Thanks everyone for your help. I phoned the Honda plant in Canada early this morning, and she said that they are made in Japan. She also said that the serial number will tell you. If it starts in J its made in Japan, 1 its made in Canada, 2 Its made in USA. Ive been hearing some people complain about how easy the inside gets scratched in certain areas, especially the B pillar from the seat belt. Hoping the material is better in the 2003!!!
I would suspect the ECU, fouled plugs, leaky plug wires, or maybe even something as simple as condensation in the gas tank putting water in the fuel line.
I think you reversed it, 1 is for USA, 2 for Canada, IIRC.
I have a 2002 CRV with 12,000 miles. There's a defective motor mount that causes a thunking sound when I drive washboard roads; on the passenger side. The dealer has looked at this and has diagnosed the problem but can't proceed with any fix without an ok from Honda. I called American Honda and opened a claim. The person at American Honda told me, essentially, I have to live with it. He said there's"no parts/procedures to address this concern." He would not tell me how many calls Honda has had about this. The dealer told me Honda has had many calls about this and is working on a fix. The fact remains, I have a new car with a thunk and Honda refuses to do anything about it. The best the dealer can do is tell me to wait to see when/if Honda comes out with a fix. Otherwise, I have to live with it as is. So...what recourse do I have? I know someone else, on this board, had this problem and that dealer did a temporary fix by putting some washers in place as a shim. My dealer won't do anything like this. Thanks in advance for any feedback you all may offer.
When I bought my wife's new Windstar, the AC fan started squealing after we had the car about six weeks. When I took it in, I walked right by the sales manager at the Ford Dealer, and he nodded and asked "Are your here about the fan?" That #@$#%! knew all about the defect.
Ford wouldn't fix it either because they were working on the problem. There is NOTHING like dropping the cash for a brand new car and having the dealer and manufacturer tell you it's YOUR problem -- they can't fix it. They are working on it...
Now Honda's playing this game??? Maybe I should wait another year before buying a CRV; or maybe get a Subaru; or maybe the Mazda Tribute... What about the motor mount on the new weird looking Honda Element?? Have they fixed the problem there?
When they demand sticker price for these vehicles - they better be worth it!
Just want to thank the person who posted the suggestion about placing a wide-angle stick-on lens to the back window of their CRV. Due to limited visibality out the back window of my CRV, I had several near misses with other vehicles who were also backing out of their parking spaces at the same time. This little piece of plastic has made a world of difference. I purchased a 6x8" Vangard.2 optical lens (by 3M) for $7.99 at an autoparts store. Thanks again.
can you tell us a little about your symptoms, and how the dealer was able to verify that it was the motor mount? If other people are experiencing the same problem and file a similar report to Honda, you might get a resolution quicker.
Writing to the NHTSA is a good idea, because it will document the issue. Anyone else having this problem should do the same. However, I have serious doubts that the NHTSA will issue a recall. Recalls are issued for safety related problems. An annoying thunk is not going to cause bodily harm. The NHTSA would have to prove that there is a safety risk associated with the defect.
That said, I think your best bet is to wait for Honda to develop a fix. Slipping some washers between the mount may stop the thunk, but it might cause additional damage or create a situation that will put you at risk of bodily harm. We can only speculate. I have serious doubts that the mechanics who thought up that "fix" have degrees in metallurgy, understand vibration stresses, and a host of other things that might need consideration. It takes a while for fixes to be tested, approved, and production of new parts to begin.
In this situation, I would have to side with your dealer. Right now, there is no evidence to suggest that you have anything more than a noise to deal with. I agree, that stinks from your point of view. However, if they make a change and it causes more problems, both you and the dealer are in a pickle. Futhermore, they would probably have to charge you for the fix (unless your warranty covers it). If you wait for Honda to issue a TSB and directions on how to fix it, they may be able to fix it for free.
fantastic. just got my v today. it's better than the test drive i took months ago. ordered it a month ago, it took the slow boat from japan! discovered 1 thing i hadn't expected, a cargo bin under the front passenger seat, that's handy. not alot of other new stuff to learn locations of since i've been driving hondas for years. wow no maintenance for 10000 miles. and the white looks GREAT w/ the dark interior.
