Varmint - "One of [Cadillac's] trademark interior details was a big fat cone mounted right in the center of the steering wheel and pointed at the driver."
Yep ... plus most cars had a rigid steering column, with the steering sector hanging out in front of the front suspension [non-permissible content removed]'y ... scary, when you think about it.
But with my 98 lb. Japanese wife, I shudder to think of what would happen if her 1st generation air bag ever deployed :-( All-the-better-reason to get a new CR-V!
soccermum02 - I agree with all of your inside-the-car protections ... plus safe, attentive, no-cell-phone driving ...
I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm new to the CR-V and new to this board. Is the pull to the right strictly an alignment problem? I've got 400 miles on and while the pull is not muscular it does tend to tire me out once my attention focuses on it. Also, what about the soft click in the steering column just before achieving full stop? These seem to be the only chronic problems I'm experiencing other than enjoyment, which is no problem at all.
I don't know if you're allowed to mention dealers or sales guys by name here but just bought an '02 EX from Bill Page Honda in Falls Church, VA. Carlos Granados, the sales guy, was honest and helpful. Page adds $89 to the MSRP for wheel locks, but everything is negotiable, even with CRV's.
The information provided by all the writers and owners in this forum has been very helpful. I'm glad we've finally found a good use for computers and the Internet.
Re: the discussion about things Honda could do to make more people happy --
I chose the 02 CR-V LX 5-spd after much (too much!) comparison shopping. One of the main attractions was that it offered everything I wanted (and then some) and did not force me to buy too many things I definitely do not want, such as fog lights, auto running headlights, and roof rack. Of course, I didn't want power door locks or windows, either, but none of the small SUVs leave come with manual windows and locks any more.
I agree completely with others' comments about the CR-V's tire size and wheel size. The puniness is surprising to me. I've decided to wear these original Bridgestones out, then move to a wider, stockier tire. Guess I'm stuck with the 15" wheels, which fill up the wheel well just fine on my Suzuki Sidekick, but definitely leave the CR-V looking wimpy, IMO. Plus, I find Honda wheel rims on the LX extremely ugly and cheap-looking, so when I can put together the $$$, I will probably get others.
I like many things about my new CR-V and am enjoying this first new SUV in 9 years. I like the extra room, car-like ride, better quality interior, and as good or better acceleration and power compared to what I had. Gas mileage is about the same or a little worse, but CR-V is much heavier, so overall fuel economy is pretty good, considering. Got the CR-V for a great price, too. All in all, I'm satisfied!
"Is the pull to the right strictly an alignment problem?"
Most owners have been able to get it corrected with a proper alignment adjustment. However, some have needed to get it done several times (different mechanics).
"Also, what about the soft click in the steering column just before achieving full stop?"
This is the reverse lockout solenoid. It's a little gizmo that locks out the reverse gear while the car is moving.
I see that Mitsubishi now has the Outlander, a CRV wannabe. Interesting it also uses a 2.4L engine but only gets 140 horses and torque is 157 ft lbs @ 2500 rpm. The sudden increase in similar size SUV's as the CRV is going to put a lot pressure on Honda. For one, we complain about puny tires, yet other manufacturers have gone to 16 wheels and larger tires. Honda may have to rethink their US strategy and start marketing a CRV for the US market which is probably their biggest. Also note the most other models of Honda for the US are built in North America. Maybe its time for Honda to start building them here. Building a international car for all markets doesn't isn't easy, each country has it own desire, tastes and needs. Honda has done pretty well in trying to get the CRV to cater to most markets by adapting it, but the Canadian/US market is large and the competition is growing. Not only is quality important, but included options, bells and whitles will help make the sale. Also Honda accessories are to high priced as well, look at the cost for the foglights. Roof racks on a PT Cruiser for example lists for around $150 compared to Honda which is much more. Plus on the Cruiser, you can adjust the crossbars position, on Honda you can't anymore. If Toyota ever revamps the Rav4 to match the CRV in size and performance plus add standard accessories packages and price it competitively, it will be interesting to see what happens.
would like to know if anyone has a problem with the moon roof leaking, it seem if its raining i get some wet fingers when i run them along inside the moonroof cover. thanks BoB L.
