And, actually, the first generation Honda CR-V.
After reading many forums, I almost leaned in favor of the RAV 4. There is a permanent four-wheel drive, and an abundance of spare parts in stores.
The second was a Subaru Forester with a naturally aspirated engine and automatic. The car is pretty good, but very low ground clearance compared to opponents. I immediately discarded this option, although the car is very, very dynamic.
When I came to see Honda, I immediately drew attention to the huge salon, through which you can easily move from the front seats to the rear ones, and vice versa. Another plus is ground clearance.
Exterior
The outside view of the car is a typical body of the first SUVs of the late 90s - early 2000s. The rather square shape has a positive effect on the interior volume of the cabin, so this is rather a plus.
Salon
Very big. The absence of a central tunnel and a rigid armrest between the front seats makes it possible to move freely around the cabin. It is worth noting the good transformation of the cabin, which makes the volume of the luggage space simply obscenely large. They easily fit there: a span of scaffolding, a hood from a Honda Accord across the entire width, building materials, and so on. In general, only 5 for the usable cabin space.
The driver's seat has tilt and height adjustments. The back sofa is divided in a ratio of 2/3 and also has a reclining backrest. In general, it is convenient. It is worth noting the large distance for the legs of the rear passengers - it is very sufficient. With my height of 182 cm, you can sit in the back without touching the back of the front seat.
Engine
The engine here is the good old B20Z about 150 horses. It is quite enough in the city and on the highway. Average consumption: highway 8.5 liters, city - up to 13 liters per 100 km. The engine is very simple and reliable, does not have VTEC. Calmly passes to the capital of 300-400 thousand km.
Box
This is rather the weak point of this car. She doesn't like fast starts and towing loads. Has a total of 4 gears. Quite reliable overall, but a little outdated.
Suspension
Purely Honda's - harsh. But it keeps the road just fine.
Its only drawback is multi-link. These are additional costs for spare parts. The front suspension with two wishbones with four ball is also quite expensive to maintain. But on the other hand, she gives a pleasure from driving.
Bottom line: I have owned the car for about six years. I never regretted the purchase. For its money, this is the ideal - a real workhorse with a very comfortable and roomy interior.
The car is quite well equipped for its time, especially with regard to the various elements designed to provide the proper comfort. The CR-V has a spacious, practical and well-designed interior with comfortable seating, plenty of storage containers and storage compartments, including a box under the front passenger seat. The second row of seats folds down to free up extra cargo space while creating a perfectly flat floor. The main difference in trim levels in terms of the interior and exterior comes down to additional elements: wood-like interior trim, leather steering wheel braid, roof rails, fog lights, remote control key, 15 ”alloy wheels. Since 1996, the car has got ABS, airbags, glazing with UV protection. The equipment with a satellite navigation system was especially popular. As a result of the 1998 restyling, the car underwent minor changes aimed at improving the exterior and interior.
The first generation of this car was equipped according to the principle: 2-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine (130 hp) + 4WD + 4-speed automatic transmission. Later, a 5-speed manual gearbox was added. In addition, as a result of a number of changes in 1998, the engine output was increased by 20 hp, and less expensive front-wheel drive variants of the CR-V were offered. As for the B20B engine, this is one of the most reliable engines of the company, thanks to which even the first copies of the right-hand drive Honda CR-V are still in service and are in good technical condition.
Unlike most of the wagons with improved cross-country ability that were common in those years, the CR-V has a rather complex suspension. Double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear. Despite the fact that the main purpose of this car is still hard surfaces, it has a fairly decent ground clearance and a flat bottom, which contributes to cross-country ability: it can easily make a sortie into nature. The folding picnic table, disguised under the cover of the spare wheel compartment, has become an original feature of the model.
The safety of the driver and passengers is ensured by two airbags, reinforcing elements of the frame and doors. Some versions assumed the presence of seat belt tensioners, TCS traction control, exchange rate stabilization system (since 1998). The generation has repeatedly participated in crash tests according to the IIHS, NHTSA, Australian NCAP methods, where, depending on the complexity of the tests, they received ratings from "satisfactory" to "excellent". It became very popular in the United States, where there has long been a rigorous approach to assessing the safety of vehicles intended for the North American market.