Crvic - I'm not sure I would want to put clients in the rearmost seat of a Pilot. It'd be fine for small folks or kids. But that's not the kind of thing you want to do to the people who pay your bills.
crvic, if he is willing to pay you 21k for a year-old vehicle, take it, regardless of what you buy afterwards, even if it is another CR-v. You'll essentially be losing no money on a year old vehicle and will be getting much more than book value for it. wise move is to sell IMHO.
bitjokey:how much did you pay and where did you get your v? I am currently shopping for a v ex in Southern California **got it for MSRP i'm happy w/ the price and process. some in this state wanted up to $2000 over MSRP.....! i bought it through an autobroker in Oregon but you could use one from AAA, USAA or another you have access to;was my first experience w/one. would recommend it for anyone who wants to avoid the "fun" of dealing w/ some car salesmen and dealerships.
I test drove my friends CRV 02 EX and now this car is on my short list. However, I was less than overwhelmed with the stereo. Any suggestions to improve this...how is the Honda subwoofer/tweeter set? I'm also potentially interested in Sirrius Radio Subscription. Base heads keep in mind that I'm an old fart whose listening audience ranges from Raifi to Rossini to Rolling Stones. Is there a better forum to post this question? Thanks
I am happy with my CRV but am always looking around.I saw a Nissan xtrail on the freeway yesterday and was wondering if it is going to be a competitor to the CRV or is it an experiment. It looks amazingly like a CRV from the rear.The specs I found says it has 180 hp out of 2.5 liters.
Tugboat - The head unit is "ok" so, I would start with a speaker upgrade. Honda uses fairly cheap speakers. If that doesn't do it for you, then move on to replacing other parts. Start with the cheaper stuff before spending big money.
Tomsr - The Xtrail isn't for sale in North America. It does look like a very nice vehicle and is definitely targeted at the CR-V, Escape, etc. However, Nissan already has the XTerra over here and introducing the X-Trail would crowd their product line.
As for the engine, it is slightly torquier than the CR-V, but do not expect significantly better acceleration. In fact, the only direct comparo I've seen (from Australia) has the CR-V faster in the 0-100 kph run.
One nicety, is the AWD system, which has variable settings and can run in permanent mode. There's more in the "X-Trail (we want it)" thread.
After much debate, I sold the Cr-v and bought the Pilot last night. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity and upgraded to the Pilot EX. I will miss the moonroof and the picnic table.
Nah, I can't blame you for selling the CR-V given how much you were offered for it. And the Pilot is a good vehicle. Keep us posted on your new wheels!
We live in Colo Spgs @ 6,800 feet and frequently travel to elevations of 10K. Does anyone have experience with thier CRV's at those altitudes? I'm worried that the 2.4L Auto won't have enough power to "march up the hills". Right now I drive a 99 Silverado, the power is incredible, (but alas, so is the space required to park the beast!) Also, does anyone have any positive experiences with dealers in Puelbo, Colorado Springs or Denver? I'd really appreciate any help! Lynda
I have had a 2000 EX for about 6 months now and live just north of Denver at about 5000 feet. On the few occasions that I have traveled to 10K or so, I didn't have any problems - but then I was alone and not with a fully loaded car. Yes, I could have used more power, but it wasn't too bad either. The 2002/3 with more HP should be better.
I did notice that during my "long" trip from Denver to Snowmass, my gas mileage did not suffer for using extra power going over the peaks compared to front range driving.
My dealer is Frontier Honda in Longmont and had a good experience with them buying used. They do have a website frontierhonda.com that does list inventory.
I am going to need to install a class I trailer hitch to my '03 EX in preparation for a move to Vermont in a week or so. Can anyone recommend a hitch, preferrably one which isn't a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to install? Anyone know what dealers are charging for them?
I installed a Honda hitch on my 02 about 4 months ago. I looked at a number of aftermarket hitches and did not like how they bolted up. Honda's was by far the best thought out. It is more $ and takes about 4hours to install. Directions were very straight forward
We just purchased a 2003 CRV but my wife can't decide between silver and the dark interior or Mojave mist and the light interior. Our friends say the light interior will show all the dirt and we will be unhappy with it. My wife is leaning towards the light but doesn't want to be cleaning it each week. We will not be using the CRV for off roading. I would like to know if anyone could give me there experience with the different interiors.
