Used 1998 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
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Sweet 1998 Honda CR-V at home in small town.
I bought this vehicle sight unseen after reading carfax's, user reviews, user problems, etc. I had to drive to Chicago to pick it up which was horrible experience after almost getting hit twice due to others speeding. The ABS brake light was on and the salesman at the dealership said it was because the brakes had been changed and the code not reset. Not a problem, right? The car was really clean inside and out - no accidents. My brother drives it home for me while I lead with no problems. The next day when I get up to go to work, the engine light, the brake light, and the ABS brake light are all on. The tailgate handle is seized up. I decide to take it to our local Honda dealership service department. The ABS light is on because the rear wheels need new sensors - $500. The engine light because it needs a new distributor cap. Oil was leaking because it needed a new cam bolt. The red brake light I think because it was below zero. I pulled the parking brake all the way up and put it back down and it went out. When they said it was finished I made arrangements to pick it up after hours and the engine light was flashing still. I called them, got it back in, and 3 cylinders were tight. They also unseized the tailgate handle and got it to latch. The tailgate handle is a $185 repair through them. This summer I believe thanks to u-tube my brother and I can replace this ourselves. Also, the horn is not working and neither is the interior clock. All in all, I put in an additional $1010. I love how the vehicle drives. It has its squeaks and such, but for a 17 yr old Chicago SUV that has moved to a small town - it is a dream. I was surprised about my first gas mileage check of 25 mpg. I thought that was pretty good. Oh, the speakers are great! I purchased the car for $3000 and put a little over $3000 into mostly because of labor. I drove it down to Florida this summer 2017 and I heard some noises when turning and such that I decided to trade it in if I found something. I loved the design of 1998, but I moved up to a 2006 one owner CRV LX with only 72,400 miles on it. So far it has much more power.
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Purchased new 17 years ago
This is one of the best built vehicles offered from Honda, the motor and durability of the interior are exceptional. We also own a 2009 CR-V since new, but I can't give it the same level of support... the cloth interior on the 2009 rips and stains easily, but the 1998 interior looks nearly new after using the car as a daily driver for 17 years. The B20 motor is one of the most durable and reliable engines on the market, ask any experienced Honda service rep. We have no rust on the vehicle and its been all over the world as part of a military family. Around 200,000 miles we had to replace (or had replaced) suspension bushings, the radiator, a few timing belts, brakes and the muffler. However, for about 250,000 miles of service and counting its a great car. Its visibility is exceptional and all controls are extremely obvious, The entire car is durable and while road noise is higher than the newer CRV, we've never had electronic issues like the newer vehicles and the 98 CRV is very comfortable to drive.
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- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,550314 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995381 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,9501,169 mi away
Daily driver
I purchased my CRV used with 111,000 miles and have driven it daily for about 5 years. Super reliable vehicle that has ample interior room and surprisingly large cargo area. It runs good, handles good, does excellent in the snow (I live on a hill in the country and have never been stuck or had to walk once), and gets superb gas mileage compared to other SUVs. My commute is only about 10 miles one way to work, and even with several long trips including one to Florida I have only logged 25,000 miles so far. Not impressive by any means but this car has needed zero work done on it, other than oil changes. In the past I have had many American cars driven the same need lots of work.
282,000 Miles
I purchased this vehicle 8 years ago with 79,000 miles. I have averaged well over 25k miles per year and have NOT had any major issues. Original engine and transmission. Original A/C compressor blows cold. I have yet to replace the original muffler. I have serviced this vehicle per Honda's specifications with the exception of oil changes. I change oil & filter every 7500 miles.I have never got this kind of reliability & performance in 40 years of owning and driving American built cars. Gas mileage:21-23 city, 25-26 hwy. This vehicle refuses to quit. This is the best vehicle I have EVER owned! I will, without hesitation, purchase another Honda CR-V!
