2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

svenj · July 2002

I may be in the incorrect forum, if so I apologize.

I am getting ready to take delivery of a 2002 CRV EX. I managed to get a price of $22,000 + tax and tags. The dealer was willing to take off the freight and another $260, but that was about all I was able to get any dealer to take off.

Is this a decent price? Finding a dealer that even had them in stock was hard enough.

Is this a decent price? Thanks.

h1vc · July 2002

We've had the creak since day one. Think it only happens when speed is around 10mph or less. Ours also comes from the back and doesn't matter which way it turns.

daveghh · July 2002

I also hear the same thing when I turn left when going under 10 mph. I can almost always hear it when the pedal isn't pressed and I am turning left. It isn't a creaking sound, it is more of soft bumping sound. My father can hear the same thing in his 2002. Other then that, I can't think of anything else that is odd.

h1vc · July 2002

Best way I can describe it is it sounds like bad structs/shocks. Our beatup 83 civic has 4 beatup structs/shocks, and our crv sounds just like it, except not as loud.

muckyduck · July 2002

My girlfriend shut the tail door too hard one day and the horn started just like I had a security system. Like you, I don't have one. I managed to get it to stop by pressing buttons on the remote - not sure which one actually stopped the horn blaring. Hasn't happened since.

I've also starting to hear a noise as if it is the struts/shocks at slow speeds. Have about 6700 miles on my '02 EX.

colorado_kid · July 2002

Yeah, you guys are correct.... it does sound more like a "bump" and that it could be described as it sounds like bad struts/shocks. And I checked, you are right about the less than ~10 mph.

Since we are only a month or so from 10K, and the next service, I think that we will have the dealer check it then..... Unless anyone else has a remedy or suggestion, I will certainly report back after that time.

p.s. Anyone in the "mid-west" area out there? I am in Colorado, and would love to be a part of the CR-V meets that some of the east coast folks enjoy. ;-)

markjenn · July 2002

Sven: I think $22K is about a normal "good deal" on a 2002 CR-V EX auto right now. This is about what I was able to negotiate on a recent purchase and I have a few dealers in my area tell me that they had no interest in bidding at MSRP or below. I've even had a few emails asking me where I got my deal since they have been unable to get anything off.

You never know whether you have the absolutely best deal, but you're close so why not get it?

Or wait until the 2003's, especially if you anticipate trading in the new few years. Although I don't think the 2003's are going to be changed much outwardly, they always make minor improvements and I don't expect the price to change much on the 2003's vs. the 2002's. So given the lack of year-end discounts, it seems to me that waiting is a good strategy if you can.

- Mark

varmint · July 2002

Colorado_kid - Funny. I started up the Northeast meet because I was tired of watching the West Coast CR-Vers have all the fun.

There are a few CR-Ver in the Midwest, but most are up in Wisconsin and Illinois. Depending on where you are in Colorado, you be better off with the crew from Las Vegas and Phoenix. I haven't heard from our Colorado members recently.

darthken · July 2002

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me when the 2003s CRVs should arrive in showrooms? I'll need to purchase by first week in September, just wondering if I should try to get a 2002 while they last.

colorado_kid · July 2002

Sounds good Varmint.... I see you guys having all of the fun and got a bit jealous! ;-) My old man and I like to swap stories about our CR-V adventures.... but feel it would be much more fun with others for sure.

I am in Littleton (South West Denver). Vegas and Phoenix are a bit of a haul, but would be a worthwhile time, especially to talk the wife into a mini-Vegas vacation!

alsy2kcrv2 · July 2002

Hi, as my 2000 CRV se is @ 32k miles now , i am trying to decide on if i should purchase an extended warranty and if so, which one....

Possible choices:
Genuine Honda warranty or maybe one from Warranty Gold....Any info would be greatly appreciated....thanks,AL

pwsharpe · July 2002

Hope this is the correct board for this question. I have a 2002 CR-V, and I would like to purchase a second set of rims. There are many sets of Honda produced rims for the previous generation CR-V's available. Are they the same bolt pattern (5 x 115, I think), offset (50, I think) and size (15" x 6"). If not, what Honda rims are interchangable with my 2002?

Thanks

ctdrice · July 2002

How accurate is the typical speedometer? My 2000 EX seems to read 10% too high (reading is 60 MPH but it takes 65 sec to go 1 mile = 55 MPH). I have both clocked it and watched other cars (i.e. the speed everyone slows down to when a cop is visible). I have also checked it at 30 MPH and it is still 10% off.

The distance measurement seems to be OK and agrees with the mile markers, so the speed portion must be off. I do have the OEM tires.