I have a three-month old silver 2002 CRV. I chose the silver with the dark interior, because we have a 6-year old. I thought the interior was too dark for me, so I made a few changes. I purchased a piece of medium to dark grey remnant carpet for about $15, and made a very plush set of floor mats, for the CRV, including the trunk. I have also recently purchased dark grey seat covers to protect the original covers. These changes have helped to lighten up the dark interior, and you cannot even tell that the CRV did not come that way. I would, however, recommend that you let your wife choose the color she like best, if she will be the main driver.
9 months here with the light interior, and no problems. It's not really that light, not like some of the really light greys out there, it's more like a caramel color, with tan patterned seats. I'm not sure what colors of dirt you encounter, but mine seems to handle it pretty well.
Both the Silver and Mohave Mist are great colors for the CRV, I think, and very practical to keep looking good when dirty, also.
Hi... I recently purchased a 2003 CRV LX 2WD but without keyless entry. The price the dealer wanted for this was a joke. I know the 2001 and I think the 2002 already has factory receiver installed. Would this be true for the 2003 ? I found a webpage keylessride.com that has the honda remote and the new code for $49.00. Do I need to buy the whole unit i.e receiver or do I just need to the remote and program it myself?
Since I may be buying this in the next month or two, I won't have the chance to try the A/C in hot weather. I had a '93 Civic and the A/C in that just couldn't cut the hot weather. I figure the 2002 and 2003 have the same A/C so I was wondering how is it in the heat and humidity?
Although I liked the exterior look of the silver CRV; I did NOT buy it BECAUSE of the dark interior. Having driven a vehicle with a beautiful dark maroon interior for many years..I was tired of always using a lint brush !!!!! Dark colors may not show dirt but they show EVERYTHING else! I have a Mohave Mist/light interior 2002 and from my perspective, it is MUCH easier to keep it looking nice.
Jason els: I live in sunny, subtropical SC, where most of the year is either hot and/or humid. I got my 2002 CR-V in August during the hottest part of summer.
I can say that the A/C in this vehicle works extremely well, much better than my 93 Suzuki Sidekick, which ain't no slouch either. Interior cools very fast, even after sitting in sun. I don't think you would be disappointed in the CR-V's A/C, plus I like knowing the micron filter is helping my sinuses out!
Thanks very much arkydog! Glad to know it's better than before. I took the '93 to the dealer 3x because it never blew cold air, just cool air, which had to be kept on recirc just to keep the cabin tolerable. And this was in a coupe! The dealer came to the conclusion it was the new a/c gas they were using and that was that. I sold the car after 2 years. I hated it so much I actually kicked a dent in it. Sure it cost me money to get it out but damn it was worth it!
Live in the springs also. The power is decent for up here. Has no problems going up hills, albeit having to shift down to maintain 75-80. We have a silver LX auto that we've put 12K miles on in 10 months. 7000 on our summer vacation. I'd recommend team honda of colo spgs or ralph schomp in denver. We're getting rid of the CRV in favor of a van this december. If you're interested or have any other questions, email me at hbushey@uccs.edu We've added keyless entry, leather trim and alloys. We need the extra room since we'll be moving in with relatives next year.
Recently ordered 2003 EX Model - Blue Eternal Pearl - arriving in about 2+ weeks and was extremely excited about it all till yesterday.
I had never seen the blue in person when I ordered this color (by the paint chip in the brochure), but just yesterday I saw one in a parking lot and YES it was DIRTY, but I was kind of disappointed. It looked Sooo DARK!
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has the Eternal Blue Pearl for awhile - are you happy with the color, does it show dirt too easily? Does the black bumper guards etc. on the vehicle with the blue make the car look dark and dull looking? Any feedback is welcome. My dealer told me I can switch the color - but of course it also means I would have to wait till February. I love blue, but maybe this is one blue that's not for me???
Am so torn, spending all this money and possibly being unhappy with my choice of color. And if I have to choose another color, interior will come into play - I really don't want the light tan interior, so I know I am limited to the Blue, Black, White or Silver.
I have a 97 Honda CRV with abount 115K miles. From time to time the engine will just turn off. Normally it is after driving and stopping for a short time and then starting up again and travelling about 25mph. The dealer could find nothing wrong. Today it happened on the freeway. With cars whizzing by at 65 mph, I looked down to be sure I was in neutral before trying to re-start the engine and couldn't tell because the gear indicator light was out. I was able to coast to the side of the road, put it in park, turn the ignition off and on and re-start. The gear indicator light came on. Then got home without further problems. Any ideas?
