Hi everyone!

I'm new to this group and I'm considering buying a CR-V. I haven't
made my final decision yet but I expect to do it in a really near
future. Before I do so, I would like to know the main problems
encountered with CR-Vs and if they are reliable. I'm thinking about
getting an LX 4WD manual transmission.

Thanks
Alex

To alx_tt@hotmail:

I've purchased a CR-V, SE last month. Consumer Reports cites that the Honda
CR-V is #1 most reliable used vehicle, but then they were only made since 97,
and this C.R. rating is based on the last five years of vehicle histroy.

Pay attention to the quirks like low torque power, interior cabin noise, and the
funky rear "tailgate", and for some people, awkward steering wheel position. If
you can get past these things, then by all means, I do recommend you do purchase
this. I have an automatic transmission, a manual trans can only be better.

Good luck! (Everyone I've talked to who owns a CR-V just loves them)

I have a 2001 EX. Bought it in Nov, now have almost 8,000 miles on it.
It's a good car.. no complaints here. Look for Popluar Mechanic's magazine,
May issue, they have a write-up on it. I have the automatic transmission,
get decent mileage, 22 mpg in town, 25/26 on a trip.

Go for it!!

Alex

I suggest take a long test ride on the CRV and take it
on the interstate too.

CRV is an underpowered vehicle as it is
quite heavier than RAV4. Actually it weighs more than
4 cylinder accord but has much smaller engine.

From the test drive reports
i understand that 01 RAV4 has excellent 0-60
acceleration ( about 9s ). Also Toyota engines are
smoother than HONDA.

CRV can be irritably noisy if you push it hard.Also
with an automatic, the vehicle goes in 2nd gear while
going on an anthill and the transmission makes
excessive noise even at 30mph in this situation.

Also RAV4 has a wider tire and better handling than
CRV.

I would suggest that you go for RAV4 or wait for the
02 CRV.

Finally it is the satisfaction of driving a vehicle
( ride, handling, acceleration) which matters most as
compared to cargo room or the legroom available
for the rear seat passangers or even apperance of
the vehicle.

Thanks
Raj

Alex,

I recently picked up a used 97 CR-V and have been very pleased with the
utility (carrying stuff) and very good gas mileage (around 25 MPG). Only
problem I have is with the "feel" of the steering (feels vague at h'way
speeds) but that could just be a "user car" thing.

I looked at RAV 4's but the CRV is roomier.

With the automatic, I won't win any drag races but once it gets going I do
fine.

Good luck,

Tom


>

Alex, we have a 99 CRV 5-spd and have been all over the States and Canada in
it. It is great on the Interstate and we were able to easily maintain the
required speeds, even where the speed limits are higher in Montana &
Wyoming. We don't drag race in it, but that's not what it's for. We have
yet to experience a single problem and we driven it over 30,000 miles in 20
months.

The fuel economy is exceptional for us on the highway. On a trip to New
Jersey last year we averaged about 35 mpg (Canadian gallons) on both legs of
the trip. We don't always get mileage like this, but if the CRV had more
power, the mileage would surely suffer.

I would suggest you drive both vehicles and not read reports that could be
biased. I have yet to see a vehicle match it's test drive parameters in real
life. I have not driven the new RAV 4, so I can't really compare it to the
CRV, yet.

We have owned Toyota's or Honda's for the last fifteen years. It may be true
that some Toyota engines run more smoothly than Honda's. However, I also
think the design necessary to achieve this smoother running is more complex
and this creates a different set of problems. While both design and build
excellent powertrains & vehicles, I can say from experience that Honda's
engines are more reliable and cost less to maintain than Toyota's.

Visit a Honda dealer's repair bay. They seem to be fewer vehicles on the
hoist than in Toyota shops.

Good Luck,
Greg

I am waiting for the 2002 CR V also - - hoping it will have a more power and a little more comfort.  Might be asking too much, but it would like the spare tire off the tailgate.  Anyone have any info on the 2002 redesign yet?
 
Chuck