I just found this board. Hope it's the right one, and I hope you can
help. My hubby and I are looking for a mini SUV that gets decent
milage; has good power for passing and going up hills. He thinks we
need a V6 engine, but I'm not so sure. We do want a 4x4. I really
like the Mazda Tribute and the Ford Escape, but they're very new.
We're looking for a used SUV around $11,000-15,000. The Honda CR-V
looks intriguing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Caroline
Westport, WA
dcsam@...

I'm pretty happy with my CR-V and it's 5 years old now. It's the
first breed on the CR-V (1996) and still runs well. It has enough
grunt for passing, even on an uphill. But if you have a full load (ie
5 people + luggage and/or trailer), then you're better off not
passing - mine only has 96KW or power. However, the new CR-V has more
power than the older one and may cope better in that situation.

To put it simply, if my CR-V met a fatal end, then it'll be replaced
by another CR-V. The main reason being its design and ergonomics. How
many SUVs include a picnic table? The spare spaces are well used for
storage. But admittedly, there are days I wish I had a bigger engine
or I could add an aftermarket supercharger.

Hope that helps.


Boon

I bought a 2001 CR-V in May. I love it. In 1999 I believe, the engine on
the CR-V was upgraded to a more powerful engine (146 hp vs. 130). The brand
new CR-V has an even more powerful engine but, since it's a new model, I
preferred buying the older one. New models always have problems and you pay
a premium for them. I have always loved the interior of Hondas and the way
they drive. I do plan on replacing this one with another one -- but much
further down the road of course.

I also don't have any gripes about the engine because I bought one with a
5-speed manual transmission and therefore I can get about as much power as I
want -- not as much as a V6 but it's quite adequate. I also don't have to
buy gas like it's a V6, which is good. I also believe that Honda makes some
of the best manual transmissions in the business. I love a Honda 5-speed.

Again, I love mine and I'm pretty sure most people on this list do. If you
buy one, this list is a great resource as well. I don't think you can do
better than a CR-V myself.

My only gripe is that I haven't been able to try it out in the snow yet. We
normally have a fair amount of snow by now (northern Missouri) but the
southeast has been hogging it all. I was in Atlanta once when they
predicted flurries and everybody there was in a panic. It was pretty funny
actually. I went on that weekend to drive through 12 inches + of snow on
the way home and had no problems. I can only imagine the horror, chaos, and
terror that six inches or so of snow must've brought down there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Anyway, that's my opinion on the CR-V if it helps.

Tom Spencer

I purchased a NEW 2000 at years end. 1 year ago, not one problem to date. I have also asked several other owners new and used and kind not find a complaint against them regardless of year of make.  It is our first New car we have ever owned and are quite satisfied.



Mike

I found this board after I bought my 98' CRV ex last fall.  The CRV is my first Honda and I have been very impressed so far. Everything that I heard about Hondas and this car in particular has been true. It is very reliable, roomy, and goes good in snow. Everything is well designed and in the right place, as well.
 
  I purchased my car at a good price (13.5k) because it is high miles (90k) but I insisted that the dealership throw in a 6 month warranty and replace the timing belt.  I called the original dealer and received the service record on the almost spotless car and have found that the original owners followed the maintenance schedule religiously. I am very confident that the vehicle is in good shape.
 
  In my area (Mt.Vernon,WA), a 98 CRV ex goes for about 14-15k depending on miles and condition. That is on the high end of what you are wanting to spend, but it is a Honda, and with proper care it will retain more value than most used vehicles out there. I have only had mine for a few months. But trust me, this is the kind of vehicle that you will make excuses to go out and drive it.
 
JRC