Just checked miles per gallon with about 7000 miles. The tank was mainly city driving, with some high speed highway mixed in, and it was right at 20mpg. Pretty much what I expected.
I ordered a LX 5-spd AWD from markroberts.com by telephone after checking over their website. Invoice was $18,200 and MSRP on this vehicle was normally over $21,000. Some dealers were (and still are) hoggishly trying to plug buyers with MSRP + up to $1,200. Not for me.
Not sure what kind of scams you are referring to, but I trust NO car dealer, anywhere, anytime, and I am constantly checking up on them. I didn't prefer ordering one from a dealer so far away (I'm in Columbia SC)and having a car delivered w/o having driven one like it first. However, I drove the automatic here in Columbia, liked it, drove 5-spd of everything else, & don't see how the CR-V could be that much more sluggish or problematic than RAV 4, Subaru, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, etc. I've read good things about 5-spd CR-Vs on this bulletin board, too. I just hope I get a trouble-free, higher-mileage vehicle than some of these folks.
I am paying a $500 shipping fee to have the car delivered to Atlanta where I can pick it up -- may be a scam, but I checked on 2 other deliveries and this is in line with their quotes.
For everyone's information, markroberts.com now sells for more than $316 over invoice, but they claim they are not sticking to MSRP. When I checked with my salesman, he said that they would be advertising MSRP but still selling for several hundred less. Don't know if he was scamming or not, but they still want to beat out the other dealers in their area, so I would still try them if you are looking.
Yellow_Jacket - You can tell where a vehicle is built by the first character of the VIN. CR-V's made in Japan will have a J prefix.
As for manual transmissions, most reviewers rave about units from Honda. Cars like the S2K, RSX, and Civic Si have been universally lauded for their manual gearboxes. Vehicle dynamics (handling, feel, balance) are the one performance area where the Germans still hold a significant advantage. YMMV, as personal tastes often come into play. Some folks like a nice rifle-bolt action, while others want something a little loose. Professional reviews of the CR-V's 5 speed have all been positive.
Sunturtle - I agree with Slugline on the pros and cons. I would add that the 5 speed has a very short first gear (almost a low gear) and that the CR-V would benefit from an LSD in either the front or back.
The CR-V is well suited for infrequent romps over unimproved roads and the ocassional rock or deadfall. However, it is NOT a hardcore offroader ready to be abused for the sport of it. I think it's a hoot. It's tough to find areas that will challenge a fully out-fitted Jeep. With the CR-V, you can find challenging terrain almost anywhere.
I have to agree with your assessment of the CRV's ability in the offroad arena except I think you are not given enough credit to the underbelly of the CRV.
It has numerous skid plates that come on the new 2002, and they are well placed. There are NO wires hanging out like on the bottom of the older jeeps and even some of the newer "offroaders". The spare is on the back so it is accessible as opposed to the spare on the XTERRA which is under the vehicle!
picked up a new 2002 CRV EX yesterday in So Cal. Messed up on the negotiation. Negotiated the price with my trade in. Looking back only got about $600 off the $22,760 MSRP. Did get about $500 more than my trade in was worth. So end of the day dealer got their profit, I got the car little under MSRP, and got rid of a car in VERY poor condition. Originally went in looking for a Silver CRV. It would be on back order, so settled for a dark green one that they had on the lot. In retrospect, I like the dark green cause the black bottom body clading (standard stuff and not the add-on) blends better with green. Also went with an extended warrantee of 7 years, cause the standar 3 years/36K miles ends before my 5 year finance term.
Got to send thanks to the people on this board! Got some good info on the CRV from the messages here. Just bought the roof rack cross bars off handaaccessories.com for $200 (w/ 2 day delivery) as apposed to $450 at the dealer. Also going to save a few $'s on the wheel locks.
I live in North Carolina and ordered an EX 5 Speed about a month ago.
I wanted Chianti Red and was told one was not currently available and that I would have to wait 3-4 months until one was made in the factory. I'm not in a hurry for the car, so I chose to wait.
