2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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Comments

  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I commute 85 miles round trip on the interstate going 70-75 most of the time (cruise control almost all the wasy). With the '98 V I averaged 23-23.9 miles and with the '02 I'm getting 22-24. Should I expect the mpg to get better as the engine is broken in?

    My '99 EX 5spd consistently gets 25 mpg around town, and 29 mpg on the highway at 65-70 MPH using cruise control.

    Try slowing down to 65 mph (or whatever the posted limit is) for a couple of days and check your fuel use. Slowing to 65 mph from 75 mph over an 85 mile distance will add less than 11 minutes to the trip.

    JM2C
  • crviccrvic Member Posts: 37
    The mpg has more to do with the way you drive the car as opossed to the way you behaved when breaking it in.

    What do you think?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thanks, tidester.

    The next car we buy is hers, and our wish list is rather extensive: AWD, ABS, traction control, stability control, roomy cargo area, 200+hp, good mileage, above average reliability (or at least a long warranty), leather, and a moonroof.

    I think the S6 Avant meets most of those criteria. Anyone know where I can get one for half price? ;-)

    -juice
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    Hmmm. Have you considered a Hyundai Santa Fe? Just wondering.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    All this talk about which manufacturer was first with what is really missing the point, I think.

    If Honda copied something Subaru or whoever brought out first and improved on it, I would buy the Honda if it fit my needs better.
  • beatfarmerbeatfarmer Member Posts: 244
    Time to move up to man to man coverage. Just remember, three puts you into zone coverage. Only way I know to get an S6 for half price it to buy half the car. My choice for family hauler -- minivan.

    Mileage is really a factor of speed with any barndoor class vehicle. If I cruise at 65, I can get 30mpg all day long. If I bump it up to 75, my mileage drops to 25. If fuel use is your biggest concern, slow down a bit.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    The Japanese got to where they are economically basically by copying other people's ideas. The strength of the Japanese is to take other people's ideas and make them better. So it doesn't matter whether Honda copies Subaru or vice versa. In the big picture, they all copy one another, or other people.

    Make a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. You don't have to invent the darn thing.
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    Dealers are in fact going below MSRP for pricing. You just have to know who to contact. What I did was email all the sales depts of local Honda dealers, and wrote that I was willing to buy a CRV LX cash at ~5% over invoice, with no frt/pdi charge. I got about 5 responses from fleet mgrs eager to deal with me. 5% is a bit higher, but I think that this a good compromise from the typical 3% over invoice most bargain hunters try to get as this is a new, high-demand vehicle.

    Some figures (Cdn):
    Honda MSRP: 27,900 (+ frt/pdi)
    Invoice: 26,300
    My price through fleet manager: 27,500

    I'm only paying for the $20 tire fee, $100 a/c fee, and the taxes on top of that.

    So, before taxes, my price on an LX was 27,650.

    Hope that helps...
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    Where did you get the invoice figure from? It seems high in relation to the MSRP. The invoice must be including PDI & freight.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I was a bit disappointed that the Santa Fe's reliability rating was below average. It has a lot going for it, though it's a bit heavy. I'm willing to pay more to get more, basically.

    Actually, beat, one kid means zone (each covers a room). Two kids is man-to-man. 3 kids? Blown coverage!

    We will officialy become SITCOMs (single income, two children oppressive mortgage).

    Vans like the Odyssey and MPV are also on our list, but it's a tough sell for the image-conscious wife. She liked the Kia Sedona but turned it down strictly based on the brand name. I like the Ody but tranny trouble on early models along with a higher price (vs. MPV) has me hesitant.

    We'll check out a CR-V, too, but I hope by then an SE is offered with 16" wheels, traction and stability control, maybe more power, etc.

    -juice
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    Gotta tell the wife SITCOMS cannot be image-conscious :) Only DINKS (double income no kids)can afford to do that.
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    I had to scroll back to see what all the kiddie talk is about. Congrats Juice!! I look forward to reading your posts from 2am while you're up with another infant. =)
  • SpyponderSpyponder Member Posts: 128
    =)
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    Just picked up my 2002 CRV LX in silver today. Been driving around town and after the first 100 K's, I'm very impressed. The tranny is very smooth, and off a standstill you get going fast with out even realizing. Driving it is so silky, and I often had to slow down as it's pretty easy to speed.