Best 1st/any car
This was my 1st car. 182,000 miles and it drove like a dream. I loved the way the truck drove and how it felt just sitting in it. My CR-V had a great smell, possibly of victory since it's an amazing car. I got a new car and sold it (Mistake). I don't get the same feeling with my Xb. This will always be my favorite car. If I could find one around my house that had decent miles, I'd be all over it. I plead for potential CR-V owners to purchase this truck. Join the family!
1998 CR-V AWSOME RIDE
Just bought a used 1998 CR V with just a little over 100,000 miles., so far great vehicle with great gas mileage averaging 25 and 28 on the freeway, not sure how they list it as 19 and 23, its so much better then that. Great to get around in the city and everday driving, with lots of space and comfort. For long trips I would prefer my F150 Lariat, but to save money on gas I'll use my CR V. As far as power its great for a 4cyl, and handles good, can't expect the power of a big vehicle in a little SUV, but its better then I expected., going up grades.
We don’t deserve these perfect little SUV’s
These were intended for the Japanese market only and we are lucky to have them. For that reason they were really not intended for American highways, they feel pushed going 75-80mph but around town and off road they’re perfect! It’s a 90’s parts bin car from Honda, little boxes on civic platforms (ek) with Integra engines (B20) it’s perfect! Honda’s build quality in the 90’s was unmatched. All materials have held up extremely well, no cracked dash or broken interior bits. Honda did things right back then, the solid shift linkage feels so perfect even after going in and out of gear over a million times (others used cables that stretch over time *ahem Toyota) this is 90’s Honda build quality at its peak, using the best platform and drivetrain Honda had at the time. You’d be lucky to find an AWD 5 speed that the owner was willing to part with. Highly recommended. These are incredible little SUVs
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I'll buy another if this one ever dies
Purchased new in July 1998. It's not the most luxurious vehicle on the road, but this is far and away the most reliable. 10+ years and 242000 miles later I am still happy with this purchase. It is just now starting to have surface rust, but mechanically it is great. The air conditioner still works as well today as it did ten years ago. It still has the original clutch! I just can't justify getting rid of a vehicle that runs this well.
LOVE MY CRV-GETTING ANOTHER
I bought this vehicle bcuz I had a 2 door Civic and I wanted something a little bigger since I was having a baby. This car has NEVER let me down. I think the interior quality is awesome-I haven't been the cleanest person in my car (have horses and dogs) and all I have to do is vacuum it and it looks great. Shampoo it once in a great while and looks brand new. Never had any mechanical issues w/exception of drive shaft and motor for window needed to be replaced. And it is a lil rusty cuz I live in snowy central NY. Other than normal wear and tear, it has worked out great for me. Excellent in snow!!! Love this vehicle and will be sad to see it go when I get a new one: (
374,000 miles and still going
My 1998 Honda CR-V has 374,000 miles, original engine and transmission, and is still going. It has never failed to start, and never stalled. The miles are primarily commuter miles, but I owned and drove it for 18 years. It started to rust a few years back, and I am sorry to see it looking shabby because this car will get there. Update: ...and it is STILL going, but after 22 years, it has rust. Update 2020.....it still runs, still starts right up, but is not driven anymore. Update 2022: my still running 1998 CR-V was sold for scrap due to rust. The original engine never stopped running beautifully. I will never have a better running car. RIP!
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Good Value - Severe Weather Ready
I got the CR-V when a deer killed my 1995 Nissan 4x4. I got a good deal on it and have owned a Honda Civic in the past so I bought it mostly on AWD capability and the Honda name. It was a great little commuter car - I drove 45 miles a day (one way) to school and work. I got about 22 MPG overall. The all weather capability of this vehicle is excellent - deep snow, light snow, rain - all good. I had 205/75R15 Uniroyal Laredo tires that I had put on it since I live in the sticks and drive gravel roads. Ride was a bit rough and loud but the traction was very good. I would recommend this brand and model to anyone - Just replaced it with a 2006 Honda Ridgeline.
This car never let me down.