This is what I would like to see in the next generation of Cr-V. Dump the civic platform and use the new acccord platform. This will make the Cr-V longer, wider, roomier, and hopefully even more smoother ride. Hopefully the increase in size will enable the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle. Offer optional 6 cylinder with 200 horse power and appropriate torque.
Dump the 15inch tires and replace it with 16inch wide tires. I hope this will eliminate excesssive tire noise and make it even more smoother ride. Also, with 16in tires CR-V will be more adaptive to off roading activities. Replace those ugly steel rims and offer alloy wheels as standard.
Offer following items as standarad on all models. 8 way power adjustable driver seat with lumbart support. Keyless entry. Tinted and privacy glass in the cargo area. Anti lock brakes.
On top line Ex models offer the folliwng. The sliding moonroof, full time all wheel drive, leather seats, upgraded alloy wheels with different design than LX, rear seat AC vent, heated mirrors, front mud guards, wheel locks, cargo tray, retractable cargo cover, better interior such as wood trim panel, leather covered steering wheel, and sliding roof rack.
I am contemplating purchasing a 2003 CRV. Since I will be living in Florida and not into off roading, would it be worth the price to have AWD? It appears that with the 2wd there is no limited slip differential available. Your thoughts and experience would be helpful. Thanks!
crv4me2, Priceline adds the destination (and sometimes, advertising) at the end after you choose colors. There is a review page before you make an offer. I used it four times last year (for myself and family members) and found it the most accurate on the Web.
Increasing the wheel base does approach the Pilot size. Also the Pilot's wheelbase is 6 inches wider. I would like to see the CRV lenthened to give it a couple of more inches in the front passenger area. Because they lowered the floor, the well in too shallow now. Although the previous 1st Gen 'V's used the Civic chassis, the second Gen does not. Although same wheel base dimensions as the Civic, the chassis was redesigned for the CRV. I would like to see a Subie drive system put in the CRV, a true AWD. The Honda unit is simple but effective, but the Subaru system is one notch better. You have to look at the competition, they may not measure up to Honda, but they will try to improve their quality in the future and be more competitive. Note also that Honda's competition seems to listen to the US market more and are offering or plan to offer more accessories as standards and well as options some of us want, like leather seats. The CRV is a great car, its just needs to be better, then everyone else becomes second place. Will have to see what Honda does next time around.
Around town the 02 CRV is fine but taking the 70 mile trip on the SoCal freeways finds it lacking because everybody is doing 80 mph +.When cruise control is on and AC too,it downshifts on hills which is an irritant.The freeway mpg is not that much better than my old Explorer either.
She's my cousin, not just a friend. She bought her original CR-V through Priceline, or rather her Dad bought it for her. He lives in Pennsylvania and she lives near San Francisco.
Ally called her original dealer over the weekend and found out the person she bought the CR-V from was no longer there, they were not interested in selling under (or at) MSRP and she was told to come in if she wanted a quote.
Yes, she will go back to Priceline, just to cut through all the baloney the dealer is giving her.
Priceline is not showing a $700 to $1000 discount, at least not in my zip code area (near Atlanta). In fact, when I ran through the Priceline pricing for the EX model, they recommended that due to the overwhelming demand for the CR-V EX that a bid not be placed under $22,300 as the buyer would probably not even get a response.
I talked to my salesman today and asked him if the 2002's were being discounted yet in anticipation of the 2003's. He just laughed. They got in three 2002's over the weekend. They're gone already. Why would any dealer discount a vehicle so high in demand by $700 to $1000?
Well, maybe your cousin will have better luck in California.
arkydog: I understand that some people don't want fog lamps, but Honda could come up with a better solution than the plugs that take up that space when they're not there. Maybe ducting to cool the brakes?
c14: save your money and get 2WD. RT4WD would likely not even activate the rear axle in the driving conditions you describe. Florida does get a lot of rain, though.
But with 2WD the catch is you have to get an LX automatic, so no 5 speed and no EX goodies.
I read about the Outlander, too, but IMO it's more of a wannabe Forester, from the viscous coupling AWD right down to the size and shape of the body. The 140hp auto only doesn't seem very appealing, but Mistu has an EVO powertrain that just might bolt into it, to create a segment buster.
