CR-V: Gen 1 or Gen 2? Which do you prefer?

[upton-crv]

I was wondering this morning if I had the choice between a 2005 and a 2001 CR-V EX at a used car lot which one would I choose. Assume that both have 40K miles, mint interior and exterior, one owner and where driven in the same area. Maintenance histories are clean and up to date. Both are priced consistent with the Blue book value.

I'm partial to the Gen 1 version. Especially the red and blue colors with all of the accessories added.

What's your opinion Gen 1 or Gen 2? Let's get the debate started.

Upton-CRV

[drivezki]

What's the point? Buy the one you like best. They're both good vehicles. If you can afford the 2005, why would you even consider buying a model that is four yours older? Look at the specs. You don't think Honda made significant improvements?

I had a 2000. Traded up to a 2006. Big difference.

[Jopopsy]

I was wondering this morning if I had the choice between a 2005 and a 2001 CR-V EX at a used car lot which one would I choose. Assume that both have 40K miles, mint interior and exterior, one owner and where driven in the same area. Maintenance histories are clean and up to date. Both are priced consistent with the Blue book value.

I'm partial to the Gen 1 version. Especially the red and blue colors with all of the accessories added.

What's your opinion Gen 1 or Gen 2? Let's get the debate started.

Upton-CRV

To me, bigger engine and 5 speed tranny make all the differance. Plus the 05 has lots of safety features.

[2RedV's]

To me, bigger engine and 5 speed tranny make all the differance. Plus the 05 has lots of safety features.Got one of each and in-laws have a pair of 2006's. I purposely bought an LX 1st gen as a second commuter car because of no ABS, etc. Simpler and cheaper to maintain as it ages.

I also like the 1st gen styling better than the 2nd or 3rd gen. Wife and the in-laws obviously like the 2nd gens.

[Jopopsy]

Got one of each and in-laws have a pair of 2006's. I purposely bought an LX 1st gen as a second commuter car because of no ABS, etc. Simpler and cheaper to maintain as it ages.

I also like the 1st gen styling better than the 2nd or 3rd gen. Wife and the in-laws obviously like the 2nd gens.

Yah I hear you about keeping things simple/cheaper. For me, having come from my Subaru Forester, going 70-75mph down the interstate doing 2200 RPMs vs 3k on the Subaru is a large QOL improvement for me.

[Parkworker]

I like the look of the 1rst Generation

[ltbplayer]

Gen 1 if you're into original articles, gen 2 if you'd prefer creature comfort.

[Sandpebble]

We test drove a 1998 (GEN 1) and thought it tipped as you turned. The seats were to flat and did not wrap around you to help overcome the tipping feeling. We did not buy it,went for a towalbe, (we have a motorhome) ,Chevy Malibu. After a tree fell on the Malibu and totalled it,yes we were in it and survived as only a branch broke the winshield and rear window pushing the top down just slightly.Then bought a used Chrysler New Yorker that had been used as a condo car and was like new. Then after wanting to tow a vehicle behind the motorhome we bought a Hyundi Accent 2001,5 speed stick,as it was on sale for $6995. ,yes stickered for $10350 US, but dealer had big sale. Then gave the Chrysler to our gandson for his 16th birthday and about the same time traded the Hyundi for a 2004 CRV (GEN 2) with tow frame already installed. It was much better than the 1998 CRV we test drove new. The 2004 CRV had 4 speed automatic transmission,it was OK but high end it was weak and lacked passing power. Then a Mazda hit the back of the 2004 CRV bending the tail pipe as it went under the spair tire when it hit.Not much damage to the fexible bumper or tire,but the entire exhaust system bent forward all the way to the exhaust manifold. The repair bill estimate was $3250 US. We thaught why fix it, it's out of warrantee and needs tires too,so we went for the 2006 CRV EX 2WD. Got $12500 US for the trade,had an insurance check for $3250 US so realy got $15750 US for trade not bad, as we had bought it for $17500 US. The new 2006 CRV has 5 speed automatic,traction control ,and ECS plus all the air bags. The passing at highway speeds is much better than the 2004, 4 speed automatic. The ECS and traction control are life savers. Love it. Not sure if I like the looks of the 2007 & 2008 CRV's (GEN 3) as they seem smaller and less distinct, more like all the other Small SUV's. I think the last of the (GEN 2's) 2006 may be more desirable than the(GEN 3) 2007 or 2008's when they all are older.Hoping a GEN 4 encorporates more of the rugged looks that I like. Maybe a new Honda for highway and off road is needed like the retro Toyota,which I'm getting to like the more I see it.

