99). We have taken hers to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, etc. and have camped in it! The way that the seats fold down and interlock to form a "bed" is great. We have all of our gear stowed under the seats and in the back. We lay a sleeping bag down on the bed and put one over us, lock the doors and snooze! When morning comes and the tent people crawl out rubbing their arms for warmth, I start the car (very quiet, you know) and turn on the heat! Then I put the driver's seat up and drive to the showers. This is sort of in between a motel and tent camping. This works well especially in bear country or when it rains.
When we were in Montana (before the 75 MPH limit) we were crusing for hours between 90 and 95, with the air on, and still getting around 25 MPG!

I have owned six Honda motorcycles, a 1974 Honda Civic, a 1991 Acura Integra, a Honda lawnmower, and a Honda snowblower. Oh by the way...my ex-wife owned an Acura Integra and now owns a 99 CR-V. Was she influenced? Na!!!!!!

rondo74 · October 2000

I purchased a 2001 CR-V SE (satin silver) today! Added tweeter kit, front mud guards, and wheel locks (I'll probably order the passenger armrest later and install on my own). Varmit - you were right about the tough dealing in the Chicago area market; I couldn't quite get under $22K as I had hoped. Managed to deal down to about $22900 w/destination (base MSRP + dest. is $23240 so I guess I did fairly well?)... Love the car so far; I'm moving up from a 1993 Civic coupe so I'm still getting used to the higher vantage point.

jjazzman · October 2000

I've always been the biggest Honda Fan and thus far I've had 96 Accord, 2000 CR-V and 93 Integra(still a honda)

Old Honda is much much better than the new ones. Last two hondas that i had was nothing but the trouble.. Don't get me wrong I love the way honda cars look but.. YOU must check out Hyundai dealers before you actually decide to buy any car. Have you seen or driven Hyundai lately? They've got the Santa Fe in the show room. I test drove it today when I was buying a Elantra and what a well built truck that is.. for only $22,000 MSRP you get everthing you want in your next mini SUV.. This Santa Fe from Hyundai got me at the touch of the door knob. Feel the difference.. It's not those cheap and thin plastic door knob from Honda. This truck is sooooooooooo SOLID!!!!!! try opening and closing the door.. Now I know... Hyundai..DRIVING IS BELIEVING.. I'm not going to explain all the detils but just go to Hyudai dealership and check them out before you buy CR-V.. I'm planning trading in my CR-V for it..

jjazzman · October 2000

I also had a back pain from 96 Accord and 93 Integra. I don't why I'm keep buying Hondas... I guess I just can't get out of Hondas.. Actually I did finally yesterday buying Elantra and it is much better...

I'm still not used to the lower back pain.. Sitting on CR-V for more than an hour just kills my back.. Any suggestions??

I've seen guys from CR-V EXCHANGE site that they take out the seat cover and put supports in and put the cover back on but.. I don't know if I'm good enough to do things like that..

oldbugger · October 2000

Am I nuts... or what? A cuppla weeks ago I tested a new
2000 crv se. This unit has full blown leather interior (tan) to go with the gold exterior. went back today..it was sold, but the sales guy said no such animal existed. Everything comes with the gray leather interior with the perforated seat. Called the wife who remembers full tan leather. what's going on? help me!

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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