Initial Impressions

[JMA]

I decided not to post any feedback about my new CR-V until I'd driven it at least a couple thousand miles and gotten through the owner's manual. Although I haven't had an opportunity to check out its handling in winter weather and haven't put it to the test in any emergency braking/accelerating conditions yet, I've put about 2,500 miles on it over the past couple of months and am ready to provide my unsolicited opinions/praise/complaints/suggestions.

First and foremost, I really like this vehicle. I have no regrets and am happy with my purchase. I think Honda did a great job. The quality is excellent. It's got a lot of great features. It's a good size, handles well, and is priced right.

Before I get into my list of likes/dislikes/suggestions, I need to say that I don't believe everything on my wish list should necessarily be done. For example, if a change is going to bump the price up or negatively affect the gas mileage, etc., then the pros/cons would need to be weighed. This is just a list of my initial reactions. Perhaps Honda will keep some of them in mind when they are looking to make some minor tweaks or when it comes time for a re-design, especially if they are hearing a lot of the same suggestions from many people.

So, here goes, in no particular order:

WHAT I LIKE:
Quality, Fit & Finish
Built in Ohio...felt like I was helping the local economy (although a supply problem resulted in mine being built in Japan)
Navigation System w/Rear Camera & Voice Commands (also see dislikes)
Smooth Coasting/Braking
Nice Cornering
Open space on the floor in front of the console (perfect spot for my purse)
Arm rests that move with the seat
Flexible interior
High seating position
Power adjustable driver's seat
Dashboard lighting (blue/white)
Interior lighting fade-away (just makes it seem classy)
Instant gas mileage readout (helps me to be a more conservative driver)
Light touch latch on tailgate (also see dislikes)

WHAT I DISLIKE:
Lack of a tailgate opener button on the remote (I hate having to set my briefcase or packages down in a puddle or snow so I can open the tailgate)

Blind Spots & limited adjustability of side mirrors (I'm hitting the stopping point and wonder if I could eliminate more of the blind spots if I could adjust them further outward) I also think it would improve visibility (and I might like the appearance better) if the rear side windows were larger and maybe wrapped around more.

Don't like having to turn the car on in order to adjust the side mirrors

Hood prop stick (seems cheap and a bit dangerous)

Lack of automatic on/off headlights

Lack of vanity mirror lights

Only 2 (rather than 4) screws holding rear license plate.

Lack of decent interior cargo holding options (those litttle metal loops and the optional flat cargo net are nearly useless)

Proximity of the cup holders to the CD changer (CR-V w/Navi) - I'm worried that a spilled soda will destroy the changer.

Water dripping off the tailgate onto me when trying to load the car in the rain. Couldn't the rain water be channeled to the sides?

Sometimes the sun reflects off the chrome Honda logo in the center of the steering wheel and right into my eyes! Has anyone else experienced this, or is it just me?

Lack of detail on speedometer. Would like to see numbers at every 5 mph, rather than every 10, especially since most of the speed limits here are 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 mph. This could easily be accomplished by not having the speedometer use over half of its valuable real estate on illegal and unreachable speeds. How about a compromise...take it just to 120 mph and add 5 mile increments...or, better yet, add a digital mph readout.

AC does not seem to put out enough cold air. I tend to be cold most of the time and don't usually like AC blowing on me, but with this car, I have to keep the temperature set down to about 64 degrees to be comfortably cool when it's only in the 60's outside. I usually keep the temperature around 74 degrees in the office and about 77 at home in the summer. It will be interesting to see if the CR-V can pump out enough cool air this summer. Is this typical...or do I perhaps have a refrigerant/thermostat problem? You would think if I'm comfortable at 74 in the office, I would be comfortable at 74 in the car. The only thing I can guess might be a factor is the sun, but I've had automatic climate control in my last two cars and didn't have to set them so low. (Yes, the vents are fully open.)

"Unverified Areas" on Navi DVD: On my very first use of the navi system on my way home from the dealer, the navi system entered an "unverified area" and kept wanting me to make U turns and go way out of my way. (I have since learned to change the setting so that it won't try to direct me away from unverified areas.) My complaint is that this route from the dealer to my home is almost entirely on a state route that has been here longer than I've lived in Ohio (29 years), and my house is in a development that is just one mile off that state route on roads that are not new. The development I live in has been here for at least 15 years. Why is this area still "unverified"? I live just 6 miles from a major shopping mall and I-75, so it's not like I live way out in the country. Very disappointing, and it makes me feel like I won't be able to rely on it when I drive into unfamiliar areas...which is what I bought it for.

Some of the navi/climate control actions are not even close to my command. If I don't have the command right, it should tell me it's an invalid command, rather than perform some seemingly random action. For example, I might say something like "Display navigation," and instead of telling me it's an unknown command, or (better yet) performing something close to what I've said, it will do something like "Rear Defroster ON"! My passengers and I get a real laugh out of it, but it is rather annoying at times.

OTHER THINGS I'D LIKE TO SEE (depending on tradeoffs):
Better mileage/more economical engine/fuel choices (diesel, hybrid, something new?)
Bluetooth capability
Onscreen compass, even when in audio display or clock mode
Real-time navigation (i.e., road conditions, traffic accidents, etc.)
Power adjusting passenger seat (although not sure I'd want this added if it's going to jack the price up a lot)
Memory Seats/Mirrors (ditto regarding price)
More factory-installed options. I really would have liked to order the tailgate spoiler and fog lights, but the thought of having the dealer (or me) drilling holes through that wonderful factory finish, or having to pull the dash apart, taking a chance of introducing squeaks and rattles, just didn't make either option seem worth the risk. If I could have added them to my car while it was being built, I would have bought them.

