It actually is. It's small, light, practical, spacious, tough, reliable and capable. If only it had a turbo. European models with diesel engines are actually perfect.
The crv with awd goes way more places than it has right to because it doesn't weight much. I have a 2000. I bought it for my son's first car. He never liked it. He wanted a truck. He finally got a truck and I grabbed the crv because I knew a good thing when I saw it. His truck gets stuck in the sand and the crv floats over it, lol. It's had the usual crv gen 1 problems, ( oil leaks, door wiring harness etc. ),. You can lift it but if you plan for it to be 99 percent daily driver, don't bother unless it all about show. Leave it stock and put the next size up tire on it. It makes a huge difference in ride too. Bought mine from the 1st owner, an old lady in town that never took it on highway trips. Bad for the engine. It had a lot of back pressure due to carbon build-up.Two bottles of techron high mileage and it was like getting a new engine. Gas consumption went down too. Planning another trip into the big sur mountain range on the west coast next week. Dirt road climbing to 6000ft with grapefruit/watermellon sized river stones in places and drop-offs of a thousand feet or more. Done it many times and the crv is like a little tank. Then I cruise back home at 70 on the freeway in quiet air-conditioned comfort. Cheers.
Awesome. Im currently running all terrain stock size i found on my 2001. Curious what tire size you ran with stock suspension at big sur? And also, if you could pls point me in the right direction, i’d like to take my crv out by those grapefruit stones too
@@druf. Went up one size to a 215 70 r15. I believe stock was 205? Others may know. Also all terrain. If your struts are really shot and sagging real bad,..tires will be closer to the wells. Ours never hit or rub. Still enough room for daily driving and a bit off road. I'll never go back to stock size. Our stock suspension is needing a refresh and I'm already planning on getting the parts together this winter. I've read that the spring/strut combos already assembled that people can buy from places like amazon aren't so good. That they're cheap for a reason. Better to buy a good brand-name cartridge and keep original springs and have them rebuilt or do it yourself. I just drove mine today to go mountain biking and went off road to park it in a dirt area. It's totally fine but if I take it up into the mountains it'll be somewhat rough till new shocks. And carrying heavy loads in the back shows sagging. By the way, that's a common issue with the gen 1 as well - rear sag. New struts take care of the problem asap. Best of luck. The gen 1's are really special. Cheers. 👍
@@jimp.7286 thanks. Was thinking of going up to 205/75r15 if anything, bit more sidewall than 215/70r15. At least in my same gen honda civic, when i went with a wider 205/50r15, i felt the car’s steering would track more with road abnormalities, in a sense “steering more” for the driver as well as slower response during quick steering maneuvers so may stay away from increasing width with stock suspension set up. I’ve never messed with aftermarket suspension on my crv, but i say you can’t go wrong with oem suspension, pay more up front and you’re good for a while. Did full oem suspension refresh on mine, control arms, ball joints, shocks (went with Sachs; makes oem suspension parts for bmw i believe, but started making for honda too i think) etc. kept stock springs. Rides smooth and like new. Got to make sure the suspension pieces are good in these 4 wheel double wishbone setups. One big misconception i’ve noticed is the crv community saying the gen 1 has rear sag and try to lift and “even” out the rear. I think honda intentionally made it that way for whatever reason, such as safer handling mechanics because if you look at the crv manuals and info booklets with photos of it, they are also sagging in the rear. You can probably notice it in a Motorweek video too. But yes, these are amazing swiss army knife machines. Was thinking of grabbing a suzuki samurai for offroad ventures, to keep my daily crv in top shape, but after reading your comment i may up my tire size and try my luck. Did you manage to scrape or hit your underbody at big sur?
@@druf. The smaller tire will feel more like a sports car -- especially in steering. It's true. The 215 is meant to help float over things. More cushy. You'll loose the sports car feel. Can't have both. It's the same with my mountain bikes. Bigger wheels float over things but steering and nimbleness slows down. Decide you mission profile. As for scraping - no. I once thought I felt rub while going up our hill here at home while simultaneously turning the wheel full one way. A rare driving situation trying to do a sharp u-turn on a hill. That's the only time I thought I heard and felt something. Other than that - never. Even with four adults. As for rear sag - maybe that's the design but put four adults in it and the headlights are out of adjustment. I don't see any need to lift unless you're into hard-core off-road. I'd never do that to my daily driver anyway. But fireroads? The crv is at home. As for the big sur mountains - look up china camp. That's where I went last time. Been going there for years - both two and four wheels. The crv, (while small), climbs the hills like a little luxury jeep. I just take my time going up. No hurries. Hope all works out well for you. Cheers again. 👍
One best cars ever made. I have one for daily and makes me wanna go on a adventure everyday. Really surprised me when I tested off-road capability on all seasons as well the first time. With AT tires it’s amazing
@@EgwoDiabolakos dude I freaking wish. I’m still on the look out for one but I actually got a 2015 xterra pro4x. Definitely an off-road beast but part of me still thinks it would be more fun with the rd1. More of a challenge, more unique ya know
@@pimpinondemhos101 Never heard of the xterra, not popular in Greece where I am from I guess. I used to drive an X-trail 2004, very decent off road too. Just checked the xterra out, looks like a monster indeed. I am sure you will much enjoy it. Of course, challenge is awsome, the rd1 makes me proud everytime it steps somewhere only beasts go but it all comes down to enjoying trips with good company most importantly! Wish you safe roads and happy moments sir!
