billege

El Chicko, my finace, is contemplating the replacement of her late lamented Concorde. The green machine was destroyed by a 17 year old in a Mirage who doesn't understand what red means. But anyway...

She's thinking the 2003 CRV's are pretty dashing.

I wonder, do any of you have stories to share about your CRV's?

Even stories about Hondas in general would be nice. There's not a whole lot of experiance I have with their reliability. I know that Honda/Toyota have wonderful reps, but I'd like to hear from you.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

DEI37

Personally, I wouldn't touch one of those with a 10-foot pole. To be totally fair, I'm not a big advocate of this SUV-craze in this country, either. I acknowledge that Honda and Toyota make reliable vehicles, if they are rather plain and boring to look at and drive. In my opinion, American car companies do better on styling in general, and come close on long/short term fit & finish. If she absolutely has to have a mini-SUV, look at something like the Pontiac Vibe, or even the Aztek has gotten much better looking in the last year or so. Both are available with AWD, the Vibe can have a 6-speed MT in the GT version. The Aztek has V6 power. Those are my opinions.

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Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

MSD

If you consider getting an SUV, please go for a hybrid.

KeyserSoze

The CRV is a great SUV for the $$. It was the first SUV with a 4-wheel double independent wishbone suspension...In real terms it drives and handles like a car(NO ROLL STEER)and has a great safety rating. If you are looking at the RAV, get the CRV instead.

You can't beat Hondas reliability and resale value. The difference between Honda and Toyota is Honda DOES NOT over produce their cars, and this helps you down the road when you go to resale it.

Do this, test drive the SUV's you are considering and when you test drive them, make sure you drive all of them the same. Corner them sharply, drive down an alley or bumpy road.......HIT THE POT HOLES to test the suspension and ride. I can pretty much say you will choose the CRV.

If you need help in negotiating your price, drop me a line....I will be glad to help.

Good Luck

__________________
THERE IS NO KEYSER SOZE!!

Ashton

Atomic Pinkie

okay ashton, lay off the scooby snacks...

I would take the vibe over a CRV....i mean....its just better

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Where dem bitches at?

mastertakana

My 2 cents....

The CRV is an excellent choice. However, if you want a mini SUV that is meant for more than slick roads and packed dirt or rock, look elsewhere. What i'm saying is make sure you sport expectations of this "SUV" are low. Aside from that, I conpletely agree with KaiserSoze.

For more off roading capability, look at the Jeep Liberty and the Nissan Xterra.

__________________
All I know the time it is gettin dread
Need alot of trees up in my head

reconmike

The CRV is an excellent choice, I work on Japanese products for a living and this suv has very little in the way of problems.(like all hondas). I have seem more problems with the Rav4, they seem to get "loose" after a while, plus the Rav4 is under powered.

My opinion is you will not go wrong with the CRV.

If you have any more indepth question feel free to pm me.

__________________
Where is Darwin when ya need him?

billege

I think off-roading is less than a "not priority" here. We do live in MI, so the 4wd will make snow a little easier, but that's why I buy snow tires.
We have 8 month winters here, I swear.


Please cease and desist with the anti-SUV comments.
If I were talking about an Explorer, you'd have a leg to stand on.

Because I'm talking about a CRV, you don't.

Save your breath. If you CAN find a real, factual, position on the CRV as a piggish SUV, go ahead and try. Until then, put a sock in it.

Read these numbers, and kiss my tailpipe.

Honda CRV 4wd EX
In-Line 4-Cylinder
2354 cc
160hp @ 6000
162lb-ft @ 3600
Emissions Rating LEV II

Wheelbase(in)--------------------103.1
Length(in)-------------------------178.6
Height(in)--------------------------66.2
Width(in)---------------------------70.2
Curb Weight (lbs)----------------3347
City / Highway (mpg)------------22/26


Honda Accord V-6 EX
V-6
2997 cc
240hp @ 6250
212lb-ft @ 5000
Emissions Rating LEV II ULEV / Tier 2, Bin-5

Wheelbase(in)--------------------107.9
Length(in)-------------------------189.5
Height(in) --------------------------57.1
Width(in)---------------------------71.5
Curb Weight (lbs)----------------3360
City / Highway (mpg)------------21/30


Ford Taurus SES Sedan
V-6
3.0L
155hp @ 4900
200lb-ft @ 5650
Ford’s Website does not give an Emissions Rating that I could find.