The Honda CR-V is a car that is practically devoid of any noticeable flaws, except for some of the nuances (for example, difficulties with towing an idle car, lack of good noise insulation and sensitivity to strong side winds - the price for a tall body). However, in all other respects, pluses prevail: adequate price of used cars, four-wheel drive, high efficiency, ease of maintenance, practical interior. In our country, the high popularity of the first-generation right-hand drive CR-V largely ensured the success of the next generations of this model.
The all-terrain station wagon was the original idea of the engineers for the Honda CR-V model. Due to unknown circumstances, the design has undergone changes and in 1995 Honda SRV RD 1 debuted in the "crossover" class. At that time, the brand made a splash. No one could offer such a potential customer before: spaciousness of the cabin, high ground clearance, a combination of power with fuel consumption and availability in service. The closest rival was Toyota RAV-4. But it was also significantly inferior in a number of indicators, about which a little below.
Specifications
Construction, platform / frame
Honda SRV 1996 is partially built on a platform from the Honda Integra. Percentage: 25% to 75%. The engineers originally planned to develop a completely new base for the crossover. The catastrophic lack of time, the market dictating its conditions, left their mark.
Engine
The success of the Honda CR V RD 1 was largely dependent on the powertrain. The first and only, until 1999, a 2.0-liter engine in a classic in-line design: four cylinders, a drive belt, two camshafts and 130HP under the hood. Catalog index B20B.
During the operation, there were no complaints. Surprisingly high-quality and well-coordinated motor the first time. But not without error - a defect in the crankshaft pulley mounting bolt. After the first replacement of the timing belt, it broke when tightened. There is a version that the reason is exceeding the maximum effort. Whether this is so is not known for certain.
Externally, the power unit is similar to the engine from the Honda Integra V - 1.8 liters, with an increased cylinder diameter. At 5400 rpm, the torque is 180 Nm. In general, not bad for a "off-road wagon".
Checkpoint
Gearbox Honda CR V 1996 is presented in the classic version: a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In general, there are no complaints about the work, only the annual service is not cheap, from 25,000 rubles. And given the age of the model, even more costs.
But here, too, the problem was solved by installing contract transmissions. It cost 10,000 rubles less. Cheap and cheerful.
Suspension
Suspension type: independent double wishbone at the front and "MacPherson" at the rear. This made it possible to literally absorb small and medium irregularities on the road without recoil, vibrations, knocking on the steering wheel, or the car interior.
Carrying body with reinforced wishbones. The brake system is disc type at the front, drum at the rear. Clearance 20.5 cm.
Exterior
Honda SRV of the first generation is characterized by stylistic solutions in the form of overlays on the fenders, the manufacture of front and rear bumpers from polymer materials. For the countries of Europe and the CIS, the model was supplied with a front chrome grille, and for the US market, it was exclusively made of black plastic, matching the color of the bumper.
Dimensions: 4510 x 1780 x 1770 mm. Wheelbase: 2620mm, and the restyled version is five centimeters longer.
Interior
Spaciousness and accessibility - these are the properties for which the consumer from Japan and the USA fell in love with the model. The horizontal cushion of the driver's seat, the automatic transmission petals attached to the steering wheel, the perfectly folding rear row of seats, everything is well thought out, that there are no complaints at all.
But the main highlight is hidden in the luggage compartment floor - a portable picnic table. Looking ahead, this "zest" was preserved up to the fifth model.
Restyling
In 1999, the Honda CRV concern presented a new product - a modernized version of the stock SRV 1 engine. This did not happen on the initiative of engineers, but under pressure from the owners of the model. The reason is that a standard power unit for a car weight of one and a half tons is not enough for active operation. New designation 2.0 L B20Z 150HP L4.
The modification received an increased compression ratio, the amount of lift of the exhaust valves, a new shape of the exhaust manifold. This contributed to an increase in the efficiency of the car: consumption was reduced by 17%. Urban 10 l / 100 km, mixed 8.4 l.