Any one else notice a difference?
Thanks

alyssazmom · July 2002

Hello,

My friend was given a price quote of $22,300.00 plus taxes and tags. Is that a good deal?

It's a 2002 Honda CR-V, Eternal Blue Pearl, Auto.

Thanks!

Carrie

daveghh · July 2002

ctdrice, I will have to check that with my CRV, I will scope it out later.

slugline · July 2002

ctdrice: If your speedometer really is off by 10%, it needs attention. Local police here will set out "YOUR SPEED IS" mobile electronic signs on various roadways, and the speedometer in my 2000 EX is always in close agreement with the display. Ironically . . . whenever I see one of these things I have this sudden impulse to make the sign go WAY, WAY into the red. Too many video games as a kid, I guess. :-)

pwsharpe: IIRC, all CR-V wheels should be interchangeable, they are 15x6 indeed. I've seen pics of a CR-V with Odyssey rims, but I don't know if that is an exact match.

muckyduck · July 2002

$22,300 is the base MSRP for a '02 EX Auto. If you look at edmund's TMV pricing, they have $22,508 - which indicates that most Honda dealers are getting MSRP or more for the CR-V. Sounds like dealer is not charging destination fee of $460 but you should make sure - some dealers will quote a price without the destination fee and then add it when you sign.
The CR-V is very popular - hard to get any good deals.

terryvd · July 2002

My wife has decided to purchase a 2002 Honda CRV Ex. Since the dealer only had one CRV, an Lx, we decided to wait for one to come in - in the color she wanted. The sales guy said 18 would be coming in by the end of July. I did a web search and didn't find much in the whole state of Wisconsin here at other locations. Anyway, now the guy says that the car is "on the boat" and on its way. It will be here near the end of August. We have pretty much been unable to get the purchase price lower than the sticker of $22,270 since they are in such high demand. Anyway, my question is this: by the time this vehicle comes in, won't we be close to the new car season of 2003 and shouldn't we be paying less for the 2002? I've also tried getting some price quotes online but there are no dealerships close enough that support this. Any thoughts on this?
Terry

bbchin · July 2002

Sven:

After checking for about 2 months in the Denver area, I believe your price of $22K is a good price. The dealers here are still adding a myriad of options to jack up the price to $23 to $24K. Only 1 dealer here appears not to be milking the market by charging $22,450 to $22,700.

Where are you, and what dealer are you dealing with? I would like to get your deal? Thanks.

BBCC

mainemanx · July 2002

Terry ... same situation here in Portland Maine ... $22,700 plus $199 "Administration Fee," whatever that is. Salesperson said discount considered only for units sitting on the lot ... but definitely not for Silver EX!

Salesperson further claimed no changes for 2003 ... does ANYONE know ANYTHING about 2003 CR-Vs? Hoping for leather and 16" or 17" wheels. Bill

daveghh · July 2002

mainemanx, you might want to try Paul Blouin Honda in Agusta. I got my silver LX their and they seem to be a fairly good dealership.

bobports · July 2002

On Sat. I bought a 2002 CRV ex. Signed the papers and then found out her gas gauge didn't work. Mon.they found out it was a bigger problem.
The gas gauge assemley had to be replaced. This is my first new car and I can't get her out of the showroom. They say she will be ready
fri. and I'm leaving with her on a small trip. How confident in Honda should I be. There are lemons out there, help.Thanks, Bobport

jas28 · July 2002

Perhaps when you closed the door and the "alarm" went off, you hit the panic button on the key fob? This would produce the same affect.

muckyduck · July 2002

If you are referring to me, I know that did not happen since I didn't have the keys in my hand at that moment.

markjenn · July 2002

I'd be very surprised if there were any substantial changes in the 2003s. Typically, when a model is heavily revised like the 2002 was, it stays pretty much unchanged, at least externally, the next year. They may do some trivial shuffle on the option list between LX and EX or revise a trim piece inside, but I think that would be about it.

I too was floored that there was no discounting on the 2002s vs. the 2003s. But if people are buying, then the dealers don't discount. People are buying. One thing to keep in mind is that the CR-V appears to be aggressively priced to begin with (compared to the competition) and margins aren't that fat. An Auto EX with a total MSRP of $22,760 has a dealer invoice of $21,060). That's only a 7.5% margin even at list, lower than competing cars.

Having said all this, if I were buying a car right now, I'd try and wait for the 2003s. They always make minor improvements each year which potentially improve reliability and 3-5 years from now when you trade, the 2003 will be worth up to $1500 more than the 2002.

