A number of readers have instructed that I doc some early compact crossover SUVs throughout my junkyard travels, making the purpose that these little truck-influenced machines went on to squeeze most small hatchbacks and sedans out of the showrooms and are thus traditionally important. Junkyard Gems are all about automotive historical past, in fact, so I got down to shoot some fascinating examples of the early Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V of their last parking spots (a first-gen Ford Escape appeared on this collection a number of years again). This is a first-gen CR-V with a powerful last quantity exhibiting on its odometer, present in a Northern California boneyard just lately.
Most different U.S.-market Honda and Acura fashions had gone to digital odometers by the point this automotive was constructed, however the 1997-2001 CR-V has an old school mechanical unit that may be learn with out powering up the automotive’s ECU. That is the sixth discarded Honda I’ve discovered that traveled higher than 400,000 miles throughout its life, becoming a member of an inventory that features a 1983 Accord, a 1988 Accord, one other 1988 Accord, a 1991 Accord and a 1996 Civic. I’ve in all probability walked proper by many extra such automobiles, however Honda solely began utilizing six-digit odometers right here in 1981.
The primary-generation CR-V was offered right here for the 1997 by 2001 mannequin years, and its chassis was derived from that of the sixth-generation Civic. This one is an entry-level 2WD LX, with front-wheel drive.
It is a tall Civic at coronary heart, the successor to the Civic Wagovans of the Eighties. The record value was $18,750, or about $32,321 in 2023 {dollars}.
As is the case with most extreme-high-mile automobiles I discover in automotive graveyards, the inside on this one seems to be fairly good.
Beneath the hood, a B20 DOHC straight-four engine rated at 146 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. Velocity-crazed Civic house owners usually seize these engines for an inexpensive energy improve, although most junkyard customers would suppose twice about shopping for this one after a look on the odometer.
An automated transmission was normal gear within the 2001 CR-V 2WD LX, whereas the 4WD LX and 4WD EX trim ranges bought a five-speed handbook (the automated was an additional $800 for these two, about $1,379 right this moment). The highest-grade 4WD SE bought a slushbox at no additional price.
A intelligent characteristic of the early CR-V was this cargo-area cowl that unfolded right into a picnic desk. Somebody had purchased the one out of right this moment’s Junkyard Gem by the point I arrived, however I already personal one which I grabbed from one other junked CR-V.
Why did it find yourself in a spot like this, after 22 dependable high-mile years of service? It seems that it broke down on a San Francisco Bay Space freeway and was towed off by the Bay Space Freeway Service Patrol. Maybe the engine or transmission lastly gave up after the equal of greater than 16 journeys across the Earth’s equator and the proprietor could not or would not pay for repairs.
Simply the automotive you want for Mars. The JDM advertisements for the early CR-V featured copyrighted music by Billy Joel or Elton John and thus cannot be embedded right here.