I paid $800 over invoice ($21,122) - with sales tax, tags, and doc fee, total is approximately $22K. I got dealer to throw in a visor for the moonroof with that price as well. The dealer I worked with is a participant in the BJ Wholesaler's club pricing arrangement whereby BJ's members get a discount on certain Honda models (there are deals on other manufacturers as well). On my original call, they said no discount off MSRP was available on the CRV. I said I was going to do more shopping and the sales rep said he would talk to his manager and give me a call back. Two days later he called and quoted the above price.
I've owned a 5 speed Accord for the last 10 years - I love the pickup the car has and have had no significant mechanical problems to speak of. Hope I have the same luck with the CRV.
I have an EX with 800 miles it. It was parked at the airport for 5 days, and when I returned I noticed the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" warning light on (on the dash) when I drove away. The manual says it has something to do with improper emissions and to have the dealer look at it ASAP. Anybody else had this warning light come on?
Sometimes, not always, after I turn the engine off I hear a low, fluttering type sound coming from the vicinity of the passenger dash board area. It sounds like when you let air out of a balloon slowly. The first time I heard it, I though I had a wounded animal in there somewhere as I was parked in the Colo Rockies off a jeep trail. Any ideas out there? Thanks!!!!
COMMENTS:This is just a update on my 2000 CRV SE. This vehicle has had only one unscheduled maintance. The power door lock actuator was not working correct. I now have 78K on the vehicle and an happy with the performance.
The only thing negative is that when I got the vehicle (2yrs ago)I leased it. Right after I got the vehicle I needed to start driving more. I did a 5yr lease.
Any Questions on my CR-V from potential owners please ask away.
QUESTIONS:Any comments on if I should get out now and into something elese?
If I was to keep the vehicle can I get 200k+ out of the verhicle and what would be the repairs that I would be facing.
I believe that problem has been discussed here. I think the resultion that other people indicated that the warning light was due to an O2 sensor failure in the exhaust sytem. I had this problem in a Ford (at about 145K miles). I was on my way to Mammoth from Los Angeles. It came on about 100 miles into the 300 mile one way trip. Did the rest of the way and back with the warning light on (Ford's is "Check Engine"). Took it to a mechanic afterward and it was the O2 sensor. He said it does not relate to a failure in the engine and with the bad sensor I'd never pass a California smog test.
I haven't read my new CRV warrantee manual, but maybe other people know if this is covered?
Thought some of you guys might like to see a mud pic taken during the Greater Orlando CR-V Club's recent trip to the Withlacoochee State Forest just west of Orlando. Photography by Thai.
Here's a pic of Thai's 'V taken during the same trip. Photography by GatorGreg. If anyone would like to join the GO CR-V Club on an off-roading trip in the Central Florida area, drop me a line at JAGinFL@msn.com
bb100 - A while back, owners found that the check engine light (CEL) was coming on under normal driving conditions. Honda determined that the issue is the result of a faulty calibration in an emissions sensor. The engine was working just fine. It was the sensor being hyperactive. They had to develop new code for the sensor and have it tested by the gov't.
That fix should be in all recently manufactured CR-Vs. Your's sounds new enough that I would expect it to have the fix already. Either way, take it to your dealer and have them check the error code. Let them know that you've heard about a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which deals with this issue. They may treat you a little better if you appear to be armed with good information.
The 2002 CR-V just got crushed (literally) in the IIHS bumper bash. To be fair, it did okay in both frontal tests, but the rear impacts combined for about $5,000 in damages.
The IIHS also published head restraint evaluations. The CR-V earned a "Good" rating on that one.
... just saw the footage of the CRV's crash test on the news... pretty frightening 5mph=$6000 damage I agree with juice... this is absolutely unacceptable.
Can the CRV handle a 4 bike hitch mounted rack? That would require a class II/III hitch (I think). Any CRV owners towing 4 bikes out there? If so, please share your experiences.
... but I've been expecting these results... and to be fair, the front results were much better than the '98... But it's only a matter of time before it happens(at least in L.A.), and insurance rates will reflect these results... put the darn tire someplace else, and put a real bumper on the thing, rather than expecting the door to take the hit
or don't get rear-ended... At least if you get rear-ended, it's the other guy's insurance that pays.
Speaking of insurance, I wonder if insurance carriers penalize vehicles (higher premiums) with rear mounted spares, knowing that they will be expensive to repair in the event of an accident?
