Honda CR V Used Car Review

carbuyingsuppo...
In this video Greg Macke reviews the first generation Honda CR-V which ran between the years 1997-2001. Considered on Your Car Angel Halo list which are the best used cars that can be bought, This car review highlights the key features both pros and cons, good and bad, accolades and problems. It came in 2wd and 4wd. Greg talks about the best years for this generation of CRV's.

[@TonyNguyen-it7vd]

Got a 2001 crv with full leather seats, and just 78,000 miles. Original owner used it as a second car for weekend family trips. He did maintenance every couple months too :)!

[@eliasshadow5643]

Tony Nguyen for how much?

[@TonyNguyen-it7vd]

Elias Shadow For $3000 CAD, roughly $2300 USD. And that's only because I worked a small job for the guy, but did not collect, so he sold me the car for under market value. SUVs prices are crazy around here, so in the end, it was a steal (especially so, since it has full black leather interior in excellent condition)! Ps. Added 1650 miles to it already, while I can't yet comment on durability, I have yet to have any problem with it. Maintenance not due until another 1500 miles.

[@eliasshadow5643]

You got a good deal.

[@boomerguy9935]

I had a 1999 CR-V with a 5-speed. It had low power but as long as I kept the rpm's up, I get go anywhere. The only major issue I had was the wiring harness started breaking inside the insulation at the front door hinge which was caused by the opening and closing of the door for decades. The harness had no plugs to connect or disconnect near this point which could have separated it in sections and I had to replace the entire harness. Major expense for parts and labor!!!!! But it was worth it. The car was still running great after 200K miles when my daughter totaled it in a rollover going down a mountain road after trying to avoid an animal. After the car stopped rolling over several times and skidding to a stop on its top, my daughter was hanging upside down in her seat belt with just a few bruises. The state trooper said in his experience, the CR-V and the Subaru SUV's had the best safety cages. I still miss that car. I called it my Japanese Willys.

[@MondoMurderface]

That harness always goes bad. Mine is going now but luckily the windows and speaks are still good. Don't mind having to manually lock the doors. The fix is free if you have a soldering iron and a screwdriver though. Just takes some times to pull it apart and solder past the pigtail connector that falls apart.

[@takakiryu3777]

Mine still rocks at 490k miles on it. It was my grandpa favorite car. Just some squeaky sound when driving on rough roads other than that its perfect!

[@mauiaguirre]

Miles... not Kms?!! 490 miles?!! Holy shit 😂

[@edykachilome9093]

Woah! That's amazing!!

[@MondoMurderface]

Yea, as long as you change the timing belt now and then and keep the fluids fresh/topped off, this car literally won't stop. Always impressed by the mileage I see on them.

[@TunaBasaran]

I've been driving my CR-V for 6 years and still makes me happy. A lovely design and engineering and I think later generations could not hold on to this kind of versatility

[@earlmorse9621]

My son picked up a 2001 CR-V EX AWD 5 speed manual. The mileage is 178,500 and the work needed is typical car upkeep and fixing a door lock. The review was spot on and gives me confidence in the vehicle. I bookmarked your website and will promote it and became a subscriber of yours. Originally the CR-V was for my son but he is learning to drive and is uncomfortable with a manual shift so I am getting him another car and the CR-V is mine now. Before the decision I bought a Volvo 2002 V70 XC AWD with the same mileage and 10 miles from the dealer the engine blew up. Funny how a bad situation can lead to a better one.

[@billcarson9565]

still watching in 2020, and i will be looking for one of these!

[@michelequintero477]

Just got one

[@titussamuel8649]

You are the best vehicle analyst I have ever watched. Thank you for a job well-done

[@xtreambackman]

we just bought one of these for my wife she loves it and after 243000 miles its still running strong great buys

[@thebrain2456]

How much did u pay for it?

[@jamalwalker2104]

108,000 on mine and still going.