[2RedV's]

We test drove a 1998 (GEN 1) and thought it tipped as you turned. The seats were to flat and did not wrap around you to help overcome the tipping feeling. We did not buy it,went for a towalbe, (we have a motorhome) ,Chevy Malibu. After a tree fell on the Malibu and totalled it,yes we were in it and survived as only a branch broke the winshield and rear window pushing the top down just slightly.Then bought a used Chrysler New Yorker that had been used as a condo car and was like new. Then after wanting to tow a vehicle behind the motorhome we bought a Hyundi Accent 2001,5 speed stick,as it was on sale for $6995. ,yes stickered for $10350 US, but dealer had big sale. Then gave the Chrysler to our gandson for his 16th birthday and about the same time traded the Hyundi for a 2004 CRV (GEN 2) with tow frame already installed. It was much better than the 1998 CRV we test drove new. The 2004 CRV had 4 speed automatic transmission,it was OK but high end it was weak and lacked passing power. Then a Mazda hit the back of the 2004 CRV bending the tail pipe as it went under the spair tire when it hit.Not much damage to the fexible bumper or tire,but the entire exhaust system bent forward all the way to the exhaust manifold. The repair bill estimate was $3250 US. We thaught why fix it, it's out of warrantee and needs tires too,so we went for the 2006 CRV EX 2WD. Got $12500 US for the trade,had an insurance check for $3250 US so realy got $15750 US for trade not bad, as we had bought it for $17500 US. The new 2006 CRV has 5 speed automatic,traction control ,and ESC plus all the air bags. The passing at highway speeds is much better than the 2004, 4 speed automatic. The ESC and traction control are life savers. Love it. Not sure if I like the looks of the 2007 & 2008 CRV's (GEN 3) as they seem smaller and less distinct, more like all the other Small SUV's. I think the last of the (GEN 2's) 2006 may be more desirable than the(GEN 3) 2007 or 2008's when they all are older.Hoping a GEN 4 encorporates more of the rugged looks that I like. Maybe a new Honda for highway and off road is needed like the retro Toyota,which I'm getting to like the more I see it.I think the key to your experience is that you drove an 97/98. They had 20 less HP than a 99-2001!! I have driven 97/98's back-to-back with 99-2001's and because of that, I would never purchase a 97/98. Besides, the interior fabric and color was significantly updated in 99 as well. Lots more power and they look better.
While the 2nd gen's have even more power and smoothness due to that 2.4 litre engine vs the 2.0 litre one, they will not get the fuel mileage of a 99-2001.

[Sandpebble]

What do the '99-'01's weigh? My '06 is 3250LBS.I get about 26 HWY 21City.The 5 speed automatic started in '05 my '04 had 4 speed automatic.What do the 99-01's have for transmission? OD kicks in at 48 MPH on the 5 speed automatics.

[nomalt]

I'm a soon-to-be new owner of a 1999 Dk Blue CRV. My friend is moving out of the country and we are buying his car off him at the end of the month. (thx for your help 2RedV's!)

Many years ago, I had my name in a dealership for a brand new Gen 1 red 5-speed. Dealer told me red is rare. 5-speeds are rare too. So we waited. and waited. Til I ran out of patience...then we bought a used Miata instead.

We still have the Miata and have never regretted buying it. But funny how 8 years later we are finally getting the CRV - an automatic, which I now prefer. Anway, I cannot compare the driving experience between Gen 1 and Gen 2 like other posters...I just know by looks alone...I prefer Gen 1.

[2RedV's]

I'm a soon-to-be new owner of a 1999 Dk Blue CRV. My friend is moving out of the country and we are buying his car off him at the end of the month. (thx for your help 2RedV's!)

Many years ago, I had my name in a dealership for a brand new Gen 1 red 5-speed. Dealer told me red is rare. 5-speeds are rare too. So we waited. and waited. Til I ran out of patience...then we bought a used Miata instead.

