I want to buy a CRV, but ...

[jliu34740]

I like CRV for the same reasons as everyone else. Right size, quality, reliability, AWD, passenger room, fuel efficiency, resell value etc. But there are 3 things holding me back (in order of severity).

1. Hate the automatic shifter location
It should be down in the floor, not on the dash. I hate it so much that I am considering to get a 5-spd if I do decide to buy. But I live in an area where there is traffic congestion and hilly streets, 5 spd may not be too good for that.

2. Rear door openning sideways
This is a bad design to me. SUV should have backdoors go up and down which could be used as a rain shelter (especially in my area which rains a lot). CRV door opens on one side, if you need to load a large, heavy piece of something you won't be able to get someone to help you from the non-openning side.

3. It's a girl's car
I don't have statistics. But majority of CRVs on the road here are driven by women. Not that's a bad thing but I am not sure I want to be seen driving a girl's car. Although this is a minor point.

So does anyone else have the same concern? How did you deal with these?

John "Wanna buy me a CRV"

[axeiom]

Its a girl's car?!

[Racoon]

1. Hate the automatic shifter location

2. Rear door openning sideways

3. It's a girl's car
1. I have a 5 speed, so I can't really comment. I did like the 1st Gen automatic shifter location...on the steering column.

2. Sorry, but I strongly disagree. How many times do you really parallel park next to a curb? I think the door opening to the driver side is a distinct advantage, since it opens towards my side when I need to get something.

3. My ego isn't tied to my vehicle. I drive a CR-V because it's a reliable, reasonably fuel efficient SUV with RT4WD. If you really want a "mans" car then buy a Ford Explorer. Big, ugly, fuel inefficient.

JM2C

[jliu34740]

2. Sorry, but I strongly disagree. How many times do you really parallel park next to a curb? I think the door opening to the driver side is a distinct advantage, since it opens towards my side when I need to get something.


Racoon;

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking the other day I bought a big patio set from Homedepot. I had to ask the sales guy to help me load it into the back of my current SUV (which opens up) with one person on each side. It's rather heavy and it took two of us to load. If I had to do this with a CRV, I think only one person can get a hold of the item (specifically the one on driver side) because the other person would be blocked by the door.

Is this not an issue?

[2000crvlx]

I think you may be looking into it too much. If you want a SUV that will hold its value, get you from point a to point b with good fuel economy then the CRV is for you. It sound like what you might need is a Pilot. The CRV can not carry alot, but it does carry more than my Accord did.

[Advanex]

Girls Car? Funny, I see mostly old retired people driving them around here. I don't care, I like my V.

As far as the shifter being up on the dash, it IS a little strange, but you get use to it. It doesn't bother me anymore.

As far as the rear door, I personally like the way it opens. I don't like the "overhead doors". I've never had a problems loading and unloading, but I'm also not trying to carry a full patio set from HD. If I need something big like that, I can either borrow my parents Chevy Truck, or I can use my work truck. I've never tried to put anything that big in my V, so I personally wouldn't know.

[bongel]

advanex is correct
it might take sometimes to get used to the shifter but it wont take that long....

the rear door problem? open side ways use hinge open upwards use hydraulic...(which might need changing if you open rear door very often)

conclusion crv is still the best small suv around

[chaklee]

1. Did you really mean "hate"? You shouldn't buy V. "Hate" is a very strong word. I disliked the shift and the location of the OD button. But, to me, it's minor. I got used to it now.

2. That may be a good reason not to carry too big and too heavy things with the V. I never do.

3. Girl's car? You want man-only car? There isn't any.

BTW, if you hate the location of the shift, what about the location of the parking brake? I disliked it more than the shift.

[EnglishBob]

I've sold a lot of CR-V's here in California, and I have to say my most common buyer.... younger guys or older couples.

Most female buyers have been 35+

As for the loading, if your manhandling a single large item into the back, I have found the door to be a little awkward, had trouble getting a large TV in.

[Advanex]

BTW, if you hate the location of the shift, what about the location of the parking brake? I disliked it more than the shift.

I actually like it. I didn't notice it when I went on the first test drive until I grabbed it and though it was a handle like the right side and it moved on me. I thought I had broken part of the dash. I like it though.

[Racoon]

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking the other day I bought a big patio set from Homedepot. I had to ask the sales guy to help me load it into the back of my current SUV (which opens up) with one person on each side. It's rather heavy and it took two of us to load. If I had to do this with a CRV, I think only one person can get a hold of the item (specifically the one on driver side) because the other person would be blocked by the door.
Let's see, I've had a full (double) bed sized futon frame and mattress in my CR-V and a 30" TV. Yes, you have to aware of the door but it doesn't really get in the way. If you really need the swing up door like a mini-van but want a reliable SUV, then look at the Honda Pilot.

:)

[Paul_arbouw]

- Girl's Car .... Don't think so... unless you plan to add flowers and pink dice to it..

- 5 speed a problem in hilly and congested country?... Most Europeans drive sticks and last time I lived there, it was a lot more congested, narrower roads, and in areas pretty damn "hilly" .. if that's what you want to call the Alps.

