Tested: 1997 Honda CR-V Photos
From the Archive: Late to the sport-ute party, Honda's first-generation CR-V arrived as an inexpensive ode to practicality.
Although Honda was roughly five years late in entering the bourgeoning compact SUV segment, its first-generation CR-V that debuted for 1997 brought with it the sensibility and refinement that the company was known for. Read the full story here.
While Honda had previously sold rebadged Isuzu Rodeos as Honda Passports, the Civic-based 1997 Honda CR-V was its first SUV designed and built in-house.
The 1997 Honda CR-V feature reserved styling at a time when many compact utes boasted flashy designs with bold accent graphics.
The 1997 Honda CR-V conservatism carried over to its interior, which was a model of simplicity and versatility yet rather dour to look at.
The 1997 Honda CR-V's standard cloth seats provided all-day comfort despite minimal adjustments.
The 1997 Honda CR-V's all-wheel drivetrain borrowed heavily from the previous Civic Vanowagon.
The 1997 Honda CR-V was powered by a 126-hp 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
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