Basically, the Forester, RAV4, Highlander, Santa Fe use a similar full-time setup, while the CR-V, Escape, Tribute, and Vue use a part-time one.
Tomsr: Having driven those roads in the past I would deduce that the problem lies not so much in the CR-V as in the So cal freeways. If given a choice I would opt to keep the V and get rid of Southern California. In fact, that's just what I did, and life is good. . . though I miss the desert.
Took Rosebud in for an oil change and asked about the creaky noise when turning left. Got the standard answer of "we don't hear anything that isn't a normal noise for this vehicle." Has anyone else asked about the noise and if so, what did you find out?
Not really worried, just annoying that a new car creaks like my 15-year-old Camry did.
$800 off the window sticker price ... but I'm a bit miffed that I'm about to put down almost 23K to someone who'll not give me a straight answer when the 2003s are expected :-(
I really don't think the dealers know for certain when they're coming in. I've heard as early as November (from your posts, I think) to January. I've heard Honda reps say that the CRV's are the last in the chain to go under the new year production. But since they sell so well, why would they wait?
I'm afraid like you suspect your dealer is full of it on the 2003's. Probably trying to pawn off a 2002 before the 03's walk in the door and bite you (although $800 below MSRP may be worth it since 03's only add a couple trivia items (like coat hooks...)).
They already know exactly what they are getting from Honda for their first allocation of 2003's and that they are being built later this month. They will be delivered a few weeks after that (ie Oct). Not sure what the delivery time is to your part of the country.
College Hills Honda in Ohio posts all their allocation info from Honda to the web as soon as they get it. Your dealer would get the same info at the same time (as far as what they are getting from honda).
Goto http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2002.htm and click on the "on-order" link in the lower right. It clearly shows that Honda is building the first batch of 03 CRVs in Mid Sept...Show them the website and ask them why they are so clueless on what they are getting (or not being forthcoming as is likely the case
John, wow, you sure know a lot about Hondas ... driving a '93 Grand Cherokee?
Thank you for the College Hills info ... I knew about their site but never snooped around ... just what I was looking for!
According to College Hills it looks as though Honda will start phasing in the production of 2003s beginning the second week of September ... so delivery probably mid-October through early November.
Y'all done had a year to enjoy and gloat over yours ... our interest in a 2003 is but a pathetic attempt to squeeze out another dollar or two in resale ... while not being able to quite stomach the Element ...
"$800 off the window sticker price ... but I'm a bit miffed that I'm about to put down almost 23K to someone who'll not give me a straight answer when the 2003s are expected :-("
Wouldn't $800 off MSRP would be almost $22K, not $23K? Or are you adding in tax, title, etc.
Look folks ... with names like Performa, Fullmark, and Active Stage, in place of simple LX and EX ... don't worry about what CR-V "means" ... not to mention referring to the CV-V accessories as Climax ... and having once made the Prelude!
A month in Japan this summer convinced me their use of English has more to do with their pronunciation of it ... how it sounds to their "ear" ... rather than what it actually 'means."
I'm sure you'll enjoy your CR-V whether it has coat hooks or not...The wife actually has a 02 CRV (EX-Auto in Chianti Red) and we love it. I've got a build date of 9/24 on my new Honda Pilot (EX in Sagebrush) and then no more grand cherokee for me.
I want to replace the current tires of my CRV-EX 1999 and I would like to have bigger tires now (current tires are 205x70x15). Does anyone knows if it would be OK to replace the old tires with 235x75x15 tires? Btw, I don't want to change the original wheels. Thanks!
Ozzie, Some people have jumped up to 215/70R15 and 225/70R15 without any problems except your speed will read lower then it actually is and you will pile on more miles on your odometer then you have actually driven. The 225/70R15 will ocassionally rub when not on smooth roads.
An alterntaive to raising the sidewall height is to get wider tires without making the tire wall larger. You can do this by putting 215/65/R15 or 225/60R15 on the CRV. I have done the former and I had no problems and it looked better then the stock 205's.
