Manual for my 01 also says 86 octane minimum. Not sold around here, so I use 87 octane regular without any knocking. On the few occasions I've filled my mostly-empty tank with 93 octane premium (goofy "sales" where premium costs the same as regular) I've noticed no difference in acceleration. I don't think Gen 1 CRV's have a knock sensor that advances timing if premium is used beyond where it sits using regular. Therefore, no increase in engine power or fuel economy.