Previously had a 99 5 speed. The only really bad thing I can say about it is it was R E A L L Y S L O W. It was downright terrifying to try to pass someone on a 2 lane road. And this is from someone who owns a single cam Saturn SL. IIRC, slightly newer models picked up a badly needed 20hp or so.
I have a first year model ('97) and it's great. I've had it going on 2 years, and although it's definitely starting to show its age (207k miles), it's never left me stranded. All 97's were AWD and automatic, and it's definitely underpowered, but it swallows lots of stuff and gets decent mpg's. In '99 the B20 made a little more power, and then in '02 the got a big increase when the 2nd gen came out with the K series motors. I would like to upgrade to a 2nd gen, but I can't seem to find one with the miles/price I want. They hold their value really well, and they're really common. I can't seem to get the oil pan to seal on mine, and I have a weird engine noise that I haven't been able to pinpint, but it just keeps going. If I had a garage I would find a low mileage motor, put some mild cams in it with some bolt ons (only for a slight power increase to help with gas mileage--the underpowered motor has to work pretty hard in the mountains), and keep driving this thing. It is a beast in the snow, even just with all seasons on it, and it's a great camping buggy. I've taken it on some pretty rough roads/trails out in the Blue Ridge mountains, and the AWD and ground clearance make it pretty decent off-road for what it is. My parents live in Canada and they have a FWD '01--with snow tires even that thing is unstoppable in snow. Mine could use front door lock actuators too, but I would definitely recommend one of these. I wish it had a diff lock like the Rav4 though.
Glad to see this thread....my wife has me in the market for a used CRV....first she wanted a ford edge, now she wants a used CRV. If I had to buy a honda and I had my choice, I would get an element instead. The newest CRV's look goofy so it won't be the latest and greatest. One thing for sure, although I like the wheels on the base model better, we will end up buying the model that have heated seats.
plance1 wrote: The newest CRV's look goofy so it won't be the latest and greatest.
+1 to this! The 3rd and 4th gens (current) are hideous! I don't even want to imagine what the 5th gen will look like!
2nd gen. Hands down. Search about a CRV head on k20a.org and you'll quickly find out why. HUGE ports and crazy flow #'s. Dont be fooled by the lack of exhaust VTEC, it's a monstrous little engine.
1st gens need an F or an H. A local has an H23A VTEC swapped one and it's silly fun/quick.
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