I will be laying this car to rest soon. Trying to find something I can afford with the same reliability, functionality, and visibility. This car only died twice in traffic, and both were not due to car itself, so to speak. The first was when a defective replacement starter burned up, and the second was when an old radiator hose that ought to have been replaced but wasn't, because no one who worked on the car bothered to let me know about it. burst. Parts wore out long after their expected life. The car has reached the point where the repairs to it's exterior (front exhaust pipe, ABS sensor on one wheel, ball joint, control arm for one ball joint, struts) will cost about $1500 to repair. Add a shattered back window, and it doesn't make sense to fix it anymore. This car has 220,248 miles on it, and the engine still runs beautifully. This car was a basic AWD cargo box on wheels without luxurious amenities, but it has a been a reliable friend. I love the visibility it provides for a short person by it's high position relative to other traffic and large windows.
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98 CRV
I bought this car new in 1998 and it remained our most driven family vehicle, and now the one my teenage daughter prefers to drive also. After 153,000 miles it still runs excellent, very light and car-like in handling. With the timing belt/water pump replacement I had the spark plugs replaced and idle reset... it runs like new and still gets 27-29 on the highway and mid-20's in normal commuting. No noticeable wear marks on the interior and no paint issues on this car. I've owned many luxury cars over the years, but this CRV has been by far the best value in any vehicle owned and the only one I've never wanted to part with. It is a superb value.
Good little used car, glad I found it
This is a nice car the money. Purchased it used and the very next day drove it to Smokey Mountains in TN. It is a 4 cyl but it held its own on the highway. Paid cash and enjoy carefree ownership. No sputtering, no slow start-ups even in the unusually cold winter, no trouble in the snow. Very good value. Nice for going to Sam's, easy to load. Will be getting tinted this week, plan to keep this car for a while.
Still Kicking after 175,000 Miles!
My Honda has been reliable since day 1. Starts every time. Great AWD performance. Very comfy, lower to ground for short people like me. Keep w maintenance schedule and you should have no problems. I have some underbelly rust on exhaust system after 10 years, but I live ON the L.I. Sound, literally. Salt water daily on or near car. Can't be helped. Car is old but excellent performance still. Radiator went at 170K.
10 Years and Still Lovin' It!
The perfect small family SUV! I bought mine new over 10 years ago and as of today it just went over 218,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance I have had no trouble at all with this vehicle. Great ground clearance has allowed me to do some light off- roading with it. As mine is only FWD I was apprehensive about moving to Upstate New York with it, but it handled the deep snows up there in admiral fashion using just regular all season tires. Even though I am thinking of getting a newer Honda (Pilot) I am not getting rid of my CR-V. This is the first vehicle that I have owned for more than 3 years and given it's outstanding reliability I plan to keep it for another 10 years.
1998 Honda CR-V
The reliability in this truck is incredible. I bought mine with 144000 miles and now have 229000 and it is still tight. The guy who just did my timimg belt couldn't believe the shape the engine is in. It is what is designed to be - fuel efficient, 4wd, roomy and functional.
Hard to Beat
My wife chose this car for her, but I have grown to love it. I told her we HAD to get the 5 spd., as it's a little underpowered for my taste. It makes all the difference in the world, I am sure. I've had three Hondas and they have all been wonderful in ownership. I read a Honda review 20+ years ago and the magazine said that Hondas don't do any one thing exceptionally, but they all things well. I would have to totally agree. This car has never been stuck in the snow, and I have tried. Two feet of snow will get anything stuck, but with a little bit of smart maneuvering, this will go through a fair amount of snow. It gets decent mileage, even with my heavy foot. We bought ours Certified. Nice!
Great car
I have had my car since new. Now, with more than 95,000 miles, it is still an awesome car! I enjoy driving it and am so blessed by the reliability of it. I've always done my routine maintenance suggested by Honda and have only had a couple of things outside of that done. Good ride but not exceptional comfort. A little too much roadnoise if given a perfect situation. But, still one of the best on the market! The only thing I would like to see changed is the corner posts of the car. They are rather large and get in the way of driving with full view on curvy roads. Oh well, I just lean a little and voila!