I just came back from a one month vacation last week and found my 2002 CRV, which might have idled too long, vibrates a lot when i drive it at 65mph. The vibration can be felt most noticeably from the steering wheel.
This vibration problem can also be felt when the car is idling. Although not as obvious as at 65mph, it's still there. But i can't recall i had this problem in the past.
Is it because of the weather? I am in Mass. It's getting extremely cold recently.
Did anyone experience the same problem? Thanks in advance.
I get a slight idle vibration when stopped in Drive, on my Automatic. It goes away with any throttle, so I've assumed that it is related to the usual large displacement inline 4 cylinder balance problems. I don't feel it a whole lot in the steering wheel, though, especially at speed. it usually just slightly rattles a cup holder or something.
for the other vibration at 65ish: check tire pressures, wheel balance, then alignment.
I too have the vibration at 65 mph or higher. This bugs the heck out of me and have brought it to the dealer 2x, but they don't seam notice it. I had my wheels aligned, but it didn't take care of the issue. Decreased the tire pressure, but nothing changed. The vibration comes and goes, so is tough to pinpoint. The only similarity is when I rev up the engine and can feel a similar vibration in the steering wheel. Perhaps this is related? I find it odd that I don't feel the vibration until it gets up to about 65? I will be taking it to another dealer in MPLS to see if they can help me out. Does anyone know if the tires will cause this slight vibration? The vehicle is great, but I am not sure how much longer I will put up with the vibration if they can't find a fix. Let me know if you find a solution!
Large displacement inline 4 cylinder engines naturally vibrate at idle. The manufacturer can put in balance shafts in an attempt to counteract the inherent imbalance.
Loose or worn or defective engine mounts might exaggerate this vibration also.
My other car is a Nissan Altima, with a 2.4L inline 4. It vibrates a lot more at idle than the CRV, but it's progressively gotten worse over time. I think this might be related to the motor mounts, but I'm not sure. It's got a healthy amount of miles on it, so I'm not complaining
Good Luck, if you or your dealer finds something that works, let us all know also!
IIRC, the CR-V block does employ a balance shaft as part of the stock design. Given that we've heard some complaints about motor mounts already, I would have the dealer investigate that possibility (assuming they didn't check them the first time).
Post 121 in the CRV problems and solutions says that user's dealer diagnosed a defective mount for him. it was the passenger side mount. this might be the problem. After reading his post, I do remember hearing a clunking noise on a rough road that I ignored until now. I'll listen more closely to try to determine if I have this problem too.
vibrations in steering wheel can come from a single component or the coupling of a combination of components. At this point I can't diagnose any problems for sure.
My old Taurus had that same problem. It would just shut off when I'm at a stoplight. Had to wait around 30 seconds for the engine to run when I turn the key. Had a transmission flush. Then replaced the tranny for close to 2K and 3 weeks later, the problem came back so we junked it. It was an old car and the 2K down the drain was a lesson in life for me.
I don't know if the similar symptoms of our cars stem from the same mechanical problem, but I can tell you that the problem won't be cheap to fix.
I have a 2002 LX, with 4,000 miles, and twice in one week I had the engine stall while I was driving. The first time the engine stalled, it happened right after I had moved off from a traffic light. While waiting for the light to change I had noticed that the idle had gone way down, almost to the point where I thought the engine would stall, but, it did not. However, it did stall right after I went through the intersection. I was able to coast into a parking lot. I turned the engine off, and restarted it, with no problem.
Four days later, right after I reversed out of a parking spot, and started to move forward, the engine stalled. I turned the engine off, and restarted it without a problem.
The only thing that I did on both days that was the same, was that I filled the gas tank. The first time at an Exxon station, and the second time at Mobil. The problem has not reoccurred during the last two and a half weeks. I just thought it was a case of bad gas.
Now that I see someone else with a similar experience, I will mention it when I take it in for its first oil change, in a couple of weeks. Unless of course the problem occurs before that.
2003 has warning on gas cap, when closing must hear click 3 times or engine may fail ... I have a very cooperative wife who stands by, she clicks 3 times, hasn't failed yet :-)
Seriously, 10 years ago similar symptoms were fixed under warranty by Honda on my Prelude by replacing the "electronic ignition unit."
