First generation (1996)
First generation (RD1–RD3)
1st-Honda-CR-V.jpg
Overview
Production 1995–2001
Model years 1997–2001
Assembly
Japan: Sayama
United Kingdom: Swindon (HUKM)
Taiwan: Hsinchu
Thailand: Ayutthaya
Philippines: Santa Rosa, Laguna
Indonesia: North Jakarta (HPM, 1999–2003)
Designer Hiroyuki Kawase (1993)
Body and chassis
Related Honda Civic (sixth generation)
Honda Integra
Powertrain
Engine
Petrol:
2.0 L B20B I4
2.0 L B20Z I4
Transmission 5-speed SBXM AWD manual
5-speed SKH FWD manual
MDMA 4-speed automatic
MDLA 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,620 mm (103.1 in)
2,625 mm (103.3 in) (post-facelift)
Length 4,510 mm (177.6 in)
Width 1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height 1,678–1,770 mm (66.1–69.7 in)
The first generation CR-V or RD1 was Hondas first in-house designed sport utility vehicle by Hiroyuki Kawase. The CR-V was introduced in Japan at Honda Verno dealerships only and exceeded Japanese governments compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of 1,700 mm (66.9 in)), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation. For the North American market, it was displayed at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in February 1997.
Upon introduction, the model had only one trim level, which would later be known as the LX model trim; it was powered by the 2.0-litre straight-four B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) at 5400 rpm and 133 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integras 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine had a larger 84 mm (3.3 in) bore to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine used a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine. The chassis was a unibody design with fully independent suspension. The front suspension was double-wishbone, while the rear used a trailing arm-based multilink system. Inside, the rear seats were able to fold down, and a picnic table was stowed in the rear floor area. All models featured plastic cladding covering the front bumper, rear bumper, and fender wells. In most countries, CR-Vs had a chrome grille; however, in the United States, the grille was made out of the same black plastic as the bumpers. The EX included anti-lock brakes and 15 inch alloy wheels over the LX trim. Drivetrain options were front-wheel drive or Hondas Real Time AWD.
Facelift
Honda CR-V (pre-facelift)
Honda CR-V (facelift)
Honda CR-V Sport (facelift)
Honda CR-V (Japan)
In 1999, the European, Australian and Asian CR-V models featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was added to the list of paint choices, while "Passion Orange" disappeared. New dark blue pearl and red pearl shades replaced the former solid red and metallic blue hues. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain markets.