- Rear door... you'll get used to it fast enough...

- The only annoying thing about the gen 2 is the damn handbrake. That's the only thing I liked better on my gen 1 CRV.

On a finishing note: the 5 speed is peppier as compared to the automatic.

Paul

[wildswing]

Hi jliu34740,

I think you're splitting hairs here. If those 3 points are the only things holding you back then it's a no brainer. Rather then repeat stuff that's already been said, I ask you to look at it from another perspective...

Obviously you're in the market for a small SUV. What other makes/models have you considered? Why not list your reasons for not wanting one of those, then compare your lists with 3 points you listed above? I think you'll quickly realize that what you think are valid concerns with the V are just minor first impressions.

Buy the V!

[bobrobin]

1. I actually did not like the shifter at first either, but I got used to it and actually like it now. The extra floor space is handy. Just wish it was a little shorter or something. If I don't pay attention whe I reach for the radio I knock my knuckles on it.

2. You have to consider how ofter you load something that heavy. Remember, the CR-V has a bit more cargo room than the other mini-suv's. It's a trade off.

3. Not a girl's car. Sure, it's not a big old Suburban or monster 4x4, but I wouldn't call it a girl's car. Quite a bit of accessories you can add to toughen it up too.

These items were minor to me, especially when compared to the other vehicles in it's class.

Good luck on your decision.

[Honda Girl]

What I always did with my CR-V is to put the item in the cargo area as far as I could. And then open up the rear doors and grab it from the top to bring it in further. That way, you don't gouge the back of the seats or rip the seal of the door shoving something in at full force.

THe location of the shifter is something you will grow to like. As others have said, you get used to it right away and it does give you more space upfront.

[CR-Vince]

(Hey, there's a handle I haven't seen in a while. Hi, Honda Girl!)

Back on topic . . . I don't see any problem with seeing a lot of women drving CR-Vs. It's not necessarily a girl's car; it just shows that they can spot a good car, too. Paul's got a point -- as long as you refrain from laying doilies on the dash, it'll be all right. :lol:

[Chele60]

3. It's a girl's car



You say this like it's a bad thing.

Might I suggest a Ford F250 jacked super high for you? Not a problem confusing that with being a "girl's car" - though not many "girls" will be able to climb into it.

Oh, and no, I'm not a "girl" - I'm a woman. There is a difference.

[AnuCrv]

U know i never noticed that most CRV's were driven by women until i bought mine. However, most of the crv's that have modifications are owned by men. i am yet to see a crv that has a lot of external accesories driven by a woman. I beefed mine up so there no mistaking it for a 'girl's car'

[natetagami]

I like the shifter in it's location as it is easy to see and grab - very comfortable. What I don't like about the shifter is that it is in the way of the radio controls, which is very irritating beyond belief. I need to go either under the shifter or around the shifter to reach the volume control, which is a major hassle and has me contemplating buying a new stereo just for the remote. My sales person tried to tell me some people consider the CRV a girl's car - but that's just smoke their blowing up your --- to get you to buy the Pilot. If it is a girl's car, than more power to them for being smart enough to buy a car that is not over sized for their needs and eats less gas then the men's monster CRVs - that's why they say ladies are smarter then men. It's probably some myth the car makers came up with to allow them to sell both sizes of SUVs consistently! Bottom line, it's a good car no matter where the shifter/door is and what sex it's for!

[peahen]

U know i never noticed that most CRV's were driven by women until i bought mine. However, most of the crv's that have modifications are owned by men. i am yet to see a crv that has a lot of external accesories driven by a woman. I beefed mine up so there no mistaking it for a 'girl's car'

Give me time! Mine's only 2 months old and already looks different. This is the first vehicle I've owned where I wanted to customize it. And it's all y'all's fault. Had I not found this site, well, let's not go there.

I went from a "boy's car" (suburban) to the CR-V. Talk about a shock! I couldn't believe I chose the V. I thought my mind was made up on the Trailblazer. I still look at them, but my V is growing on me. Why did I buy a V? Because I test drove it to cross it off my list!! Ironic, huh?

[AnuCrv]

Peahen i am sorry that they hypnotized u at the dealer. It has happened to me at the honda man about 4 times. Go in to cross it off and came out an owner. Next time look away from the light :mrgreen:

[Skavatar]

its the best compact SUV you can get for $19K. great fishing vehicle :)

[mary_bl]

Will a mt. bike fit in the back? Will two? Thanks!

[gpinzone]

Just to add my voice to the choir... The shifter position is great! It's in none of the places I DON'T want it to be (floor, steering column). The back door would be much better if it just had the hinge on the left. Except for Japanese and British drivers, this is the opposite way you'd expect the door to open. Girl's car? I don't think so. I'd figure a Toyota RAV4 more of a girl's car, but since I'm not a girl, what do I know.

[peahen]

Will a mt. bike fit in the back? Will two? Thanks!

Not in mine, but I must have a carseat and a booster seat. I tried to fold up the small section of the back seat, and I removed the front wheel of the bike, but I could not fit the bike in. The bike is a softail mountain bike.