Available configurations and prices
The Japanese auto industry has one common feature - the gradation of product markets. These are the following geographic regions:
- "Svoya Strana" - a Honda CRV 1996 engine with a power rating of 147 hp;
- Europe and the CIS - 130 hp;
- USA - 128 HP
The restyled version differs from the first generation by the presence of a safe braking system ABS, pre-installed 15-inch discs. Drive type: permanent front or optional full (Real-Time AWD).
In the secondary market, for a model with preinstalled mechanics, they will ask for 380,000 rubles, and for an automatic machine, they are 25,000 rubles cheaper.
Main competitors
There is only one rival in the "weight" category, and he comes from Japan - Toyota RAV-4. At that time, there were no models in Europe that could withstand the Honda CR V.
Features of the model that distinguish it from competitors
Since the closest competitor was the Toyota RAV-4, there is nothing to compare, since the advantage of the Honda SRV is obvious: a high-quality engine, moderate fuel consumption, a modernized double-wishbone suspension at the front, in contrast to the classic "MacPherson" at Toyota.
Cons, problems
- during technical inspections, repairs, be extremely attentive and careful. Standard ABS sensors are fragile, with a slight mechanical impact, they crack at the base;
- CR V RD1 models, manufactured between 1997 and 1999, are famous for premature wear of the universal joint shaft, which is carefully pressed into the metal shaft body. At that time, not all service centers had equipment for high-quality pressing of crosspieces. It got to the point that the owners dismantled the rear propeller shaft and successfully drove on the front.
Pros, dignity
- Moderate fuel economy;
- Compact dimensions, like for a crossover car;
- Maintaining the leading positions of the top three since 1995;
- Modernization of the car as a whole and its individual mechanisms.
Conclusion
It's a pity that the 1997 Honda CR V was discontinued in 2001. But, despite this, the "struggle" for it is still going on in the secondary market. It takes a lot of time to get the first generation CR V, but it's worth it.
Video: Main Road Honda CR-V I
Video: # The most honest review of the owner. 1999 Honda CR-V RD1
Honda CR-V is a five-seat small Japanese crossover, which has such a great demand that it has been produced since 1995 to this day. The SRV model has 5 generations.
History of the Honda CR-V
ATTENTION! Found a completely simple way to reduce fuel consumption! Don't believe me? An auto mechanic with 15 years of experience also did not believe until he tried it. And now he saves 35,000 rubles a year on gasoline!
The abbreviation "CR-V" in translation from English stands for "small car for rest". The production of this model is carried out in several countries at once:
- Japan;
- Great Britain;
- Mexico;
- Canada;
- China.
The Honda CR-V is a cross between a small HR-V and an impressive Pilot. The car is produced for most regions, including Russia, Canada, China, Europe, USA, Japan, Malaysia and so on.
The first version of the Honda SRV
The first version of this car from Honda was presented as a concept back in 1995. It is worth noting that the SRV was the first in the line of crossovers, which was designed by Honda without assistance. Initially, it was sold exclusively in Japanese dealerships and was considered a premium class, since, due to its dimensions, it exceeded the statutory norms. In 1996, a model for the North American market was unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show.
It should be noted that the first generation of this model was produced only in one configuration, called "LX" and was equipped with a gasoline inline four-cylinder engine "В20В", a volume of 2.0 liters and a maximum power of 126 hp. In fact, it was the same 1.8-liter internal combustion engine that was installed on the Honda Integra, but with some modifications, in the form of an extended cylinder diameter (up to 84 mm) and a one-piece liner design.
The car body is a supporting structure reinforced with double wishbones. The car's signature styling is plastic bumper and fender liners, as well as folding rear seats and a picnic table located at the bottom of the trunk. Later, the production of CR-V in the "EX" configuration was adjusted, which was equipped with an ABS system and light-alloy wheels. The car also had an all-wheel drive system (Real-Time AWD), but versions with a front-wheel drive layout were also produced.
Below is a table showing the main characteristics of the B20B engine, which was installed on the first version of the SRV and after the re-styled B20Z power unit:
| ICE name | B20B | B20Z |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement, cc | 1972 | 1972 |
| Power, h.p. | 130 | 147 |
| Torque, N * m | 179 | 182 |
| Fuel | AI-92, AI-95 | AI-92, AI-95 |
| Economy, l / 100 km | 5,8 – 9,8 | 8,4 – 10 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 84 | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 | 9.6 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89 | 89 |
In 1999, the first generation of this model was re-styled. The only change in the updated version was the upgraded engine, which added a little power and slightly increased torque. The engine acquired an increased compression ratio, the intake manifold was replaced, and the lift of the exhaust valve was also increased.
The second version of the Honda SRV
The next version of the SRV model has become a little larger in overall dimensions and gained in weight. In addition, the design of the car was completely changed, its platform was transferred to another Honda model - Civic, and a new K24A1 engine appeared. Despite the fact that in the North American version it had a power of 160 hp and 220 N * m of torque, its fuel and economic characteristics remained at the level of the previous power units. All this is implemented using the i-VTEC system. Below is a schematic of the principle of its operation: 
Due to the more thoughtful design of the rear suspension of the car, the trunk volume was increased to 2 thousand liters.
For reference! Authoritative publication Car and Driver in 2002-2003. identified Honda SRV as "Best Compact Crossover". The success of this car pushed Honda to introduce a more budget-friendly version of the Element crossover!
Re-styling of this generation CR-V took place in 2005, which led to a change in the front and rear optics, the radiator grill and the front bumper were updated. The most important innovations from a technical point of view were the electronic throttle valve, an automatic transmission (5 steps), and a modified all-wheel drive system.
Below are all the power units that this model was equipped with:
| ICE name | K20A4 | K24A1 | N22A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement, cc | 1998 | 2354 | 2204 |
| Power, h.p. | 150 | 160 | 140 |
| Torque, N * m | 192 | 232 | 340 |
| Fuel | AI-95 | AI-95, AI-98 | Diesel fuel |
| Economy, l / 100 km | 5,8 – 9,8 | 7.8-10 | 5.3 - 6.7 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 86 | 87 | 85 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 | 10.5 | 16.7 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 | 99 | 97.1 |
The third version of the Honda SRV
The third generation CR-V was produced from 2007 to 2011 and differed in that the model became noticeably shorter, lower, but wider. In addition, the trunk lid began to open upwards. Among the changes can also be noted the lack of sound insulation and the presence of a through passage between the rows of seats.
This crossover in 2007 became the most popular in the American market, overtaking the Ford Explorer, which held the leading position for fifteen long years.
For reference! Due to the huge demand for the CR-V, Honda has even suspended production of the new Civic in order to utilize additional production capacity and satisfy customer interest!
Re-styling of the third generation SRV brought a number of design changes, including bumpers, a radiator grill, and lights. The engine power was increased (up to 180 hp) and at the same time the fuel consumption was reduced.
Below is a table of engines for this generation:
| ICE name | K20A4 | R20A2 | K24Z4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement, cc | 2354 | 1997 | 2354 |
| Power, h.p. | 160 - 206 | 150 | 166 |
| Torque, N * m | 232 | 192 | 220 |
| Fuel | AI-95, AI-98 | AI-95 | AI-95 |
| Economy, l / 100 km | 7.8 - 10 | 8.4 | 9.5 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 87 | 81 | 87 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 - 11 | 10.5 - 11 | 9.7 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 99 | 96.9 - 97 | 99 |
The fourth version of the Honda SRV
Production started in 2011 and this model was produced until 2016.