[@supercoolmunkee]

Just bought this car today! Drove it! Is great! I got a 2000 Honda CRV! The Auto Mechanic said everything is brand new, because somebody before just sold it brand new by fixing it before selling so is in an amazing shape! I love the car! The interior is kind of roomy. The only downside I get from this car is just that is noisy, that's all. But after a while is like eh is nothing at all, is just unlike any other cars out there. I'm just in love with this 2000 crv! The gear shift is different because is on the steering wheel instead of being in front of the radio. I find it interesting but I'm liking the style already! Got for a price of $3,200!

[@paulv8453]

Doug Cannon Hi Doug. I own a 1999. I know what you're talking about when you say noise. What I did to help a little was install sound deadening material inside all my door. Sounds more solid when closing them. The kind I used has a shiny, almost aluminum type, siding & like a sticky black tar on the other. Here's a link to what looks similar to what I used www.ebay.com/itm/50-SqFt-GTMAT-Sound-Deadener-Proofing-Thick-Insulation-Material-Dynamat-Sample-/111101846711

[@dianneanderson731]

When you say noisy, Doug, are you talking about doors wind noise when driving the vehicle? Thank you

[@DaKineMac]

Good overview of the first generation CRV. I've owned two of these, and one second gen CRV. Both are great. I second the valve adjustment warning in the first gen. Otherwise, they will go forever if properly maintained. The AWD works great in snow...doesn't kick in until there is slippage on the front wheels. The body and interior on this generation of CRV seems exceptionally well made and holds up better than most. I would not be afraid of the older 97-99 lower power engines unless you live at altitude. There's a difference, but not huge. Most come in automatic, but a fair amount exist with the manual 5 speed. VIN plates on all the body parts is an indication that it hasn't been in any major accidents. I wouldn't be afraid of a high mileage CRV if the body and interior were sound...used engines abound for not a lot of money.

[@ravipeiris4388]

I purchased my 2008 Honda CRV in 2019 and had it for 3 years with no problems. My current odometer reads at 152,000 miles and I know I'll see 300,000 miles. Just stunning. Absolutely stunning. I smile when I see the first generation (late 90s) versions still on the road and I feel safe.

[@Earl_Richter]

I had one of those. It was extremely reliable and fun. One thing I got tired of hearing about was that &#&$ table. Nobody I know who owned a CR-V ever used it yet everybody talked about this great feature. LOL.

[@mastaTcommando]

lol

[@aaron___6014]

I've used it at a BBQ

[@assmunch1]

I am still driving mine, with 270,000 miles on it and use the table all the time. Just used it last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

[@alyssa7867]

I've had my 02 for 2 years and I forgot about the fuckin table

[@HomeWrecknKneeKnockr]

Aaron ___ that's what's up!🤣🌭

[@AngeloHerrera-ow3po]

These crv’s don’t get all the love they deserve, I own one with 455,000 miles that starts in negative degree weather no problem, the engine doesn’t tick, or make weird noises, which is amazing considering it’s all still OEM. It’s a 5spd manual awd, if you’re considering getting one of these cars DO IT they will not let you down. Treat it the way you want it to treat you. Definitely one of the better vehicles

[@BriBorgersen]

Really into these generation reviews. Thank you.

[@terbennett]

The 1997-98 CR-Vs were actually a better option even with 20 less horsepower. The 1999-2001 are the ones prone to the valve issue, which leads to needing an expensive valve job. Owners Manual was printed in error on valve adjustment intervals. Have valves inspected/adjusted every 30K miles. I've seen many of the 1997-98 versions pushing 300K miles.

[@MrShankwheat]

I owned a 2001 for 16 years. The engine was pretty much bullet-proof but I did have to put some money into other repairs. I sold it with 185,000 miles and would have kept it longer but she was eaten up with rust. It was like driving a go-cart more than a car and the road noise was horrible but it never let me down.

[@bellevernon15012]

I just bought one of these cars a 1999 CRV from a used car lot about 3 months ago for $1,800. The car is almost rust-free with 164000 miles plus but it is very clean inside and a great running car so far I hope I got a good deal at that price

[@loveangieify]

how is it doing so far after a year with it?