A steering wheel that allows me to grip it at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions (and an armrest height adjustment, so that I don't have to drive with my wrist bent at an angle. (My wrist goes numb and I have to keep flexing it in the half hour drive to and from work each day. My doc thinks I'm developing carpal tunnel syndrome.)

OK...that's it for now! I'm sure I'll have more to say after I've had it a full year, driven it in snow, had it serviced, etc. All in all, it is a wonderful vehicle. I enjoy driving it and feel that I made the right choice for my driving needs. Kudos, Honda! And thanks for building many of them in the U.S.A.!

[Florida_Keith]

1) Water dripping off of rear hatch when open. Why wasn't the water channeled away? I use this vehicle as a work vehicle (computer and file cases in and out of cargo area in all kinds of weather). Its ridiculous that I get showered with water that has been standing in the area on top of the rear bumper and below the cargo hatch AFTER it has been raining.

2) Same issue with sunroof. I opened the sunroof after it had been raining and water gushed onto me and my front passenger seat. Mind you this happened two days after I purchased the vehicle. It was harmless water but I was PISSED that the salesman didn't warn me about the rain and the sunroof and rain and the cargo hatch.

3) Chrome on front grill is cheap. I washed my new CR-V for the first time and the "chrome" pieces on the front grille were cracking and squeaking from the mild pressure I was exerting. Cheap Cheap Cheap.

4) Look, I will never buy a Factory Navigation System so why can't you put an AUX jack on top of the dash above the air vents so I can avoid the spaghetti/rats nest of wires in my interior when I use my Garmin GPS??

5) Would it be possible to publish the maintenance schedules in either the owner's manual or on the website? I want to plan and budget for my maintenance needs. I really don't relish the idea of a light randomly flashing in my dashboard demanding that I bring my vehicle and money to the dealership. I know the idea is to build an annuity stream of income for your dealerships, but I would rather do more of the maintenance on the vehicle myself than pay the dealership. I AM YOUR CUSTOMER and you need to service MY NEEDS AND WANTS.

6) Its ridiculous that XM isn't an option in the 2008 EX 2WD.

[Black Pearl]

1) Water dripping off of rear hatch when open. Why wasn't the water channeled away? I use this vehicle as a work vehicle (computer and file cases in and out of cargo area in all kinds of weather). Its ridiculous that I get showered with water that has been standing in the area on top of the rear bumper and below the cargo hatch AFTER it has been raining.

2) Same issue with sunroof. I opened the sunroof after it had been raining and water gushed onto me and my front passenger seat. Mind you this happened two days after I purchased the vehicle. It was harmless water but I was PISSED that the salesman didn't warn me about the rain and the sunroof and rain and the cargo hatch.

3) Chrome on front grill is cheap. I washed my new CR-V for the first time and the "chrome" pieces on the front grille were cracking and squeaking from the mild pressure I was exerting. Cheap Cheap Cheap.

4) Look, I will never buy a Factory Navigation System so why can't you put an AUX jack on top of the dash above the air vents so I can avoid the spaghetti/rats nest of wires in my interior when I use my Garmin GPS??

5) Would it be possible to publish the maintenance schedules in either the owner's manual or on the website? I want to plan and budget for my maintenance needs. I really don't relish the idea of a light randomly flashing in my dashboard demanding that I bring my vehicle and money to the dealership. I know the idea is to build an annuity stream of income for your dealerships, but I would rather do more of the maintenance on the vehicle myself than pay the dealership. I AM YOUR CUSTOMER and you need to service MY NEEDS AND WANTS.

6) Its ridiculous that XM isn't an option in the 2008 EX 2WD.


The hatch is poor design. But the sunroof? If you are opening it when the exterior is still wet, perhaps. But if the exterior is dry and you are getting water in the car when you open the roof, something is wrong. The channels have drain hoses. A small amount of water may pool in the channel where you could feel it, but no way should water be entering the car when you open the roof if the exterior is dry. We went through this last summer. A member had water dripping on his knee while the roof was closed. Under the category of strange things your dealer will tell you, his told him that on Hondas the roof is supposed to leak, and he had some document to back up his claim. Perhaps the sun roof will leak into the channels but the channels are to be drained. If water is pooling in the channels something is wrong.

Chrome? Cracking? If there are physical cracks in the chrome, (which is not chrome like your father's 57 Oldsmobile...but rather metalized plastic) take it back and demand a new grill. If you mean that it is making a cracking noise, well, it is metalized plastic and it will yield under pressure. I don't mean to be an apologist for Honda, but if you tear phone books in half for sport, mild pressure may create noises in plastic.

It would be nice to have two aux jacks. One on the dash like the LX for GPS and one on the tray like the EX for iPods and the likes. When I rig mine up to the aux I feel like I could hang myself. "Man found strangled in aux jack wiring on the parkway today." Much easier to use the internal speaker. I don't use the mp3 player.

Ah the maintenance schedule! Don't like the being in the dark do you? The maintenance minder is something like one of those eight balls that answers questions, except you have to wait until 15% oil life to ask. I use the 2006 as a rough guideline. It is available here:

https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/9B0606/9B0606O00187A.pdf

Again, a rough guide. The rear differential is totally wrong.

Honda Tech and 07exlowner posted a method to look ahead on the maintenance minder to see what is coming up. With the difficulty I have had resetting mine (it takes 4 or 5 attempts--each time I follow the instructions exactly and voila it resets on try 4 or 5), I am afraid to mess with the thing thinking I will reset prematurely.

Anyhow here is what we have discovered so far:

First (5,000 to 10,000 miles) Code A 1 where A= oil change 1= rotate tires

Second (13,000 to 20,000 miles) Code B 1 6 where B= oil & oil filter change, 1= rotate tires 6= rear differential fluid change (4WD) only. B also has a bunch of inspections--see your manual.

