1997-2001 Honda CR-V: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Honda CR-V
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Entry/exit
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Whereas most SUVs use truck-type body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle, the CR-V employed carlike unibody construction and a 4-wheel independent suspension. At 103.1 inches, the CR-V wheelbase was 8.2 inches longer than that of the similar 4-door Toyota RAV4, but 8.4 inches shorter than the span of a 4-door Ford Explorer. Overall length, at 176.4 inches, was 14.4 inches longer than the RAV4 but 12.1 inches shorter than the Explorer. A side-opening tailgate and externally mounted spare tire were installed. Beneath the hood was a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 126 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Honda called its standard 4-wheel-drive system "Real-Time 4WD." Most engine power normally went to the front wheels, but a portion could be distributed to the back wheels when sensors indicated that the front tires were losing traction. No low-range gearing was installed. Seating for five and dual airbags were standard. Mounting the gear selector on the steering column instead of the floor permitted a narrow access path between the front seats.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Honda CR-V w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Honda CR-V:
Midyear brought a front-wheel-drive model to join the 4WD wagon, with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and optional automatic.
1999 Honda CR-V:
The CR-V engine gained 20 horsepower this year. New lighted power window switches were installed, as were rear-door cupholders. An overdrive on-off switch was added to the automatic transmission's column-mounted selector lever.
2000 Honda CR-V:
Except for one new paint color, nothing was new for 2000.
2001 Honda CR-V:
Rear child-seat tethers were the only notable change for 2001. A new model was waiting in the wings.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Honda CR-V is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance is not a "plus" with the CR-V, at least with an automatic transmission. Acceleration to 60 mph in an early model with automatic took a leisurely 11.3 seconds, with only the driver aboard. Manual shift cuts about a second from that figure. Go-power sags even further when climbing steep upgrades, or with a full load. Overall gas mileage of 19.7 mpg fell short of expectations, too. CR-V is pleasantly (and predictably) carlike to drive. Wind noise is unusually well-suppressed at cruising speeds, and tire sounds are minor. Even though the engine begins to boom above 4000 rpm or so, it's never throbby or irritating. Body lean ranks as modest through tight turns, so the CR-V can be tossed around much like any small wagon. Ride comfort is generally good, but some road undulations result in an annoying tendency to wheel-hop. Head and leg room are ample, but three adults don't fit comfortably in back. Step-in is low despite an 8-inch ground clearance, so entry/exit is easy, although rear doors are narrow for larger people. Though rather buslike, the driving stance is accommodating, thanks to a standard tilt steering wheel and manual seat-height adjuster. The column-mounted shifter sits awkwardly behind the wiper stalk, but otherwise the driving environment is simple and convenient--quite similar to riding in a Civic. The CR-V's 50/50 split rear seat can fold down to form a flat load floor. With the seat in use, you have space for about 10 grocery bags. Cargo bay access isn't the best, however, as you have to get past an external spare-tire carrier, glass liftgate, and swing-out tailgate. Solid, rattle-free construction has been evident during test drives, even when rolling through rough surfaces. Panel fit and paint finish have been excellent, inside and out.
Value for the Money
Except for a lack of power, the CR-V almost approaches perfection. As it stands, this is a handy and well-built compact wagon with carlike manners and a 4WD system that never needs to be thought about. Even though it can't match the space or brawn of bigger SUVs, Honda's CR-V is clearly the nicest of the "baby-size" 4x4s.
Except for a lack of power, the CR-V almost approaches perfection. As it stands, this is a handy and well-built compact wagon with carlike manners and a 4WD system that never needs to be thought about. Even though it can't match the space or brawn of bigger SUVs, Honda's CR-V is clearly the nicest of the "baby-size" 4x4s.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Honda CR-V w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda CR-V includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda CR-V .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
The ABS light comes on because one (or both) of the rear-wheel speed sensors fails. Revised sensors are available to replace them. (1997)
Check-engine light:
"Check EngineÓ light may glow on vehicles used where salt is used on the roads because the EVAP solenoid fails. (1998-01)
Headlights:
The fog light housing is prone to cracking and, when this happens, the lens falls out. (1997)
Mirrors:
The power mirrors were not properly sealed to the body on some vehicles causing wind noise. (1997)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $705 |
| Alternator | $600 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,265 |
| Brakes | $280 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $840 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $930 |
| Exhaust System | $415 |
| Radiator | $495 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $940 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $545 |
Our price chart for this generation Honda CR-V details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| CR-V 2WD | $6,400-7,300 | $5,600-6,400 | $2,800-3,200 |
| CR-V 4WD | $7,100-8,500 | $6,300-7,600 | $3,400-4,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| CR-V 2WD | $5,500-6,300 | $4,700-5,400 | $2,300-2,600 |
| CR-V 4WD | $6,200-7,500 | $5,400-6,500 | $2,700-3,200 |
| 1999 | |||
| CR-V 2WD | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| CR-V 4WD | $5,400-6,300 | $4,600-5,400 | $2,200-2,600 |
| 1998 | |||
| CR-V 2WD | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| CR-V 4WD | $4,600-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,700-2,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| CR-V 4WD | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda CR-V include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3150 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 34.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one engine has been available: a 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder that made 126 horsepower (boosted to 146 horsepower for 1999). Only an automatic transmission was offered at first, but later CR-Vs might have 5-speed manual shift or the 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 126-146 | 126-133 | 5-speed manual: 22/25 4-speed automatic: 22/25 |
5-speed manual: 20.5 4-speed automatic: 19.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda CR-V include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 CR-V |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998-99:
Improperly routed under-dash wire harness on some vehicles could be damaged by contact with brake-light switch, possibly resulting in blown fuse.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