[@rajeshkadam4089]

Thank God. U r the only people who showed the picnic table completely.

[@zad4511]

Look up Gene Kim n Chuck Missler on KZbin

[@GTVAlfaMan]

I was given a 97 CRV from my Aunt that she didn’t need any more, it’s been very reliable. My only complaints are the shallow cup holders, uncomfortable driver seat and the fuel economy.

[@GBCompton]

I have the 1999 LX of this car. I never knew about that table! Mine has 205K and counting. it stopped on the freeway last month so I'm in the market for another car, which is how I found your videos. (It turned out okay, I just panicked). I think this generation is the best looking of all the CRVs. Was my sis-in-law's first car but she bought it from the first owner, then I bought it from her when she upgraded to the 4Runner. I love this car so much.

[@sim8899]

Just bought mine 2 days ago, a 2001 with only 130k miles for only $1600. it was depressing seeing my 97 Celica getting towed away. I had that car for 8 years, but already the CRV is already starting to grow on me

[@sim8899]

a women hit my rear quarter panel, which already totaled the car. even though the engine and transmission are in perfect condition

[@quadrunner2124]

+sim8899 That sounds like a steal!

[@sim8899]

+Quadrunner one of the inner tie rods needs to be replaced, that's the only thing mechanically wrong with it. Other than a few scratches on the exterior, it's perfect.

[@quadrunner2124]

sim8899 You're a lucky guy. Take care of it, owning a Honda isn't an excuse for skipping maintenance and inspections. She's old now.

[@sim8899]

+Quadrunner thanks, will do. I treated my 97 Celica like a child, and it gave me a great 8 years.

[@dj33036]

There is no reason to avoid the 97 or 98 models. Yes, the engine is smaller but it's a great little car. My 97 is one of the nicest cares I've ever owned.

[@dj33036]

I'd also add that many of the base models have ABS included, mine does.

[@aspiringaspie3280]

+dj33036 .dj63010 mine is 1997 and doesn't have abs

[@aspiringaspie3280]

yes it is sufficient power

[@dj33036]

Hi James, I'll quote directly from the Owners Manuel. "Your Honda is designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo. You can use it to tow a trailer if you carefully observe some general rules. The total weight of the trailer and everything loaded in it must not exceed 1,000 pounds. The tongue load should never exceed 110 pounds." So as you can see it really isn't a car designed to be used for towing.

[@karlheinzvansteen5748]

I have a 98 CR-V with 160K miles, I towed a small tear-drop trailer from Florida to N. California and back last year, the trailer weighs in at 560# and I hardly noticed it behind me. I did cross a mountain in Colorado at 12,000 foot climb - I was in 2nd gear when it got real steep.

[@joystickthegaminghusky]

I have one of these its my first car still. Just hit 166 thousand miles and still running strong. Their amazing in deep snow the handling is sublime its the perfect car for anyone the 4 cylinder engine only puts out 146 horse power but the way the cars engine bay is configured. U. Have tons of room if u want to put a bigger engine. In it u can the cars frame is built like a tank. And even though it says small SUV and I know your thinking oh no that means the mpg will be horrible Cuz its old and they dident know what they were doing stop that thought. The Crv gets 22 mpg which sequels out to 330 miles since it has a 15 gallon tank if anyone wants more info on this amazi g car drop me a. Message or eave a common on my channel

[@tomocholla4458]

What's the consumption litres per kms

[@MEnTALZ0mBi3]

Bought a 97 this year for 1250 with 200,000 K/m on it. Runs like a dream and gets the job done. I love the handling it has for a vehicle of it's size. Only little thing I don't like is how it performs going uphill. I'm sure the 99 wouldn't have as much of a problem with that.

[@mastaTcommando]

planning on buying one for the same price with about the same miles lol no lie, still not having any trouble with it?