My guess on the third will be A 1 2. where 2= air filter and pollen filter.

[Black Pearl]

JMA very nice well thought out post.

I never thought about the plate bolts! If they give us four perhaps the rear hatch wouldn't sound like the plate is being ripped off when you close it.

I agree with you on the cargo net. What the hell is it supposed to do? But the little hoops (which seem a bit underrated) are very useful with bungee cords. I bought an assortment and you can tie things down that you don't want flopping about.

Again, nice post.

[Badgerland]

My guess on the third will be A 1 2. where 2= air filter and pollen filter.

Just looked mine up in the records, it was an A12 for my change at 29791. However, I replace my air and cabin filter every 15,000 regardless of the mm code because of dusty conditions here in the prairie and pollen which effects my family. At 15k the cabin filter in particular was very dirty!

[Black Pearl]

Just looked mine up in the records, it was an A12 for my change at 29791. However, I replace my air and cabin filter every 15,000 regardless of the mm code because of dusty conditions here in the prairie and pollen which effects my family. At 15k the cabin filter in particular was very dirty!

If I remember right, you get the super mileage, was the A12 your third oil change?

I agree on the air filter and the cabin filter. I changed them on my second oil change which struck 15% at 15770 for me. The engine air filter didn't look too bad, but likewise the cabin filter was pretty dirty.

[gary696]

JMA very nice well thought out post.

I never thought about the plate bolts! If they give us four perhaps the rear hatch wouldn't sound like the plate is being ripped off when you close it.


I had the same problem with the rear plate noise when shutting the hatch. I found that it was the bottom of the plate rattleing against the bottom of the plate frame. To fix, I removed the plate and frame and drilled a small hole thru the plate at the bottom center. I then installed a small screw thru the back of the plate into the frame. No noise now.

[Badgerland]

Black Pearl, the A12 was indeed the 3rd oil change for me. I don't know why we get such long intervals on the changes...we (I at least) regularly take her and stretch her legs when I drive. I think it's partly due to our regular long trips which help.

[JMA]

JMA very nice well thought out post.

I never thought about the plate bolts! If they give us four perhaps the rear hatch wouldn't sound like the plate is being ripped off when you close it.

I agree with you on the cargo net. What the hell is it supposed to do? But the little hoops (which seem a bit underrated) are very useful with bungee cords. I bought an assortment and you can tie things down that you don't want flopping about.

Again, nice post.

Thanks, Black Pearl! I jotted likes/dislikes down periodically (most of them in the first week or two) and finally got around to typing them in. Maybe, by the time I'm ready to replace this one, Honda will have tweaked the CR-V into the perfect vehicle. Realistically, though, I know that what one person wants may be the total opposite of what others want.

Regarding the rattling rear license plate, much like gary696, we fixed it with added screws and nuts. We installed polyethylene (plastic) screws through the regular plate and plate frame holes, tightened them with polyehylene nuts and then snipped the ends of the screws off on the back. The nuts and the small amount of screw ends that remain sticking out are cushioned by the foam Honda installed behind the plate. The rattle is gone, but it still seems an odd way to design the thing.

I'll give those metal rings another try. I used small velcro tiedowns to try to hold my laptop in place, but it seemed too much for it. I'll try keeping some bungee in the car and see if that helps. It just seems like they need to add some hooks and rings higher up too. I believe the EX has some hooks. Does anyone find them useful?

I also considered buying a separate navigation system, but like many of you, didn't like cluttering up the dash with a bunch of wires (plus, backing is my driving weak point, so I liked the rear camera that comes with the installed system). My guess is that Honda won't want to make it too convenient for customers to buy third party navi systems, so don't hold your breath on that one. I also wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a salesperson to point out design flaws or annoyances on a car they're trying to sell, but I can understand your frustration, Florida Keith. Let us know if the dealer is at least able to correct the sun/rain roof issue. I haven't tried opening mine after a rain shower, and now I'm afraid to!

Regarding XM radio...I realize it's not a Honda product, but my 3 month free trial will be up in a couple of weeks, and I don't plan to subscribe...at least not until they start living up to their claims. It is annoying the heck out of me that they sent me a pamphlet advertising "100% commercial-free music" followed by a long list of channels...many or all of which feature commercials! Granted, it's not anywhere near the amount of advertising you get on commercial radio, but how can they say it's "100% commerical-free" when it's not?! So, forget it, if they're going to sell out and take money from advertisers, they're not going to take my money too. So take that, XM Radio! Whew! I feel better already!

[Black Pearl]

JMA, I never noticed the sun too much, but if you take a close look at my avatar, you will see my ugly mits holding the camera.

I don't know what hooks you are referring to. I have an EX and there are no hooks that I know of. Maybe you meant the LX. It doesn't have the shelf.

I enjoy reading your thoughtful and detailed posts, keep them coming.

JMA & Gary696, thanks for the tip on the plate. I am going to fix mine as well.

[GoGreen]

Hi JMA,and welcome to the forum!

I agree on a lot of your points -

Lighted Vanity Mirrors - (not for applying full make-up in heavy traffic, but the ability to do a quick check of hair and lipstick before an appointment would be nice) ;)

Dripping Hatch After a Rain or Car Wash - (I really hate this, I have gotten in the habit of dodging and weaving whenever I open the hatch)

5mph Increments on Speedometer- (that would be nice, I find myself studying the speedometer too much to set the cruise control at 55, 65 etc)

I also agree with all your positive attributes of the CRV.
I really love this car and the comfort and luxury it offers compared to other vehicles in the same class.

