2002 Honda CR-V EX 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Good value, but beware of defective parts

Faults:

Within 1 month the engine light came on and it was traced to a faulty gas cap. The dealer replaced this free of charge.

At 30,000 miles, I replaced the pollen filters. The two filters cost over $60 for the two. A little expensive for paper filters.

At around 32,000 miles the cruise control switch mechanism began to stick. It was found to be defective and was replaced free of charge by the dealer.

At around 40,000 miles, the dome light switch on the driver side door was defective. Since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, I temporarily fixed the problem by reinstalling the switch which becomes disconnected when the door is slammed. The switch should be replaced, but I fear the dealer will charge me too much money for the part which is worth about $5 in my mind.

General Comments:

The vehicle performs excellent. But, I feel the defective parts are inexcusable. Build quality is excellent. We live on a dirt road and at 43,000 miles the vehicle never rattles at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th December, 2004

21st Feb 2005, 05:27

I think that the owner has the right to feel any way he wants to feel about a car that he has paid for! The previous commentor is completely out of line.

7th Apr 2005, 14:34

I agree with the post of Feb 21, 2005. The buyer is king and his perception is what should be in a post, not some defensive comment by a honda apologist.

2002 Honda CR-V LX 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Not recommended at all

Faults:

The drivers' door key cylinder became faulty at 40,000 - it started "sticking" when trying to unlock door. I was told by Service the cost would be $180.00. I opted not to replace and just leave CRV unlocked.

The steering wheel showed excessive wear around 37,000. Seems to be too soon for this problem.

The air compressor had to be replaced at 57,400. Replacement/repair by Honda was quoted $1000.00. We sought another source and paid $622.00. When this problem occurred, my decision was made to trade this vehicle due to poor quality and expensive Service Department.

General Comments:

This vehicle has a very small gas tank (12 gallon), which placed me at a gas pump every 3rd day.

The head rests are not a comfortable angle - the tilt is the opposite direction it should be.

The road "noise" is very loud inside cabin. Even when the radio volume is turned as high as possible, the noise is still very prominent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th August, 2004

30th Aug 2007, 10:19

I really am disappointed with my 2002 Honda CRV. Mine is a 5-speed manual with 175000 Km. The engine burns oil like it's a 2-stroke; I have to add a litre every two gas fill ups. The engine hesitates under moderate to heavy acceleration. So much for all the i-Vtec hype...

Air conditioning stopped working yesterday. At 175000 km I don't think I will be getting any "good will" from Honda Canada. The clutch makes a groaning noise when the pedal is depressed. I have had other Japanese cars (Mazda, Nissan) and never had these kinds of problems that the dealer can't or won't diagnose or fix. Their view is; if there is no fault code they can't fix it. Thanks a lot, but they still like to charge for the useless, unproductive check.

Oh yes; and I almost forgot; The SRS light was on and I had to pay $100 for them to turn it off and tell me there was no problem. There was a recall, and they fixed it, but I didn't get my 100 back. I will drive it as long as it starts, but no more Honda for me.

2002 Honda CR-V base motor from North America

Summary:

Runs like a top

Faults:

Driver's seat belt retractor is very weak. A lot of the time, the seat belt gets caught in the door. Dealer supposedly replaced it, but it's no better.

Also, the fake leather on the side of the driver's seat has started to disintegrate from ingress / egress.

General Comments:

OVERALL, this is a good vehicle. It has its' annoyances, though.

For instance, the dash area beneath the steering wheel protrudes out far enough, where I manage to bang my knee on it nearly every time I get into the driver's seat. I'm only 5'7", so it can only be worse for a taller person.

For some reason, Honda thinks that cruise control should be an afterthought when designing a car. The cruise buttons on the steering wheel are not back-lit, so you have to fumble at night for the right button. Also, the master on / off switch for the cruise is located down low and to the left, forcing you to take your eyes off of the road to activate it.

The tilt steering doesn't tilt like a GM vehicle. Rather, it drops the whole column down, so the angle at which your hands and wrists grab the wheel is the same, which may be slightly uncomfortable.

Finally, I do my own oil changes. With this car, they started off with a filter that was about the normal size for a small 4 cylinder engine. For some reason, they've officially changed to a new smaller filter, about the diameter of a can of Pillsbury crescent rolls - small!

This new size means you have to buy their filter wrench for $30, unless you can find an aftermarket one. Thirty bucks for a cup wrench is highway robbery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2004