    I hadn't test-driven the vehicle before buying it, so that was a first in itself for me. No regrets though, as I'm very happy with it. My main alternative vehicle was a Forester, but I was hesitant as there's a redesign next year that'll kill an 02 model's resale.

    I love the sound of the doors. A nice solid Euro-like thud when closing.

    I got keyless remote, front mudguards, and a cargo cover all at cost.

    I do wish the rear tire cover were a little snazzier, though. The hard cover is a little over the top as far as looks go, so I'll be looking for another option...

    May add the Bose subwoofer and tweater kit in the next month or so.

    Oh yeah,.... wooohoooo!!!!
  • cshall123cshall123 Member Posts: 1
    My dealer 'promised' to sell me any accessories I wanted to add to my new CR-V EX at dealer cost (I paid MSRP for the vehicle). Now he says the prices listed on the Honda web site as "suggested retail" are his cost and that is what he is trying to charge me. For instance, the door visors are $139 and the moon roof visor is $79. I have found these items on other Honda dealer web sites for much less. Does anyone know where I can find out the true dealer cost of these and other accessories such as the security system? I can't believe this one dealership has to pay a higher dealer cost than anyone else.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    Yesterday your dealer said he wasn't able to deliver because of the seatbelt issue, and TODAY, 24 hours or less later, you've got the car? Was he out to lunch initially or did Honda somehow come through super-quick?
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    Marky Mark & the funky bunch were a huge letdown...

    Yeah, official Cdn release date was Dec. 1st. That came and went as the seatbelt fix kits were not at dealers as of last Saturday. ETA was for Tuesday, but the kits hadn't shown up by mid-afternoon yesterday. My dealer was optimistic for today, and the kits arrived at noon here in Vancouver. So, he wasn't out to lunch. I, being a bus-taking, impatient customer, was just vocal in my complaining ;)
  • bfyerxabfyerxa Member Posts: 78
    I just ordered my 2002 EX 5 spd yesterday (it just arrived at the dealer - hope to get it today or tomorrow!). I asked the sales person about the seat belt recall and he said they were fixed before being shipped to the dealers in Canada, i.e., either in Vancouver or Toronto (I'm in Ottawa). We test drove an EX auto almost 2 weeks ago so either they fixed them at port or we were driving around in an unsafe vehicle.

    I guess you guys on the left coast got your Vs early enough to be affected by the recall at the dealer.
  • dudkadudka Member Posts: 451
    how about a4 1.8T? it is under $30K, and has almost 200 hp get an avant and you can hauld some stuff. Or VW passat vr6 4motion, i think it is a little over $30K
  • thornthorn Member Posts: 91
    Subaru makes fine cars. I applaud their spunk and their ability to avoid direct competition by targeting niches, a strategy advanced after their near-death experience in the early 1990's. Subaru obviously has a devoted following.


    I remember reading some time ago in the Washington Post how Subaru was advancing its niche strategy in a way that shows their spunk. I found the WP article at its site, but you have to pay to retrieve it. Doing another search, I found it here:

    http://www.warroom.com/gaysubaru.htm


    And no, I am not being funny. A huge industry shakeout is expected during the next several years/decade. Some see only the strongest "independents" like Honda and BMW surviving w/o being amalgamated into other, larger organizations. Some may deserve to go the way of the dinosaur, but for others, that would be a shame.


    Subaru and its fans show they may beat those odds (ok, so GM did take a piece). When I see what happened to another innovative - among the most innovative - automaker, it makes me cringe at the prospect of further industry consolidation.


    I remember Citroen from my first summer in France. That was when they had the SM and just introduced a marvelous replacement for the DS, the CX, I believe. They still made the Deux Cheveaux and its variants, like the Ami. They were alternatively delightful and bizarre. And they were good. Really good.


    Two nights ago on Speedvision I saw an example of the most recent Citroen and it was a crying shame. The consolidation with Peugeot had ruined all the Citroen character. It could have been the latest Renault Appliance. It may have been good too but it looked like a rental car, not some outrageous spaceship you would have expected from the makers of the DS.


    All car buyers profit by Subaru's independent existence so I hope for their continued success.