Thanks for the post! :)

[JMA]

OK, you guys may have created a monster here...I keep thinking of more things to add to my lists!

Does the back end of the CR-V seem a little too narrow to you? I had a tough time (until I CAREFULLY followed the instructions in the owners manual) removing the folding shelf from the back of my vehicle. You have to do this choreographed maneuver because the back end of the car is narrower than where the shelf sits. I also didn't have room to store some tomato trellises back there and didn't want to mess around folding up the seats (I still haven't even tried that yet!), but I had plenty of room placing the trellises across the rear seats cushions. I wonder if it was for aerodynamic reasons, appearance, to reduce vehicle weight, or all of the above that it's designed that way.

Now I need to balance that with a positive observance, so I'm going to go with the comfort (for me anyway) of the driver's seat. I'm not sure how well it fits taller people, but it seems to be just right for me. (I'm 63 inches short on a good day.) Some seats seem to cut off the circulation in my legs, but not these. I haven't been behind the wheel for more than an hour at a time, so time will tell, but so far, so good...and I love the power adjustable seat. Had it in my last two cars, and it's very difficult to give something up once you've had it. It's actually one of the reasons I didn't rush to buy one in 2007. I decided I could grudgingly give up the lighted mirrors and auto headlamps, but not the power seat and auto temp control. And yes, I promise that I rarely do anything more than a quick check in the mirror when I arrive at my destination!

For good measure, I'll throw in another "Like"...the sunglass holder/conversation mirror and the extra cubbies. I use the one near the floor in the center for a pair of glasses I use when driving at night. (The one above that could be for loose change if I had any.) I use the one to the left of the steering column for the garage door remote.

You're right, Black Pearl, I keep getting my models mixed up. (You'd think I'd know by now what I own!) It's the LX that has the hooks.

Since all Honda offers for interior cargo storage is that flat net, I plan to purchase (or drop hints for) a trunk organizer that I've seen recommended on one of these forums. I'm guessing we'll see one from Honda in another year or two.

And I've been staring at your cool avatar, Black Pearl, and figure I'm now going to have to enlarge it to satisfy my curiosity about your "ugly mits"! ;) Seriously, I have had to drive with my hand over the logo at times to keep the sun's reflection down, but maybe some of it is my husband's fault...even though it's my car, he loves to keep it shined up inside and out. Maybe he's been putting too much polish on the logo! I'm certainly not going to complain, though!

Thanks for your warm welcome, GoGreen. Actually, I feel almost like an old-timer here. (When do I get to graduate from "Junior Member"?) I started posting questions and buying accessories a couple of months before I took delivery on March 17 this year. Had lots of concerns before I could take the plunge, and these forums have been wonderful. It makes me want to wave every time I see another CR-V on the road, figuring I may already know the driver!

[Black Pearl]

Below is the full size photo used in the avatar.

Regarding the V's keester, the hatch does seem tight. Regarding the shelf, you know you can remove it from the shelf position and it fits right into the floor so that you can set large boxes without placing the shelf in the back seat.

Regarding the lack of lighted vanity mirrors, when you are as ugly as I am it is a blessing.

What I miss that I had before was heated mirrors. Yes we lowly EX and LX folks do not get heated mirrors.

We discussed the speedometer last summer. Oddly enough there are people who like the speedometer to read high, even though the car has a built in speed limit of about 112 or something to that effect. Why not have it read out in mach numbers? I agree with you, have 5 mph increment & stop at 120.

Another important topic covered last year is whether the CR-V is a chick car? Apparently there were some members that feared for their manhood with CR-V ownership. With the recent addition of JMA, GoGreen, CR-V_Babe, and Dana is back to posting, some of us guys may start feeling a little threatened. "Hmmm, maybe the damn car is a chick ride after all." To alay all fears I did one of my photo essays last December on the manly aspects of the CR-V. You can see it here:

http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/t681-4/

Post # 34

BTW JMA you graduate to Member at 30 posts. You made it. Now you have to make an appointment to a tattoo parlor. You become senior member at 100 posts and then you get one of GoGreen's cheese hats.

Below Dame Black Pearl's Black Pearl in the Black Pearl.
If you look hard you can see my mits in the pearl also.

[GoGreen]

Great photo essay and excellent arguments on whether or not the CRV is a Chick Magnet.....er Chick Car. :)

I think it's fair to say that on some things men and women can agree - a well engineered vehicle is a fun car to drive!

What kind of car you drive doesn't make the measure of a man - but making a woman feel welcome on the CRV Owners Club Forum like everyone here has, raises my level of respect and admiration for the guys on this forum.

CRV guys are a class act (and being able to diagnose and recommend a solution to a mechanical problem buy description only is nothing short of miraculous, in my book)!

CRV Guys are Hot! ;)

[Black Pearl]

Can't vouch for anyone else but luke warm probably exceeds the temperature analogies that would apply to me.

You are right though, some of these guys are really impressive in their knowledge.

[JMA]

Hey hey!!! I'm not a "junior" anymore! I guess I should have read the rules about the tattoo before I made that 30th post! Would a stick-on suffice? My next question is...is there a way I can change my user name without starting over? I need something more clever than "JMA". ("Long-Winded" would probably be appropriate!)

I'm sorry, I wasn't real clear about the back shelf and what I was placing over the rear seats. Those were actually two different observations of the V's rear end being a bit too narrow. The first was that you can't just pull the shelf straight out when you want to remove it because the V's "keester" is narrower than where the shelf normally sits. Then, on another occasion, an item (tomato trellises) that would not fit horizontally in the cargo area, fit very easily on the rear seats of the passenger compartment because the vehicle is wider up there.

