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Comments
Sandhurst - There are many reasons to go with one vs the other. Even though the CR-V EX is currently selling at MSRP (or higher), it does have a number of standard features that are option$ on the HL. However, the HL gives you more vehicle than the CR-V. We could sit here and compare options for days. The trouble is, a perfectly outfitted 4 cyl HL is going to come close to the price of a 240hp Pilot in EX trim.
I need to carry dogs and people at the same time. What I really want is a CR-V with an even larger cargo space. Such a vehicle does not exist and probably should not. I've just got very specific requirements. (Too bad the Element doesn't have more cargo space.) So the HL and Pilot are the best compromises.
The 2.5 Outback is also a possibility. I like the mpg, 5 speed option, and price, but I don't think the cargo area is quite big enough. I still want to do some off-roading as well. IMHO, both the Soob and the HL will be weaker than the Pilot in that respect (not that the Pilot is a boulder-bashing bog beast).
I haven't started serious comparisons, yet. I still have at least a year before I place an order. Who knows what Nissan might bring over...
40k miles on it in two years.It had a 5 speed
but it was slow.It developed a problem with
the clutch cable and a plastic part on the
brake pedal support broke. The most irritating
part was the Subaru service was not open on
Saturday.I hope my V doesn't develop problems
at 40K miles.In the SOOBS defense it was very
stable in a turn at speed.My V says "slow down".
Please respond.
GatorGreg! - Nice to hear/read from you. Yeah, the new CR-V is a great vehicle, but it's just not big enough (for the hounds) behind the seats. They're just too lanky.
The Pilot was/is my first choice, but I'm not thrilled with getting 17-22mpg. It's much bigger than what I need on a daily basis, but just big enough for the semi-frequent trips where I need to take the dogs and two passengers in the rear seat. The 4 cyl HL fits in between. But, if it costs too much, I'll spend the same money and get the V6 Pilot.
BTW, have you seen the latest Spy article?
The ideal scenario would be a Pilot for family trips and a Civic... no wait!!!... an S2000 as a commuter car. Yeah, keep dreaming, Varmint...
Also, don't forget that the 2nd gen 'V has the new fangled intelligent iVTEC, while the Pilot makes do with the old style presumalby "dumb" VTEC. Of course, it also has 240 hp
As for the HL, it's about as inspiring to look at as a block of muenster cheese.
The trouble with the '02 CR-V is that the hounds won't lay down. There's not enough space. Swagger plops himself in the middle of the floor and Gabbie (the one with the really nice breath) stands in the back panting on the folks in the 2nd row. That and she falls all over the place trying to stand up while the car is moving. I have to attach their riding harnesses to the floor (in case of an accident) and the more she moves around, the more likely she is to get wrapped up in the cord. Dogs...
Maybe I'll get the Pilot with the RES option and get a bunch of Lassie movies on DVD.
FastEddie - So far, everyone has reported that the TSB fix resolved the rocking seat. It's too early to tell if the new parts won't wear out again. It shouldn't cost you anything, so I'd just take it to the shop and get it taken care of. There's nothing to lose.
I have to admit, looking at the photos of the trails for the Mid-West CRV meeting makes me want to keep my Blazer too. But since I never used it for off-roading the first 4 years I had it, I probably am best off not starting now.
But really, if they can pack 10 people in this thing overseas I think you need to explain to your dogs just how good they have it here in the good old USA.
but I like more storage.If you lower the tray
between the seats would a minivan console fit?
They have them at WalMart in all different
sizes.Another idea is a storage compartment that
sits on the passengers seat and is held by the seat belt.I am always throwing things on the seat
and they go flying when I brake hard.The discussion of the Highlander reminded of what
I like about it.The shifter is between the seats
where it is easy to operate manually if desired.
A 5 speed CRV is harder to find than $1 gas and
so the next best thing would be a triptronic type
between the seats.
http://www.hondanews.com/
Approximately 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% increase respectively ... how much for the 2003 CR-V?
What with no changes, they'll want to keep the price down to compete with the Mazda/Tribute ... I would expect less than 1% What say you?
Hello to GatorGreg and Varmint.
Guess who this is? or should I add a space before the "?".
Personally - I think the Highlander is a very graceful and sleek.
I am still trying to upgrade my wife's 2000 silver EX to a 2002 Blue EX.
Of course - I am waiting for an AWD V6 2003 HL Ltd, or I may look at the Pilot. But I don't think I will go for the red turn signals.
You may get a kick out of this - just had my second rear ender in my white "Beluga" EX. Luckily, the darn tire on the rear gate saved my hide (again). I am amazed how tough the rear door is.
