Why I Love the 2nd Generation Honda CR-V

In this episode I discuss why every time we trade a 2nd gen CR-V, I always take my opportunity to drive it. I'm always pleasantly surprised at how fun these are to drive for something so old and boxy!
Follow me on Instagram @kiwicarlife.yt
/ kiwicarlife.yt
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Exterior
1:38 Interior
2:13 Drivetrain
3:04 Off Roading Capabilities
4:24 On Road Driving Experience
5:45 Conclusion
Thanks for Watching!

[@muria64]

I love the 2nd gen crv! I have an awd 05 crv with over 320k miles. Still runs excellent with regular maintenance. From the golden age of Honda when they were still engine & reliability first!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice!

[@teolucthi7213]

Nice. I have the same mode with 200k kms on the clock. Is yours manual or automatic?

[@HiPlains1]

Yeah a far cry from the overcompressed 1.5 they put in it now. The hybrid is such a joke. No spare tire and the Rav 4 runs circles around its poor MPG's. Over priced junk it is. Have not liked this brand in so long now. The second gen was the last that was available with a Manuel. One other thing. What is with the digital speedometer Honda? Why are they still using that in 2023? Like everybody else went back to a analog or digital display but its still analog. Like everybody else thought that was a cool idea in the early eighties but quickly abandoned it.

[@muria64]

@@teolucthi7213 Auto unfortunately.. i would love a 5 speed, then would do the upgrade to the 6th gear out of the acura rsx haha

[@muria64]

@@HiPlains1 I agree... honda has tried to move upmarket and lost it's way! they should have followed toyota and waited to innovate until it was perfected (though toyota has been making some bad mistakes lately also, they are still better than honda in terms of reliability and longevity) Honda used to be about engine first.. not anymore unfortunately.

[@kujeetmendi607]

As a second gen owner you sir have made my day

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha good to hear!

[@JonathanDMichael]

“Four harnessed children” 😭😂😂😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

HAHA yep

[@stubbk3]

That's the 2.4 mines the 2.0 so I've got three and a half children

[@CrazyDavy22]

That’s what the “4” stands for in “K24”. 100% confirmed.

[@davidjmcintyre5981]

Just discovered your channel, so many of your videos I need to watch. I fully understand your channel, Hondas are addictive. I’m in my 30’s and on my 6th Honda and currently own a 1999 CRV and a 2019 CRV great family vehicles.!! they can do it all and at the end of the day you can fold down the rear seats and you have a Bed.. 🤩 Keep up the good work..👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Awesome man! Glad you're enjoying the content

[@gambit_toys6554]

Nice review and showing the interior seats folding, table, and such! :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@dgibson1375]

I bought a 2002 yesterday with 238k mi. and it runs great was really well maintained. Orig paint and interior no rips or tears and the a/c blows cold. Looking forward to doing some tasteful mods. Great cars!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good stuff!

[@sammikhail3837]

Mine has 171,000 miles. I love it because it's practical, reliable and easy to work on. Both of my kids drove it through high school and college. My wife wants me to let it go. But, I just can't.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I can understand that. Lot of memories made

[@ajayibenjamintope8690]

Can you sale to me any time you ready to let go of it

[@jeremiahbueler4035]

Man 171k miles it’s not ready to go yet lol

[@Dragon64646]

Don't sell it. Keep it. It's a HONDA🚘😎.

[@austinado16]

I enjoyed your review! I just purchased an '05 with a 5spd manual transmission, which is a fairly rare model in the US. I like it a lot!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice!

[@tolrem]

Loved that Basil Fawlty moment when that car passed you on the inside!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah just stunned silence

[@kharakim]

I know what you mean. My 2002 CR-V FWD auto trans has been the most reliable car I've ever owned, which includes a lot of cars foreign and domestic over the last 60+ years. Except for an oxygen sensor, a couple of door locks, and a window motor, it's been trouble free - possibly because it has had oil changes every 2500-3500 miles. What's truly amazing to me is that it seemingly has better acceleration now than when it was new. An unanticipated bonus is that it doesn't have the tons of gadgetry that comes standard on all new cars and costs and arm and a leg to repair when it fails (although I'd happily trade the CR-V CD/tape player for Apple car-play).