The IIHS figures sound scary, but backing into fixed barriers is, at its root, a driver problem. It's like saying that convertibles, in general, are more susceptible to water damage to their interiors when it rains. True, but the magnitude of the problem depends on the owner's behavior.
I think the test results would likely be different if they rolled car-shaped blocks into the vehicles at 5 mph. Cars will tend to slide *under* the bumpers. In my opinion, I think the advantages of having the rear-mounted spare outweigh the disadvantages.
crv139: I do believe that I have seen hitch-mount bike racks that will clear the rear spare tire. I've seen them on CR-Vs, RAV4s and Jeeps. Since the spare is partially set into the bumper, the hitch doesn't actually need to extend out that far.
I have an 02 EX and would like to do some minor towing of a small trailer to haul lumber and an occasional ATV. What do I need to change other then adding a hitch and wiring? Anything with the engine? I thought I saw a package that could be purchased when I bought the vehicle. Can I get by with just adding the hitch and wire it up? Is this something that I can do myself since I would consider myself somewhat "handy!" Great vehicle so far, but I would have to say they went on the cheap side for some things. Thanks.
yes the mounting of the spare tire on the back needs to be changed on all SUV's because they transfer power in an accident directly into the car, thus shattering the rear window. All SUV's with the rear mounted tire have this problem.
my 2 cents is that Honda should do away with the empty well underneath the picnic table. it's too much of a gimic. the are trying too hard to compete against the ruggedness of the Xtera image. I've had 3 sales people say the same exact thing about being able to put wet items in the well, that it's removable and can easily be cleaned. It's exsistance is like the first aid kit in the Xtera - not necessary. it's an obviously a spot where a spare could fit. Still the spare has to be full size and the well size would need to be increase because of this. There's plenty of room behind the back seats for storage that could be keep even though the spare is inside of the SUV.
Having that storage is great for the clutter items that I mentioned above. Now when I get in an accident my emergency kit wont fly up through the vehicle to hit someone in the head!
I've always been critical of the CR-V's spare. But after getting 2 flat tires in a very short period, I can appreciate the accessibility of the CR-V's mounted spare, as well as the fact that it's a full sized spare (had to use the donut in my Civic when the tires went out...ugh, what a waste of time and energy, to say the least).
Those bumper tests don't surprise me though. With a rear mounted spare, there's just no way to avoid the high cost damage in a rear end situation.
A passenger auto is suppose to have 5mph bumpers but a truck does not. That is why the Forester did best in this test,it is a car not a truck. I think a manufacturer can cut building costs by calling it a truck and not a car.I have been driving about 40 years and never backed into a pole.So I suppose anybody that would back up at 5mph without looking is an idiot.If I do get rear ended the other guy is at fault.It would be nice if Honda would have put real bumpers on the CRV. The spare on the rear is just a styling gimmick sort of like a 98 lb weakling wearing a muscle shirt.
Hmmm . . . purely based on looks alone, I wouldn't put the spare on the back -- IMO it looks better without it, as in the Japan Fullmark trim. But everything that placement accomplishes is worth the styling and collision damage downside to me. I also utilize the under-table compartment for utility goodies like jumper cables, an air compressor, and a gas can.
If Honda asked me where the spare should be for a "rugged look," I would tell them to put it on the hood.
Took our 02 CR-V (manual) on aroad trip (1200km). Drive was brutal but vehicle was great. Gas mileage was 9L per hundred km (pretty goofy Canadian measurement, eh) - the best to date. That was with wife, 2 kids, AC on and 120-125km/hr steady.
On the way home (saw a moose), I got into pretty heavy traffic near Toronto. The highway alternates from 2 to 3 (passing lane) lanes. Had a late model 3 series beemer in front with radar detector. When we had the temporary passing lane, I dropped a gear and stayed right behind the BMW. I was amazed at the power between 3500-5000 rpm. It just pulls harder and harder the more you hit it. The drive train really won me over on this trip. It is awesome.
