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1st Gen Differences?

7371 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Lochinvar
Hello all!

Looking to acquire my first CRV. Specifically a first generation.

Is there a list of changes / differences between first generation CRVs anywhere?

I've found a 97 5MT locally that I'll be looking at tomorrow. Just wondering if I should hold out for an 01 for any reason.
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[SUB][/SUB]Should definitely utilize the search function, here’s the thread:

https://www.crvownersclub.com/forum...differences-between-gen-1-gen-1-5-x-post.html

Google:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-V

I would hold out for a 99-01 CR-V for the engine horsepower upgrade.
I would hold out for a 99-01 CR-V for the engine horsepower upgrade.

However, a 99-01 5spd 4WD is hard to come by.
[SUB][/SUB]Should definitely utilize the search function, here’s the thread:

https://www.crvownersclub.com/forum...differences-between-gen-1-gen-1-5-x-post.html

Google:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-V

I would hold out for a 99-01 CR-V for the engine horsepower upgrade.
I did use the search function. That thread is horrible.

Not worried about the engine. I'll be swapping to a b20vtec turbo.

So the only difference is the engine? No cosmetic / facelift / updates / etc? 97-01 are identical except for engines?
Hello, I think you'll be fine with the 97 model I just purchase my first Honda CRV, a 98 5spd. for the gas mileage around 26. If it is running good, I think you will be very happy with it. The later model I believe has around 20 hp. more. Mine runs like a champ, and has plenty of guts. I just love it. Hope that helps. Honda4fun !
[SUB][/SUB]Should definitely utilize the search function, here’s the thread:

https://www.crvownersclub.com/forum...differences-between-gen-1-gen-1-5-x-post.html

Google:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CR-V

I would hold out for a 99-01 CR-V for the engine horsepower upgrade.
I did use the search function. That thread is horrible.

Not worried about the engine. I'll be swapping to a b20vtec turbo.

So the only difference is the engine? No cosmetic / facelift / updates / etc? 97-01 are identical except for engines?
The 1999 onwards version with uprated engines also had a small cosmetic face-lift, new bumpers and a few other little tweaks. The Crv Wikipedia page has pics showing the cosmetic differences between the original and face-lift version.

The difference is minimal, if you aren't swapping the engine then the 99 onwards versions are better.
If my information is correct, all 99-01 CR-Vs are gen 1.5. The differences are these:

The gear shifter in the automatic models went from a simple, liner P,R,N,D4,D3,2,1 to a more complicated P,R,N,D4,2,1, with an "overdrive off" button to switch between D4 and D3.

The interior went from being a multi-color light and dark gray arrangement to a single very dark shade of gray throughout.

The dark blue color was discontinued to be replaced with a brighter, more metallic blue.

The engine compression ratio was increased to give more HP.

The intake plenum was made a lot smaller (IDK why, it's just the easiest way to tell the difference when under the hood).

The CR-V SE was introduced in 2000 as an EX with painted bumpers and leather seats, so they're all gen 1.5.

There may be other differences I don't know about. The first two are why I went for a 98 CR-V instead of a later one.
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