Used 1997 - 2001 Honda CR-V review
Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) is a compact lightweight car-based SUV with a four-wheel independent suspension. The combination of good fuel economy, practical interior space and cargo capacity make the CR-V one of the top road trip vehicles. The 1997-2001 CR-V was available as a 2WD or 4WD, although the 2WD models are rare.
2001 Honda CR-V. Photo:Honda |
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The CR-V has a side-opening tailgate that also holds the spare tire.
Available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the CR-V was offered with only one engine: the 126-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC engine. For 1999, the engine was modified to add 20 more horsepower. This is a good reliable engine, but it needs regular maintenance to last longer; read more below.
The CR-V has a roomy practical well-designed interior with simple instruments and easy-to-use controls. There are plenty of storage areas including a storage box under the front passenger's seat. The split rear seat folds almost flat for extra cargo space. A fold-out picnic table (in the photo) also works as a lid for the storage area under the cargo area carpet.
The CR-V's all-wheel drive system is not designed for real off-roading, but it can be help on slippery roads.
In normal conditions, Honda CR-V is powered by the front wheels. If the front wheels start slipping, the hydraulic clutch engages the rear wheels.
The EPA rates the 2001 4WD CR-V with an automatic transmission at 19/23 mpg or 12.4/10.2 liters per hundred kilometers, with the annual fuel cost estimated at $2,700.
In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 1998-2001 Honda CR-V received 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the front passenger. In the side-impact crash tests, the 1999-2001 models received five stars for both the front and the rear seat.
Pros
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- All-wheel drive system
- Practical interior
- Cargo space
- Good crash-test ratings
- Good resale value
Cons
- Road and engine noise
- Underpowered
- Low towing capacity
- Unstable in cross winds
Overall
The 1997-2001 Honda CR-V offers good fuel economy, versatile comfortable interior and car-like handling, which makes the CR-V one of the best road trip vehicles. The CR-V is fun to drive and fairly easy to maintain. The four-wheel drive system helps on snowy roads. Overall, Honda CR-V is reliable, but it needs to be maintained well to avoid problems. |
What to look for when buying a used Honda CR-V
Check history records: how to check used car history. Look for a trailer hitch; if the CR-V was used for towing a trailer, the transmission could be excessively worn. A strong jolt or clunk when shifting the automatic transmission into Reverse could indicate a transmission problem; avoid the car. The engine should run smoothly whether it's cold or hot. If it runs rough and misfires when cold, there might be a problem. Read more: what to look for when buying a used car - photo checklist. Before buying, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic; ask to check if the timing belt has been replaced. Read our step-by-step used car buying guide.
Honda CR-V service and maintenance tips
Rust-proofing can help to slow down corrosion if you live in 'Rust Belt'. Regular oil changes using a good-quality oil will help keep your engine in a good shape.
A bad ignition switch can cause the CR-V to stall intermittently; if you have this problem, have the ignition switch (electric part) checked out.
The 1997-2001 Honda CR-V engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 105,000 miles or 168,000 kilometers according to the 2001 Honda CR-V owner's manual. A timing belt replacement could cost from $350 to $500 in a repair shop.
The CR-V's engine needs periodic valve adjustment. If not adjusted in time, the valves can get too tight causing misfire. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the valves being too tight, you can end up with burned valves. If you haven't done valve adjustment for a long time, next time you take your CR-V for a tune-up, have the valve clearance checked/adjusted. The 2001 CR-V owner's manual recommends doing it every 105,000 miles or 168,000 kilometers.
A groaning, humming, chattering or squeaking noise from the rear end in turns could be cause by deteriorated rear differential oil. Changing the rear differential oil with original Honda Dual Pump Fluid may help. Sometimes you need to drive the car in turns for a while after the fluid was changed to get the clutch discs lubricated. Keep engine coolant topped up, as lack of coolant can cause overheating of the engine. Change transmission fluid as recommended in the owner's manual.
More on maintenance:
 10 simple tips how to keepyour car running longer » |
 Easy car maintenance checklist with photos » |
2001 Honda CR-V short specifications (US model)
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: |
177.6 in (4510 mm) 68.9 in (1750 mm) 65.9 in (1675 mm) 103.2 in (2622 mm) |
| Ground clearance: |
8.1 in (205 mm) |
| Seating Capacity: |
5 |
| Towing Capacity: |
1000 lbs |
| Cargo volume: | |
| with rear seats up: with rear seats folded |
29.6 cu. ft 67.2 cu, ft |
| Engine: | 2.0-Liter, DOHC 16-Valve 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 133 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US mpg, L/100 km): | |
| 2WD Automatic: 4WD Automatic: 4WD Manual: |
city: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) hwy: 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) city: 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) hwy: 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) city: 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) hwy: 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) |
| Recommended Fuel: | Regular Unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
15.3 US gal (58 liters) |
| Engine Oil capacity |
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| Oil change with filter: Total: |
4.0 US qt (3.8 liters) 4.9 US qt (4.6 liters) |