Hey, I'm going to show my metric-challenged side here. According to my conversion calculations (9 litres per 100 km = 2.368 gal. per 111.11 mi), your mileage on that great trip was 46.9 mpg? If this is correct, congratulations! That would be a new and wonderful record on this bulletin board. Maybe there is hope yet for me and my soon-to-arrive manual '02 CR-V!
A spare will fit under the picnic table, but it would have to be a donut (same diameter, but much more narrow). That's how it's done with the fullmark. They can't enlarge that compartment without raising the load floor. The rear differential prevents them from digging the hole deeper.
I'm another one who uses the storage area all the time. It's great for hauling items which might spill and cause harm to the interior fabrics. It's also good for keeping things away from the hounds.
I have my criticisms of how well the IIHS reflects real life, but there's still no excuse for results that poor from the CR-V. I don't buy the notion that the spare tire is responsible for it all that damage. The 1st gen CR-V had a rear-mounted spare and it did better than the 2002.
I got 26 mpg for the above calculation, 2.38 gallons for 62 miles. At 75 mph, I think this is a good number, right in line with the predicted highway mpg. still not too bad.
Another thing to consider is tongue weight. Even with a Class II or III hitch, the vehicle is only rated for Class I. I think the tongue weight limite for the CR-V is 150 or 200 lbs, no more. 4 bikes plus a heavy bike rack will likely weight more than that.
slugline: yeah, hood, or even the roof! Like those Safari Trucks. :-)
Any manufacturer who puts a spare on the rear door, like the CRV, needs to design a *real* rear bumper that extends beyond the the spare tire; so that the rear bumper is what gets hit first, not the spare.
as long as our country has the "work pickup truck" exception, there aren't many car makers that will voluntarily make their SUV's heavier to meet passenger car specs. I think the exception has outlived its usefulness, especially now that so many "cars" on the road are "SUVs" and there should be similar requirements phased in. Not that this will happen anytime soon, but it would be nice. Given the choice now, I'd rather have a safer vehicle that costs more to fix in an accident, which is what I think we have right now.
I don't like to post here because I don't own a CR-V, but I thought I'd share this with all of you because I thought it was pretty interesting.
Our local news showed the video clips for the CR-V, Freelander, Forrester, and VUE bumper tests last night. When both the Freelander and CR-V backed into the pole the rear glass pane shattered to the floor (not into the vehicle which is a good thing). It looked like the mounted spare caused the rear door to bend in at the middle thus causing the glass to "pop". It looks like they let the vehicle hit and bounce off of the pole, which by the way is perfectly centered on the back of the vehicle, whereas most people would probably hit the brakes thus reducing some of the impact. So maybe their testing methods do need another look.
They also showed the corner "bumper bash" and all four vehicles seemed to take that one pretty well.
Anyway, I think that explains why the damage costs were estimated so high.
I knew this would be the big topic today when I saw it on the news last night. But we are making way to much of it. First, if you think you are likely to back into a metal post or anything else, then drive over to the Registry, try not to back into anything, and turn in your license (you should not be driving). Second, as someone else posted, if you get rear ended then their insurance will pay for it.
Might be worth it to check into an aftermarket reverse sensing device. Sometimes those poles are too short to show up in your mirrors - they seem to have a way of "creeping up" right behind you from 8 feet away too. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Comments
Not sure what kind of scams you are referring to, but I trust NO car dealer, anywhere, anytime, and I am constantly checking up on them. I didn't prefer ordering one from a dealer so far away (I'm in Columbia SC)and having a car delivered w/o having driven one like it first. However, I drove the automatic here in Columbia, liked it, drove 5-spd of everything else, & don't see how the CR-V could be that much more sluggish or problematic than RAV 4, Subaru, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, etc. I've read good things about 5-spd CR-Vs on this bulletin board, too. I just hope I get a trouble-free, higher-mileage vehicle than some of these folks.
I am paying a $500 shipping fee to have the car delivered to Atlanta where I can pick it up -- may be a scam, but I checked on 2 other deliveries and this is in line with their quotes.
For everyone's information, markroberts.com now sells for more than $316 over invoice, but they claim they are not sticking to MSRP. When I checked with my salesman, he said that they would be advertising MSRP but still selling for several hundred less. Don't know if he was scamming or not, but they still want to beat out the other dealers in their area, so I would still try them if you are looking.