Only thing is i feel that tire selection in that tire size is lacking many offroad tread types,it's in the tire sizes from 32inches and up you see a big variety
@@UniversalStand that makes two of us. Its bulletproof, dailyable, and can do the light offroad/overlanding things. Im in love lol. If only it could tow my s2k to the track 😂
Tgis crv is perfect for rhe outdoor person doing small trails snd going cdlping fishing... If i wana giy aggressive i woukd use my 95 jeep Grand Cherokee rhat has more wirk done to hsbdle the bigger tougher terrain.
Get emergency traction boards and a shovel bring them if you go. Digging with sticks and using rocks instead is another way to get out, if you find yourself in this situation like i did in the forest (unplanned). And watch recovery videos so you can see how it is done. Most tires won't do well in mud. Though an AWD can do well with all seasons
first gen crv is the perfect car
Это верно, сам владею такой❤
It actually is. It's small, light, practical, spacious, tough, reliable and capable. If only it had a turbo. European models with diesel engines are actually perfect.
@@falconlips54741st gen with diesel engines ?
@@dimkarpinsky2850 oh yeah well 2nd gen is acceptable too although doesn't beat the rugged simplicity or look of the RD1 for me
The crv with awd goes way more places than it has right to because it doesn't weight much. I have a 2000. I bought it for my son's first car. He never liked it. He wanted a truck. He finally got a truck and I grabbed the crv because I knew a good thing when I saw it. His truck gets stuck in the sand and the crv floats over it, lol. It's had the usual crv gen 1 problems, ( oil leaks, door wiring harness etc. ),. You can lift it but if you plan for it to be 99 percent daily driver, don't bother unless it all about show. Leave it stock and put the next size up tire on it. It makes a huge difference in ride too. Bought mine from the 1st owner, an old lady in town that never took it on highway trips. Bad for the engine. It had a lot of back pressure due to carbon build-up.Two bottles of techron high mileage and it was like getting a new engine. Gas consumption went down too. Planning another trip into the big sur mountain range on the west coast next week. Dirt road climbing to 6000ft with grapefruit/watermellon sized river stones in places and drop-offs of a thousand feet or more. Done it many times and the crv is like a little tank. Then I cruise back home at 70 on the freeway in quiet air-conditioned comfort. Cheers.
Awesome. Im currently running all terrain stock size i found on my 2001. Curious what tire size you ran with stock suspension at big sur? And also, if you could pls point me in the right direction, i’d like to take my crv out by those grapefruit stones too
@@druf. Went up one size to a 215 70 r15. I believe stock was 205? Others may know. Also all terrain. If your struts are really shot and sagging real bad,..tires will be closer to the wells. Ours never hit or rub. Still enough room for daily driving and a bit off road. I'll never go back to stock size. Our stock suspension is needing a refresh and I'm already planning on getting the parts together this winter. I've read that the spring/strut combos already assembled that people can buy from places like amazon aren't so good. That they're cheap for a reason. Better to buy a good brand-name cartridge and keep original springs and have them rebuilt or do it yourself. I just drove mine today to go mountain biking and went off road to park it in a dirt area. It's totally fine but if I take it up into the mountains it'll be somewhat rough till new shocks. And carrying heavy loads in the back shows sagging. By the way, that's a common issue with the gen 1 as well - rear sag. New struts take care of the problem asap. Best of luck. The gen 1's are really special. Cheers. 👍
@@jimp.7286 thanks. Was thinking of going up to 205/75r15 if anything, bit more sidewall than 215/70r15. At least in my same gen honda civic, when i went with a wider 205/50r15, i felt the car’s steering would track more with road abnormalities, in a sense “steering more” for the driver as well as slower response during quick steering maneuvers so may stay away from increasing width with stock suspension set up. I’ve never messed with aftermarket suspension on my crv, but i say you can’t go wrong with oem suspension, pay more up front and you’re good for a while. Did full oem suspension refresh on mine, control arms, ball joints, shocks (went with Sachs; makes oem suspension parts for bmw i believe, but started making for honda too i think) etc. kept stock springs. Rides smooth and like new. Got to make sure the suspension pieces are good in these 4 wheel double wishbone setups. One big misconception i’ve noticed is the crv community saying the gen 1 has rear sag and try to lift and “even” out the rear. I think honda intentionally made it that way for whatever reason, such as safer handling mechanics because if you look at the crv manuals and info booklets with photos of it, they are also sagging in the rear. You can probably notice it in a Motorweek video too. But yes, these are amazing swiss army knife machines. Was thinking of grabbing a suzuki samurai for offroad ventures, to keep my daily crv in top shape, but after reading your comment i may up my tire size and try my luck. Did you manage to scrape or hit your underbody at big sur?