I do like the way the shelf flips over and you can use it on the floor of the cargo area, and I had it that way for the first few weeks of ownership, since I couldn't easily fit my laptop carrier under the shelf. I found, though, that the bottom of the shelf surface was so slippery that anything in the back that wasn't tied down would slide around. (I was upset to find that the laptop carrier's wheels apparently put scratches in the vinyl lining the cargo door during my very first week of ownership.) So I put the shelf back where it belonged, but folded it back, which gave me enough room for the laptop. Then I bought and installed the cargo mat, which has a less slippery surface. Now I just need to add a bungee cord in there, and I should be able to take the corners on two wheels with no problem! ;)

Thanks for saving me the trouble of finding a magnifying glass to study your avatar, Black Pearl! They look like the good solid hands of a manly CR-V owner (who also happens to have a thing for ladies shoes)! :D Great photo essay...and it brings up something (the appearance of the car) that was weighing on my mind a bit when I was trying to decide on a vehicle. Bear in mind that I was trying to decide what and when to buy over a period of a couple of years. I started out wanting a red Mazda Miata with a black top and black interior. So, how did I end up with a Tango Red Pearl CR-V with a gray interior, you ask? Well, you didn't, but I'll tell you anyway, and maybe this will be valuable information for Honda executives who are trying to figure out how their customers' minds work! :confused:

I wanted a fun car for a change, but just couldn't justify a tiny convertible to drive back and forth to work on the highway every day, not to mention some long roadtrips for two, along with the requisite (i.e., massive amounts of) luggage. Also, the safety factor was a concern, considering I'd probably be sandwiched between semi-trailers, with their lugnuts spinning a few feet from my head, on a daily basis! Anyway, little by little, my dream of a sportscar/convertible faded, and I resigned myself to another 4-door sedan. But, I really liked the idea of AWD and started searching for cars that had it, and began settling on a Mercury Montego (which is now the Sable). I got quotes and trade-in pricing and was real close to buying one, but I just couldn't get excited about it. The last straw came when I read a review of it and they said it was good, safe, but a bit boring, and that it was probably great for geriatrics since the trunk was so roomy, you could fit a couple of walkers in there! That was it!!! No way was I buying one! Back to the drawing board! So, I started watching the cars on the road more...picking out vehicles that appealed to me. At first, none of them did. Then it would be the occasional Jaguar or another impractical import/convertible. Then I noticed a RAV-4...one of the earlier, smaller ones, and thought, "Well, that's kind of cool!" I could get a 4WD, be able to haul things around easily in the cargo area, sit up a little higher, and look a bit sporty. So, then I really started looking at the small SUVs in earnest and decided I liked the CR-V too.(Note that this was prior to the new design being introduced). I began reading reviews, gathering information, and I eventually determined that the CR-V was the better vehicle for me. Then the new model came out, and I was excited about it, but I had mixed feelings about some aspects of its appearance. I loved almost everything about the V, but there was just something about that new rear side window area that bothered me. Now, back to where this all started...whether it is a chick vehicle or a manly vehicle....

I am not a particularly girly-girl, frilly, lacy type of person, so my opinion is probably different than some of the other women out there, but I (and I think a lot of people who bought the "classic" CR-V) aren't sure we love everything about the looks of the new design. I hate to say it "Black Pearl", but I'm worried that it is morphing away from the mini-SUV look to more of a mini-van look. And I swore, after umpteen years of being crammed into a 9 passenger station wagon with my parents and 7 brothers that I would never ever own anything resembling that kind of car! Now, what is it they say about history repeating itself?! Anyway, I do like creature comforts and high-tech toys, I tend to like curvy futuristic shapes (such as the Murano), I don't need or want the spare wheel mounted on the back of my vehicle, but I also don't want Honda to forget the V's roots and hope they will keep it looking sporty and maybe even a little "manly" for us women who want to look and feel a bit adventurous, and not like soccer moms.

And, yes, I do love my CR-V, and would buy it again in a minute. Plus, it IS red (although not as red as those heels of yours, Black Pearl ;) )!

[Black Pearl]

Sorry the rules are the rules, CRV-OC on the left, Honda H on the right.

You change stuff in your profile with the User CP in upper left hand corner but I didn't see anyway of changing your user name.

You are indeed the James Michner of posting. I enjoy it, being a bit long winded myself. You however have something to say and you say it well. I enjoy posts that are written in rich literate English like your English Lit teacher expected. Some of our members have got so deep into the poetic license of email/text message-eese that I have no idea what the hell they are trying to say and have damn little patience for trying to figure it out. We have one of the richest most descriptive languages on the planet. Use it! U no wot i mene?

Your tale of how you came to buy a CR-V is very interesting. It is rather amazing the expectations we have for our cars. They are not simply conveyances to get from here to there. My self, I came from a mini-van and was going to buy an Ody. But when it came to buy, gas was starting to go sky high and the kid graduated from college. We are empty nester and what the hell do we need an Odyssey for? We both liked the Element--so ugly its cool--but Dame Black Pearl has a touch of claustraphobia and every now and again must ride in the back. The Element has a skinny back door that locks under the front door. So much for the Element. So we came to the CR-V. I have to admit, not proudly, that it is the first time since the 70's that I got excited with shiny fenders. Usually I buy a car with perhaps a modicum of more interest than a washing machine. The V fired the old man up. I heard the angels sing the first time I laid eyes on a black CR-V. Rays from heaven shot through the moon roof and put blue halos around the tach and speedometer. A giant voice that only I could hear said "This is the one. You shall be known as Black Pearl."

