2001 Honda CR-V LX 2.0 gas from North America
Summary:
OK if you're a woman who doesn't want power, but needs many improvements
Faults:
The engine is so small that it often doesn't shift when traveling at speeds over 45 miles per hour. Other than that, no mechanical problems...yet. I haven't even had it for a year.
General Comments:
Although I am fond of the neat little features in this car such as the fold away picnic table & many intelligently placed cupholders, this vehicle definitely should not have a four cylinder engine. It is way too small to be put in a "sport utility vehicle."
I don't really think it's a sport utility vehicle. Yes it does have high ground clearance & a spare tire on the back, but it doesn't really have four wheel drive. It says it does, but there is no way to engage it. In my Bronco, I had a shifter. In my Explorer I had a push-button. But there is no way to engage the "four wheel drive."
The gas mileage isn't as good as it is said to be. It gets around 25 miles per gallon. For the size of the dinky engine, it should get better.
It's kind of goofy looking with the long, high-placed taillights & the ugly wheels they put on there. It is definitely a woman's vehicle, not a man's.
There is no reason I can see that they didn't put a V-6 in there. It would be a huge improvement & would make my opinion of the vehicle so much better. It is so hard to merge on the parkway with no power, especially with an automatic.
There is too much plastic on the vehicle. Why doesn't anyone like steel anymore? Steel bumpers are the best & last a long time. They also make the vehicle look 10 times better.
Honda cheaps out on tires & rims. Yes, at least there aren't hubcaps, they are real rims, but they are ugly & they put very cheap tires on there. I could get better ones for 4 for $100 at Pep Boys.
I like sitting up high & the ground clearance is good, but the wheelbase needs to be longer because I always feel like I am going to tip over when I take even the littlest corner.
I don't like the shifter. It is awkward to use & is way to stiff & hard to put into drive.
The radio controls are too far out of reach for the driver & the volume control is way too sensitive.
The rear hatch gets harder to close & open every time, I swear. It's ridiculous.
Honda gives every other CR-V the key fob for the power door locks, except for the LX. What does it cost you, Honda? A few bucks? Come on! Stop being so stingy!
On the other hand, it is a good vehicle to have if you enjoy taking long road trips. The front & back seats are both fairly comfortable. It also has many cup holder & the picnic table, along with a built-in cooler. We got our's with roof racks, which are helpful, but should be standard considering the dealer charges $400 for them.
The vision, I have to say is excellent with all the windows. Every vehicle has a blind spot, but you have great visibility with the CR-V.
Our Honda dealership is the best in the world. I will go back to them no doubt, but a highly doubt I will get a CR-V next time unless they make A LOT of improvements.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th August, 2002
24th Sep 2002, 12:24
Agree wife has 2001 and loves it. No problems at 24000 miles. Regular scheduled maintenance done on time.
Not a mans type 4X4 but great for ladies and light 4 wheel use. Snow and not too rough of off terrain are fine.
Honda builds them right; a great little SUV.
CB.