Everybody Loves Raymond.
We're going to take a close look at the Legacy GT wagon. It's an Outback minus the raised suspension and two-tone. It's a solid value, though, I can get one with a moonroof for about $21k, and that's well equipped. The cargo area isn't as tall, but the area is wide and deep. A friend of mine took one to a Friday at the Track event, and with the instructor behind the wheel they passed a Ferrari. It was a track in West Va, I forget the name.
Tom: service hours depend on your particular dealer. Many Soob dealers are open Saturday, of course.
gator: I like muenster! ;-)
-juice
I did want to ask if anyone knows the difference between the 98 and 02 models in the front to back length of the cargo area with the rear seats folded down. With the change in how they fold, I'm assuming there is some loss in length, but I didn't think to measure before I let my 98 go. It is not a big issue, I'm just curious.
I really enjoy reading all the posts. There is a lot of good information.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
When we only had the one dog, the CR-V was perfect. With two, it has become a challenge.
BTW, here's a tip for you. Depending on your cargo, there may be times when it's best to remove the picnic table. When we go backpacking, we leave the table at home. The rug caves into the wet/dry storage space and our gear rides lower in the cargo area. It makes it easier to see out the back window when you have backpacks taking up the entire space.
Elisthorn - Good news. I'm glad it wasn't a transmission or ABS issue! This sounds like a much cheaper fix.
Jeep makes a cargo divider specifically for pets. Has anyone installed one in the CR-V? I don't think honda offers the pet divider as an accessory, but I have found a universal one.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoitem.jhtml?CATID=65487&BQ=
I've installed a few myself, upgrade ones. If you thing rubber is bad, urethane is much worse.
varmint: join me tonight in car shopping and we'll ask for a bulk discount! :-)
The Legacy and Outback have a big surface area in the cargo bay. Sorry, Honda fans, the Subaru Crew is going to try to steal varmint away from you, too! :-O
-juice
LOL
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Maybe Honda couldn't find a decent way to make this easy and safe. I can imagine the accident lawsuits people would file blaming Honda for making it too hard to secure the seats back in.
I'll be looking for a way to remove them though...If I have a 5-6 day hunting trip, 2 hours unbolting and rebolting the seats is an easy investment.
Has anyone ordered the tk6 tracker kit from Thule yet? I have all these bars and rack equipment from my previous crv and I am anxiously awaiting for this product so I can complete a rack system for my 2002. I have an 18 footer sea kayak that is awaiting a car ride to some big water! Anyways, I called a couple places today and one place said they will have it in a couple of days. I am skeptical because everywhere else I called said closer to three weeks for availability. What's the scoop???
I think an Acura version of the CRV would sell like crazy! Anyone else think this would be a good idea???
FastEddie - I've already sent in an application to be the "Honda Geek" for the TV game show, "Beat the Geeks".
I've always been a fan of Toyota products. I just tend to like the Honda better when they compete head to head (better value, better engines, better utility, better packaging...). This applies even in the Pilot vs Highlander comparison. It's just that my need for a larger SUV doesn't include a 240hp V6. If Honda offered a 3.0 with better mpg, I wouldn't be looking at the HL.
Juice - How long will it take to get my "bulk" from Boston to DC?
I'll have to take another look at the Outback. My Uncle has one. Last I checked, the cargo floor still wasn't the right size/shape. You're right, I need the depth and width more than height. Greyhounds are tall, but not THAT tall. I'm sure height will not be a problem. I'm not sure that the HL will work either. That's one thing I still need to check on. The Pilot will work.
Back to the CR-V... Removeable seats would be a great feature, but then you'd have a section of cargo area (behind the front seats) without a floor. The rear footwell would be an empty hole.
Making seats completely removable would also complicate the hardware and increase cost$. It has to release easily, but also be strong enough to stay in place during an accident. That would be tough to do and still allow for the sliding mechanism.
Acura version of a CR-V? Yes, definitely, they should do it. It won't hurt MDX demand because there are wait lists for that. They'll just sell more CR-Vs to some of the folks in line that don't want to wait, but would probably buy another brand.
Make it like the Open Air.
varm: the Legacy/Outback doesn't have the rear struts intruding like in the Forester, so the surface area is much greater. So yeah, the shape would be useful for your pups.
2003 Forester are arriving in dealers, FYI.
-juice
On the 2002 Cr-v if you push the front seats all the way forward, take out the headrest, the front seats will align perfectly with the back seats providing huge perfect cushioned area.......I have tried it before while the b-friend is driving and it is very comfy.....Try it.....it is great.