Wheelbase(in)--------------------108.5
Length(in)--------------------------197.6
Height(in) --------------------------56.1
Width(in)---------------------------73
Curb Weight (lbs)-----------------3350
City / Highway (mpg)-------------20/28

Chevy Impala LS
3.8L V-6
200hp @ 5200
225lb-ft @ 4000
No Emissions Specs found on chevrolet.com


Wheelbase(in)--------------------110.5
Length(in)--------------------------200
Height(in)---------------------------57.3
Width(in)----------------------------73
Curb Weight (lbs)-----------------3466
City / Highway (mpg)-------------19/29


Now, assuming you're capable of honestly comparing the numbers; the CRV is not out of line with other vehicles.
It sure as hell isn't a HUGE vehicle. Except for height, and 1.5 inches of width the CRV is <b>smaller</b> than the Honda Accord.
The CRV is smaller in every dimension (except height) than a Ford Taurus, and I know you'd not be telling crap about what a gas guzzling "Canyonero" a Taurus is.

In fact, <b>Ashton</b> don't you drive "one of 89 2002 Metallic Blue S.S. Camaro Convertibles?" That can't possibly get better mileage than the 2.4L four-banger in the CRV, can it? Also, your Camaro is longer, wider, and heavier, though not taller, than the CRV. (I checked.)

<b>MrSelfDestruct</b> I am 99.995% sure there is currently no hybrid SUVs for sale in the US market. Though, there are several companies with plans to sell one.
Also, I don't see the point in this case. The CRV gets no better, nor worse, gas mileage than a lot of cars out there. However, it does do better than nearly every minivan on the road (except those few minis with 4 bangers), it beats all the midsize and large SUVs, and puts a whuppin on full size trucks too.

In short, there are plenty of vehicles out there that do get bad gas mileage, the CRV is not one of them. There are plenty of fuel sippers out there too, the CRV is not quite one of them either. But it sure as heck doesn't deserve the blanket "it's an SUV whale" statement.

If you're not going to help answer my question, the least you could do is bring a real set of facts.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

KeyserSoze

Billege,

Before I went to sell Mercedes, I was selling Hondas for 7 years. The Honda is a GREAT vehicle for the money....PERIOD!!

When the CRV first came out it was Honda went from drawing board to production in 18 months. They kept the CRV in Japan for one year before they brought it to the US to make sure of no problems..............there were none. The only problem after the first 5000 was the folding try was not on them and it pissed alot of consumers off, who did not get it one with theirs. In the second year they had a recall for a faulty wiring harness on 1250 of them.

Motor Trend did a follow up and Q & A with owners and 93% of CRV owners were completely satisfied with thei CRV......yes 93%..thats unheard of in the industry, 85% said they would purchase another down the road for a replacement.....another first.

In the years it was out during my sales at Honda, I must have sold at least a hundred or so and I only heard a few complaints:

"No arm rest on the passenger side" (Honda fixed that if you wrote a letter and complained at no cost to the consumer)

"I don't like the steering wheel adjustment" I agree and they still have not fixed that little problem.

"It needs more power" They again fixed that in the third year.

I never had ONE CLIENT come to me and say this car is a POS or that they did not like it, I even put my sister in one and she friggin loves hers.

Somewhere in all my shit is the customer satisfaction reports from the consumers and I will try to find it and e-mail it to you(give me a couple of days)

Honda recycles 78% of their waste and is one of the best manufactuerers regarding the enviorment, and smog control. If any of you remember back in the early 70's when the Govt. siad they wanted cleaner buring cars the big 3 said it could not be done in the time frame. Mr. Honda said yes it can and this is the technology HE GAVE to the big 3 and is why Honda has some of the cleanest burning cars on the road.

Oh, and the Jeep Liberty........drives and feels like shit...especially for the passengers in the rear. Suspension sucks, and this is what happens when you rush a vehicle to production to get a share of the market.

Like I said in my earlier post, If you need help in getting a good deal drop me a line if you decide on one and I will make some calls as I do for my friends to get them a good deal.

Happy Motoring

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THERE IS NO KEYSER SOZE!!

Ashton

DEI37

Sorry, but on the highway at least, even with moderate city style driving, the Camaro will be more fuel efficient than the CR-V on average. Running in 6th gear, at 70-75mph, 29-31mpg isn't out of the question. A friend of mine has a mid-90's Corvette convertible 6-speed, and his average MPG, about 50/50 cty/hwy is 26.7mpg.
I didn't go on a complete SUV rant, as I know the CR-V isn't a big nasty one like the Excursion or something like that. The CR-V and RAV4 are glorified station wagons, and poor ones at that. If you want something like that, get a station wagon...those are cooler anyways...pick a MB E-Class or BMW 5-series. Or a Volvo, SAAB, or Subaru.

__________________
Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

Creamies

im not a big fan of the SUV craze either. 90% of the time you never use what the car is made for.

Consider something different and more fuel efficient. If i were you i would buy a Subaru WRX, or if money permits a Lancer Evolution. Yes, if your going to be hauling the whole family around everywhere all the time, then a SUV would suite you well, might i add CRV's are nice. But if your going to be going to be just using your car for yourself and mabybe a buddy but still want the preformance of a SUV, then i say go with a WRX or LanEvo. Both are 4 doors, and can seat 5 passengers comfortably. Both are All-Wheel-Drive and Turbocharged. Less displacement in the car but the same preformance or bettter then a SUV with much less money coming out of your pocket at the pumps.

