2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

varmit · January 2002

Juice, you can't buy a Pilot. Spyponder is looking at one and, unless Toyota does something nifty with the Highlander, I may be looking at one in a few years. What will the three of us have to fight over?

Actually, if there were no other cars on the road, driving a Miata in the snow could be a lot of fun (don't try this at home kids).

rph2 · January 2002

I also have a slight vibration in the steering wheel on my week old '02 at the speeds you mentioned. But I also noticed it when I test drove a different 02 CRV on the highway a few weeks ago, so I figured it was a quirk on all 02 CR-V's, not just mine.

I haven't tried revving in in park to see if I feel the vibration then, but if I think of it I'll do so tomorrow. Perhaps it just does this at certain RPM's.

Rob

ateixeira · January 2002

varmit: which color is best? ;-)

Kyle: could it be a bad engine mount?

Snow is on the way for us, so anyone considering the Pine Barrens trip gets a nice bonus. It should be nice and messy for you.

-juice

dgiovanni · January 2002

I'd like to read some gas milage numbers from the 2002 CRV owners out there. And for anyone who owned an older CRV is the new i-VTEC engine that much better on gas?

atuzai · January 2002

My one month new 2002 CR-V has a slight vibration in the steering wheel too. it happens between 68-73mph, other speed all are fine.
not a big problem for me, i usually drive 75 at freeway and below 60 at local.

For gas milage, my average is 26 for total 2500mi. that is 60/40 mix of freeway and local on LX 2WD.

Has anyone installed cargo cover on 2002 CR-V? How is that? Is that easy to remove when need more cargo space?

varmit · January 2002

Juice - Navi vs. DVD?

Dgiovanni - I routinely get between 24-27 mpg out of my '99 5 speed. My average over the past 2.5 years is 25.3 mpg.

To answer your question, yes, the new i-VTEC is a more fuel efficient engine than the previous B20 variant in the original CR-V. However, the '02 body is bit heavier and it's geared to allow for more relaxed cruising and take advantage of the additional low end torque. So the car only earns a 22-26 mpg range while the older model had a 22-25 range.

scname · January 2002

I'm getting 23.5 mpg on my 02EX auto with 1200 miles, 80% city. I got like 28 mpg on the highway at 74 miles per hour on one test run. Tire prssure 26 to 29 psi depending on temperature.

No vibrations in steering wheel. No loose seats. No rattle.

ateixeira · January 2002

DVD all the way. I don't need no stinkin' directions from a machine. I bet you'll want the Navi now! ;-)

Actually, I'd continue to use my notebook computer for the DVD. The screen is 14.1" and it's free. What I would like is for a center console wide enough to rest the notebook on (I would secure it, but I need the space). So far only minivans and big SUVs seem to have room.

The XC90 looks interesting, too, but I bet it'll be priced to compete with the MDX. Volvo's built-in child booster seats are extremely clever.

What else? Chrysler Pacifica would be interesting if it weren't for the built-in defect of being a Chrysler product.

-juice

storyteller · January 2002

for coming up with good car concepts. It's just too bad they don't then hand them off to Toyota to build. :-)

steve

zops · January 2002

15 Gallon tank, right.

mam9 · January 2002

Is there some new car rule that says you change the oil after the first 1000 miles? For some reason this is in my head. Just finished the 500-mile break-in period. Normally I go in every 3000 miles.

slugline · January 2002

It's interesting to see that Honda claims that they have squeezed more mpg from the 2WD CR-V (23/28) versus the 4WD CR-V (22/26), both with automatic transmissions. Even more interesting is that the automatic is more frugal on gas than its manual counterpart (21/25) -- how often do you see that? The previous generation was rated 22/25 across all trim levels and transmissions. Any guesses as to what happened?

zops: Honda says that the CR-V's tank holds 15.3 gallons -- same as the previous CR-V.

juice: Please tell us how we can get free notebook computers too.

Spyponder · January 2002

I don't like taking directions from nobody, but the navi IS cool. I sometimes wish I had shelled out the extra couple of grand for it on my CL.

...and color is no argument - silver all the way

Varmit - I'm hosting some Raider fans over my place to watch the playoff game tomorrow nite - my Pats better come through for me, or its gonna get ugly at the Spyponder household!

varmit · January 2002

Sorry Spyponder, no sympathies here. I'm one of those New Englanders who understands that the Pats are over-rated.