[crvparrothead]

:) Just bought an o4 ex and love it . Still try and shift with the wiper lever.
As far as room goes my wife and I put two swivel based patio chairs plus a lrg glass topped table onto the back, removed the base but it all fit.. She was a VERY happy camper (so that makes me one lol)

[good42n]

Took me about 2 days to get used to the gear shift after driving my old manual Nissan pickup for 11 years. Got to say, I love the floor space and leg room I've gained. The brake--comfortable with it from the first.

Love my new CR-V!

[Cadd]

1 - If you think you hate the shifter position, wait until you drive it and try to adjust the volume on the radio. For the first month or so, my hands keep knocking into it (once almost putting it in Neutral). That's just some bad engineering by Honda IMHO.

2 - The rear door is fine with me. I drive in an area that is 100% curb/sidewalk parking. I really don't mind the rear gate opening out the way it does. If I put plywood in the rear, I'm sure it'll make a difference. But my bikes are the largest thing I've ever put in there, and that was fine.

3 - You are right, I see more females or older people driving around in CR-Vs. I see AT LEAST 5 CR-Vs on the road on an average day. I would say 3 of them are driven by a female. But that doesn't bother me. If it bothers you enough to cross it off your list, please let me know what you end up with. I just want to see what a "man's car" looks like.

[HIPSI]

It's a girls car??? Hmmm, let me see....yup, I still pee standing up. If I am a girl though, I have to be the biggest, ugliest looking girl of all time! :mrgreen: Seriously though, I see about half and half...half female, half male and half older.

[peahen]

I'm going to take note of all the drivers of CR-V's I see tomorrow and post it back here. I'll note gender and approximate age if possible.

I see lots of CR-Vs here. They're very popular.

[CrazyOldMan]

Girl's car ?

I counted 16 of them today mostly Silver or Mojave Mist. 9 were driven by women, 4 of those retired age/elderly. 4 by retired age / elderly men, 2 by younger men, and I missed the last one....the winders wuz tinted 8)

[HIPSI]

Let's break down the above post... 9 women total, 6 men total, for 15.
4 old women, 4 old men for 8 total. So...that must mean 7 are younger men and women. Here is the breakdown:
15 total CR-V's observed

Breakdown by sex:
60% women total (9)
40% men total (6)

Breakdown by sex and age:
27% elderly women total (4)
33% young women total (5)
27% elderly men total (4)
13% young men total (2)

Breakdown by age:
54% of the drivers were elderly
46% of the drivers were younger

On the women side: (9)
44% were elderly
56% were younger

On the men side: (6)
67% were elderly
33% were younger

[CrazyOldMan]

Does that mean the CRV is more of an "old persons" vehicle (for men) ?
It's a small sample of a small market share.
I don't really give two shitskies what demographics are prevalent among V owners. I like the vehicle more than the others I've researched and test drove. I absolutely plan to get one in a few months when my GM lease is up.
My demographic: 37 year old disabled veteran - male, college educated, tech career, income- don't ask, married - happily, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 fish, Green Party member, fiscal conservative, social liberal, hardly average, don't care for "labels". Want know what color toilet paper I use ? :lol:

It's really quite simple. Evaluate the offered products in the market. Pick the one that most suits your needs and tickles your fancy (meets the logical and emotional need).

Who cares if somebody thinks it "a girl's car" ? Not me.

[Racoon]

Here is the breakdown:15 total CR-V's observed...
To which I can only add...

Lies, damned lies, and statistics.

:D

[Cadd]

It's really quite simple. Evaluate the offered products in the market. Pick the one that most suits your needs and tickles your fancy (meets the logical and emotional need).

Who cares if somebody thinks it "a girl's car" ? Not me.
Well said!

[HIPSI]

I don'care what the statistics say, either. I like my V! It's interesting though.

[k24 rd6]

Hondas in general are cars driven by women. In So Cal I hardly ever see a male person driving a crv by themselves. This leads me to beleive it is the wifes car that he has to drive for the family. I probably see 60% old women driving.

I don't mind the shifter location but I hate the fact that I can't shift it without going two places instead of one.

The rear door I love. You never have to worry about hitting you head against it

[abarker]

When I first got my CR-V the rear door didn't reallky bother me but after a few months, I can honestly say that I hate the side opening real door! I admit that it is great when you have to load heavy things but it is useless in the rain and in the city, it is impossible to use if a car parks close behind you or if you have to back into a parking space.

My next car will have to have a rear door that swings up.

[tom2p]

The rear window lifts up ....... and the doors swings to the side .....
.
a very useful combination ..........
.
and the door CORRECTLY can be opened from the driver side ........
.
What more could you want ?
.
but still ....... all this whining .............
.
the Honda Engineers did a great job ..... hopefully they are lauging .....

[accordowner]

A girl's car? Well, maybe slightly more women do drive them, but I think that's true of all SUV's if you look around. A man would have to be pretty insecure about themself to let that stop them from owning one if they otherwise liked the car. Actually, in my opinion it's kind of nice driving a car that women like the looks of - better than driving something ugly that they hate.