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice man! They’re great cars

[@kharakim]

I've been tempted to replace it, but circumstances of one kind or another get in the way. Then too, when I look at the replacement possibilities, a lot of which have high-maintenance turbos, troublesome direct injection, and timing belts, I lose my appetite for them. The KIA highlander looked like a possibility until I checked out its reliability and the absence of a spare tire, and the Honda Pilot apparently has real reliability problems (at least according to Consumer Reports). Then there's the incredible inflated prices of the new cars. The longer I looked, the better the CR-V looked - and, happily, it only has 91K on the odometer. So look forward to many years ahead with it.

[@timomomomo969]

I bought one with just under 200k miles on the clock after my daily took extended leave for collision repairs. It’s the polar opposite of my daily in terms of complexity - but after just an exhaust repair it’s been rock-solid and comes close to meeting the advertised MPG. Starts in the morning when it’s 5 degrees F, pushes through snow, shifts like new. It’s one of those vehicles that will inhabit the planet long after man is gone and only cockroaches exist

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah man they’re solid cars

[@user-jp9nv8sx1h]

I bought mine, a 2.0 4x4 MT, brand new. I really am taking care of it. Major repair was replacement of rear shocks and rack & pinion steering mechanism. VG performance...

[@steves4164]

I love these too, would love to see you do a project CRV with a Euro spec K24 like you've mentioned before :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hmm yeah tbh I'm still thinking about it aye

[@steves4164]

@@KiwiCarLife would be one interesting build!

[@0utkast3r]

awesome vid, you should also do a 3rd gen one with the K24Z1 :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Maybe at some point

[@krayonss]

been eyeing up these as a new daily so i can stop putting miles on my 60k ek4 lol, also i’m a carpenter and the insane boot space just feels like the perfect combo for a great daily

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I'd recommend! Good combo with the ek too

[@DK-vx1zc]

I own a 2006 CRV, bought new in 2005. I now have 347,000 Miles.. Most reliable auto I ever owned.. Easy to maintain. I change auto transmission fluid every 10K miles, Engine oil synthetic every 5k miles. Not the most fuel efficient, maybe 23MPG. She still runs great. Transmission shifts fine, engine smooth. Major expense was fixing AC, otherwise routine.. She leaks oil, but doesnt burn. Nice review by you.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks and nice car!

[@lel3450]

Most fuel efficient suv tho nothing can beat it only hybrids.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@lel3450 I dunno about that haha

[@DjSeymur]

How did you buy 2006 car in 2005 ?

[@zfunk9]

I’m lucky to get 17 mpg. Tried everything.

[@Zeropointbug]

2nd Gen is best for sure. My 2003 CRV recently had some raptor liner to take care of some rust around rear fenders and gas fill cap...looks great! 340,000km and still going strong.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Wow awesome!

[@Moffenson]

As an owner of a Honda CR-V '05 diesel, I love the car. It's still in pristine condition, no rust and runs like a charm! Although I feel the diesel consumption is slughtly high. It's a 2,2l engine. But overall, a dream car

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good vehicle

[@christopherjohnston6343]

Good vid. I thought it was funny. Like the style too. Shame these videos don't do as well with the algorithm

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeahh hopefully they slowly gain views over time

[@The_Noticer.]

KZbin just jealous of the shorts.

[@stainlesssteve25]

Nice review

[@KiwiCarLife]

Tbanks

[@JeremiBulakowski]

It's hard to resist the feeling of early Clarkson vibe. Very nice episode, nostalgia just kicked in yo and took back to the times when I was watching Top Gear as a kid.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah I dunno somehow I just naturally slip into Clarkson vibes when doing a more comedic style video lol

[@paullopeman9145]

Probably one of the best cars ever built..mk1 ,and 2.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yuuurs strong vehicle

[@patsonramanathan1812]

I love this guy

[@KiwiCarLife]

No homo

[@ahelpinghand8340]

My mk2 has been crashed twice and it still drive's great , never gonna sell it , no problems with reliability in over 10 years .

[@KiwiCarLife]

Indestructible machines

[@davidk7262]

I have an 06 sport and with the right tires on these things are surprisingly good off road.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah true

[@upsidedown_jam9694]

What are the right tyres? Just bought one and so far love it.

[@davidk7262]

@@upsidedown_jam9694 BFG AT K02 are the best you'll find but expensive. Davanti Aventura are very good and a lot cheaper. Both will be noisy at motorway speeds and be poor on fuel. Personally I have Avon AS7 on now. Good in poor weather and will get you around a soggy field but no more.

[@atom608]

not gonna lie that subbie with the ELH sounded sick

[@KiwiCarLife]

HAHA yesss

[@evollive-nz]

The 'look' when that subo undercuts ya 😦 😅

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hahahah

[@syedgilani7108]

i love honda CRV cars because there are kits out that can turn prelude, civic or integra into AWD using CRV parts 2nd gen is perfect

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man

[@B33ond]

I love these

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good strong cars

[@jonhvac]

2:30 You are so right about the 1st gen CRV having weak transmissions

[@KiwiCarLife]

Manual is alright, all Honda autos are a bit weak tho

[@PrathameshBhat7288]

HI5, namaste! amazing video buddy!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@PrathameshBhat7288]

@@KiwiCarLife welcome buddy! How is my men's facial massage and head shave vlog?

[@4amyoutube432]

Funny! Had me laughing there 😃

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha good stuff

[@0nTheRedline]

Nice GC8 at 5:35 tho, in a hurry to the Vape shop.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha classic

[@killerofruss5805]

I love my 2 gen crv my car is 2002 and 300k miles and still work excellent nothing is broke

[@KiwiCarLife]

Wow that’s awesome!

[@heartUndersnow]

Mine is the same year but with automatic transmission. Never getting rid of this thing. Getting another but with a manual whenever I get a chance

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice man!

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

The 2nd Gen CR-V is a great all around vehicle. K24 vtec 5sp auto. Heaps of room. even a 2 person micro camper (in a pinch), for the very close friends

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ooh yeah

[@applepoop10]

I think they came with the 4 speed auto.

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

@@applepoop10 My Mk2 is a 5 speed. In New Zealand

[@briansparks5285]

Great daily.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Indeed - I drove it for a few weeks and loved it

[@MsMRkv]

Nice

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@carlopacheco4967]

Me too!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lovely

[@chocolatemonk]

I took out the larger rear seat and turned it into a touring / vanlife

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice!

[@seahawkslife5823]

U should review a Legacy GTB twin turbo

[@KiwiCarLife]

I should

[@stevejeffrey11]

You are funny man !

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks haha

[@muscle_car_guy2338]

Would these be better off with a flash tune like the CL9 Accords? Would that brighten up the engine power that it’s laking.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah probably

[@Tantium]

nice

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yes

[@sheffielduk3428]

Are these any good in snow with some all terrain tyres on???? Just got rid of my freelander 1 and i had AVON AX7 tyres with that and didnt even slip in snow never mind get stuck haha

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I'm sure these would be great

[@Justin_80]

Is that a factory color paint? I've never seen that as an option on the 2nd gen, just the darker Eternal Blue Pearl, like mine.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep factory, maybe not available in your market

[@The_Noticer.]

Is it just the RAA intake and a different camshaft that make this drop 30 bhp compared to the A3?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lower commission too

[@quikgt]

The purchase of my girlfriends 2003 16 yrs ago started her love of Honda

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice

[@dannybrezelhorner2715]

Oh god that poor engine, my 2004 CRV grew up in a garage and is spotless in comparison! I recently got work done so her engine is looking really clean actually

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice!

[@veloaa-montreal6924]

Ours has rust holes big enough to put your whole arm through and it's still going strong. Mechanically it's a car, so expecting any kind of off-road performance is a bit silly. I find it hilarious that people put lift kits and big tires on them, however the AWD system works extremely well for deep snow and muddy roads. It's like having an old Subaru without the impending engine failure.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh goodness haha

[@ianinkster2261]

I have one not for epic off-road adventures. Rather, Scottish roads are an epic adventure in themselves. My fear is if I move to flat Southern England people find my CRV pretentious.

[@long-black-vietnamese-man]

this entire video radiates jeremy clarkson energy

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good man he is

[@NZbaddiebrah]

Hey, Please review 3rd gen Honda CR-V :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah well I done 1 and 2 now so 3 is next I guess

[@limen4100]

@@KiwiCarLife please do sir ❤ thinking of getting a 2007-8 diesel 😅

[@PrathameshBhat7288]

My mom also have Honda CR-V 2.4L second generation

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice

[@PrathameshBhat7288]

@@KiwiCarLife welcome buddy! How is my men's facial massage and head shave vlog?