Slugline - For the first couple years (97-98), the original 2WD CR-V was rated for 22-26 mpg. I guess they thought that the lower weight would make it more fuel efficient. Later on they repealed that and reduced it to the same 22-25 rating as the other models.

As for the manual vs auto differences... typically a 5 speed manual tranny will get better mpg because the extra gear is higher than the highest gear in the auto. The CR-V is weird in that it's geared the opposite way. So the auto runs a more fuel efficient lower rpm at highway speeds. (At least that's how it's supposed to work). In real life, most of us 5 speeders got better mpg averages than the EPA estimates predicted.

varmit · January 2002

Mam9 - Go with what your manual tells you to do. I've got a feeling that 1,000 miles is way too soon.

Spy/Juice - I'd consider navi for the Pilot. I opted not to get it for our TL because we drive that car locally. When we take a longer trip (to places where we might need directions), it tends to be in the CR-V. We need the truck to haul other people or our stuff. So navi for the Pilot is a possibility.

king32 · January 2002

Am mostly very happy with my new 02 CRV (EX, auto). .
It is smooth, comfortable and reasonably quiet, though some freeway pavement can be noisier. Love the moonroof, 6-cd changer, keyless entry/powerlocks. Still getting used to(right-rear) visibility when changing lanes. Haven't had a snow test yet. (I can feel the intermittent wipers in the brake pedal when stopped at a light - no other unusual sounds or vibrations that others have mentioned. )

My primary concern is the mileage. I began to consider suvs when small, more fuel efficient ones arrived - and thought Honda would be a good choice in this respect.

Reading this board, it seems some are getting the est. 22-28 mpg.
I'm almost at 1200 miles, and my last fill-up showed 19 mpg.
It's mostly gotten 20 mpg - up to 25 for 1 tank-full that was mainly highway.

I'm driving more conservatively than I did with my old manual trans. jetta.
I don't leave the defogger on much, because it uses AC. Haven't checked the tire pressure.

Anyone else seeing this low mpg ? Any ideas on how to get better mileage?
thanks for any info.

Spyponder · January 2002

I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder. You want hype? To listen to the media around here, the Raiders are going to walk into Foxboro and lay the smack-down. I hope it doesn't happen. The Pats at least earned their way into the playoffs with a strong run at the end of the season, while the Raiders foundered after a strong first half.

In any case, I think whoever wins is going to run into a wall in Pittsburgh...

On topic, I'm starting to see more and more '02 CR-V's around the Bay Area. They are very sharp-looking (especially the silver!)

slugline · January 2002

It was one of the lighter colors -- hard to tell since it was dark, but the taillights left no question as to the vehicle type. 'Twas too bad that it was pulled over by Houston Police at the time, though. Scname, that wasn't you busted on the Sam Houston Parkway, was it?

ateixeira · January 2002

DCX says $25k, and it'll have leather, AWD, and a 3.5l V6. So it'll go head-to-head with the $25-30k Honda Pilot. Boy, that's a toughie!

Oh, man, I like silver, I should've called it! ;-)

I actually like the blue, if they put that on the Pilots.

Subaru won't have its big crossover until 2005. Nissan will have a new Quest, but it looks bizarre. Toyota's Highlander is nice but seats just 5.

It's funny that Honda sits on the sidelines for years, pitching Isuzus, and then still comes in with a solid offering.

-juice

dkerbow · January 2002

My only disappointment with the new CR-V is the gas mileage. Getting 18-19 mpg in 90% city driving (or better description inner-city Chicago driving). This with easy acceleration. Perhaps the lower than rated average is to be expected but still disheartening.

But, got 27-29 mpg on a highway trip!

carguy62 · January 2002

My guess is your in town mileage will improve a bit as the engine breaks in (I get the best mileage ever on my old Accord). The fact that you got such good mileage on the highway says the potential is there.

So did you get a chance to try out the 4WD in that massive snow we had the other day? LOL

atthebeach · January 2002

The lowest mpg to date at 3200 miles is 21.7 and that was all in the snow and ice for two days with the defrost on (A/C). My highest mileage is 27.9 on the highway and most of the time it has been around 24ish in combo driving. I do like the feel of the 2nd cam lobe coming on at 4500 rpm so all of my driving is not "lite" on the gas pedal. My green EX sure looks good in snow covered mountains, went to West Virginia last week-end and we got about 6 inches of snow-fun.

