Best year CRV for Off Road?

[Blanco]

Hi, I'm new around here just registered & am looking for info...?

I want to buy the wife something like a CRV & must have the AWD & wonder what years might be the best for light Off Roading?
I know these are not real off roaders & I have 2 other currents rigs that are HARD CORE so I don't need that, I just like the idea of having the option when the need may come up?

My main reason's for wanting a CRV are:

Flat towing behind my RV.
Light off roading.
seating for 4 people & a large enough cargo space in back for our large dog.


Any info in helping me get the right model is very appriciated.

[Greenzter]

I want to buy the wife something like a CRV & must have the AWD & wonder what years might be the best for light Off Roading?

If it must have AWD, you're out of luck. CRV's don't have it.

[Blanco]

If it must have AWD, you're out of luck. CRV's don't have it.

From from what I have read you are incorrect..?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-V

[Greenzter]

CRV's have 'Real Time 4WD'. What that means is FWD all the time and if the fronts start slipping with respect to the rears, the rears will engage (only until they are equal to the fronts). Not AWD at all. Never. Do a search or google in how the system works.

This is for Gen 1, 2 and 3. Gen 4 may be different, but still no AWD.

[freeheeltim]

I think you're splitting hairs here ^^^^. By that definition the only cars on the road that are AWD are Subaru and Audi. Even the new Jaguar AWD system is rear-wheel-drive-until-it-slips. Yes, the CR-V is front wheel drive. Until they slip. Then it's AWD.

[FLCRV]

Buy a Subaru, if you are looking for great traction in that size car. Our CR-V will become one when we move to KY in 4 years.

[miko]

I think you're splitting hairs here ^^^^. By that definition the only cars on the road that are AWD are Subaru and Audi. Even the new Jaguar AWD system is rear-wheel-drive-until-it-slips. Yes, the CR-V is front wheel drive. Until they slip. Then it's AWD.

Better tell Honda to change the emblems on the rear. LOL

Look up the definition of AWD.

[8695Beaters]

The CR-V is an AWD. It does not have a transfer case of any kind and it's not selectable like a true 4WD. Also to the geniuses who mentioned only Subrau and Audi make AWD, you're just plain wrong. Not even counting the dozens of simple AWD systems out there that just provide power to all four wheels, you have the power shifting AWDS that Acura (SH-AWD, available in most of their cars), Nissan (ATESSA-ETS in the GT-R), and Mitsubishi (S-AWD in the EVO) make.To say that Subaru and Audi are the only AWD makers is wrong.

It's the fact that you can select 2WD, 4WD Hi or 4WD Lo that distinguishes 4WD from AWD.

To answer the original question, it's the 1st gen. They have the highest ground clearance and you can add up to two inches of lift with either OME's lift springs or with custom made spring spacer. If you're lucky you can still find Honda's skid plate (or make your own), and safari bars are available for the 1st gen. They are comfortable for four average size people on long drives, but the dog might be a bit cramped in the back, depending on how big it is. My 1st gen held a 90 lb german shepherd on more than one occasion.

[FLCRV]

Also to the geniuses who mentioned only Subrau and Audi make AWD, you're just plain wrong.

I don't see a post that says that! And I said:"Buy a Subaru, if you are looking for great traction in that size car."

[8695Beaters]

By that definition the only cars on the road that are AWD are Subaru and Audi

Right here. Which is still wrong because again, all of the active torque splitting AWDs send a certain amount of power to all four wheels at any given time.