Comments
Ive been hearing some people complain about how easy the inside gets scratched in certain areas, especially the B pillar from the seat belt. Hoping the material is better in the 2003!!!
I think you reversed it, 1 is for USA, 2 for Canada, IIRC.
-juice
When I bought my wife's new Windstar, the AC fan started squealing after we had the car about six weeks. When I took it in, I walked right by the sales manager at the Ford Dealer, and he nodded and asked "Are your here about the fan?" That #@$#%! knew all about the defect.
Ford wouldn't fix it either because they were working on the problem. There is NOTHING like dropping the cash for a brand new car and having the dealer and manufacturer tell you it's YOUR problem -- they can't fix it. They are working on it...
Now Honda's playing this game??? Maybe I should wait another year before buying a CRV; or maybe get a Subaru; or maybe the Mazda Tribute... What about the motor mount on the new weird looking Honda Element?? Have they fixed the problem there?
When they demand sticker price for these vehicles - they better be worth it!
That's the most appropriate action to take, IMO.
-juice
That said, I think your best bet is to wait for Honda to develop a fix. Slipping some washers between the mount may stop the thunk, but it might cause additional damage or create a situation that will put you at risk of bodily harm. We can only speculate. I have serious doubts that the mechanics who thought up that "fix" have degrees in metallurgy, understand vibration stresses, and a host of other things that might need consideration. It takes a while for fixes to be tested, approved, and production of new parts to begin.
In this situation, I would have to side with your dealer. Right now, there is no evidence to suggest that you have anything more than a noise to deal with. I agree, that stinks from your point of view. However, if they make a change and it causes more problems, both you and the dealer are in a pickle. Futhermore, they would probably have to charge you for the fix (unless your warranty covers it). If you wait for Honda to issue a TSB and directions on how to fix it, they may be able to fix it for free.
just got my v today. it's better than the test drive i took months ago.
ordered it a month ago, it took the slow boat from japan!
discovered 1 thing i hadn't expected, a cargo bin under the front passenger seat, that's handy.
not alot of other new stuff to learn locations of since i've been driving hondas for years.
wow no maintenance for 10000 miles.
and the white looks GREAT w/ the dark interior.
I do like the Pilot b/c I have groups of clients that come into town and with the Pilot I could haul 'em all in 1 vehicle.
I test drove the Pilot yesterday and thought it was sweet! Payments will be higher, I know, but I would be giving up a moonroof, 6-CD changer...
What would you do?
how much did you pay and where did you get your v?
I am currently shopping for a v ex in Southern California.
**got it for MSRP i'm happy w/ the price and process. some in this state wanted up to $2000 over MSRP.....! i bought it through an autobroker in Oregon but you could use one from AAA, USAA or another you have access to;was my first experience w/one. would recommend it for anyone who wants to avoid the "fun" of dealing w/ some car salesmen and dealerships.
tidester, host
yesterday and was wondering if it is going to be a competitor to the CRV or is it an experiment.
It looks amazingly like a CRV from the rear.The specs I found says it has 180 hp out of 2.5 liters.
Tomsr - The Xtrail isn't for sale in North America. It does look like a very nice vehicle and is definitely targeted at the CR-V, Escape, etc. However, Nissan already has the XTerra over here and introducing the X-Trail would crowd their product line.
As for the engine, it is slightly torquier than the CR-V, but do not expect significantly better acceleration. In fact, the only direct comparo I've seen (from Australia) has the CR-V faster in the 0-100 kph run.
One nicety, is the AWD system, which has variable settings and can run in permanent mode. There's more in the "X-Trail (we want it)" thread.
After much debate, I sold the Cr-v and bought the Pilot last night. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity and upgraded to the Pilot EX. I will miss the moonroof and the picnic table.
Please don't call me a traitor.
Nah, I can't blame you for selling the CR-V given how much you were offered for it. And the Pilot is a good vehicle. Keep us posted on your new wheels!
I did notice that during my "long" trip from Denver to Snowmass, my gas mileage did not suffer for using extra power going over the peaks compared to front range driving.
My dealer is Frontier Honda in Longmont and had a good experience with them buying used. They do have a website frontierhonda.com that does list inventory.
light interior will show all the dirt and we will be unhappy with it. My wife is leaning towards the light but doesn't want to be cleaning it each week. We will not be using the CRV for off roading.