Dave

[Deleted User] · January 2002

King32 mentioned he doesn't leave the defogger on much since it uses AC.

It's true that the AC automatically turns on with the defroster setting, but you don't have to keep it running. Simply hit the AC switch after it turns on with the defogger, and it will shut off (This is true with the <'02 series, but I'm assuming it's the same with the '02).

The defroster will continue to defrost the windshield, it just won't remove the humidity from the cabin.

I usually leave the AC on long enough to remove extra moisture from the cabin, then turn it off to conserve fuel and refrigerant.

Ty

inkie · January 2002

The cargo cover is very easy to install, you remove plastic caps on either side of the linings put some plastic adhesive tape in the recessed areas and insert one end in and depress the other end. Then you attach roll covers to headrest. I took the headrest off and slid the shaft threw the plastic holders. [Easy directions supplied.] To store, you remove lower plastic caps and store the cover there. It lines up with the bottom of the door. It works very well for me anything I put in the back with the cover in the closed position cannot be seen.

geoleomax · January 2002

Your MPG should improve significantly when the weather warms up. Living in Chicago and having tracked my MPG for years, I have always noticed a significant drop in MPG during the cold winter weather.

Your highway mileage is an indication of good mpg ahead for you. Highway trips are usually longer and allow the engine to fully warm up for most of the trip. Your city mileage probably reflects shorter trips where your engine spends a great portion of the trip warming up or does not have a chance to fully warm up at all.

Then again, in heavy Chicago traffic I would not expect to achieve good mpg. You are either sitting and idling or accelerating and then immediately braking again. The city MPG ratings don't really anticipate the kind of heavy traffic you see in the Chicago city neighborhoods.

rburnard · January 2002

tyguy: That is no longer true with the 02's. If you have it set to either of the defrost settings the AC comes on and can't be turned off unless you pick a different setting.

diploid · January 2002

Just like we told him to...Corey went and done did a CR-V vs. Aztek thread.

damsel2 · January 2002

YES!! You are not alone. Our driver's seat rocks ever so slightly from time to time. We have it in the second to last position (back). Didn't they have to remove, or at least undo, the seats to fix the seatbelt problem? Could it be that they didn't bolt seat down tight enough afterwards?? I too didn't think about taking it to the dealer right off the bat, but I've changed my mind. Anyone else notice this? Any other suggestions as to what may be causing the rocking. (P.S. If I grab the seat bottom--and rock-- I can recreate the problem.) As a whole, I wish the 02's seats were more substantial--Otherwise, very happy.

angelica2 · January 2002

Yes, I too have this problem ! My front seat rocks very slightly and I've narrowed the motion to the right front section of the front seat. I had leather installed and thought maybe they didn't re-install the seats properly. I had the installers re-check the seat and they assured me that the seat was attached to the rails securely. I think the problem is in the construction of the seat. At first this problem was high on my annoying list, but when I noticed the mystery "clicking noise" in my steering column I didn't feel the seat issue was that big of a problem. I'm taking the car to the dealer tomorrow to have the hard wheel cover installed and I will have them check out the seat issue. I'll post the findings.

angelica2 · January 2002

Thanks for the responses I received regarding my "clicking noise." It appears that the dealers are jumping to conclusions re: my complaint. NO, I haven't driven another new 2002-CRV, but I plan to do that this weekend. One response thought it could be my alarm/lojack system. I wouldn't know if this caused the problem because I didn't drive the car before they installed the system (which may have been a mistake on my part). The noise is still there and even more annoying knowing that other 2002 CRV owners are not experiencing this so-called vehicle "characteristic" as described by the dealer. The dealer indicated that all 2002 CRV have this noise. I will continue my research report back with an update.

angelica2 · January 2002

What is the Pacifica ???

stever · January 2002

It's a wagon: Chrysler Pacifica.

Right? A wagon? (Ignore the minivan chassis).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

[Deleted User] · January 2002

Dooh! Thanks for the info, rburnard. I guess there's two things I don't like about the new CR-V now: exterior styling changes and no control over the defrost/AC. I like all the other changes, though!