[@MEnTALZ0mBi3]

No problems really. It's been a solid vehicle for last year that I've owned it so far.

[@mastaTcommando]

That's good to hear..just wanted something simple and easy to maintain with out much worries.

[@aspiringaspie3280]

mine is a 1997 and can keep up with traffic easy up hills it's the standstill acceleration I don't like and the cornering could be better

[@MEnTALZ0mBi3]

Ah yes the standstill acceleration is pretty lousy. My friend asked me to floor it with 5 people in it and it didn't burn any rubber but I had expected that. I'm alright with how it corners. I've taken on trails that I should've been driving slower on, but it tackled the turns with no problem.

[@sunnyrtn704]

i'm lookin' to buy a used Gen 1 CRV , so your view and tips are very helpful, Thanks Greg.

[@19580822]

I have a '99 LX with 315,000 on it. I almost junked it because of the "valve" issue. Speaking of which, you misstated what the actual problem was with these engines. It wasn't the valves per se, it was Honda's maintenance schedule, which called for valve adjustment at 100,000 miles. This engine, the B20, had soft valve seats and the valves literally "beat the seats into submission". The opening became smaller and smaller causing the exhaust valves to overheat and burn. Mine had 2 burned exhaust valves. The typical first symptoms are random misfire codes which come and go. You can read about this on any Honda forum. Anyway, rather than junk the car, I did a valve job and fixed it (no easy task on a DOHC). Now I adjust them every 30.000 miles and so far so good. Honda never did admit to the problem, but did offer a fix to the most adamant customers "in the interest of good customer relations", and I think there may have been a carefully-worded TSB on it at one point, again, without admitting fault. Other than that, it's been my reliable daily driver for the past 15 years.

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

I owned an 05 since new. Unfortunately had to replace A/C compressor at 96k miles and then 128K miles. Traded in at 138k miles as the ac compressor started to act again and transmission clutch was about to give up. Expensive repairs for a 13 year old car.

[@montgomeryeglinton]

Our ‘99 still going strong with 140k miles. Do not trust the cup holders, your drink will spill out. Replaced radiator, struts, cv boots, and front drive axles so far.

[@montgomeryeglinton]

And valve seals and oil pan

[@NurmanPresto]

I got mine SE variant for 6 years now. But still running good.

[@noonehere4332]

My family sold one of these away, not the best decision haha.

[@henrylarson]

In the process of buying mine rn.

[@thebrain2456]

How is it so far?

[@TheShangralaaaa17]

who TF is gonna put a laptop back there under the table lolol

[@Gods_Patriot]

I have a 97 base model that has abs. Its got 180k on her and runs perfect

[@n3rdstrength]

Just bought a 99 with only 23,000 miles on it. Second day I had it the engine started stuttering really badly and the check engine light came on. It's at the shop now and I'm in communication with the dealership where I bought it - hopefully nothing major...

[@thagoochtookmylunchmoney8800]

Scott Smith so...what happened?

[@joeranaler5520]

Every time we go to buy a used car I want one of these but, some notion pops up and I avoid them. 2001 rav4 that was nothing but a huge headache always working on it. I've been leery of Japanese cars since. But I have this trust feeling while watching your video here. I think I will take some crv's for a test drive.

[@LeMailman]

Thanks so much I'm looking at getting a 2001 crv in a couple of weeks and I had 4 to choose from and know that I know the specs and what to look for it helps!

[@stephenchiu5388]

Thank you Greg! Great work!

[@dbt3477]

Very informative, thankyou

[@sunrise2day462]

Thank you for this information. I was about to buy a 1997 Honda.

[@dezmondsunflowerviii8396]

That table comes in handy when you're replacing the exhaust valves lol

[@MrBunnyhan]

..... I've owned a 1998 Honda Cr-V since 1998... I did not know the back could do that... I used that space to hide things... omg....