The tirerack tool will allow you to choose different rim sizes and different tires sizes BUT it doesn't include higher tire wall tires.
Juice - Thanks. The images took so long, I got lazy with writing the text.
Matt's spare tire cover is made by Vennelyst (sp?). It's called a belt-style cover. Ron (with his black CR-V, Gadget) also has one. It looks better with a black on black CR-V, but I'm not a big fan, either. I'm certain the cute model in their ads has more to do with their sales than the product.
I would like to go to the Pine Barrens. In fact, I may be in the NY area at the end of September. I'll have to check their schedule.
CDS12 - CR-V stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It's a fact. Some of the early press material actually had that written under the name.
Daveghh - Bigger tires means less mileage and a lower MPH reading on the speedo.
Bigger tires mean less mph on the speedo and fewer miles on the odo. But the industry standard rule of thumb for change is a conservative +/- 3%.
Usually only Jeeps change it more than that, and if they do they'd better have the correct final drive. I've been in Jeeps with 35" tires that were geared too tall for highway driving.
235/75R15 is about 10% bigger than stock, or 1.3" more in radius. You have to leave room for the tire to bounce around at full suspension travel, so that'll probably rub.
I'm not sure, but the stock wheel width is, what, 6"? So 235mm wide tires would also bulge out a bit much. If you really want a tire that wide, I'd get a new wheel too, maybe 7" or even 7.5" wide.
If it were me, I wouldn't go wider than 215mm, and maybe look at 215/75R15, which is 5.3% bigger and gives you 0.7" more ground clearance. If you need more, I'd look at taller springs.
Better yet, get adjustable coil overs so you can lower it for the street and lift it off road. :-)
Larger tires mean fewer tire revolutions to cover the same (actual) distance. The odometer and speedometer count tire revolutions. Therefore, larger tires mean lower registered distance and speed - both of which will be erroneous - since they undercount the calibrated number of revolutions for a given distance covered.
I'm looking to replace my Mitsubishi made 93 Colt Vista - 153,000 trouble-free miles, which only proves that Toyota & Honda don't have a monopoly on quality. Anyhow, I'm looking for something else that will get me this kind of service with decent gas mileage. The CR-V seems to be the only vehicle out there that's a suitable replacement. The local dealer in this part of WV has a 02 Blue LX - will sell for $19,500 (20,460 MSRP). Does this sound like a decent price given the 03's will be coming out in October? Also, anyone out there have a blue LX - How satisfied are you with the color choice? I like the dark interior much better than the tan, but have some reservations about keeping the outside looking clean. Silver might be my first choice, but they don't have any in the LX line.
bluemalibu2000, I think that is a good price on the LX, I also have the LX but mine is silver and never needs to be cleaned. I paid MSRP the first week the CRV came out and I have 20,000 miles of trouble free/ fun driving!
bluemalibu2000 - I'm not sure if the U.S. has the same colors as Canada - but the blue that we have is rather nice. It may not be for everyone though; we are in the 40-50 age bracket and that may influence our tastes :-)
daveghh - tell me it isn't so! I vacuum and wash "Anny" every weekend. Down the street from us is a silver EX and I have never seen them outside washing theirs, but it always looks nice. Come to think of it I have never seen them outside at all :-0
Comments
Yep ... plus most cars had a rigid steering column, with the steering sector hanging out in front of the front suspension [non-permissible content removed]'y ... scary, when you think about it.
But with my 98 lb. Japanese wife, I shudder to think of what would happen if her 1st generation air bag ever deployed :-( All-the-better-reason to get a new CR-V!
soccermum02 - I agree with all of your inside-the-car protections ... plus safe, attentive, no-cell-phone driving ...
The information provided by all the writers and owners in this forum has been very helpful. I'm glad we've finally found a good use for computers and the Internet.
I chose the 02 CR-V LX 5-spd after much (too much!) comparison shopping. One of the main attractions was that it offered everything I wanted (and then some) and did not force me to buy too many things I definitely do not want, such as fog lights, auto running headlights, and roof rack. Of course, I didn't want power door locks or windows, either, but none of the small SUVs leave come with manual windows and locks any more.