Ty

isellhondas · January 2002

Air conditioning does not "use" refrigerant. It will last forever unless you have a leak.

and for those who worry about the effect on gas mileage....I seriously doubt if you could measure the difference. Modern cars use small and efficient compressors unlike those that were made 30 years ago.

h1vc · January 2002

Have you guys with the new crvs had problems with the defroster not removing the frost? My friends 99 or 00's defroster only clears about half of the windshield and a little of the front windows and nothing esle? How are the new defrosters? Thanks.

isellhondas · January 2002

But our 2000 SE works just fine. Same as a 99.

Something could be amiss.

h1vc · January 2002

WHere do you live and how cold does it get? Our two other friends with old accords have worse problems, the defroster will only get about 3-4 inches of the windshield. Hope they fixed it for 02. Thanks

wyoreb · January 2002

hello all

i've been a back bencher on the crv page for the past few weeks as i try to hone in on a car choice. special thanks to the regular attenders and to the edmunds hosts...you all are tremendously helpful and even a bit entertaining.

i'm looking for a commuter vehicle that can 1) fit my large 6'4" frame, 2)occasionally haul my 2 6' kids around, and 3) handle some occasional on-road snowy driving and weekend trips to the mountains.

thus far, i've narrowed to the crv with the forester being a distant second. the current back seat of the forester disqualifies it due to reason #2; however, i am intrigued by what subaru will do with the '03. we had a subie back in the 80's, and the thing was bulletproof.

hope you can help me sift through some questions about the '02 crv:

1. how can you tell if the 4wd system is engaged? is there an indicator light? is there any extra noise from the rear wheels?

2. given our tall frames, i've pretty much ruled out the EX because of the reduced headroom with the sunroof. the only feature that i would really miss is the tinted glass, which makes the V's so much better looking! has anyone out there had good or bad experiences with aftermarket tinting? a local dealer wanted about $250 for it, which i didn't think was that bad. they apparently apply the tint to the inside of the window? does it scrach? peel after several years?

3. is adding keyless entry a dealer no-brainer aftermarket?

4. i'd prefer a car with the spare tire inside and out of the way. that is not the case with the V. the leather cover on some of the older V's are kinda faded and ratty, which detracts. what colors do the hard covers come in? what would match best with the satin silver metallic?

5. has anyone had any good/bad experiences with northern front range honda dealers (denver north to cheyenne)?

thanks...looking forward to shared experiences with the V.

eric102 · January 2002

I'm 6'3" and was shopping the CRV and Subaru also. I found the CRV seating position was to cramped for my build, mainly the leg room. Maybe the seat could be modified. I ended up with an Outback for about the same price as the EX, it just fit me better. Good luck, Eric

bajie1 · January 2002

Hi,
I have followed this board for three months.
Today I finally bought a CRV. The price is
pretty good, 750 over invoice. The only thing
makes me not very comfortable is that there is
already 80 miles on the V. But what can i say?
The car i did my test drive may be bought by
another unhappy guy for the same reason.

I also added a remote keyless entry with 299$ and
was offered a 6.99% loan rate for 4 years.

Can't wait to be seated in the car now.
Thank you guys for all the inputs. I will
get you updated.

bajie

wyoreb · January 2002

thanks for sharing your thoughts. my initial thought in car shopping was the outback, but the sharp roof angle had me ducking to get into the car and looking into the visor unless i slumped down into the seat. glad it worked for you, though. i've taken one test drive in the V, and it seemed to have good headroom and visibility. i'll have to go drive it again and check out the legroom issue.

slugline · January 2002

I'm a 2000 EX owner; I think I can tackle everything but #5 for you. . . .

1) There is no indicator light for RT4WD It's really not that sophisticated of a system, being completely hydraulic and not computer-driven. So all you honestly can expect is feeling the "kick in the rear" when your front wheels slip.

2) Quality of aftermarket tint depends on the installer. Be aware that dealerships frequently farm out tint work to independent shops. My CR-V had all glass (except windshield) done for $200 last year at a shop who has been in business in Houston for 25 years. It's been flawless so far and they are backing their work with a lifetime warranty. I hope you can find something similar.