  • thornthorn Member Posts: 91
    Do the seats of the new CR-V still fold down into "beds"?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We used to be DINKs. Those were the good ol' days financially.

    Hey, 2 kids means the wider back seat in the CR-V would be a plus, given the nanny squeezes in the middle some times. I just wish Honda would offer more content (heated seats, traction control, stability control, leather, etc).

    dudka: A4 is tiny. In that size class, I'd pick the WRX in a heartbeat. Wife said it's too small (I was majorly bummed).

    Passat 4Motion is nice, as is the Outback VDC, but the wife doesn't really want a wagon (I do). She doesn't think the Forester, CR-V, RAV4, Highlander look like wagons, so they're OK. We definitely want something car-based, not a truck. Highlander is closest to offering all the features we want, but I want to see the new Forester and maybe wait until prices drop a bit.

    After Martina became spokesperson for the Forester, people joked that it became the car for lesbians. I can assure you than I am not a lesbian. Sorry to dissappoint! ;-)

    GM wanted Subaru for the Chevy Borrego, and for the AWD technology. Subaru will supposedly only get hybrid electric technology from GM. I have my doubts, though. The Traviq sold in Japan is a rebadged Opel, and doesn't even offer AWD. The 2005 big SUW may go on the GM Epsilon platform, which IMO means it won't be a real Subaru - a shame because I could use a roomy vehicle like that.

    But partnerships are inevitable. Honda will use Isuzu diesels in Europe, and has rebadged those here. It's just a reality in the current market - you have to share costs to survive.

    -juice
  • tmanmiatatmanmiata Member Posts: 79
    Congratulation!!! I am just catching up on the messages. SITCOM. That's a good one, never heard of that before. Hope your wife will let you keep the Miata.

    Terry
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Oh no way, the Miata stays. It becomes more and more practical as time goes on! I commute and run quick errands in it (it's been over 70 degrees lately and the top is down every day).

    The Forester will remain our work horse, but her 626 is getting long in the tooth and will soon be due for replacement.

    -juice
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Thorn - The '02 CR-V has a lounge chair rather than the true bed found in earlier models. The seats up front still fold back to meet the rear seats, but you can no longer tilt the rear seat up to lower the 2nd row completely flat. The result is a flat surface from the rear seat cushion forward, but the rear seatback only drops to a 45% angle.
  • SpyponderSpyponder Member Posts: 128
    Sounds like a Craftmatic Automatic Adjustable Bed

    Without the "automatic" and the free TV.
  • hcmmikehcmmike Member Posts: 19
    I picked up my 2002 EX last night and drove it to work this a.m. The speedometer doesn't have the gradations I'm used to, i.e. the numbering runs 20 mph, 40 mph, 60 mph, etc. and there isn't a lot of room between even those numbers. When I was going at what I think was 55 mph, it seemed awful slow, especially in comparison to the other cars around me. I had to get up to about 80 on the speedometer before I was going as fast as the surrounding traffic on the highway. Until yesterday, I drove a Mazda 626 with a 6 cylinder. I can't believe my senses would be that far off...has anybody heard about problems with miscalibrated speedomoters on the CR-V's?
  • thornthorn Member Posts: 91
    Honda is introducing a new SUV in January, reportedly a Honda version of the MDX.


    As for Isuzu, I read that Honda was more or less told by the Japanese government that it had to help Isuzu stay afloat by selling the Passport and the Acura whatever it was. They were never up to Honda standards and people knew it.


    As for the diesels, Europeans demand them in ever greater numbers. I tried to buy a Jetta TDI two years ago (when gas was lower than today) but couldn't get delivery because they limit imports.


    As for costs, Honda sets the industry standard for efficiency - their costs of tooling up are about half what the best of the rest can manage:

    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-12-05-honda.htm

  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Spy - Yep, there's no automatic function. But if you install an aftermarket DVD in the dash, you'd have your own drive in. =)

    hcmmike - Hmmm... I didn't notice with either of my test drives. I've never heard of a significant problem with the 96-01 models (some have reported 2-3mph variance). Maybe your Mazda was off? =)
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    Heh, never had this in any of my domestics... ;)

    Driving my new CRV in the Vancouver rain this morning, I noticed something odd. I could feel the wiper blade movement in the brake pedal - meaning the click of the wiper motor starting, and the click at the end of each stroke.

    Weird. Is is possible for the fit of components to be too tight???

    Nitpick, nitpick, nitpick...
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    No, this is one of Honda's new technologies. To save on parasitic losses in the powertrain, Honda has reduced the drain of the wiper motors. When any power appliance is operated, it drains power from the engine. This is most notable with the A/C. Honda has created wiper motors that have "power assist". The new CR-V is the first vehicle to make use of these. Wipers are now pedal-powered, with an automatic assist. The "click" you are feeling in the brake pedal was designed to help you keep a consistent pace while your foot operates the wipers. Just keep pumping the brake in time with the "click" and keep your forward vision clear.

    I believe this was introduced with Honda's new slogan, "Powered by Dreams". But in this case, the engineer had a foot fetish.
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    This is great for stop-and-go traffic, varmit. But what about when I'm out on the freeway...

    Heh
  • beatfarmerbeatfarmer Member Posts: 244
    would annoy the heck out of the drivers behind you.
  • hcmmikehcmmike Member Posts: 19
    I picked up my 2002 EX last night and drove it to work this a.m. The speedometer doesn't have the gradations I'm used to, i.e. the numbering runs 20 mph, 40 mph, 60 mph, etc. and there isn't a lot of room between even those numbers. When I was going at what I think was 55 mph, it seemed awful slow, especially in comparison to the other cars around me. I had to get up to about 80 on the speedometer before I was going as fast as the surrounding traffic on the highway. Until yesterday, I drove a Mazda 626 with a 6 cylinder. I can't believe my senses would be that far off...has anybody heard about problems with miscalibrated speedomoters on the CR-V's?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    hcmmike:
    You might want to try going (indicated) 80 mph in your CRV in a 55-60 mph zone when a cop is around. He will give you the closest actual speed reading unless ofcourse the speedometer is that far off. :)

    Alternatively, note odometer reading to start with, drive for 15 minutes at 60 mph, and see if the odometer has 15 miles added to it or not, the best way to determine accuracy.
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Speedo accuracy: Try a GPS. It's not perfect, but it's easy to do. Just take as straight a path as possible.
  • marky777marky777 Member Posts: 24
    Is it possible that all the cars around you were speeding? I know, inconceivable, but it could be true ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Interesting, Mike, my wife has a 626 V6 we'll eventually trade it in, too. Do you miss the extra pep from the V6?

    Grab a buddy and two FRS radios (cheaper and more common than GPS). Follow each other and use the radio to read out speeds. If one is off, I'd get it recalibrated.

    I'm sure a lot of people are looking forward to the Honda version of the MDX, but that's just it. There will be a wait, full MSRP prices, dealer arrogance, who knows. I'll give it a shot, but an Ody with leather is $28,690 (about our limit), so an SUV would add to that. And a 3/36 warranty is short for version 1.0, so it's risky. The first year Ody had a weak tranny and problematic door latches. We'll see.

    Speaking of DVD players, my notebook is 12.5" wide, will that fit between the front seats of the CR-V (or the Odyssey for that matter)?

    -juice
  • hcmmikehcmmike Member Posts: 19
    ateixeira- I haven't driven the CR-V enough to tell yet - it seems "peppy" enough on the highway.

    marky777- I'm SURE everybody around me was speeding - that's a given. Still, I didn't think 55 felt like 55 and 80 certainly didn't feel like 80.