[@Ovni-J]

I just bought my first ever honda. I had a mazda 323zxi great car. Nissan sunny 1.8i. Great car. Vw golf ( great drive awful Kept going wrong) Has other cars earlier on too. M my first ever honda or suv . Its a crv2.2 cdi exclusive and after owning it for three days i a absoloutely bloody love it ! Think it could be best ever. I Skywatch a lot at times and again storm chasing so often stay out all night. Now with the glass tipping up at the back like that on the boot it’s perfect for staying in the car whilst looking for lightning if it’s starting to rain. And the seats go right down by taking off the headrest of the passenger seat then I tilt the back seat backwards and then you’ve got a bed without putting your feet in the footwell light I’ve done on all my other . My sister has a CRV petrol . She said it goes like stink mine is a diesel and it really does shift I’m really really impressed.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice

[@Ovni-J]

@@KiwiCarLife Thank you carl. Loved your video on the beach with the loan crv.

[@douglas1982b]

The failure of the a/c is the weakest link for me. I hope to find one where it's been replaced and properly serviced.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I wouldn’t say that’s a common failure though? Could happen to any car

[@Kaizersoje55]

Does this car still work with modern ethanol (20%, 25%) blended gas?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I’d say so

[@Desertduleler_88]

I brought a 2006 second gen, it was the last of the Japanese built Honda's great car.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice

[@markpearce4403]

I have one of these. 2006. Vtech engine

[@gingerninja2456]

Lots made in Swindon uk

[@amirakbar4633]

I think, the engineer who design this car, are using the best spec material composition, no cost reduction.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Given the amount of corrosion? I’m not so sure about that haha. Hondas are great cars but they’re built to a price

[@2biaenglishmasterclass107]

i have off road 2005 ,, it is the best reliable car I have ever driven,, even I tested CR V 2013 but it is really some thing precious!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man they’re awesome aye

[@2biaenglishmasterclass107]

@@KiwiCarLife are this series 2005 or Gen2 all true 4x4 with locking differentials ? because both front and rear tires have the same tread after 30 000 km

[@ryansyl]

thats WRX actually sounds great LOL

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah it did lol

[@devindersingh3569]

Me too much favourite SUV Honda CRV 2nd gen

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good suv

[@Pixels1920]

Honda CR-V Ad KiwiCarLife style "iT HaS ThE PoWEr oF 4 ChiLdReN AllOwinG ThIs $400 ClaPBoX To DrIfT"

[@KiwiCarLife]

HAHAHA

[@jaym5938]

Could have been great. Terrible mpg. Gas tank is tiny (15.3) Rear swing hatch is dumb. Rear seats do not fold flat. Horribly tight access in engine bay...a real pain for maintenance. Picnic table is fun idea, if you don't keep anything in the rear. Seatbelts get loose - Honda doesn't care to fix, despite recall. It's front-wheel drive, basically, but the AWD will kick-in if needed...yeah, one wheel will and you'll still get stuck ;) Other than that, it's a good car.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ok

[@MyMrcrysis]

let's go Brandon!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lessgo

[@doghorsefish9320]

Lol @ the gc8 that cut you off

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep Haha

[@1966johnnywayne]

"Five hundred dollar crap box" ... Not anymore. Second gen's here in Canada, specifically in not proper London, are going for anywhere between six and ten grand, depending on whether the mileage is high or ridiculously high.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Not here, can pick one up for next to nothing. We traded that blue one in the video for $500

[@dj33036]

My '97 first gen Honda was destroyed by a drunk driver. I replaced it with a second gen CRV and to be honest it's a great car but I wish I had my old CRV back.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh dang sorry to hear

[@muria64]

First gen was the most practical with the picnic table and all of the seats folding into a giant bed plus the drawer under the front passenger seat. Second gen lost the giant bed and drawer.

[@damienwillis6068]

@alex pop incorrect on the 2nd generation not having the storage drawer underneath the passenger seat..I own a 2nd generation CRV and it has the storage drawer still there..maybe the vehicle you viewed was missing it or there was a deviation between LX, EX, the different models..haven’t tried the seats but know the rear behind the driver’s seat will sit 100%flat, all I would need but haven’t tried to pull the headrests and make a Queen sized bed of the interior like I’ve seen on videos relating to 1st gen Honda’s

[@muria64]

@@damienwillis6068 I have a 2005 CRV AWD SE and there is no drawer under the passenger seat nor any provisions for it. Have not seen any in other 2nd gen crvs in the junkyards either. As for the rear seats being able to fold back to make a flat area, the hinges prevent the back part of the seats from folding all the way flat.. what year is your 2nd gen and what country are you in? Interesting to note if there were differences among the crvs offered in different countries. I'm in USA and my CRV was made in Japan.. I know some of them were also made in England. I know Honda did funny things for region specific cars... for example, the Honda Fit (Jazz) is available in AWD in other markets, not so in USA. Likewise, the 2nd gen CRV in AWD with a manual trans is super rare in the USA, while they are plentiful in other parts of the world.