3) Check out the bottom of this page: http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvelect02.html

4) Satin Silver Metallic was an available color for the CR-V SE in 2001. Its factory cover should match perfectly, but it has a list price of a few hundred dollars. I suggest acquiring any hard cover that attracts your fancy and having a body shop paint it for approximately $70 or so.

jquant · January 2002

I installed my side steps on my 2002 CRV LX. I also put on the leather wrap steering wheel cover. My keyless entry was very easy to install too. I have the cargo cover and net in the back too. I have factory alarm waiting to be installed and fog lights. I highly recommend all these accessories from hparts.com for the price and service. You can check out www.handa-accessories.com for pictures and installation instructions. All my accessories cost me about $1000 which is well worth it. Keyless entry was $88 and too easy to have the dealer charge you to do it. I have pics if anyone wants to see.

varmit · January 2002

Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall of the Spyponder residence right now.

Congrats Spy. The Pats have lived up to their hype.

varmit · January 2002

Wyoreb - As noted by Slugline, there is no indicator. As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you drive it like a FWD car. When the system is needed, it kicks in.

I went for a short drive and had fun playing in the snow this evening. (If you were watching the Pats vs Raiders game, you saw my backyard.) This is how I would describe the action of RT4WD. To engage the rear axle, I give it a bit more gas than necessary. When I feel the front wheels slip, I give it a bit more gas. This keeps the front wheels from regaining traction, yet the CR-V is still pushing forward with no noticeable loss of momentum. There is no "kick in the rear" unless I really stomp on the gas.

You may find that legroom for the driver is lacking in the '02 CR-V. It's not bad, but for exceptionally tall folks, there is potential for a problem. I'm 6'1" and fit comfortably, but I had the seat set all the way back. There's more legroom in my '99.

mercenary · January 2002

I have had this problem before and not with a Honda but with a Nissan Altima. It took over a year and 3 trips to the shop to get it fixed. It started out the same way, that it was the stearing shaft etc... Or they could not find it and I was crazy. But every time I stoped or moved from a stop there it was a click, and some times you could feel it in the stearing wheel. Anyhow what it turned out to be was a slight problem in the mounting of the airbag of the wheel. I drove a 2002 crv last night and did not feel it, but the problem does sound very close to what I saw in my other car so maybe thats it or maybe if it just they car... Who knows. One thing I know is that I will go and drive some more crvs and see if I see it again.

jyeung · January 2002

jquant,

I has an 02 LX also, and am planning to get the keyless and security system from hparts.com. Can you give me some details on the keyless/alarm installation? All plug-in connectors and/or did you have to remove many panels...etc? Did it come with installation detail instructions?

Let me know...Thanks!

theracoon · January 2002

You can find the instructions here:

http://www.handaaccessories.com/crv/02CRVSECURITY.pdf

angelica2 · January 2002

Regarding your questions on the rear tire cover. I purchased the package which included the tire cover, front mud flaps, cargo net, and wheel locks. I just had the tire cover installed yesterday because it was not yet available when I purchased the vehicle in mid-December. When I ordered the cover I was expecting a hard cover as in previous models that would match the color of the vehicle (black in my case). I was wrong. The cover is color coded to match the molding/cladding. The circumference is still black vinyl and the front facing portion is a hard plastic with an embossed CRV logo (no decals). The color looks like a dark graphite gray. I think it looks better than the standard issue, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I was told by the dealer that there is no choice in colors at this point. Actually, I think that the color would look nice with the silver metallic. Good luck.

angelica2 · January 2002

Thanks for your response re: my clicking noise. I took it back to the dealer yesterday and they insisted it was the "auto shifter celliniod." The technician insisted that he drove several other V's and they did the same thing. I wanted to drive another EX, but they didn't have any on the lot. It's hard to find one to drive because most of them are pre-sold before the hit the dealer lots. The problem is exactly as you described, I hear it in the steering column and feel it in the steering wheel. He demonstrated that when the vehicle is in park and you step on the brake pedal you the auto shift engaging (because you can't move the shifter unless you press the brake). He also told me that most auto shifters are on the floor board and you don't hear the clicking noise and now that they have placed the shifter on the dash the sound is more now pronounced. I told that didn't make sense because the previous models had the shifter on the column a few inches from where it is now. They are trying real hard to chalk this clicking noise problem up to a characteristic. But thanks to the responses I've received on this site, I will continue to question it and find out the problem. Thanks again, let me know if you test drive another one. I going to a different dealer today to see if I find one to test drive. I'll post my findings.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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