@@druf. The smaller tire will feel more like a sports car -- especially in steering. It's true. The 215 is meant to help float over things. More cushy. You'll loose the sports car feel. Can't have both. It's the same with my mountain bikes. Bigger wheels float over things but steering and nimbleness slows down. Decide you mission profile.
As for scraping - no. I once thought I felt rub while going up our hill here at home while simultaneously turning the wheel full one way. A rare driving situation trying to do a sharp u-turn on a hill. That's the only time I thought I heard and felt something. Other than that - never. Even with four adults. As for rear sag - maybe that's the design but put four adults in it and the headlights are out of adjustment. I don't see any need to lift unless you're into hard-core off-road. I'd never do that to my daily driver anyway. But fireroads? The crv is at home. As for the big sur mountains - look up china camp. That's where I went last time. Been going there for years - both two and four wheels. The crv, (while small), climbs the hills like a little luxury jeep. I just take my time going up. No hurries. Hope all works out well for you. Cheers again. 👍
I love my 97 crv... mines done with an overland build with a 2"lift and slightly larger all terrain tires as it is still my daily driver as well
high quality production! Keep it going :) Love the CRV! I drive a 05 Jimny. Very cute an capable.
One best cars ever made. I have one for daily and makes me wanna go on a adventure everyday. Really surprised me when I tested off-road capability on all seasons as well the first time. With AT tires it’s amazing
Always cool to watch some CRV offroading action. Dope vid!
Haha great video! may be picking up a 2000 rd1 this week!
Hey! Did you end up with one after all?
@@EgwoDiabolakos dude I freaking wish. I’m still on the look out for one but I actually got a 2015 xterra pro4x. Definitely an off-road beast but part of me still thinks it would be more fun with the rd1. More of a challenge, more unique ya know
@@pimpinondemhos101 Never heard of the xterra, not popular in Greece where I am from I guess. I used to drive an X-trail 2004, very decent off road too. Just checked the xterra out, looks like a monster indeed. I am sure you will much enjoy it. Of course, challenge is awsome, the rd1 makes me proud everytime it steps somewhere only beasts go but it all comes down to enjoying trips with good company most importantly! Wish you safe roads and happy moments sir!
Only thing is i feel that tire selection in that tire size is lacking many offroad tread types,it's in the tire sizes from 32inches and up you see a big variety
This video convinced me to get an RD1.
4:53 why not able to proceed with 3wheels on ground yet it is 4wd
Impressive, been using this here in north of Iceland. Pretty capable I should say.
I love crv first gen,and supper video ❤
thank you
Great video!! I also own an s2000 but I also wanted to get into a first gen crv for the Same reason!
Solid garage line up haha
great video bro!!! spot looks dope. gonna text you to find out where it's at in a bit haha
Sounds good!
@@zaahidrahman I seriously want one of these as a secondary. Thx for this vid.
@@UniversalStand that makes two of us. Its bulletproof, dailyable, and can do the light offroad/overlanding things. Im in love lol. If only it could tow my s2k to the track 😂
Really thinking of getting one just for a reliable daily for any weather. I daily my EJ1 atm
do ittttttt hahah. i highly considered one after we made this video. only thing that held me back was the space considering i have two kids
I just traded my 95 si hatchback for one lol
6:05 bro likes breathing pure oxygen, that must be fun :D
Tgis crv is perfect for rhe outdoor person doing small trails snd going cdlping fishing... If i wana giy aggressive i woukd use my 95 jeep Grand Cherokee rhat has more wirk done to hsbdle the bigger tougher terrain.
Looks fun! Where in NorCal is this?
@@JJ-tr8cu near modesto area. All i have are coordinates though 😂 38.05489, -120.3821
@zaahidrahman haha awesome! I might get some traction bars and a good set of tires and head out that way to test out my rd1. Keep the vids coming!
How lovely car. I'm looking to buy one down in aus now.
Bro, I'm in regional NSW, I've been driving mine 2000 CRV first gen, and I only have to say, what amazing and reliable car is, highly recommended
I'm buying a 2000 CRV next week, manual!
Love the video and CRV’s
@@Tonya474 thank you!
Love the vid!!!
Great video!
Blick Roads
I've on worse with toyo at 3s that thing will get you placese😢just don't go by yourself like me haha
I'm guessing my 2WD couldn't handle this lol
Hahah i wouldnt recommend it
Get emergency traction boards and a shovel bring them if you go. Digging with sticks and using rocks instead is another way to get out, if you find yourself in this situation like i did in the forest (unplanned). And watch recovery videos so you can see how it is done. Most tires won't do well in mud. Though an AWD can do well with all seasons