Honda CR-V was first introduced in 1996. It was one of the first small car-like SUVs on the market.
Even though it was slightly underpowered (126 hp), many customers appreciated the unique combination of low fuel consumption, all-wheel drive, spacious interior and reliability.
Thanks to unibody construction and light weight (only 3160 lb or 1433 kg), the Honda CR-V has very predictable car-like handling. Inside you will find well-designed, user-friendly instrument panel, easy to use controls, lots of cargo space and many convenience features, including even a fold-out picnic table under the trunk carpet. There are number of cup holders and storage compartments, there is even a storage box under the front passenger's seat.
The rear seats fold almost flat for extra cargo space.
The Honda all-wheel drive system is very helpful on slippery roads, although it's not designed for real off-road adventures. In normal conditions the Honda CR-V is powered by the front wheels. As the front wheels loose traction and start slipping, the rear wheels kick in to help. This is accomplished through the use of viscous clutch to engage the rear wheels.

Honda CR-V engine

Models from 1996 were equipped with transversely mounted 4-cylinder 2.0L 126 hp DOHC engine with four valves per cylinder.
In 1999 the CR-V engine was slightly modified and received additional 20 hp. This engine is fairly reliable and easy to maintain. The Honda CR-V engine has a timing belt, which, according to the Honda Maintenance Schedule, needs to be replaced every 168000 km (105000 miles).

Strengths

- Good reliable engine.
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- All-wheel drive system
- Practical interior design
- Lots of cargo space
- Four-star frontal crash rating for a driver and five-star for a front passenger based NHTSA rating for 1999 model.
- Excellent resale value.
- Japan built.

Weaknesses

 Road and engine noise.
- Slightly underpowered
- No V6 engine
- Rear wheels kick in with a short delay after front wheels start slipping.
- Low towing capacity.

Overall

In my opinion, the Honda CR-V is one of the best small SUV you can find on the market. It's fun to drive, fairly reliable, and has good fuel economy for an SUV. Roomy interior makes Honda CR-V perfect for travel, including light off-roading. Simple four-wheel drive system works fine on snowy roads. If a small SUV is what you are looking for, I definitely recommend to consider Honda CR-V.

Honda CR-V service and maintenance tips

 Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine; it may cause serious problems.
- Change transmission fluid as recommended in the owner's manual.
- Rear differential fluid also needs periodic changes; use only original Honda fluid. Worn out differential fluid may cause groaning or humming noise from the rear end while turning.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in the garage on the lift (e.g when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the car must be on the lift.
- If you have problem with the automatic transmission, visit your local Honda dealer first.
- No matter where you service your Honda, try to stick with original Honda parts.

Honda CR-V Specifications (1999 model)

Dimensions

Length: 4,510 mm (177.6 in)
Width: 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height: 1,674 mm (65.9 in)
Wheelbase: 2,622 mm (103.2 in)

Engine

2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
Horsepower:
146 HP
Torque:
133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Economy

city: 10.7 L/100 km (22 MPG)
hwy: 9.4 L/100 km (25 MPG)

Capacities

Fuel Tank: 58l (15.3 US gal)
Engine oil:
- oil change including filter: 3.8l (4.0 US qt)
- total (including oil remaining in the engine): 4.6l (4.9 US qt)
Automatic transmission fluid:
- change: 2.9l (3.1 US qt)
- total: 6.8l (7.2 US qt)
Rear differential fluid:
- change: 1.0l (1.1 US qt)
- total: 1.2l (1.3 US qt)