As for manual transmissions, most reviewers rave about units from Honda. Cars like the S2K, RSX, and Civic Si have been universally lauded for their manual gearboxes. Vehicle dynamics (handling, feel, balance) are the one performance area where the Germans still hold a significant advantage. YMMV, as personal tastes often come into play. Some folks like a nice rifle-bolt action, while others want something a little loose. Professional reviews of the CR-V's 5 speed have all been positive.
Sunturtle - I agree with Slugline on the pros and cons. I would add that the 5 speed has a very short first gear (almost a low gear) and that the CR-V would benefit from an LSD in either the front or back.
The CR-V is well suited for infrequent romps over unimproved roads and the ocassional rock or deadfall. However, it is NOT a hardcore offroader ready to be abused for the sport of it. I think it's a hoot. It's tough to find areas that will challenge a fully out-fitted Jeep. With the CR-V, you can find challenging terrain almost anywhere.
It has numerous skid plates that come on the new 2002, and they are well placed. There are NO wires hanging out like on the bottom of the older jeeps and even some of the newer "offroaders". The spare is on the back so it is accessible as opposed to the spare on the XTERRA which is under the vehicle!
Got to send thanks to the people on this board! Got some good info on the CRV from the messages here. Just bought the roof rack cross bars off handaaccessories.com for $200 (w/ 2 day delivery) as apposed to $450 at the dealer. Also going to save a few $'s on the wheel locks.
Peace!
I wanted Chianti Red and was told one was not currently available and that I would have to wait 3-4 months until one was made in the factory. I'm not in a hurry for the car, so I chose to wait.
I paid $800 over invoice ($21,122) - with sales tax, tags, and doc fee, total is approximately $22K. I got dealer to throw in a visor for the moonroof with that price as well. The dealer I worked with is a participant in the BJ Wholesaler's club pricing arrangement whereby BJ's members get a discount on certain Honda models (there are deals on other manufacturers as well). On my original call, they said no discount off MSRP was available on the CRV. I said I was going to do more shopping and the sales rep said he would talk to his manager and give me a call back. Two days later he called and quoted the above price.
I've owned a 5 speed Accord for the last 10 years - I love the pickup the car has and have had no significant mechanical problems to speak of. Hope I have the same luck with the CRV.
Good luck in your search.
The only thing negative is that when I got the vehicle (2yrs ago)I leased it. Right after I got the vehicle I needed to start driving more. I did a 5yr lease.
Any Questions on my CR-V from potential owners please ask away.
QUESTIONS:Any comments on if I should get out now and into something elese?
If I was to keep the vehicle can I get 200k+ out of the verhicle and what would be the repairs that I would be facing.
Thank you very much for your help.
Jack
JEgan98@aol.com is my e-mail
I haven't read my new CRV warrantee manual, but maybe other people know if this is covered?
bb100 - A while back, owners found that the check engine light (CEL) was coming on under normal driving conditions. Honda determined that the issue is the result of a faulty calibration in an emissions sensor. The engine was working just fine. It was the sensor being hyperactive. They had to develop new code for the sensor and have it tested by the gov't.
That fix should be in all recently manufactured CR-Vs. Your's sounds new enough that I would expect it to have the fix already. Either way, take it to your dealer and have them check the error code. Let them know that you've heard about a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) which deals with this issue. They may treat you a little better if you appear to be armed with good information.
Have fun but tread lightly, we want those trails to be around for our kids. :-)
-juice
The IIHS also published head restraint evaluations. The CR-V earned a "Good" rating on that one.
No word on the off-set barrier test.
It's on IIHS' home page with the words "HUGE DAMAGE" in all caps, and I doubt Honda will like that: http://www.iihs.org.
-juice
5mph=$6000 damage
I agree with juice... this is absolutely unacceptable.
Still, the New Beetle suffers almost no damage in the 4 tests, and these are supposed to be tougher, not the other way around.
-juice
My advice, don't back into any walls.
But it's only a matter of time before it happens(at least in L.A.), and insurance rates will reflect these results... put the darn tire someplace else, and put a real bumper on the thing, rather than expecting the door to take the hit
Speaking of insurance, I wonder if insurance carriers penalize vehicles (higher premiums) with rear mounted spares, knowing that they will be expensive to repair in the event of an accident?
