Why the 1st gen CRV is an amazing overlander!

Today I show you all why the 1st gen Honda crv is an awesome off-road and overland rig for a perfect budget!
#cars #overland #crv #offroad

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

I drive a awd crv in Costa Rica for two years. It handled 7 river crossing every morning . Everything I could throw at it!.

[@el_0n955]

My dad had one since 2000, Looked and drove brand new, I miss it a lot lol

[@bean8268]

@@el_0n955what happened to it?

[@Edyth_Hedd]

Great video, but another important feature of these vehicles is that the boxy, utilitarian design still holds up really well. It's one of the best looking cars of its vintage on the road.

[@rabd3721]

The boxy design also makes me miss the Honda Element. If those these came back as affordable EVs, they would sell like hotcakes.

[@TheArmybrat1994]

Whoa whoa.. the best looking vintage is the XJ jeep.

[@NorthOz]

Nice work mate! This is a tidy rig and I can tell you take pride in your vehicle. So many people get stuck in the “what should I buy for overlanding” when you can get something like this and modify as needed. Perfect! Mark from 🇦🇺

[@Kowyn]

Love my 98 RD1 manual, it hauls my trailer with 100L fuel, an ATV and a full load of gear inside no problem all over BC.

[@dakotatworivers]

I just bought my third 1st Gen. CRV. I am about to build out a simple camper overlander! Got the 2001 this time for the boxier shape, and I am with you-These are the BEST vehicles if you like to enjoy the outdoors! Thanks and subscribed!

[@dr.mantistoboggan4746]

You can also swap in a VTEC head (B16A or B18C) and pick up 50 horsepower without losing any reliability. You do have to run premium gas though.

[@Snicker60515]

Nice!

[@MoAli-wm4of]

Very underrated comment ... crvs are great cause of the huge performance aftermarket that Honda has ... all the civics of same years .. ie. This year would be the b series motors and the 3rd gen an newer ones have the k series motors where many of same options from civics to make power can be used for crvs

[@mikegeiger6420]

Very cool. Always love to see people off-roading what would be considered a non traditional off-road vehicle. Kudos.

[@TheManInTheRing]

I love when people fall in love with somthing they own, I have felt it and seen people look at me in awe like I wish I felt that way mean while what they have is 5 times more expensive. I love what you've done. I loved my old tracker, many fond memories off roading and all I ever did was put used 265/75's on and drive the hell out of it

[@j17672]

I just got one. It's CLEAN 0 rust. For 1400 mine has a DVD player in it too. It's a 1997. I'm in love....can't wait to bedline the outside and deep clean the inside.

[@ScorpioXXXL]

I purchased a 5 speed 2000 Honda CRV from a friend of minds for $1,500. Its a pretty reliable vehicle's. I drive the piss out of it. Power shifts & all. The only parts that have failed on me is the A/C compressor, Main Relay & the ICM in the distributor. Im a Mechanic/ Honda Enthusiasts so i figured out all the issues with ease. I highly recommend solid motor mounts. The Driver side motor mounts are prone to fail...... Also another hidden gem is if you flip up the bottom or the rear seat, remove rear head rested then flip the back seat down you can create more rear storages.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Why you out here power shifting a CRV like a goofball? 😅

[@ScorpioXXXL]

@@TheOfficialCaseMade It's my vehicle I can do whatever I desire with it.... It's still in great condition after I drove this Sh!t out of it. I bet you if you powershift that Fake Ass WS6 you got that transmission will fall to pieces.

[@echeese63]

The EX and SE models all did the bed conversion, it was only the base LX model that didn't have it standard

[@dr.mantistoboggan4746]

ALL the first gens were 100% made in Japan that's why the fit and finish is perfect. It's also why you get amber gauges and mine has TWO ashtrays lol.

[@CaseyReads]

I love the lifted look on this car! Very cool :)

[@ew3280]

We drove a 2001 for 17 years. We took it all over the back roads of Oregon and Alaska. The car was way better in the snow in Alaska than our F250, with even weight in the back of the truck. The high clearance was great as we could get down really rough roads. We loved the flat cargo area and the fact we could get a large dog crate into the back (Rave4 and Outback couldn't compete, nor with the clearance). It also has one of the highest safety records for small SUVs. Anyhoo, we are on gen 5 now. Not quite as tough as Honda changed the car to appeal to suburban moms vs off-roaders. But, it is still a great car.

[@erindunebuggy9772]

I have been overlanding with my 2001 CRV RD1 EX for five years and have taken it through some wild offroading and backcountry adventures.....Incredibly reliable and easy to work on and upgrade. Have replaced all of the running gear and did a complete suspension replacement last year.....250, 000 miles and going strong. Next is an engine upgrade....I love this little wheeler and I've had plenty of Jeeps, Chevys, Fords ect....and this is waaay better and i can get in ,and out of tight spots with ease. I'm headed up to Oregon this month to do more back country exploring.....Honda CRV RD1s are awsome! 👈💯😎

[@augustineigwesi7727]

I love my CRV and its 1st car i bought and the most reliable car that I have driven and still driving it. I bought 1999 crv from arkansas in 2014 and shipped it to Nigeria and since then it has been the best for me so far. Its 9 years on my end and it still runs good. Am still driving it though cos its cheaper to maintain and its fuel efficient. Its rugged and feels handy when cruising within town. Omoo honda crv sweet die especially the 1st gen

[@punkpanther86]

also, being a 90s honda makes them easy to steal, be sure to install a hidden killswitch

[@konsejitos]

I am actively looking for one of these and I have wild plans for it.

[@AdamNZ]

I got 3 in NZ :)

[@SkumDawgDistro]

Same man

[@isaymoreno2550]

Nice rig. I miss my 1st gen crv. Very spacious, comfortable and economical. I didn’t know about the front seat folding thing. Might consider another.

[@basschaser9356]

I miss mine 2000 crv . It was my first car I ever bought $3500 clean title . Had it for 4 years and it was truly a great car

[@w4ame]

My current daily driver is a 2001 CR-V SE with 310,000 miles. Great car, very capable in slick conditions and handles easily 10 inches of snow. The suspension components wear out about every 100,000 miles, but it isn’t that bad to replace them-it sure beats buying a $50Knew car!

[@dmulkey4185]

Not sure how they even sell cars now with these high prices. I found a CRV in mint condition last summer and love it. 118K miles garage kept no dents and very clean iterior.

[@sh_twelearnoverlanding]

This really takes me back. I had this CRV. Same color. I loved it.

[@loua.6849]

Amazing video, thank you for sharing! You CRV is awesome! I still have mine and still running strong, bought it new in 2001!

[@DGordon191]

Nice build! Love that Electron Blue Pearl

[@gtdodgeviper]

I love how your crv looks lifted and with those big tires.

[@jlanthripp]

I've got a 98 5-speed AWD CR-V that I've lifted 2 inches, installed 15x7 Rota Grids and 215/75R15 tires. A grill/brush guard, roof basket, and light bar and pods, all from Amazon, and it's great for the sugar sand trails of NW Florida!

[@mitchellkato9954]

1st gens are dope for daily’s. Lines imo are pretty clean and space is great!

[@squid_fish]

We love our MT 2nd gen with dobisons springs ❤ softroading, sand and snow with 20mpg

[@j_mars_cars]

I’ve known about the rd1 crv for a long time, but you still showed me a few new features. The “lounge mode” with the rear seats folding back flat was awesome. I need to find one like that! My 4runner is heavy and slow without AC. A crv would fix that gap in my useage

[@MrKbsweeney]

I drive our 98 CRV as my daily driver. Bought it new. Only 144k original miles. Was my wife’s daily driver, then our son’s high school and college car now back to me. We also have a new CRV Touring. Beautiful.

[@aj11223345]

I like that crv vinyl below the door trim, very 90's

[@chriskennedy8525]

Having both a auto and a 5speed awd 99-00, i recommend the auto if your going to get one. It handled better at below 10mph activities as the engine is easy to stall in the manual when trying to crawl along slow paths or even parking lots when behind other people doing less then 5mph. Everything else the 5speed dose quite well

[@xGLITCHGAMINGx]

If I was to get a crv this is the exact spec I would get, looks really good. I’ll stick with my rwd/4x4 Mazda MPVs though for now, can’t beat a 4x4 drift van lol

[@nicolepaulson3237]

Where is your decal from! I absolutely love it

[@enriquemunozmartinez709]

I had a 98' 4WD manual 5 speed that I gave my brother, it really is a good rig for light overlanding. However I will say the Honda Element is a better upgrade, I now own a 05' 4WD Manual 5 speed with JDM K24A swap and just love it, more power, and more room, better overlanding rig with same aftermarket. CR-V has better clearance, I'll give it that though 🤘

[@WhiteCavendish]

Better approach, departure and breakover angles too, which are extremely helpful. The Element is awesome though.

[@rob3071]

Sick ride man. I have an RD1 I imported from Japan. The fold down bed is awesome. I've used it for camping a few times and I'm driving cross country in 2 days with one side in bed mode.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome and outstanding.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@danielclawson2099]

Mid 90s is peak Honda/Toyota. Being forgotten these days.

[@dr.mantistoboggan4746]

65-00 golden era

[@ASGTechnology]

The First Gen was the first of everything. The New Bronco did the same thing with the rear ice chest. Only Con is it just needs 70 more horse power.

[@RicardoMartinez-kr5qk]

duide, that color and that graphic on the side really does it for me!

[@The5for1]

On my old EBP rd1 I relocated the folding console to the rear tailgate. ittook some drilling and fitting but was invaluable for camping. I stayed in mine for 3 months during a remote job. the best thing you can do is tint them but the rear window is a PITA to get right.

[@WhiteCavendish]

My first 4x4 was a 1999 CRV with a 2 inch lift and 235/75/r15 tires, a custom winch bracket and winch hidden under the stock bumper skin, custom roof rack with limb lifters, an a jerry can holder beside the spare at the back. I took that thing places you wouldn't believe and it handled some insane obstacles like a beast. Sadly I was forced to part with mine due to unforseen circumstances, but I saved the table and it rides attached to the underside of my bed rack in my pickup. Absolutely fantastic vehicle and probably my favourite vehicle I've ever owned.Cheers!

[@artilleryisbetter]

CRV is not a 4x4 - it's a unibody 90% FWD 10% AWD commuter car lol

[@WhiteCavendish]

@@artilleryisbetter While the difference between 4wd and Awd is somewhat nebulous and the strict definitions of each are not agreed upon, the actual designation of the system is "Realtime 4wd," so given that the engineers who designed it called it that, I'm sticking with it. The system operates entirely mechanically by way of a pressure difference between two hydraulic pumps which, when engaged, lock up a clutch pack that engages the rear wheels. No computers or electronics involved. You're also wrong about the power distriubtion, it's up to 70% to the rear for some versions of the system, and at least 50/50 in general use when the system engages. Furthermore, the RD1 was designed with input from Land Rover, which is likely the reason for its excellent geometry and other intangibles that lead to its relatively excellent off road capability. It wasn't designed as a hard core off roader, certainly, but when the design parameters are taken into account, its off roading capability is pretty astounding. Calling it a "commuter car" is frankly untrue, because it doesn't take into account the actual design of the vehicle. It was designed as an all-rounder that would be capable of "some off roading," but because it was designed so brilliantly in so many ways, it ended up with fairly impressive off road ability.

[@dmulkey4185]

@@WhiteCavendish PERFECT BRILLIANT COMEBACK

[@Carguyforlife]

I have a '98 with 293k on the clock. Still running strong! And hey! I think I'm in your area because I have coworkers who go out to hidden falls adventure park.

[@Rota_rd1]

We need more videos of this crv

[@notoriouslyfunky4706]

this thing is so friggin clean and awesome man. great job!

[@Itsjumbomuffin]

Criminally underrated. I just started to look for a car to have a nice roadtrip in and trip around Norway etc. this thing is a sick solution AND a cool looking one too. (Plus jdm bonus LUL) damn man, any recommendations on engine and something we need to know? You said 5 speed manual? Why exactly? I really hope you‘ll be able to reply :D

[@PatrickRich]

My group still uses a CRV camp table on our trips. No CR-V, just the table. Interestly, the 1st gen RAV4 did the front/back seat trick on all models.

[@cunjoz]

based Yuno enjoyer

[@oralwayne7273]

I AM NOT LIKING YOU RIGHT NOW YOU GOT ME LOOKING FOR A USE ONE

[@jeffreystorer4966]

Good on you thanks, there's a lot of fun to be had in cheap cars,, beats crying yourself to sleep over a binged up loan repayment

[@loojherr8650]

Best Honda crv ever!!!

[@purelightlove8888]

Love your channel, I have a 2000 Honda CRV trying to do some things to it so I can take it on longer trips & I have a question: I like the tires you got on your rig, are those tires fitting on your CRV because you put a lift kit on it or would I be able to get tires like that on my 4 x 4 CRV without a lift? 🌟 If so, could you tell me what kind of tires you have on there & what tire company did you buy them through, eventually I might put a lift kit on it. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks a lot appreciate your help…!!

[@phoenixarizona8441]

2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE and 2006 GMC Envoy XL are awesome overland vehicles as well

[@erickar2634]

I gotta get one before they sellers see it’s a hidden gem and try to bump up the price like they always do to everything.

[@Chief-Solarize]

The CRV is like a really nice dune buggy

[@ILLSMOKQ-xs6qs]

Damm just seen this vid and went in market place now I getting one tomorrow 🤦🏻‍♂️😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheNamelessKage]

Ben at hrg is awesome!! Check out the ef war wagon he built!!

[@MoonContradiction]

Hell yeah !

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Looks awesome and the blue is the best colour! I’m not sure if mine can handle the inclines and possible washouts of mountain trails though 🤔 I don’t think that’s a package. I believe every RD1 can lay the seats flat. P.S. rejuvenate those bumpers and trim. Either paint or ceramic coating. Paint worked great for me. It might have been special “bumper paint”. You could upgrade the silver one to be AWD using junkyard parts.

[@akshayb9497]

Love that Yuno sticker cool >> 😍😍

[@PipeOPhile]

Does the rear hatch/boot open only in 2 parts? You have to raise the glass hatch and then open the tailgate or does the glass open along with the tailgate if it isn't raised?

[@LoganJohnsonWA]

I love my crv. I have thousands of miles of off road driving and over landing. Mine is a little different set up if you want to check out my set up I do have a video on it. Nice video 👍

[@rt4wd_wolff]

Looks good dude!

[@qoggles]

well done man i love it

[@arthurmulenga6574]

Am buying this

[@bikeradam]

Cool rig! Be careful sleeping in the driver's seat. Sometimes it subconsciously teaches people that it's okay to fall asleep while driving.

[@davidkila46]

Great work bro, I have a 1st Gen Crv my main problem is I keep getting my ball joints breaking, any solution for this problem

[@DStabs720]

I love my 1999 CRV so much. It's the 5 speed model too so kind of rare

[@itsjussjerry]

The 1st gen crv are honestly great cars for the price. The interior is super stout. The engine is very reliable as long as you keep up with the valve adjustment. The auto trans, like most Honda automatics, are hit or miss. Good thing they come manual.

[@mudvillea441]

What’s the name of your roof rack an how much you get it for?

[@SapientMule]

Hey man, great video. I bought one in Thailand and I love it but I gotta say it doesn't do well going up steep roads. That 4 cylinder engine really shows its weakness pulling such a heavy car up hill. What is your experience in this case ?

[@kingcollector7]

i was inbetween getting one of these or a 4x4 ranger (older model) for a daily. i think i’m pretty set on getting a crv now. nice and compact but roomy and i need the AWD for winter as i travel 35min to the city everyday. right now i do it in a 91 miata which is fun but also getting old packing everything in there

[@andrewkruger5986]

Awesome channel!

[@JoserShredsRosales]

damn, my tailgate does not swing out like that haha. must need a new shock/strut.

[@c0smicc4nc3r4]

Haha I forgot about the table! I'm using it in my room for my racing sim

[@wheelinndealin3906]

Hey, Nice job with the CRV. What are the wheel and tire specs? Thanks

[@wp7291]

Hi how much you lift it and how big or what's the measurement of the tire

[@H.A..]

Nice, you can drive through puddles with lifted CRVs, good to know.

[@wandersjesse]

I really want one of these asap

[@rocknrollajohnnyquid876]

Just needs a small turbo or a vtec head

[@johnyang6969]

Any rubbings on those tires? The back ones looks a bit close

[@TazmanianDevil381]

Hey man great video thank you for making it. Do you know what trim your crv is? Did you put the racing stripe decal on the sides or did it come with it? Also what is the amazon roof thing?

[@Cyclops1983]

Y the heck honda didn't make midsized trucks back then is beyond insane!!!

[@ronnymedina1523]

Quick question I got a 99 fwd can I convert the transmission to awd?

[@daveforz]

gonna buy this over an old 4runner because I don't have old 4runner money

[@Nate1688]

I have a 2000 RD1 crv what size spacers did you use for the wheels?

[@pixeldottv8481]

Bro, what is the size of your tires and rim? is there any addtional adapter? TIA

[@alexissk8397]

The video everyone looked for 🎉😂

[@deanmanly7622]

Is yours automatic or manual? Mines a White 2001 AWD 5 Speed manual doing it up100 amp hr agm battery in ampowered battery box a 16 L carfridge freezer I'm gonna make a roof rack & fit a 100 watt solar panel on the front on an angle. Already have a light bar on the front foot rail. And side awning, a bike rack for my Kawasaki Z125 Pro.a foam mattress for sleeping in the back. I'm Australian.

[@fvelazquez659]

Wait til you find out about the V6 AWD RAV4 that still gets 23mpg on 215/70/16

[@wp7291]

Hi what size are your tires and your rims?

[@TBT.Remedies]

How much was the whole build in total on this cr v ?

[@LeviSpangler]

I had a lifted crv and I loved it but i was so damn slow. I had issues getting up mountains and driving on the intersate.

[@dundeeecroc]

Did you change the gearing for bigger tires?

[@LeviSpangler]

@dundeeecroc I bought it like that, so it probably needed that

[@user-xp4uv5cv2p]

Solid video

[@quartz_rt]

Good Video! 😄

[@sonyaramos9546]

can you share the links for the items/parts you purchased to upgrade your CRV?

[@cjrod9443]

What kind of mpg do you get after all the mods

[@kaseyphillips9671]

where are the wheels from?

[@thisismypickle5164]

I just got procomp steely wheels for my 2001 same style as yours and will check if they fit tomorrow. Any thing you had to do to make them fit right?

[@colinshum5216]

If you don’t lift it and just frame drop, will it get 1.5” higher?