2004 CRV EX

We are trying to decide between the CRV EX and Forester XS mini SUV's.
Both are reported to have excellent reliability and are rated top notch
by consumer reports... We live in northeast (upstate NY) so winter's are
a bit tough... so based on what we read it seems as if the Forester AWD
may be a better fit ... However we like the looks and extra room of the
CRV EX better but arent sure about its AWD system vs Forester...

thanks

 

Both are good vehicles....I swear by my CRV, but 2 of my partners have an
Outback and a Forrester and they love them and haven't had any problems. It
boils down to your personal style. There are more Honda dealers than Subaru
for servicing/repair issues and with that, I'd assume cost of upkeep and
maintenance will be less on the Honda than the Sub. You could flip a coin
and not go wrong either way....so good luck. Now if you were talking
Escape/Tribute.....thats another story!

 

I agree with Larry. I like my EX CRV since it is much more room and the
Forester look like a station wagon than the SUV. Long time ago I owned the
Mazda and end up paid more the parts since it was not popular, Subaru would
have similar problem. I lived in PA and I drove my CRV through the winter
with up hill and down hill and Penn DOT did not do a good job with snow
removal, I can tell you that my car has done very well. Sometimes I wonder
why did not buy it before. Here is the summary what I think about my CRV:

* If you want ABS you have to buy EX model, I don't like since I don't care
about sunroof and 6CD in dash.

* Very roomy, I have 3 people at work sit in the back and they are very
impressed. The trunk/cargo area is very big

* The rear wiper does not cover the whole thing and the middle head rest in
the rear block the rear view.

* Tires suck: low rating and very noisy on the road. It is worth to change
other tires if price is reasonable, I forgot to ask dealer about that. A lot
of people told me changed the tire make huge different.

* Power lock control/button is only at driver side, my wife does not like
since she wants to be able lock the door at passenger side.

* I got about 24 mpg mix driving, more local ---> 20mpg ----> highway best
case so far ~27mpg.

Hai

 

But it can easily be removed, and popped back into place (when someone
sits in that position) just as easily.

 

Ah, yes. The CR-V, with proper tires, is a dream. The OE tires (whether
Bridgestone or BF Goodrich) are *awful*. Many people - and I am among
them - have found great success switching to the Michelin Harmony. Once
I switched, everything else fell into place. I wouldn't want to drive
any other car than my CR-V.

Drew

 

I agree. I put Michelin Hydroedge after 10K miles (I don't know why I waited
so long), what a difference.

 

Tracy,

I agree just what I think pro and con.

Hai

 

Drew,

I told my friend why I did not buy it before, I really love it. I only have
7500 miles so I did not want to change the tires but I really want to change
when I hit 20K. People also likes the Yokomaha (sp?) tires ~$50 each at tire
rack if I find the local dealer for ~$70 including everything I may change
them at the end of this year. Is it really true, after you changed the
tires, you don't need to crack up the radio/CD volume on the highway?

Hai

 

I think that there is some truth to that. It's not as radical as night
and day - a car is still a car - but they are definitely quieter. And
MUCH smoother.

Drew

 

(Jerome) wrote in

The only Forester that really excites me is the XT with 210hp. That's a
nice amount of power, from a 2.5L turbo. The performance is definately a
step above the CRV. But even the base model Forester's aren't bad. I
think their AWD is somewhat better than Honda's as well.

Having said that, there are pros to the CRV. More room as you said. Also,
more dealers, and very good reliability ratings. I've had a 95 Accord
Wagon since new and not having any unscheduled maintenance or repairs to
worry about is very important to me. I hate surprises. Honda is great in
this respect. Less exciting? Sure. But it's nice to never have to worry
about your car breaking down (provided you do the basic maint). Also, I am
lucky enough to have a Honda dealer I can really trust. Almost 10 years in
dealing with them, and they've never let me down. Any issues I've had
they've been able to work out with me. Basically far better service than
I've had from any dealer. My most recent other car was a 2002 BMW M3.
Getting BMW to properly service an $80,000 (canadian) vehicle was like
pulling teeth.

So, in my case, if I happened to have a very good relationship with the
dealer service department, be it Honda or Subaru or anyone else, I'd be
very tempted to stick with that vehicle make just to make sure I get the
level of service I expect, even if it's not the "ideal" or most exciting
vehicle. I sure was glad I had the Honda to rely on while the M3 was in
for multiple visits to BMW.

 

one thing to keep in mind:

a FWD car with winter tires will have more traction then a 4wd/awd with all
season tires.

so if you're questioning the extra cost of 4wd/awd system invest in a spare
set of tires/wheels. simple.