As you can see in this pic of the '02 model, they don't fold as flat. :-( Still useful for a nap space. It's more like a lounge chair than the true bed.
Gosh, usually I can't nitpick on Varmint's commentary, but I feel a need to point out that only those who went for '98-'01 EX or SE models got the fully reclining back seats. It provides a rare opportunity to display trim-level snobbery. Especially here in Houston, the Real-Time Front-Wheel-Drive CR-V Capital of the World(tm).
Geeez varmit is there anything you don't know about these CR-V's.
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/honda/crv/exawd4drsuv24l4cyl4a/tco.html?id=lin0006&zip=02048
Give the other guys a chance will you!
Ahem. Mea culpa on the LX's lack of a true bed. Sometimes, I forget about you little people. :-b
Ssoto - What you really need is a nice tough looking 2x4 nailed to the front bumper with spikes sticking out of it. Great for rush hour traffic and those nasty NY pedestrians, too.
Geenee - "Geeez varmit is there anything you don't know about these CR-V's."
I need a way to convince my wife that we need another one. Any suggestions?
When I picked up my CR-V, there were people looking at my CR-V, the dealer was so funny, he pushed the panic button and they moved away quickly.
varmit....just take your wife to the dealership...
* engine is peppy. No need for a V6 in terms of power, though it can get loud. I could chirp the tires in 2nd gear. Definitely noticed torque steer. Felt RT4WD kicking in, too.
* ride is compliant, just a little noisy for my tastes. Handling is OK for what it is, just not sporty. Feels like regular FWD to me.
* interior space gets kudos. It's a limo. Huge back seat. Comfy, too. Some materials a bit entry-level, but it didn't bother my wife. Needs a dead pedal. Front leg room could be better, too.
* cargo space is tight with the seats back, though. We could not fit the stroller and still have room for a quick diaper change. Highlander and Legacy did have room for that. This is probably what varmint means by it being crowded for two dogs.
* she liked the shifter feel of the manual, but could not figure out the hand brake right away. I had to help, though I imagine she'd get used to that. Oddly, the Highlander took a while to figure out too (you have to step on the brake a 2nd time to release it). What happened to normalcy? ;-)
Overall a fun, smart package. Price is IMO a little high for the content level (no heated seats or leather, $22 grand) and the warranty is too short.
She passed on the Accord because she's seen sketches of the new model and doesn't want a lame duck. We also drove a Camry SE 5 speed (nice except clunky shifter) and a Highlander V6 (I loved it, she didn't, too big and "too nice" LOL).
Next on the list are the Altima and Maxima, and then comes the Legacy and a 2003 Forester it if arrives in time. I may put her in a WRX wagon just for kicks. It's too small for her but who knows?
-juice
The sales man at the Toyota dealer tried to show her where the spare was, and all I could think was "AAA, duh, like she'll ever change a tire!". That guy was totally annoying, he kept telling her she should buy the Highlander even though she made it very clear that she didn't like it. Even after she drove the Camry he pointed to the HL. The only thing more annoying was his cologne.
Also, both sales men kept talking to me, and I kept telling them "her car, don't tell me, tell her".
We both prefer liftgates because they give you shelter from the rain. But we'll see, no car is perfect.
Michael: why couldn't the P5 be just a foot longer?
-juice
Good luck with your search Juice!
Protoge is small, Tribute has too much Ford influence for my tastes. We drove an MPV but her eyes glazed over she was so bored. It's a fine van but if you want zoom zoom try my Miata.
Too bad the Element's not here yet. For a lower price, and with a lift gate, that would be a strong candidate for us.
-juice
Our choices may seem odd but she takes up these offers for freebies when you drive a certain vehicle.
-juice
1. Body side cladding
2. Fog lights
3. Side step bars
4. roof rack
5. front mud guard
all in all a nice looking MID SIZED Suv.
total prize $26514 including everything with a extended warraty of 100,000 miles.
Saw the Element at Houston Auto show, not as nice as in pictures. Looks cheap and very odd. Not half as nice as a V.
Matrix may be diaper-capable :-) but the wife found it quite ugly. The Protoge5 was cute but too small.
Besides, if she's willing to downsize it'll be a WRX wagon, no contest.
-juice
Several years ago, I realized that Houston's auto show is a second-rate production. It's usually held in January, which conflicts with the ones in the top-tier show cities (NY, LA, Detroit, Chicago), where the automakers compete to make real news.
The result is that everything that is unveiled at the "Big Four" waits an entire year before trickling down to us. Bummer.