I don't get the mini-van feeling at all looking at the gen 3 V's. They strike me more of BMW, Lexus, Acura crossovers. Perhaps a bit more conservative, especially in price. Although in Europe the CR-V is quite the fancy car. They look the same other than wheels and HIDs but they are loaded. I couldn't afford one.

The shoes, by the way, are Dame Black Pearl's. Although I do confess to have a weakness for red heels.

I have posted this picture before, but this one is for you.

[GoGreen]

Black Pearl, you are such a fun person for this forum. (I dislike texting also).

I am not an ultra-feminine girly-girl either, but I like my creature comforts. ;)
Maybe that's the kind of woman the CRV appeals to - strong, adventurous and independent, with a definite feminine appeal Ha! :D

I liked the practicality of the CRV, combined with the Lexus-look of the exterior.
I even went so far as to price a similar Lexus with similar features of the CRV and found the Lexus was approx $10,000 more.

Now, I'm not saying a CRV is a Lexus, but I'm damn happy with what I have and I don't think spending $10,000 more would have made me happier.

JMA and Black Pearl -It's funny how similar our buying decisions were - we both came from station wagons / mini vans (I owned a Dodge Caravan prior to my CRV).

We both like the versatility a compact SUV gives us, but with the feel of a luxury car when we are driving.
We aren't ready for a car that will accommodate a walker, but we can't justify that sports car either. :rolleyes:

One last comment, when I set out to buy myself a new car, I told myself that I would get EXACTLY what I wanted - no more compromising (must be a stage of life thing).

I crunched the numbers until I was driving myself crazy and decided to pull all the stops and get that Green Tea Metallic, 4WD, leather interior with Nav and all the other bells and whistles the CRV EX-L came with.

I have not regretted that decision. ;)

[Black Pearl]

Maybe that's the kind of woman the CRV appeals to - strong, adventurous and independent, with a definite feminine appeal Ha! :D

JMA and Black Pearl -It's funny how similar our buying decisions were - we both came from station wagons / mini vans (I owned a Dodge Caravan prior to my CRV).

One last comment, when I set out to buy myself a new car, I told myself that I would get EXACTLY what I wanted - no more compromising (must be a stage of life thing).

I have not regretted that decision. ;)

OK, JMA is going to Honda's product research & development and GoGreen is going to write advertising slogans.

"Are you a strong, adventurous and independent, woman with a definite feminine appeal? Do you wear a cheese hat? Something new to CRaVe from Honda."

I had a Plymouth Voyager. Loved that car until the tranny went bad.

Funny, normally I would have bought an LX but I kind of felt the same way as you did--stop compromising & spend a little extra. Although to be perfectly honest, the LX would have been fine. I didn't go for the leather seats because I don't like them. I always end up with a sweaty back and keester. They look absolutely beautiful, but I am just miserable sitting in them.

[Florida_Keith]

I re-read my earlier post and it does seem a tad overly negative! :p I really do like my CR-V and am very very happy with my purchase.

JMA and Black Pearl, there isn't an issue with my sunroof. I think what happened was that I opened the sunroof when the vehicle was in park and when I put the vehicle in reverse, water standing on the roof splashed into the cabin. I now drive a few yards before opening my sunroof if the CR-V is wet from the rain.

Black Pearl, you are right, it isn't my father's chrome trim! The "chrome" trim didn't actually crack or break when I was cleaning it but I could here it flexing as I cleaned it which surprised me.

My likes about my CR-V.
1)Exterior styling: I think the styling of my 2008 CR-V is fantastic. The lines are clean, and the vehicles proportions are superb.

2) The ride: Coming from a Toyota Corolla I have to say the reduction of road noise has been nothing short of amazing to me. I can cruise at 65 to 70 mph on the highway and actually hear my music clearly.

3) The fit and finish of the cabin. The build quality is impressive. I haven't heard one rattle or squeak in the interior yet.

4) The aux jack! Its nice to be able to plug in my IPOD or my GPS into the factory stero without having to pay for a 3rd Party interface or have people disassemble my dash (shudder).

5) The gas mileage: My Corolla got great gas mileage but my CR-V's gas mileage is almost as high if I: 1) pump 39 psi of air into my tires; and 2) drive 65 to 65 mph. Today driving from Tallahassee to Perry (60 miles each way) The CR-V had gas mileage of 35.5 mpg with the A/C running!

6) The engine: I love the torque this engine has. It has so much more power on tap for passing at ANY speed than my old Corolla. The engine is powerful yet quiet AND achieves impressive fuel economy. Its the perfect engine for me and my needs. I almost purchased the Honda Civic Si but all of the Si's power was between 7000 and 8000 rpm. It would have been fun to drive for a few weeks, but the excessive engine noise would have been fatiguing on long rides. The handling of the vehicle was very impressive though....

7) The steering wheel controls: I like the cruise control buttons on my steering wheel.

8) The ride height. It's fun sitting up a little higher in traffic.

9) The handling: The CR-V will hold a tight line on the highway with very little corrective steering necessary.

My goal for 2008 is to be as balanced in my writing as JMA and as helpful and informative as Black Pearl. Black Pearl, thank you so much for your maintenance articles. I am planning on doing a lot of my own maintenance with my CR-V and your articles will be very helpful to me.

In brief, I enjoy reading both of your posts very much!

GoGreen, I totally sympathize with you buying what YOU wanted for a change. My CR-V was MY "indulgence" vehicle.

[Florida_Keith]

Why can't we get this in the U.S.?

Honda - Showroom - CRV - Accessories (http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/honda.com.au/home/showroom/crv/accessories/cr-v+-+accessories+-+protection)

[JMA]

Ha! Not only am I long-winded, but I just noticed that there is a duplicate of my "Initial Impressions" post in the Dear Honda Forum under an "Initial Impressions Review" thread. Could someone please tell me how to delete it? I'd hate to use up all of the forum's data storage before I even make it to senior member!