I would like to know if anyone could give me there experience with the different interiors.
These changes have helped to lighten up the dark interior, and you cannot even tell that the CRV did not come that way.
I would, however, recommend that you let your wife choose the color she like best, if she will be the main driver.
Both the Silver and Mohave Mist are great colors for the CRV, I think, and very practical to keep looking good when dirty, also.
Good luck!
I recently purchased a 2003 CRV LX 2WD but without keyless entry. The price the dealer wanted for this was a joke. I know the 2001 and I think the 2002 already has factory receiver installed. Would this be true for the 2003 ? I found a webpage keylessride.com that has the honda remote and the new code for $49.00. Do I need to buy the whole unit i.e receiver or do I just need to the remote and program it myself?
Thanks Vickie
http://www.handa-accessories.com/crv/02CRVKEYLESS.pdf
A quick check of my favorite Honda parts sites shows they keyless entry kit for the LX goes for $85-$90 plus shipping.
Good luck!
Thanks!
I can say that the A/C in this vehicle works extremely well, much better than my 93 Suzuki Sidekick, which ain't no slouch either. Interior cools very fast, even after sitting in sun. I don't think you would be disappointed in the CR-V's A/C, plus I like knowing the micron filter is helping my sinuses out!
Steve, Host
I had never seen the blue in person when I ordered this color (by the paint chip in the brochure), but just yesterday I saw one in a parking lot and YES it was DIRTY, but I was kind of disappointed. It looked Sooo DARK!
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has the Eternal Blue Pearl for awhile - are you happy with the color, does it show dirt too easily? Does the black bumper guards etc. on the vehicle with the blue make the car look dark and dull looking? Any feedback is welcome. My dealer told me I can switch the color - but of course it also means I would have to wait till February. I love blue, but maybe this is one blue that's not for me???
Am so torn, spending all this money and possibly being unhappy with my choice of color. And if I have to choose another color, interior will come into play - I really don't want the light tan interior, so I know I am limited to the Blue, Black, White or Silver.
This vibration problem can also be felt when the car is idling. Although not as obvious as at 65mph, it's still there. But i can't recall i had this problem in the past.
Is it because of the weather? I am in Mass. It's getting extremely cold recently.
Did anyone experience the same problem? Thanks in advance.
bajie
for the other vibration at 65ish: check tire pressures, wheel balance, then alignment.
Good Luck!
I too have the vibration at 65 mph or higher. This bugs the heck out of me and have brought it to the dealer 2x, but they don't seam notice it. I had my wheels aligned, but it didn't take care of the issue. Decreased the tire pressure, but nothing changed. The vibration comes and goes, so is tough to pinpoint. The only similarity is when I rev up the engine and can feel a similar vibration in the steering wheel. Perhaps this is related? I find it odd that I don't feel the vibration until it gets up to about 65? I will be taking it to another dealer in MPLS to see if they can help me out. Does anyone know if the tires will cause this slight vibration? The vehicle is great, but I am not sure how much longer I will put up with the vibration if they can't find a fix. Let me know if you find a solution!
Large displacement inline 4 cylinder engines naturally vibrate at idle. The manufacturer can put in balance shafts in an attempt to counteract the inherent imbalance.
Loose or worn or defective engine mounts might exaggerate this vibration also.
My other car is a Nissan Altima, with a 2.4L inline 4. It vibrates a lot more at idle than the CRV, but it's progressively gotten worse over time. I think this might be related to the motor mounts, but I'm not sure. It's got a healthy amount of miles on it, so I'm not complaining
Good Luck, if you or your dealer finds something that works, let us all know also!
I don't know if the similar symptoms of our cars stem from the same mechanical problem, but I can tell you that the problem won't be cheap to fix.
Four days later, right after I reversed out of a parking spot, and started to move forward, the engine stalled. I turned the engine off, and restarted it without a problem.
The only thing that I did on both days that was the same, was that I filled the gas tank. The first time at an Exxon station, and the second time at Mobil. The problem has not reoccurred during the last two and a half weeks. I just thought it was a case of bad gas.
Now that I see someone else with a similar experience, I will mention it when I take it in for its first oil change, in a couple of weeks. Unless of course the problem occurs before that.
Seriously, 10 years ago similar symptoms were fixed under warranty by Honda on my Prelude by replacing the "electronic ignition unit."