Used a s a zombie machine
BUY this car at all cost!, this car lasted me 423,813 MILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and thats why newer cars will never get up thos ekind of miles. I never ever not once had ANY problems with this car, I put so much upgrade in lights, and aftermarket parts into this car and never caused any problems, as long as you just do reg. maintenance, this is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Engines for thsese things are less then 600 on ebay with warranty, and thats the life of the car!
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First car! (170,000 Miles)
I bought this as my first car about 8 months ago and although it is not much to look at, it is pretty reliable. I have had to fix lots of little things which is really annoying, but I guess you can expect that from any used car really. The most i've spent is a few hundred on some sensor or another. As far as appearance, like i said, not so great, and it's kind of clunky. If you have to go 50 up a steep hill, except to go wheezing up it and end up going 40. This is a stubborn car. I would recommend this to a GUY for a first car, but for girls. No. I kind of regret buying mine. The cons outweigh the pros.
Lemon?
We got this car in 2008 and were the second owners only. It looked in amazing shape with only 100 000km. However, aside from the amazing craftsmanship, the thing would break every 2 to 3 months for the last 4 years. It was always something, and it often ended costing close to $1000 every time. And every time, I thought "this is probably the last time", but no. So finally, we had to scrap this money pit. Not many people complain about this car, but I guess we had a lemon, or at least, it became one in our hands.
Great Used Car!
Bought this car when it was new. It's worst feature is the engine is underpowered and it automatically locks into a lower gear when uphill. This can kick in on the highway at 65 mph and the engine just starts revving. With that said, this has been a great car for my family. It never got stuck in the snow and ice. It has great visibility from the windows. It has been very reliable and has never let me down. It gets about 19 mph city driving and about 27 mph highway. It has long suspension that really smooths out the road bumps. I would recommend it.
Love MY CRV
This Little RV has never let me down. It now has 180,000 miles and still gets 25 MPG. Maintenance costs have been below expectations. Carpets and upholstery are all intact and easy to clean. The body and paint are still all fine. While this in no race car, it's a good daily commuter and carries all the fun stuff that on weekends. My kids find the back seat comfortable. I find the front seats comfortable for trips up to about an hour. Road noise from the rear wheels would be my only complaint.
Great Car
I bought this car about two years ago used with 80,000 and change on it. It has AWD, and is a manual. I have had other hondas in the past and this is the same as the three prior ones I have had. It never gives me any problems, smooth running, good mileage, lots of room inside. I can take four people skiing for the weekend in comfort. More back seat leg room then just about any SUV on the road. Handles like a car, I drive it in Manhattan a few times a week and do not get the extra charge that most SUVs get at the parking garages. I have even taken it for light off roading going to cabins in upstate NY and in Mass. I can not say enough about how nice of a car this is.
1998 Honda CRV
THIS IS A DRIVERS CAR, Independent 4 wheel suspension. 4 wheel drive go anywhere. Easy to park and superb views.
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good reliable car
We have this CRV and for the most part we like it. Very reliable, haven' had anything wrong with it at all. But it is a Honda after all...
8 Years Old & Going Strong!
I bought my CRV new just over 8 years ago and this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. At 116,000 miles I still have not had to replace a single light bulb in the car. The Reliability and Quality have far exceeded my expectations! To date, I have not spent a dime on any unexpected service related items. It hauls my family of 4 nicely and provides plently of cargo room when needed. Keep up the good work Honda!