I appreciate everyone's kind words, but you probably shouldn't encourage me. It's not just in writing that I don't know when to stop. When voice mail first became the most common way to "talk" to people on the phone at work, I was known as the Voice Mail Queen! Since no one was there to stop or interrupt me, I never seemed to know how to end the message and would just keep talking until the system told me I had reached the time limit. The funny thing is, I don't even like talking on the phone very much!

It's interesting that you picked up on my attempt to be "balanced", Florida Keith. I'm not into astrology, but I have to admit that my sign, Libra (The Scale), fits me to a T.

Wow, Black Pearl, I am in awe of your "calling". My story of how my CR-V and I found each other seems so shallow in comparison! You and GoGreen both mentioned the Lexus, which has always caught my eye too...it's appearance, but not its price tag. In fact, I figured if I got the tailgate spoiler, I'd have myself a poor woman's Lexus! ;)

OK...that's it for tonight. I really must learn when to stop!

[Black Pearl]

You have to be logged in. Go to the post, and click the edit button below the post. An edit box will open. Click the delete button. I didn't go any further because I didn't want to actually delete my post. But I think a "are you sure" box will want you to confirm the deletion.

JMA, GoGreen, and Florida Keith thanks for all the kind comments.

[JMA]

You have to be logged in. Go to the post, and click the edit button below the post. An edit box will open. Click the delete button. I didn't go any further because I didn't want to actually delete my post. But I think a "are you sure" box will want you to confirm the deletion.

Thanks, Black Pearl. I tried what you suggested a couple of times, but there doesn't seem to be a Delete button available on that posting. I tried the same steps on a new posting and was able to perform a delete on that with no problem, so I'm wondering if there is a time limit for deletions...or maybe it won't let the poster delete it once it's been read by someone?

(I just checked the FAQ, and it says "Your ability to edit your posts may also be time-limited, depending on how the administrator has set up the forum.")

Perhaps a moderator could delete "Initial Impressions Review" for me. Is there a list of moderators/administrators...or do you think I need to fill out a "Contact Us" form on the website?

I'm definitely going to have to be a lot more careful about my postings if they're going to be around for eternity!

[Black Pearl]

The deletion worked for an older post than yours. Here are the steps:

1. Log on.

2. Find the offensive post (obviously it has to be yours).

3. Click edit.

4. Click on the delete button (in the same row as save).

5. Immediately a box will open titled "Delete Options". There are two radio buttons. The box opens with "Do not delete message" checked. Click on the "Delete Message" radio button.

6. Click on the "Delete This Message" button in the bottom right corner.

Voila! It is gone. I had to delete a second message to remember the steps.

It worked for me on one message dated 5-8-08 and a second message dated 5-7-08. I don't have any more admin rights than anyone else. I think you may have missed the radio button part. Both messages I deleted had postings after mine. Try it again.

[exMustangGirl]

JMA very nice well thought out post.

I agree with you Black Pearl! Great post JMA!

[JMA]

2. Find the offensive post (obviously it has to be yours).


Now you've hurting my feelings, Black Pearl! :D

OK, back to the "Initial Impressions Review" that would not die...
I tried to follow the delete steps again, but there is no Delete button in the same row as the Save. The other two buttons are Go Advanced and Cancel. The Go Advanced takes me right into the edit window, and there doesn't appear to be an obvious delete function there either.

I'm going to hazard a guess that it won't let me delete it because it is the first and/or only posting in the thread. Perhaps only administrators can delete those. When you deleted your posting, Black Pearl, was it the only item in the thread? If not, would you mind trying an experiment by starting a new thread under the Dear Honda forum, title it "Ignore this posting!" (a sure way to get a big audience ;) Put a test message in there, submit it, let it sit there for a day or so, and then try to delete it. If you are able to delete it, then my whole theory will have been shot down, and we'll be back to square one, but it will at least have been a good psychology experiment to see how many people are unable to ignore the posting!

[JMA]

3) The fit and finish of the cabin. The build quality is impressive. I haven't heard one rattle or squeak in the interior yet.

8) The ride height. It's fun sitting up a little higher in traffic.


I agree with you Florida_Keith. Squeaks and rattles drive me nuts, and the V has been nice and quiet. It would be good to know if anyone who added options such as the fog lamps or the day/night mirror (which require some disassembly of the interior) is experiencing any resulting squeaks and rattles.

Regarding the ride height...when you first drove it, didn't you feel like you were right up there with the truckers??!...and now it just seems normal height to me. I'll probably feel like I'm scraping the road with my keester (as Black Pearl would say) the next time I drive a sedan! It was funny, too, because I always got irritated by those SUV and truck drivers who blocked my view of oncoming traffic when they got in the lane next to me. Well, I had only had my V a few days, when this guy ahead of me who wanted to turn left out of the development was straddling both lanes. I managed to get past him so I could turn right, and when I looked to my left to see if there was any traffic coming, I had no trouble seeing over his car, but I noticed he was getting all flustered because now he couldn't see around ME! Wow...that was a first! I really didn't do it on purpose...honest! :p

[JMA]

I agree with you Black Pearl! Great post JMA!

Thanks exMustangGirl! You are all making me blush with these compliments!

I just thought of another item for my lists...I guess it would go in the "Negatively surprised, but hasn't caused a problem...yet" category:

The maximum load for the CR-V is only 850 pounds.

I didn't give this much thought, since I typically haul maybe one passenger and a couple of laptop computers. But when I added up the weight of the two football players I work and often go to lunch with, along with my own weight (average)...I realized that I'm often approaching my vehicle's maximum weight limit...and that's with only a driver, 2 passengers and no cargo! Does that seem low to you...or do I need to find friends and co-workers who were jockeys, rather than football players?