The car was characterized by a more powerful 185 hp power unit and a new all-wheel drive system. The re-styling was distinguished by a new version of the direct injection engine, as well as a continuously variable transmission. In addition, the CR-V's handling is much better thanks to new springs, stabilizers and dampers. This car was equipped with the following engines:
| ICE name | R20A | K24A |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement, cc | 1997 | 2354 |
| Power, h.p. | 150 - 156 | 160 - 206 |
| Torque, N * m | 193 | 232 |
| Fuel | AI-92, AI-95 | AI-95, AI-98 |
| Economy, l / 100 km | 6.9 - 8.2 | 7.8 - 10 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 81 | 87 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 - 11 | 10.5 - 11 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 96.9 - 97 | 99 |
The fifth version of the Honda SRV
The debut took place in 2016, the car features a completely new platform, borrowed from the X generation Honda Civic.
The line of power units is characterized by the fact that a special turbocharged engine L15B7 is produced for the American market, while in Russia versions are sold only with atmospheric gasoline engines.
| ICE name | R20A9 | K24W | L15B7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement, cc | 1997 | 2356 | 1498 |
| Power, h.p. | 150 | 175 - 190 | 192 |
| Torque, N * m | 190 | 244 | 243 |
| Fuel | AI-92 | AI-92, AI-95 | AI-95 |
| Economy, l / 100 km | 7.9 | 7.9 - 8.6 | 7.8 - 10 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 81 | 87 | 73 |
| Compression ratio | 10.6 | 10.1 - 11.1 | 10.3 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 96.9 | 99.1 | 89.5 |
The choice of the power unit of the Honda SRV
ICEs, which are equipped with Honda SRV of any generation, are distinguished by good reliability and maintainability. Owners of these cars do not have special problems in operation if they perform timely maintenance and follow the recommendations for the optimal choice of engine oil and filters. 
For drivers who prefer a quiet ride, the most rational choice is the naturally aspirated R20A9 gasoline engine, which has relatively low fuel consumption and good driving dynamics. However, it is the most popular on the Russian market.
The Honda CR-V, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was one of the earliest representatives of the "crossover" class, although this name was not yet in use at the time. In October of the same year, the novelty appeared in Japanese car dealerships, and in 1997 its sales began in America, Europe and Russia. Due to increased demand in 2000, the production of the Honda CR-V for the European market was organized at a factory in the UK.
When creating the crossover, components and assemblies of the fifth generation model were used. The only engine is a two-liter with a capacity of 129-130 liters. with., he worked in tandem with a five-speed "mechanics" or four-speed "automatic". Honda CR-V had two versions: with front or plug-in all-wheel drive, but only all-wheel drive cars were supplied to Russia.
In 1999, a slight restyling of the model was carried out (only the shape of the bumpers changed), and the engine power increased to 140 hp. With. (in the version for the Japanese market - up to 150 forces). The release of the first generation Honda CR-V was completed in 2001.
2nd generation, 2001-2006
The second generation Honda CR-V, which debuted in 2001, has grown in size and weight, and the suspension schemes have changed. In addition to the previous 2.0 engine (150 hp), the car received a new 2.4-liter 160 hp engine. with., such cars were equipped only with automatic transmissions and were sold in Japan and America. Especially for the European market in 2005, a turbodiesel version of the crossover was prepared, equipped with a 2.2-liter power unit developing 140 hp. With.
In Russia, the "second" Honda CR-V was available only with a two-liter engine, all-wheel drive and a manual or automatic transmission.
3rd generation, 2006–2011
In 2006, the next generation of the model debuted. The car has become a little shorter and lower, has lost the "spare wheel" on the rear door, it has expanded the choice of options.
In Russia, the "basic" Honda CR-V was offered with a two-liter engine with a capacity of 150 hp. With. paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed "automatic". Cars equipped with a 2.4-liter engine (166 hp) were equipped with automatic transmissions only. We were supplied with all-wheel drive crossovers produced at a factory in the UK.
In Europe, cars were sold with a gasoline two-liter engine or with a 2.2 i-CTDi turbodiesel with a capacity of 140 forces. In the American market, the Honda CR-V had only one version - with a 2.4 liter engine. The drive could be front or full.
As a result of the 2010 restyling, the front end design barely changed in the car, and a new i-DTEC diesel engine of the same volume, developing 150 hp, appeared on European cars. With. In total, by 2012, about 2.5 million cars were produced.
Honda CR-V engine table