Would have never bought a non American car in my l
My name is ROBERT, as my headline says I would’ve never bought Anything but American made cars I did this for my wife And I am pleased to say this car or small SUV/utility vehicle made by Honda was outstanding yes 321,223 miles on it it has a 2.0 in line four-cylinder automatic transmission all wheel drive all the time and it’s still good on gas I I have taken this vehicle where the Polaris off road vehicles cannot go I have driven this 98 CRV almost straight up out of a water canal for the storm drains which I watched Toyota forerunner four-wheel-drives made my Chevy Ford Nissan Chrysler Tried to go up and cannot make it I started at the bass and I Climbed right up and out and left everyone else in my dust. The only vehicle I would compare the two would be my 1970 full-size four-wheel-drive bronco lifted lifted 18 inches . This is one hell of a vehicle finally after years and only a year and a half with me which I’ve put About 25,000 miles on it but I put it through the hell end it has kept going my problem now I’m broke down Only because my CV axle passenger side broke on me when I was doing approximately 60 miles an hour through very rough terrain Santa Ana River brewing where is Hank Californi only because my CV axle passenger side broke on me when I was doing approximately 60 miles an hour through very rough terrain Santa Ana River bottom in Riverside California. I also this should surprise everybody including the manufacturer I spun my driveshaft and when I mean by that is that my driveshaft looks like a candycane that’s how much I twisted it and it still going . You talk about a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything I mean I’ve pulled out 1 ton crew cab Chevy diesel’s and fit’s trucks SUVs cars out of the out of the very things I put this car through . The only thing that I would change is only give it a better transmission stronger and maybe a little tougher a little bigger drive train. I would definitely buy another one but I would pick this car for a small family that wanted to do whatever they wanted to do because this is a vehicle that would do it thank you Honda you made it congratulations ROBERT and Jennifer
review
great reliable, good on gas, needs more power, not very much pick up.. brakes could be better
Buy it
This is a perfect vechicle for small loads, lots of mileage, and dependibility. Rides like a car; great around town and Ok on highway. Not an off road vehicle.
gotta love a honda
My CRV is a stick shift so i have very few problems with power... i have had it a year and will have to sell it in december due to moving to san fran and i hate to let it go!!! it is my first car that i absolutely love!!!
Very Reliable
I am very happy with this vehicle. It is my first Honda and my first SUV after having a very sporty car. It is extremely reliable. I've only had to change the oil regularly and replaced the tires and brakes once in the 3 years I've had it. My SUV has manual transmission which is still reliable after 60,000 miles so far...
CRV Review
My CRV has been a very reliable, usable vehicle. My only complaint would be the dealer service. I have found it to be much more economical to get it serviced by a reliable mechanic. He is not as inclined to replace parts that are in good condition.
Love My Honda
I've had this car for a few years now. Bought it used at the Honda dealership. It runs like a charm with over 100k miles on it and is standing up to normal wear and tear of the interior. It doesn't have as much power as a car with a bigger engine would but I'm not driving up any mountains so that's okay. I'd rather save on gas anyway. Interior design is nice with four cup holders up front and lots of storage space. There's a center console and a hidden drawer under the passenger seat where I can store napkins, maps, etc. Silver was a good choice because it's holding up nicely in the California sun, no fading or anything. When I buy a new car I'll likely buy the newest CR-V.
Do This , Be Happy
Just a few words to the wise.Change the transmission fluid every 30,0000 miles or so being it's cheap because there is no filter. I waited and transmission started acting up after 60,000 miles. Also be sure to check cabin filter. After 7 years it was terrible. It is located behind the glove box. This is a VG vehicle and I recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable used car. Fun to drive and like a cat in snow. Go Honda !
Hondas are super-reliable!
Excellent handling and comfort. I wish the interior were quieter at highway speeds (mostly wind noise from side mirrors and roof-rack, some engine noise). Next model year (1999) has 20 more horsepower than 1998, so mine's not as peppy as it could be. 20-24mpg seems low - even for an SUV. Much more passenger 'elbow-room' and leg-room than Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback. In general, a quality, fun, roomy vehicle.
Great Vehicle
I've had my CR-V for almost 4 years now and other than oil changes, 2 tune ups and a set of tires, never had a problem with it. It could use a bigger engine, especially the 126 hp '97 & '98s, but it's still a great car. It's got honda's reliablity, comfort, build quality and everything else that makes honda a great vehicle manufacturer, and a great buy. With the newer model, a great honda vehicle continues.
Disappointed...