[Black Pearl]

Now you've hurting my feelings, Black Pearl! :D

OK, back to the "Initial Impressions Review" that would not die...
I tried to follow the delete steps again, but there is no Delete button in the same row as the Save. The other two buttons are Go Advanced and Cancel. The Go Advanced takes me right into the edit window, and there doesn't appear to be an obvious delete function there either.

I'm going to hazard a guess that it won't let me delete it because it is the first and/or only posting in the thread. Perhaps only administrators can delete those. When you deleted your posting, Black Pearl, was it the only item in the thread? If not, would you mind trying an experiment by starting a new thread under the Dear Honda forum, title it "Ignore this posting!" (a sure way to get a big audience ;) Put a test message in there, submit it, let it sit there for a day or so, and then try to delete it. If you are able to delete it, then my whole theory will have been shot down, and we'll be back to square one, but it will at least have been a good psychology experiment to see how many people are unable to ignore the posting!

I was thinking earlier tonight, the reason she can't delete her message is that it is probably the lead message in the thread and we probably don't have the admin rights to delete threads even if we are the only poster. The posts I deleted were embedded within the threads. So rather than creating experiment threads, send a private message to T-Mac asking him to delete the thread. As long as no one else has posted on it, it should be no problem.

Open the thread and copy the URL. Find a post by T-Mac and click on his name. It will take you to his profile. Look around and you will see something to the effect of send a private message. Click on that and the rest of the process is identical to public posting. Paste the URL in the message so he will get the right thread.

Offensive Post, poor choice of words. 1000 apologies.

[Black Pearl]

When we were shopping in a moment of economy, we tried sitting in a Fit. I thought to myself, no way I am going to have my keester dragging 6 " off the pavement for the next 10 years. So much for the Fit.

We discussed the weight issue a bit last year. Some of the Element owners over at the EOC were crowing about how much more cargo space the Element has than the CR-V. It was OK because they were crowing at their club, I just happened to be spying. Well I couldn't resist pointing out that while the Element has more cubic feet of space, it also has a limit of 175 lbs less than the CR-V which seems counter intuitive, but the CR-V is 5 passenger the Element is 4. Don't know why that is, but things could be worse.

Unless you are carry some big people and a lot of gear I don't think I would worry. If you are average, without getting into too much revealing arithmetic, your friends have to be pushing 350 each to be a cause for concern.

[JMA]

Offensive Post, poor choice of words. 1000 apologies.

No apology necessary! I got a good laugh out of it. I knew (or at least hoped I knew) what you meant.

I followed your helpful instructions for sending an email to the Administrator. Thanks!

[JMA]

Unless you are carry some big people and a lot of gear I don't think I would worry. If you are average, without getting into too much revealing arithmetic, your friends have to be pushing 350 each to be a cause for concern.

Yup...my friends are both over 6 feet tall and each weigh around 350 pounds. One is an arena football player in his spare time, and the other played football in high school. No wonder my gas mileage goes down when I'm lugging them around!

Plus, my purse is pretty heavy! ;)

[Black Pearl]

I wrote up my impressions after 1 year but I wanted to keep them in the same thread as my week old, 2.5 month, and 6 month old impressions. You can find them here:

http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/t68-4/

post 38 and 39.


And yes, it probably is the purse that is causing the weight problem.

[Hondafan]

I must start off by saying I've enjoyed reading all of the posts. I just found this forum today as I saw a link on handa-accessories.com. I used to own an '03 CR-V then traded it for the redesigned '06 Civic. After having that car for a year and a half, I traded it last September for an '07 Accord. Screaming deal that I couldn't pass up, including same payment as my Civic, plus cheaper insurance. Well after 8 months, I got the CR-V itch again and traded in the Accord for a dark blue '08 EX-L with gray interior a week ago today. My wife wasn't happy, but is finally starting to speak to me again. She finally admitted over the weekend that she does like it. The reason I went with the EX-L was because of the permanent center console, dual climate control, heated mirrors, and the gray interior (the dealership only had a dark blue/black interior EX on their lot and I didn't want to wait). Here are my initial thoughts, granted they may be a little biased since I work for Honda.:)

Likes:
Comfortable ride, lots of room, 3 power outlets, permanent center console, "garage door" compartment above the glove box, power seats w/adjustable lumbar; pre-drilled holes for certain accessories (side steps, trailer hitch, splash guards); fuel mileage calculator.

Dislikes:
Not enough storage for CD's. '03 had gearshift mounted on dash, closer to the steering wheel, allowing for CD storage under the radio; not enough useful storage areas; no lumbar adjustment for passenger seat; lack of power (same engine as Accord for heavier vehicle:confused: ); front power outlet too close to floor makes for a long stretch for the radar detector; parking brake pedal in a bad spot. I keep hitting my shin on it.

Overall, I will be keeping this car a lot longer than my previous two cars.

[Black Pearl]

Very nice first post. Congratulations, and good luck with your new vehicle, but you will know who to complain to if there is a problem. (I hope your not the guy I condemned to the scarlock pit.) Again welcome to the club and we will look forward to hearing from you.

[JMA]

Overall, I will be keeping this car a lot longer than my previous two cars.

Hey Hondafan! Welcome aboard! It's good to hear that you were anxious to come back to the CR-V and that you WILL be keeping it a lot longer than your two previous cars...although I'm wondering if that is by choice or by mandate! :D Glad to hear that your wife likes it too.

Actually, I think you should continue buying a new model every year and review them for us, since you probably get a good discount!

Enjoy your new ride!