I agree completely with others' comments about the CR-V's tire size and wheel size. The puniness is surprising to me. I've decided to wear these original Bridgestones out, then move to a wider, stockier tire. Guess I'm stuck with the 15" wheels, which fill up the wheel well just fine on my Suzuki Sidekick, but definitely leave the CR-V looking wimpy, IMO. Plus, I find Honda wheel rims on the LX extremely ugly and cheap-looking, so when I can put together the $$$, I will probably get others.
I like many things about my new CR-V and am enjoying this first new SUV in 9 years. I like the extra room, car-like ride, better quality interior, and as good or better acceleration and power compared to what I had. Gas mileage is about the same or a little worse, but CR-V is much heavier, so overall fuel economy is pretty good, considering. Got the CR-V for a great price, too. All in all, I'm satisfied!
Most owners have been able to get it corrected with a proper alignment adjustment. However, some have needed to get it done several times (different mechanics).
"Also, what about the soft click in the steering column just before achieving full stop?"
This is the reverse lockout solenoid. It's a little gizmo that locks out the reverse gear while the car is moving.
Dump the 15inch tires and replace it with 16inch wide tires. I hope this will eliminate excesssive tire noise and make it even more smoother ride. Also, with 16in tires CR-V will be more adaptive to off roading activities. Replace those ugly steel rims and offer alloy wheels as standard.
Offer following items as standarad on all models. 8 way power adjustable driver seat with lumbart support. Keyless entry. Tinted and privacy glass in the cargo area. Anti lock brakes.
On top line Ex models offer the folliwng. The sliding moonroof, full time all wheel drive, leather seats, upgraded alloy wheels with different design than LX, rear seat AC vent, heated mirrors, front mud guards, wheel locks, cargo tray, retractable cargo cover, better interior such as wood trim panel, leather covered steering wheel, and sliding roof rack.
Anyone else have other suggestions?
mile trip on the SoCal freeways finds it lacking because everybody is doing 80 mph +.When cruise
control is on and AC too,it downshifts on hills which is an irritant.The freeway mpg is not that much better than my old Explorer either.
Ally called her original dealer over the weekend and found out the person she bought the CR-V from was no longer there, they were not interested in selling under (or at) MSRP and she was told to come in if she wanted a quote.
Yes, she will go back to Priceline, just to cut through all the baloney the dealer is giving her.
I talked to my salesman today and asked him if the 2002's were being discounted yet in anticipation of the 2003's. He just laughed. They got in three 2002's over the weekend. They're gone already. Why would any dealer discount a vehicle so high in demand by $700 to $1000?
Well, maybe your cousin will have better luck in California.
c14: save your money and get 2WD. RT4WD would likely not even activate the rear axle in the driving conditions you describe. Florida does get a lot of rain, though.
But with 2WD the catch is you have to get an LX automatic, so no 5 speed and no EX goodies.
I read about the Outlander, too, but IMO it's more of a wannabe Forester, from the viscous coupling AWD right down to the size and shape of the body. The 140hp auto only doesn't seem very appealing, but Mistu has an EVO powertrain that just might bolt into it, to create a segment buster.
Basically, the Forester, RAV4, Highlander, Santa Fe use a similar full-time setup, while the CR-V, Escape, Tribute, and Vue use a part-time one.
-juice
The write-up for the Northeast Rally has been published.
Dealer called today offering $800 off an '02 ... exactly what I want in an '03 ... Auto 4wd EX Silver ...
P.S. No gas mileage, no speed in and out of the Valley ... could that be the Southern California '02 CR-V up on eBay right now?
Not really worried, just annoying that a new car creaks like my 15-year-old Camry did.
You ought to get that group over to the Pine Barrens with paisan, and put the RT4WD to use while you're at it.
Did Matt lose points for that Power Rangers spare tire cover? What IS that thing?
-juice
I'm afraid like you suspect your dealer is full of it on the 2003's. Probably trying to pawn off a 2002 before the 03's walk in the door and bite you (although $800 below MSRP may be worth it since 03's only add a couple trivia items (like coat hooks...)).
They already know exactly what they are getting from Honda for their first allocation of 2003's and that they are being built later this month. They will be delivered a few weeks after that (ie Oct). Not sure what the delivery time is to your part of the country.