- Mark

tomsr · July 2002

Is there any HONDA tuners that have tricks to get
more power out of the 2.4VTEC. The older model
had a supercharger added by hotrodders.This week
I'm driving my wife's Acura and the power is
awesome so my V will seem lame next week.A CRV
with a 3.2 V6 shoehorned in would be killer.The
Pilot is too heavy so that won't work.

rsholland · July 2002

The new Honda Element, which is CRV-based, reportedly will have both a 4-speed and 5-speed automatic, as well as a 5-speed manual. If the Element gets the 5-speed auto, I would imagine the CRV would too.

Bob

whotheman · July 2002

The CRV had two advantages. Manual tranny (fastest times), and lower price (tested Escape with Leather). And the Escape still won. The Vue was a distant third.

mainemanx · July 2002

OK ... possibility of a 5-speed auto is enough to get me to wait 'til October for the 2003s.

Who knows, maybe leather, maybe 16/17" wheels, maybe 5 cylinders ... maybe ... no change at all.

:-)

gatorgreg · July 2002

...according to C&D. Here's a LINK to the article.

More importantly, the Escape is the LOWEST rated vehicle in the small SUV class according to the IIHS, one look at the caved in roof will clue you in as to why:

You can probably guess which small SUV is rated highest.

mainemanx · August 2002

Where did everybody go? I wanted to talk about CR-Vs ... I don't think my Mitsubishi/Eagle Summit Wagon will make it through another Maine Winter and therefore "need" a 2003 CR-V :-)

Bill

varmint · August 2002

Mainemanx - You'll have to come to the Northeast Honda SUV Rally if you want to talk CR-Vs.

Spam, spam, spam, spam....

ateixeira · August 2002

The CR-V EX is a good value when you compare MSRPs, that's why it sells well. I won't even dispute that. It's also why my wife and I test drove one when we were shopping recently.

But let's compare real world prices. Subarus carry deeper discounts. If you are bargain hunting, I saw a left over 2002 S Premium with automatic and leather for $22,700 at fitzmall.com, and that price includes freight.

Best we could do for an EX from invoicedealers.com was $21,500, but it didn't have leather and it was a 5 speed. Those two things alone would make the Subie a better value if you're shopping for content.

XS Premiums may MSRP high, but the same dealer has new 2003s for $23,336 (manual tranny, cloth, like the EX). So the difference is small, and you get a lot more if you like gadgets:

* 6CD in dash plus cassette and weatherband
* huge moonroof about 4 times Honda's size
* heated seats, heated mirrors
* wiper de-icer front and rear
* 67% longer powertrain warranty
* 3 years of roadside assistance
* side air bags that protect the head also
* 16" wheels
* outside temp gauge
* roof rack with cross bars
* rear limited slip diffy (CR-V's are both open)
* full-time AWD

The CR-V has the picnic table, more rear seat space with a flat floor, and the Honda name some people just can't do without. If you don't value all the extras, go for it.

-juice

ateixeira · August 2002

Subaru uses a fairly normal 4.11:1 final drive, so cruising is fairly relaxed.

The CR-V manual uses a very short 4.77:1 ratio, which helps it off the line but also results in a bit more noise and no mpg edge despite being primarily FWD.

I realize you have to account for the individual gear ratios, but in general the CR-V is geared shorter. That's also why you can chirp the tires in 2nd gear, despite similar torque numbers and more curb weight.

-juice

mainemanx · August 2002

varmint - dare I show up for a CR-V rally sporting an Eagle Summit Wagon? :-(

ateixeira - drove an automatic EX yesterday ... cruising seemed quite relaxed, approximately 2600 rpm at 70 mph, relatively quiet. 'Wonder how this will be affected if the 2003s show up with 5-speed automatic trannys.

Anyone with comments on extended trips?

Thanks ... Bill

varmint · August 2002

Bill - Absolutely. Feel free. A meet is a good way to learn about any given car. You can hear first-hand how people feel about the car. You can ask questions and get complete, real time responses. You can see aftermarket and OEM equipment up close and personal before you order anything.

The Edmunds TH is a great thing, but nothing beats first hand experience.

tomsr · August 2002

Two dealers in San Diego have newspaper ads
with $18995 for the LX 4WD and they list 3 each in stock.It is possible a bait and switch but the
end of the model year is coming so they need to move th 02 models.I suppose if you got an LX then
added $2000 in options then it could be almost an EX.You know alloys,moonroof,CD changer,keyless
entry etc.For trade in it would still be an LX though.The new Forester is a great car but it
does not have the up high sitting position.It probably takes curves better than the CRV though.
The tall CRV does not like sporting driving.

carm3 · August 2002

the air pressure on my 2002 crv was set at 35psi
from the dealer, should i set them to honda specs
and at what setting would give me the most wear,
and best ride.

muckyduck · August 2002

When I make a sharp turn to the left, there is a popping noise (several pops) coming from appears to be the right side front. Has anyone had this and if so, is it known what it is? ('02 EX auto)

varmint · August 2002

Carm3 - Tire pressure should be 26psi. At 35psi, you may have a stiff ride and the tires may wear unevenly in the middle (I doubt it would make a big difference, but it's possible).