[@andresyepes7038]

Buenos días disculpa tengo una 98 no entiendo el comentario de la función del compartimiento de la parte trasera

[@rayrumming7901]

My UK speck is 15 yrs old [ 2000 ] 124,000 miles used no oil since oil change every year.No trouble. But i can only get about 20MPG around town,You get used to the column auto change like you in the US.

[@sallymuggeridge3471]

Popularity is the US surprises me as the rear door is handed for driving on the left. If loading goods or pets from the sidewalk on the right side of the road, surely the door is wrong handed? Honda never reversed the door hinging for left hand drive countries.

[@ChrisP.Bacon1]

I have a 97 230k drives like new still

[@ferris_outdoors5866]

turned my crv into a JEEP removable doors, lift kit, big tires, lots of off roading.

[@arrinagreek6369]

There is a CRV on youtube with 890,000 miles. Just type in Honda CRV 890,000 to watch the man driving it.

[@zad4511]

Look up Gene Kim and Robert breaker on KZbin

[@Acc0rd79]

I would take one of those in Electron Blue Pearl in a heart beat for a cheap dad mobile for my son!

[@thekidadromane91]

I found one for 2800 99 awd 143kmile is that good deal? I may try to lower it to 2500 maybe 2400 if possible

[@touxiong625]

Hey Greg, I found a 2000 Honda CR-V just a little less than 2hr drive from my place to there. It has only 88k miles on it, the condition of it is great (i do plan on asking for more pics), no rust whatsoever, and they are asking around $7803 for it. I did a price check on KBB, based on good or better, around 3k or 4k for the highest. How can i negotiate with them to lower the price little bit?

[@mandobizar]

Excellent Review!

[@ConeyIsland1952]

Can you do a review on the Honda CRV awd........I'm looking

[@17genc]

I'm interested in Civic/Jazz or CRV but in my place (Eastern Europe) is not that common for Japanese brands..to be owned/sold here much. There are some but usually 1999-2004. what do you think about CRV 1999-2004 wich is more reliable and is it worth to buy a Civic 2004 or Jazz 2005? and i'm aswell looking into a CRV 1999 2.0i(HOW MUCH DOES SPEND IN FUEL) BTW IM coming from a VW Jetta 1991 1.6 (TDI) who has been extremely reliable and cheap to maintain rarely wears anything out even if it is 30 years old car haha. We have alot of 4-Runners 3.0(disels) 1999 here aswell what do you think best choices would be..

[@SandraTDance]

Do you know anything about a 2001 with 260 thousand miles. Someone a car lot claims they have no paper work on it. This one is what year, it's nice

[@e23killa]

@YourCarAngel What's better, a 2000 Honda CR-V with 120,000 miles or a 2004 Toyota Rav4 with 200,000 miles?

[@thebrain2456]

2000 crv with 120,000 miles on it absolutely thats a no brainer.

[@80808O]

ends up the older slower engine turned out to be a bit more reliable.

[@jbar8439]

What do you think about 2nd gen crv I'm looking to buy a 2004?

[@gocoorporation6165]

Are you really tall or just that the car is small....

[@eliasshadow5643]

TM Coorporation he is tall

[@damilolaakanni]

Which is better, this or the second gen?

[@bechtoea]

The valve issue was because of the owner's manual in the US misstating the valve adjustment interval. The owner's manual stated 100K if they were noisy. The reality is that you want to adjust these valves every 30K miles. The dealer will do it for less than 200 bucks and there are many independent shops that can do it for even less. Very important. The other issue, not stated in this video, is a 4wd system. Again, the owners manual stated an extended interval but the reality is you want to change this every 30-50K miles OR when you hear it making noise during a turn. If you find that during a tight turn you hear something that sounds like groaning or squealing (think big dump truck brakes) it's the 4wd system. No worries, and no harm. Someone failed to change the "Real time 4wd" fluid. It's an incredibly easy fix, just changing the fluid a few times over a period of days and going through a burnishing procedure. Consult www.hondasuv.com's (I'm not affiliated, but it's a great site for these SUVs) for more details. Angela, your clunking noise could most likely be be a worn strut, loose ball joint, or tie rod end. The last two are relatively inexpensive to fix and cause loss of control (and wheel..haha) if you don't get it looked at.