College Hills Honda in Ohio posts all their allocation info from Honda to the web as soon as they get it. Your dealer would get the same info at the same time (as far as what they are getting from honda).
Goto http://www.collegehillshonda.com/2002.htm and click on the "on-order" link in the lower right. It clearly shows that Honda is building the first batch of 03 CRVs in Mid Sept...Show them the website and ask them why they are so clueless on what they are getting (or not being forthcoming as is likely the case
Thank you for the College Hills info ... I knew about their site but never snooped around ... just what I was looking for!
According to College Hills it looks as though Honda will start phasing in the production of 2003s beginning the second week of September ... so delivery probably mid-October through early November.
Thanks guys :-)
Y'all done had a year to enjoy and gloat over yours ... our interest in a 2003 is but a pathetic attempt to squeeze out another dollar or two in resale ... while not being able to quite stomach the Element ...
Wouldn't $800 off MSRP would be almost $22K, not $23K? Or are you adding in tax, title, etc.
Comfortable Runabout Vehicle IIRC.
civic recreational vehicle, comfortable recreational vehicle and compact recreational vehicle.
It probably actually stands for nothing.
A month in Japan this summer convinced me their use of English has more to do with their pronunciation of it ... how it sounds to their "ear" ... rather than what it actually 'means."
Arrigato ...
Does anyone knows if it would be OK to replace the old tires with 235x75x15 tires?
Btw, I don't want to change the original wheels.
Thanks!
Some people have jumped up to 215/70R15 and 225/70R15 without any problems except your speed will read lower then it actually is and you will pile on more miles on your odometer then you have actually driven. The 225/70R15 will ocassionally rub when not on smooth roads.
An alterntaive to raising the sidewall height is to get wider tires without making the tire wall larger. You can do this by putting 215/65/R15 or 225/60R15 on the CRV. I have done the former and I had no problems and it looked better then the stock 205's.
The tirerack tool will allow you to choose different rim sizes and different tires sizes BUT it doesn't include higher tire wall tires.
:-)
I originally thought...
Larger tires = more miles on the odometer
Now if I really think about it I am thinking the opposite makes more sense... yeah I think....
Larger tires = less miles on the odometer
Confirmation, anyone???
Matt's spare tire cover is made by Vennelyst (sp?). It's called a belt-style cover. Ron (with his black CR-V, Gadget) also has one. It looks better with a black on black CR-V, but I'm not a big fan, either. I'm certain the cute model in their ads has more to do with their sales than the product.
I would like to go to the Pine Barrens. In fact, I may be in the NY area at the end of September. I'll have to check their schedule.
CDS12 - CR-V stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It's a fact. Some of the early press material actually had that written under the name.
Daveghh - Bigger tires means less mileage and a lower MPH reading on the speedo.
Usually only Jeeps change it more than that, and if they do they'd better have the correct final drive. I've been in Jeeps with 35" tires that were geared too tall for highway driving.
235/75R15 is about 10% bigger than stock, or 1.3" more in radius. You have to leave room for the tire to bounce around at full suspension travel, so that'll probably rub.
I'm not sure, but the stock wheel width is, what, 6"? So 235mm wide tires would also bulge out a bit much. If you really want a tire that wide, I'd get a new wheel too, maybe 7" or even 7.5" wide.
If it were me, I wouldn't go wider than 215mm, and maybe look at 215/75R15, which is 5.3% bigger and gives you 0.7" more ground clearance. If you need more, I'd look at taller springs.
Better yet, get adjustable coil overs so you can lower it for the street and lift it off road. :-)
-juice
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
C&D had an article about this, some cars were way off, BMW being the biggest offender.
-juice
I think that is a good price on the LX, I also have the LX but mine is silver and never needs to be cleaned. I paid MSRP the first week the CRV came out and I have 20,000 miles of trouble free/ fun driving!
daveghh - tell me it isn't so! I vacuum and wash "Anny" every weekend. Down the street from us is a silver EX and I have never seen them outside washing theirs, but it always looks nice. Come to think of it I have never seen them outside at all :-0