Buying a Honda, we thought we were getting a reliable vehicle, but we couldn't have been more disapponited. We've had many quality issues that are un-Honda-like, 1) transmission was just replaced, 2) rear suspension replaced, 3) steering rack replaced, 4) other minor annoyances like rear wiper NEVER really gets the rain off, the vehicle is noisy at highway speeds, the driver seat doesn't go very far back, the steering wheel is at an awkward angle to the driver, the engine is underpowered, the center console is useless, the cup holders are a joke, and don't get me started on the stupid radio-code needed for the stereo (we bought used so we never had this 'code') & now we can't use the radio
Great little SUV
Biggest factor was the lack of power and the "dreaded" overdrive kick in to go over the smallest of hills. Even worst with a load. But with some modifications all is well. Replaced intake with performance tube, performance wires and plugs, added with a Tuner muffler, we have good power and sound. I would have to go after performance chips for engine and gas flow next followed by header with better piping.
it keeps going, with TLC
i just kept changing the oil and regular maintenance. overall i'd say i got my money's worth
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Piece of garbage!
We bought our CRV in 2004 and we absolutely hate it! We can't wait to get rid of it. It revs up really high when trying to speed up, so it sounds like you are going fast, but you are hardly moving. The cruise control can differ like 10 mph than what you set it at. It has a hard time going up hills and revs up really high. Good luck trying to pass anyone. The stereo sounds horrible. The paint is cheap as well as the carpet. We think there is a slight oil problem because of a little smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Electrical is so messed up! Alot of things don't work properly. Very uncomfortable, especially for long trips. I don't see why people recommend Honda's! They are cheap junk.
Buyer Beware.
I bought my CR-V for a couple reasons. Honda's name and reliability, and because I wanted an SUV with decent gas mileage. Well I had my CR-V for 3 years before the Transmission started to show problems. I spent more on maintainence than any other car I have owned. I was very dissapointed when the transmission started having trouble litterally miles after the warranty ran out. Seems to me that if Honda has such a "reliable" vehicle they would offer a better warranty. I will buy American from now on...at least when they break I can afford to fix them or find the parts to fix them myself.
My favorite car
best suv for reliability, affordable and fuel efficient
Nearly Flawless
The only unexpected incident, a whining noise from the rear diff when doing a u-turn, was fixed by changing the oil in the rear diff. Mileage on this 5-spd has been better than expected. City has averaged 26mpg. Hwy mileage is another story, it really fluctuates with speed, as low as 22mpg driving a steady 85mph across Montana, to a high of 31mpg driving 50-55mph along the Oregon coast. Typical 65-70mph cruising yields 28mpg. Off-road ability isn't bad, but lack of ground clearance and any low-range gearing really limits your options. Replacing the stock tires was the biggest help off-road. Can't be beat in the snow & ice.
Versatile vehicle
I have been very satisfied with my CRV. I love the size of the door openings and don't need to bend my head for entry. It feels as though you can walk into the car for seating. Gives you a great view of the road and seats give good back support. Back seat passengers are very comfortable. Great when roads are slippery. Use the fold down seat option often. I am having trouble deciding rather to buy out my lease. or if I should new CRV.
Long Haul Reliability
Loved my Honda when I bought it & continue to enjoy it. Currently has 70k + miles & is strong! Traveled for 2 years throughout the SE on business which placed lots of miles on CR-V. Haven't had one trouble with my car as of yet! Feel comfortable taking it on all my long trips esp. in stormy weather. Yet, it has lots of room for family, kids & pets. My 6'2" father sits comfortably in the back seat too. And, who couldn't love the convenience of a sturdy card table in the back! Definately a car a woman can appreciate!
My Honda CRV Experience
This has been a good car for camping and skiing trips. I have had no problems with it. The only draw back would be, as with all SUVs, the gas mileage which averages about 21mpg.
CR-V is a top car
I bought my CR-V less than a year ago, have put over 13,000 miles on it, and have had no problems at all. It has been terrific in bad weather, and the real time 4WD is great for fuel economy, since it is 2WD unless it needs the 4WD. I would recommend to anyone, no matter why they are getting a car.
Reliable CRV
I've owned my CRV for over 4 years and have not had a sinlge problem. It runs and drives great. The only problem I've had is I ran over a nail and had to get it plugged. Other than that no problems.