[@splashofkei3398]

How do you feel about a 2004 Honda CR-V 2nd GENERATION

[@ThePizzalisa]

2001 Honda Crv with 320,200 KM.... asking $1500 Canadian Dollars. Should I be worried about the KM's ????

[@aaron___6014]

What about an ls400 or ls430? Love my 98' crv, 232k miles.

[@IOLER]

Hey Greg I am Adrian and I would like to know your opinion about 2010 Honda CR-V as I wanna buy one :)

[@YourCarAngel]

Good solid car with very few weaknesses

[@IOLER]

And I also found these days good deals on 2012 VW Tiguan. To be honest, for me Tiguan looks much higher on quality than C-RV.

[@axs7689]

Mr. Macke says it's a good car guys m'kay?

[@aspiringaspie3280]

I have a 1997 with 170,000km. Paint is now faded and thin on some panels. My car a is a dark green color. Mine is a sunroof model and the rooflining has come loose around the sunroof. Both my rear brake lights collect water. My aircon no longer works. That's about all that is wrong with it

[@cbernar699]

I have a 01 crv, 140000 miles, running good. Can anyone suggest a good all weather tire for it ?

[@mikehawk6563]

I'm glad this guy wasn't creepy. Like at all.

[@applepoop10]

Are these considered classic now?

[@itaymitra1030]

please what the differences to H-rv thanks a lot

[@thekidadromane91]

Interior and exterior is 8-9 out of 10 condition

[@YourCarAngel]

thekidadromane91 It is always prudent to have a mechanical inspection done on any used car purchase. Shouldn't be more than $50-75. It is well worth it.

[@littlelivey12]

I love my honda crv but what is everyone talking about the valves is there anything else i need to know to keep it running perfectly?

[@quadrunner2124]

+Livey Idc Yeah too many people either trust the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to much, or don't even read the book and the valves get run out of adjustment for years without even being looked at, leading to a problem. You can learn how to do it easy enough if you find any old geaser who knows anything about engines. Its real simple repetitive work, that requires time but not really money unless you find something else that goes wrong. Anyone can do it...Just have someone help you if its the first time. Nearly as Easy as an oil change.

[@christinaphillips5933]

Where the exhaust val l need fix the head gasket

[@jamalwalker2104]

Mine is a 1998.

[@trevmurray2899]

do back seats fold down flat

[@juttjee9242]

what is the different between honda crv 2004 and 2005 .

[@dustinleonsky4513]

The taillights are slightly different. The 2005 and 2006 CR-V's had a 5 speed automatic transmission and/or 5 speed manual transmission. The 2002, 2003, and 2004 came with a 4 speed automatic transmission and/or 5 speed manual transmission.

[@blueblue524]

What do you think about the manual transmission 2000 crv ex?

[@jerrybarrett4404]

Took time to be with a hard clutch pedal. Only complaint that first gear is to short when driving.

[@angelakuehnert7133]

I hear l clunking noise when driving on a bumping street. No problem on the freeway it's fine what can it be and cost of fixing it. Thank you, Angela

[@KibatheMalinois]

2:43 to 2:53. Or to hide the stash from the popo

[@JUDALATION]

only buy in white...

[@eliasshadow5643]

Yeah they are nice lol i got the mother of my child one of does

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

If it has a CVT stay the hell away from it, not but problems when these car get over 100000 from that transmission. However that's a general rule of mine since CVTs and Dual Clutchs tend to be more unreliable than normal Autos and Manuals.

[@zad4511]

Look up chuck missler hell on KZbin

[@footballCartoon91]

I have this car in my country I am looking to sell for about rm 10 grand Or 3 grand dollar

[@scar-cityscar-city8203]

Fuvking table for the road trip

[@jeffrey9384]

dude ur tall