Bob
I think the test results would likely be different if they rolled car-shaped blocks into the vehicles at 5 mph. Cars will tend to slide *under* the bumpers. In my opinion, I think the advantages of having the rear-mounted spare outweigh the disadvantages.
crv139: I do believe that I have seen hitch-mount bike racks that will clear the rear spare tire. I've seen them on CR-Vs, RAV4s and Jeeps. Since the spare is partially set into the bumper, the hitch doesn't actually need to extend out that far.
my 2 cents is that Honda should do away with the empty well underneath the picnic table. it's too much of a gimic. the are trying too hard to compete against the ruggedness of the Xtera image. I've had 3 sales people say the same exact thing about being able to put wet items in the well, that it's removable and can easily be cleaned. It's exsistance is like the first aid kit in the Xtera - not necessary. it's an obviously a spot where a spare could fit. Still the spare has to be full size and the well size would need to be increase because of this. There's plenty of room behind the back seats for storage that could be keep even though the spare is inside of the SUV.
Stuff like....
~ropes
~straps
~buckles for straps
~emergency kit
~ etc....
Having that storage is great for the clutter items that I mentioned above. Now when I get in an accident my emergency kit wont fly up through the vehicle to hit someone in the head!
Those bumper tests don't surprise me though. With a rear mounted spare, there's just no way to avoid the high cost damage in a rear end situation.
but a truck does not. That is why the Forester
did best in this test,it is a car not a truck.
I think a manufacturer can cut building costs by calling it a truck and not a car.I have been
driving about 40 years and never backed into a
pole.So I suppose anybody that would back up at
5mph without looking is an idiot.If I do get rear ended the other guy is at fault.It would be nice if Honda would have put real bumpers on the CRV.
The spare on the rear is just a styling gimmick
sort of like a 98 lb weakling wearing a muscle
shirt.
I agree, though. I've never backed into a pole.
Also, what changes if any......just curious.....exterior changes....colors....interior changes???????
Any information or a website to view new info yet?
I know it's too early, just wishful thinking on my part...........
If Honda asked me where the spare should be for a "rugged look," I would tell them to put it on the hood.
On the way home (saw a moose), I got into pretty heavy traffic near Toronto. The highway alternates from 2 to 3 (passing lane) lanes. Had a late model 3 series beemer in front with radar detector. When we had the temporary passing lane, I dropped a gear and stayed right behind the BMW. I was amazed at the power between 3500-5000 rpm. It just pulls harder and harder the more you hit it. The drive train really won me over on this trip. It is awesome.
I'm another one who uses the storage area all the time. It's great for hauling items which might spill and cause harm to the interior fabrics. It's also good for keeping things away from the hounds.
I have my criticisms of how well the IIHS reflects real life, but there's still no excuse for results that poor from the CR-V. I don't buy the notion that the spare tire is responsible for it all that damage. The 1st gen CR-V had a rear-mounted spare and it did better than the 2002.
100km = 62.14 miles (not 111) thus 62.14/2.368 = 26.24 mpg
Still solid but not over 40- that would be amazing.
slugline: yeah, hood, or even the roof! Like those Safari Trucks. :-)
varmint: inflation, then? ;-)
-juice
Any manufacturer who puts a spare on the rear door, like the CRV, needs to design a *real* rear bumper that extends beyond the the spare tire; so that the rear bumper is what gets hit first, not the spare.
Bob
-juice
Our local news showed the video clips for the CR-V, Freelander, Forrester, and VUE bumper tests last night. When both the Freelander and CR-V backed into the pole the rear glass pane shattered to the floor (not into the vehicle which is a good thing). It looked like the mounted spare caused the rear door to bend in at the middle thus causing the glass to "pop". It looks like they let the vehicle hit and bounce off of the pole, which by the way is perfectly centered on the back of the vehicle, whereas most people would probably hit the brakes thus reducing some of the impact. So maybe their testing methods do need another look.
They also showed the corner "bumper bash" and all four vehicles seemed to take that one pretty well.
Anyway, I think that explains why the damage costs were estimated so high.
Steve
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