Throw some racks on top of it and your set. Bikes, Snowboards, Big lugage, 5 seater, less fuel, cheeper pricetag, more street friendly, easyer parking, easyer driving.

I dont know, that just my opinion.

btw. station wagons are sweet too.

BTAC Type-S

Yeah, I really hate SUV's. I don't have the time or the inclination to begin my rant, so just get the new V6 Accord. You'll love it.

billege

The Lancer Evo is a thirty thousand dollar car. The turbo WRX is also $30K. They both get about 17mpg. They also require premium fuel. Yeah, Lancer Evo or WRX vs. CRV is a valid comparison.

I hate subarus. We used one at work, POS. $23,000 car and it didn't even have mirrors on the sun visors.



Either way, I asked for stories from people with CRVs, not arguements on if an SUV was a good idea. So, that's all beside the point completely.

I'd also like to point out that when *Nikki* said she was getting rid of her Mustang GT and was going to buy a truck, a big truck, she got help from the membership. Many enthousiastic, helpful opinions on who liked what, why.

I got a guy who actually said a high displacement, high output, V8 would get better gas mileage than a LEV certified 2.4L four banger, in a 400lb lighter vehicle.

Thanks to those who did help.

This thread officially is waaay off subject, and I don't see the point to any continued discussion.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

reconmike

Billage I know you are done with this thread but,
You are absolutly correct in the point that Subarus are POS, the wrx will be no different, I cant wait to see if they are still on the road after 120k miles. I would bet not.
Mitsu's are not much better, they are both way over priced cashing in on the Tuner craze.

Go for the CRV, you will not be disappointed, plus what comes out of the tail pipe is just about breathable.
I havent heard one customer complaint for these cars ever.

__________________
Where is Darwin when ya need him?

BigTruck1956

I got it Ashton, dont worry!
In fact, i always wanted to know how that song went! one of my favorite episodes.

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so much to do, so little time.....at least i aint bored.

shakran

Honda reliability is second to none. I personally know 3 people with over 300,000 miles (no, that's not a misprint) on their Hondas (2 civics, one accord). I have nearly 200,000 on mine (civic). All I've done is scheduled maintenence (except brakes. I drive HARD so I go through brakes a little faster than average). The engine pulls as hard as it did when it was new, and it uses no oil. Frankly I wish the damn engine WOULD die and give me the excuse to swap a bigger one in The suspension is getting kinda soft but it's been driven on northern pothole filled roads all its life, and I find any suspension that lasts 200k miles impressive no matter where it's driven.



There are only two things you must religiously do with Hondas. Oil changes every 3,000 miles (the engine has very tight tolerances so it does not like dirty oil at all) and replace the timing belt every 90,000 miles. Hondas use interference engines, so if the T belt breaks while under load you have an expensive engine repair coming.


All that said, Hondas are built a little cheaper than they used to be. Good example is that they no longer have the rear hatch/liftgate release switch by the driver's seat like they used to. A lot of them have turned to MacPherson struts rather than the old double wishbone suspension (This is Honda's worst crime ever IMHO - the double wishbone was FAR superior). Their engines are still first rate, however, and none of their cost cutting has changed anything that would effect reliability.

If I could stomach an SUV and did not plan on doing any serious offroading, the CRV would be on the short list.

matt86

we own two of them and they are great suv's

Knoweffects

alot of people keep dissing SUV's, IMO people buy them nowand days instead of mini vans, mini vans are ugly, alot of the new SUV's arnt. If you are thinking of a CRV go for it, my mother drove a honda from 6months before i was born, to when i was 14y/o, they dont break down. I would actualy rather have a WRX (an evo would be even betterIMO) off road than almost any SUV (well, maby a avalanch if that counts), its alot harder to roll a WRX / lancer off road than it is to roll an explorer. only downside to the cars is ground clearence.

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no h8 only <3

billege

The irony for me here is this: The Concorde aka "the Green Machine" was worse on fuel than the CRV is.

The Green Machine was a 94 Chrysler, w/ 3.5L V-6. She ate an average of (this is from the car's trip computer) 21mpg. That's over all the driving we might do on a tank. The Concorde also ate owner's manual recommended 89 octane, and it was by no means an LEV.

It's just ironic. Emotion before thought.


Further ironical (he he, I like that wordish), I do that a lot.

Woe is me.

__________________
I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence:
"My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

Janey

a crv isn't much of an suv. infact, it's basically a tall car. All the car based suvs are, with the style of the plonked on car chassis.

there is no argument viz being anti suv here

Not much more vehicles are more feul efficient too than crv's.

nope, its a good choice. not small like a vibe (a bulky hatchback) or low down like cars (lancers). good stowing capacity and height, but still smaller and better than minivans.

Janey

wow nice budget