[@felix_five]

Porirua Motorway reprazent

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yuuurs

[@moonbrothers9098]

What version k24 does it have?

[@KiwiCarLife]

K24a1 - was on the screen

[@moonbrothers9098]

@@KiwiCarLife Thanks bud.. Your Jeremy Clarkson impersonation distracted me.. Would a k24a2 bolt in?

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@moonbrothers9098 yeah probably

[@BillLaBrie]

I like it because it looks dorky and utilitarian, just like such a vehicle should.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Indeed

[@j0ndav1s]

I'm waiting for a young NZ version of James May and Richard Hammond to pop out of the trunk

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha lol

[@j0ndav1s]

@@KiwiCarLife You should start a "Kiwi in a reasonably priced car" segment

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@j0ndav1s That would be fantastic hahah

[@EmmatheIsh]

Is 2001 considered 2nd Gen?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep

[@jeremiahbueler4035]

I had one I freaking loved it then it got crashed not even by me ;-;

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh dang it

[@nikko1984]

Clarkson, please get out of his mind! Nice review thanks 👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

All good

[@OutOfTheWay4x4]

I already have a third 2 gen. I don't want another car.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Given how reliable they are you probably won't need one!

[@kieranmurphy9010]

hahahahahaha that blue suburu just ruined ur whole video haha ,classic

[@KiwiCarLife]

hahah

[@JC_ORTIZ]

Getting super expensive 😩

[@KiwiCarLife]

Not where I am? 2-5k normally

[@spadgm]

Good vid! Along with some of the usual suspects such as corollas, these will probably be there with the cockroaches after a nuclear holocaust!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah man bulletproof

[@The_Noticer.]

albeit a bit rustier than the corolla :P

[@thomaslouis5626]

You are blessed you didn't buy a 2011 model, I have one I bought with 40,000 miles and currently has 175,000. It is an absolute POS. I have replaced so many failed parts on it I don't know where to begin. It burns 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles because the pistons stick, great Honda engineering. Look up the worst year CRV to buy and it is 2011. It's like Honda used inferior parts the last year for this model.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hmm sounds like you got a lemon... Most of the 2011's I've seen have been fine. It's usually the latest 1.5T ones that have issues. Sorry to hear you haven't had a good run!

[@arnt_wai]

what the hell? it's not hand gear position of Crv type.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Absolutely no idea what you mean haha

[@arnt_wai]

​@@KiwiCarLife I mean in your CRV, the position of transmission is not beside the odometer dashboard. Normally CRV 2000~2004 model transmission comes with beside of odometer dashboard and it's automatic. Perhaps, production depending on countries.

[@wizdomihanachu9456]

Lol something tells me you don't really like this car Well it look not that bad,haw comfortable is the steering wheel.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I do like it what do you mean?

[@wizdomihanachu9456]

@@KiwiCarLife I like it too, guess that's what I mean, The newer ones are much better my uncle has a 2009 model I must say it's a pleasant way for movement A-B cr-v's are nice ride especially when you go off roading some times. Your vid's are pleasant man smiles on my face

[@17t135i]

I just can't like it. But I'm not a fan of suv style vehicles regardless anyway 😊

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fair enough

[@FaithAcrosstheWorldyago]

Gen 2 is the best because its an expedition type vehicle. While Gen3+ is just uglier and uglier each generation newer. Not to mention, they're not as capable or reliable as the Gen2.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it’s a great car

[@Dragon64646]

Yes, and you have the tail gate door, a spare tire at the door (takes no space in the car) and the hidden camping table in the trunk. Also, Model 2 (2002-2006) had the box Form (more space inside).

[@hernansaavedra3797]

Accent😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

What a strange man.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Ah yes thank you

[@jackturner990]

That is awful

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thankyeuh

[@gianthills]

These things are small trucks, not cars. they eat up gas and have lots of issues for a vehicle that is supposed to be so reliable.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol what are you on about hahah I traded one with 500,000km last year. Absolutely no issues

[@gianthills]

@@KiwiCarLife don't think so. And the green Nazi people will come after you for all that gas consumption

[@allanhughes7859]

A decent driver with decent tyres would piss what you think it would not do I have pulled many a Landy out of the shit with mine so do not underestimate this cars capabilities !!!!!!!!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha nice