We still have the Miata and have never regretted buying it. But funny how 8 years later we are finally getting the CRV - an automatic, which I now prefer. Anway, I cannot compare the driving experience between Gen 1 and Gen 2 like other posters...I just know by looks alone...I prefer Gen 1.Congrats and Welcome to the forum! :)

[OSX2000]

Many years ago, I had my name in a dealership for a brand new Gen 1 red 5-speed. Dealer told me red is rare. 5-speeds are rare too. So we waited. and waited. Til I ran out of patience...then we bought a used Miata instead.
Red? Rare? Ha! Not on any Honda. Salesmen say the craziest things.

[GoHack]

I just bought a 2000 CR-V today myself.

Before buying, I when and stopped at a Honda dealership before purchasing, and talked to a Honda mechanic about the CR-V's. He said the G1's have the least amount of problems of all the CR-V's, and are virtually trouble free.

.

[OSX2000]

I just bought a 2000 CR-V today myself.

Before buying, I when and stopped at a Honda dealership before purchasing, and talked to a Honda mechanic about the CR-V's. He said the G1's have the least amount of problems of all the CR-V's, and are virtually trouble free.

.
Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to the forum. Post up some pics of your V!

[GoHack]

Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to the forum. Post up some pics of your V!

Thanks.

Being used, having 75K miles on it, as well as not knowing it's history, the first thing I'm going to do is bring it into a local Honda Service and have them go right through it, changing all the fluids (rear differential, transmission, engine, antifreeze), tune-up (wires, spark plugs, rotor/cap), filters (air, ventilation, fuel); and replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, belts.

Any issues w/using Iridium Spark plugs? Any suggested spark plug wires?

Any issues w/using synthetic oil in the CR-V engine? I've been using German Castrol Syntec in my BMW 330Ci, and I'd like to also use it in the CR-V as well.

Any issues in using a Mobil 1 oil filter on the CR-V engine?

I also read someplace here that an S2000 oil filter is bigger than the CR-V's, and that it will also fit on the CR-V engine. I prefer the biggest possible oil filter.

Have I missed anything else here?

I'll be using my CR-V as a winter vehicle, as well as for going up in the mountains here in the NW, camping, fishing, and such, driving on groomed dirt logging roads, so I'll want a decent all season, all terrain tire, something maybe in a 215 or 225/75-15 tire. I'll probably have to do a small lift on it, such as yours.

Oh and the first thing I did was fill her up and add Chevron Techron to the tank, for cleaning the fuel system.

Thx

.

[2RedV's]

Thanks.

Being used, having 75K miles on it, as well as not knowing it's history, the first thing I'm going to do is bring it into a local Honda Service and have them go right through it, changing all the fluids (rear differential, transmission, engine, antifreeze), tune-up (wires, spark plugs, rotor/cap), filters (air, ventilation, fuel); and replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, belts.

Any issues w/using Iridium Spark plugs? Any suggested spark plug wires?

Any issues w/using synthetic oil in the CR-V engine? I've been using German Castrol Syntec in my BMW 330Ci, and I'd like to also use it in the CR-V as well.

Any issues in using a Mobil 1 oil filter on the CR-V engine?

I also read someplace here that an S2000 oil filter is bigger than the CR-V's, and that it will also fit on the CR-V engine. I prefer the biggest possible oil filter.

Have I missed anything else here?

I'll be using my CR-V as a winter vehicle, as well as for going up in the mountains here in the NW, camping, fishing, and such, driving on groomed dirt logging roads, so I'll want a decent all season, all terrain tire, something maybe in a 215 or 225/75-15 tire. I'll probably have to do a small lift on it, such as yours.

Oh and the first thing I did was fill her up and add Chevron Techron to the tank, for cleaning the fuel system.

Thx

.

I don't think you missed much. :)

I wouldn't bother with Iridiums. Stock plugs last long enough as it is and are much cheaper. Same for the factory plug wires.

Synthetic is fine as is a Mobil 1 oil filter. Go ahead and get the S2000 (older models, only, as in 2002,2003) I have an actual Honda S2000 filter on my 99.