    robertsmx- thanks for the advice- actually I used to prosecute speeders and now that I'm in private practice, I sometimes have to take care of tickets for clients - I don't want to have to do that for myself, however:)
  • sluglineslugline Member Posts: 391
    Hcmmike, before owning your CR-V, did you have much experience with vans, pickup trucks, etc.? As a driver is seated higher up off the ground, the sense of velocity is progressively "dulled" at any given speed. An extreme example of this is looking out the window of an airplane -- as you watch the scenery slip by, it doesn't feel like you're moving hundreds of miles per hour. (Some anti-SUV people contend that this shift in perception encourages SUV owners to speed.)
    This is something to consider if your speedometer tests out OK, and you're still wondering where the speed went. :)
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    ateixeira:
    The 2002 Odyssey seems to be sharing its (5-speed automatic) transmission with the MDX. But I have not heard about any problem with Odyssey's original transmission, atleast not from the couple of guys in my team that have one.
  • dkerbowdkerbow Member Posts: 5
    Just picked up the CR-V this evening. Quiet a transition from a Civic! The process with a local Chicago dealer was so straightforward that I'm still a bit incredulous. I went through the internet department and was actually offer a price that was below the $21,040 invoice that I had seen at other sites on the net. I placed a deposit 2 weeks ago and now the keys are in my pocket. I'd be glad to provide details for anyone interested. E-mail me directly at d-kerbow@uchicago.edu
  • hcmmikehcmmike Member Posts: 19
    yes, my wife drives a 1998 Town & Country minivan - I know what you mean and I agree there is a difference between the CR-V and my "low" 626. I tried to account for that but I still feel something is off. This weekend, my wife and I will "race" each other so I can see how my speedometer registers. If it is accurate, i'm definitely going to have to watch myself since I already have a heavy foot.
  • dcwong1dcwong1 Member Posts: 54
    What's the best dealer to deal with in the Chicagoland area? I am looking for an EX - how much are dealers willing to negotiate below the invoice price?

    Does Honda give you loaner cars if your car is in service?
  • artdechoartdecho Member Posts: 337
    check out this "Canadian Driver" link for a full raod test:

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/02cr-v.htm

    Generally positive and shows acceleration times better or on par with the V6 competition.
  • bfyerxabfyerxa Member Posts: 78
    We are getting our 2002 EX 5 speed on Monday (can't wait!). We originally test drove the auto, and compared with the V6 Escape is was noticeably less "peppy". Although quiet and smooth, I was a little disappointed. We then test drove the 5 speed the other day and it was much better. The 5 speed ratios are actually quite close together, and the motor can pull 2nd and 3rd at low speed quite nicely, yet rev out well to get that extra "oomph" when needed.

    The catch is that the 5 speed is actually geared lower than the auto, i.e., 5th gear spins the motor more than top gear in the auto (hence the lower gas mileage in the manual). Fortunately the motor is so smooth and quiet I find running at 4-5K rpm not a problem.

    I am glad I am getting the manual (my wife actually demanded it). It is much more fun to drive and given how scarce they are they should be valuable (to the right person) down the road.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    A good review overall for the CR-V.

    A couple points:
    1. They neglect to mention the 0-100km/h time for the V-6 Escape. The V-6 Escape has tested 0-60mph in the low 8's so it is noticeably quicker than the CR-V, albeit at the cost of fuel mileage.

    2. The CR-V's RT4WD is classified as being merely "adequate" and inferior to the RAV-4 and Subaru AWD systems. Many consumers fail to understand this differentiation and tend to treat all 4WD systems as "equals". The degree too which this matters depends on the amount and type of driving done on rain/snow/ice covered roads.

    If Nissan ever brings the X-Trail over to North America, Honda, Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Saturn, Toyota, Suzuki, Jeep, etc will definitely have something to worry about.
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    I think "adequate" is all most SUV owners will ever need, as they are not going to take their vehicles seriously off-road. They don't really need to understand the difference between part-time v. full-time AWD; to them it is of no real consequence, especially when the part-time system is FWD the rest of the time.
  • jfavourjfavour Member Posts: 105
    I had to go back and re-read the previous posts to see that Juice is having another baby soon. I just wanted to say congrats. My wife and I are also expecting our second child in May 2002. So I am also in the market for a larger family vehicle. That is why I monitor this board. I currently have a 2000 Accord Sedan and a 1995 Integra Coupe. The Acura has about 90k and runs great, but doesn't work well as a family car. Bending and stretching to place a child seat back there is getting harder and harder as I get older. So I am hoping to take delivery of a 2002 CR-V this month (Silver EX).

    My wife also says no to vans and station wagons, yet somehow loves the look of SUV's. Interestingly, she claims one of the reasons she wants a SUV is to get higher seats for placing the kids in the car without bending and stretching. I guess it is getting harder for her as she gets older too.
  • beatfarmerbeatfarmer Member Posts: 244
    is more than acceptable for most situations. Having driven extensively on rain/snow/ice covered and dry/sandy/unimproved roads with a CR-V I can personally attest to the effectivness of the system. Is it the best system out there? No. Is it effective? Yes.
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