Muckyduck - I believe there has been a TSB issued regarding a faulty ABS controller. One symptom is a noise that sounds like it's coming from the suspension. Have your dealer check it out.

robmarch · August 2002

4 times, wow I would like to see that. Sounds impressive. There's a new Forester in my work lot that I saw for the first time this morning. I like it, I would say that it would come down to "big box" "small box" for me, I'm pretty sure that the smaller size of the Forester and lower height will translate to sharper handling. I'll be driving my future WRX (hopefully) for the more spirited drives, though:)

the Forester back seats looked a little tight to me, though, that's really the only limitation I could see from my quick look. I would think that Subaru should be marketing the Forester versus the Rav4 more than the CRV, I think those vehicles are more similar. But, the CRV is definitely popular now, so they're probably doing the right thing by emphasising the differences.

I'm still very happy with my CRV, and I'm sure that those who choose the Forester will be very happy also.

muckyduck · August 2002

Thanks for the info.

I know Honda is not keen on putting out TSB infomation on the web, but do you know of any web site that would have this TSB relating to the ABS controller.

Is this faulty ABS controller responsible for the 'clunking' noise when you first put the car in reverse or forward and hitting the brakes?

muckyduck · August 2002

I did find that edmunds lists TSB's under the Ownership tab. There are a couple relating to ABS - not sure if these relate to the popping noise though.

varmint · August 2002

Mucky - Send me an e-mail.

It's not the same thing as the forward/reverse issue. In fact, that isn't an issue at all. It's just the way that brakes work. The fact that you can hear it is the only abnormal part.

slugline · August 2002

carm3: Honda's recommended cold tire inflation pressure is 26 psi. What this means is that when the tires are at their coldest, the pressure should read 26 psi. Tires will typically be at their coldest right before dawn, having not been driven for several hours.

The heat of the day alone can add 1-2 psi, so if I am checking the tires in the middle of the afternoon, I'll go ahead and inflate them to 28 psi. For more information, see http://www.rma.org/tiresafety/tiresafety.html

varmint · August 2002

Slugline - That is exactly how I run mine, too. Thanks for explaining it.

rerenov8r · August 2002

Here's what I'm facing --

Honda is on some mad rush to push out ALL the 02 Accords like RIGHT NOW. They must be doing cash-to-dealer or something, as all the dealers have Accords at crazy low prices. Like WAY under $16k. These are the "value package" specials, that usually go for about $17k. 4dr, 4 cylinder, Auto, Air, power locks, in dash CD. That's about it. No moonroof, no power windows, no ABS.

I've been shopping for a CR-V for about 3 months. Dealers have an OK supply, certainly better than for Pilots, but still not great bunches to choose from/make a deal. Given that, I've kinda resigned myself to getting an EX, 'cause there's more of 'em. BUT that means like $22K. That's over $6k than for one of these "special deal" Accords!!

Am I being crazy? It seems too good to pass up. If I got the Accord and drove it for five years I could probably sell it for over $10k. That would be about $2k/year... I doubt I'd be able to get more than $12K for a CR-V, that'd be much more depreciation AND a higher purchase price...

Any thoughts???

varmint · August 2002

If the Accord will do the job that you need a car to do. Get the Accord. If you need the CR-V for its utility, space, etc., then the money will be well spent.

charliecar · August 2002

Does the '02 CR-V have enough power with the new 160 hp engine and its automatic transmission? I'm especially interested in modest hill climbing (on roads) and hauling cargo (inside, not trailer).

ateixeira · August 2002

I'm not sure if the auto uses the 4.77 final drive. That's the 5 speed I think.

Yeah, the Forester's moonroof is sort of closer to the glass area on the Open Air concept, which I still think Honda should build (or Acura).

rerenov8r: a brand new 2002 with no ABS? Plus low-end Accords use cheaper materials than EX models, steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, and rear drum brakes IIRC.

The CR-V EX is no comparison - alloys, moonroof, ABS, RT4WD. What price happiness? Look at the big picture - spend a bit more and be happy!

-juice

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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