The Honda CR-V was introduced in June 1997 and despite its cryptic name it has been a success, finding 72,000 mostly happy customers. As an off-roader, the CR-V (it stands for Compact Recreational Vehicle) is distinctly average but as an everyday means of transport it’s a delight to own.

With a clever electronic four-wheel-drive system that changes from two to four-wheel drive only when conditions demand it, the CR-V feels much more like a car than you would expect. Fuel economy from manual versions hovers around the 30mpg mark and it will happily cruise all day at, or above, 70mph.

The CR-V came with a choice of manual and automatic transmission on most models. With an automatic box, the original 2.0 litre 126bhp petrol engine feels slightly laboured but in March 1999 the CR-V gained a more powerful 145bhp unit that feels much more at home.

Honda’s decision not to offer the CR-V with a diesel engine means it has limited appeal among the caravan or agricultural fraternity. It’s unlikely, therefore, that a CR-V will have worked hard for a living but you’ll still need to check for any signs of wear on the clutches (one on the gearbox, the second for the rear-wheel drive) and transmission.

January 2002 saw the introduction of the 148bhp i-VTEC engine. Despite giving little more power it does have useful additional torque, particularly at low revs, resulting in better acceleration and improved fuel economy.

Interiors are on the wrong side of bland but do have some neat features, including a centre storage box between the front seats complete with table that will keep the cups upright and the flask at hand. In the boot, additional storage under the floor can be used for stowing wet items and the lid can be removed and used as an impromptu picnic table for those Famous Five moments.

Rear luggage space is helped by the spare wheel being mounted on the tailgate — the base models getting a vinyl cover but the top cars having a hard cover that makes it less prone to damage. All cars have a split folding rear-seat facility.

Trim and specification levels are good and even base LS models get electric front and rear windows, airbags and remote central locking as standard. Pay the extra £600 for an ES model and you get alloy wheels and air-conditioning. Top specification ES Executive models add another £450 to the price of used examples but that buys you leather upholstery and a six-disc CD player. While the Executive may seem an appealing buy, the majority of new cars sold were standard ES models so finding a good used example could prove a lengthy process.

In January 2002 Honda launched a new CR-V. Although similar to look at, it is in fact a new car, being fractionally longer and wider than the earlier model. But Honda was careful not to change a winning formula and these later cars improve on rather than rewrite the qualities of the original models.

The CR-V’s combination of car-like driving qualities and soft off-road ability has proven to be very desirable. If your idea of recreation is less about adventure and more about enjoyment, the CR-V could be the car for you.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Honda CR-V 2.0i ES Manual
Engine type: 1973cc 4-cylinder
Power: 145bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 29.1mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 10.5sec (0-62mph)
Top speed: 110mph

Towing limit: Relatively low recommended towing limit of 1,500kg makes the CR-V less likely to have worked hard for a living.

Rear seats: Fold down in two parts and slide and recline.

4WD: Electronic systems switch from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive automatically when needed.

Rear differential: Rear-diff breather can let in water, listen for grinding noises when driving.

Automatic transmission: Dashboard-mounted gearshift creates a walk-through area between the seats.

Warranty: New cars come with three-year/90,000-mile warranty.

Servicing: Due every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever is the sooner.

Safety: Front and side airbags standard, as is antilock braking.

Insurance group: All models are group 11.

Total sold in Britain: 72,225.

Turning circle: Relatively small 10.4-metre turning circle makes the CR-V very manoeuvrable, variable weight system also provides good feel.

Alloy wheels: Standard on all but base models, spare wheel is stowed on the rear tailgate.

THE ONE TO BUY

Honda CR-V 2.0i ES five-door, five-speed manual (with air-conditioning as standard), 2000 V-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £8,450 at a dealer with 12 monthsÕ warranty, £7,500 privately.

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OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2000 V-reg Land Rover Freelander 1.8Xi
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2001 X-reg Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6
2000 X-reg Nissan Terrano II 2.4S
2001 X-reg Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4

VALUES

Retail £11,995 £11,350 £10,395 Automatic models worth £400 more than manuals. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer.