Title: Exploring the Early Compact Crossover SUVs: Junkyard Gems and Historical Significance
Introduction:
During my junkyard travels, I’ve received numerous suggestions from readers to document some of the early compact crossover SUVs. These vehicles, heavily influenced by trucks, played a significant role in pushing hatchbacks and small sedans out of showrooms. The historical significance of these “little truck-influenced machines” prompted me to embark on a journey to capture interesting examples of early Toyota RAV4s and Honda CR-Vs. In this article, we’ll delve into the story of a first-generation Honda CR-V found in a Northern California cemetery, showcasing its unique features, lasting endurance, and eventual demise.
The Remarkable Odometer Mileage:
One striking aspect of this particular CR-V is the remarkable final number displayed on its odometer. Unlike other Honda and Acura models of that time, which employed electronic odometers, the 1997-2001 CR-V still relied on an outdated mechanical unit. This mechanical unit, although outdated, allows for easy reading without powering up the car’s electronic control unit (ECU). To my astonishment, this was the sixth junk Honda I had discovered with over 400,000 miles on its odometer. Joining the league of resilient vehicles were a 1983 Accord, two 1988 Accords, a 1991 Accord, and a 1996 Civic. It’s worth noting that Honda only started using six-digit odometers in the US market from 1981 onwards.
Overview of the First-generation CR-V:
The first-generation CR-V was available in the US market from 1997 to 2001. Its chassis was derived from the sixth generation Civic, making it essentially a taller, SUV version of the popular sedan. The particular CR-V I found belonged to the entry-level 2WD LX model, equipped with front-wheel drive. This model aimed to fill the gap left by the Civic Wagovans of the 1980s. Priced at $18,750 during its release, which would amount to around $32,321 in 2023 dollars, it offered buyers a versatile and practical compact SUV option.
Enduring Interior and Engine Performance:
As is often the case with extremely high mileage vehicles found in junkyards, the interior of this CR-V remained in remarkably good condition. Testament to Honda’s renowned build quality and durability. Under the hood, the CR-V was powered by a B20 DOHC inline-four engine, boasting 146 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, speed enthusiasts often sought these motors as an inexpensive power upgrade for their Civic models. However, one look at the daunting mileage displayed on the odometer would deter most prospective buyers in a junkyard scenario.
Transmission Options and Unique Features:
The 2001 CR-V 2WD LX, similar to the one I discovered, came standard with an automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 4WD LX and 4WD EX trim levels were equipped with a more engaging five-speed manual transmission, with the automatic transmission available as an $800 add-on. The top-tier 4WD SE variant was fitted with an automatic transmission as standard. One notable feature of early CR-Vs was the cargo area cover that could be transformed into a picnic table, demonstrating Honda’s commitment to blending practicality and innovation.
The Sad Fate of a Once Reliable Companion:
Through my investigation, I discovered that this CR-V met its unfortunate end due to a breakdown on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was subsequently towed away by the Bay Area Highway Service Patrol and ended up in a junkyard. After 22 years of reliable, high mileage service, it is probable that the engine or transmission eventually failed, leaving the owner with the tough decision of whether to invest in costly repairs. Unfortunately, the car’s final resting place became the harsh reality of its fate.
Additional Piece: Exploring the Impact of Compact Crossover SUVs on the Automotive Industry
Compact crossover SUVs have had a profound impact on the automotive industry, reshaping the preferences and demands of consumers. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of these vehicles and their role in shaping the industry:
1. Evolution of Compact Crossover SUVs:
– Discuss the emergence and evolution of compact crossover SUVs, tracing their origins to the wagon-like designs of the 1980s (e.g., Honda Civic Wagovan).
– Highlight the shift in consumer preference towards more spacious and versatile vehicles, leading to the creation of compact SUVs designed for urban environments.
2. Market Disruption and the Decline of Hatchbacks and Small Sedans:
– Examine how the popularity of compact crossover SUVs influenced the decline in hatchbacks and small sedans, reshaping dealership inventories and consumer choices.
– Analyze the factors that compelled manufacturers to prioritize compact SUV production over other vehicle types.
3. Versatility Meets Efficiency:
– Discuss the appeal of compact crossover SUVs, which offer a balance between passenger comfort, cargo space, and fuel efficiency.
– Provide examples of innovative features and technological advancements that enhance versatility, including foldable rear seats, hands-free liftgates, and hybrid powertrain options.
4. Safety and Performance:
– Explore the safety advancements made in compact crossover SUVs, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and improved handling capabilities.
– Discuss the performance upgrades that make these vehicles suitable for various terrains, including all-wheel drive options and rugged styling cues.
Conclusion:
Compact crossover SUVs have undeniably left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, offering consumers a practical, versatile, and efficient vehicle option. Their historical significance is evident in their ability to dominate showrooms and reshape consumer preferences. As we look ahead, it is inevitable that the evolution of compact crossover SUVs will continue, influenced by technological advancements and changing market demands.
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Several readers have suggested that I document some of the early compact crossover SUVs during my junkyard travels, noting that these little truck-influenced machines squeezed most hatchbacks and small sedans out of showrooms and are therefore historically significant. Junkyard gems are all about automotive history, of course, so I set out to photograph some interesting examples of early Toyota RAV4s and Honda CR-Vs in their final parking spots (a First generation Ford Escape appeared in this series a few years ago). This is a first generation CR-V with a awesome final number showing on its odometer, recently found in a Northern California cemetery.
Most other US market Honda and Acura models had used electronic odometers when this car was built, but the 1997-2001 CR-V has an outdated mechanical unit that can be read without powering up car ecu. This is the sixth junk Honda I’ve found that has put over 400,000 miles in its lifetime, joining a list that includes a 1983 agreement, a 1988 deal, another 1988 Agreement, a 1991 deal and a 1996 civic. I probably passed by many more cars like thisbut Honda only started using six-digit odometers here in 1981.
The first generation CR-V it was sold here for model years 1997 to 2001, and its chassis was derived from that of the sixth generation Civic. This is an entry-level 2WD LX, with front-wheel drive.
It’s a tall Civic at heart, the successor to the the Civic Wagovans of the 1980s. The list price was $18,750, or about $32,321 in 2023 dollars.
As is the case with most extremely high mileage vehicles I find in car graveyards, the interior on this one looks pretty good.
Under the hood, a B20 DOHC inline-four engine rated at 146 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. Speed-crazed Civic owners often take these motors for an inexpensive power upgrade, though most junk buyers would think twice about buying this one after one glance at the odometer.
An automatic transmission was standard equipment on 2001 CR-V 2WD LX, while the 4WD LX and 4WD EX trim levels got a five-speed manual transmission (the automatic was an extra $800 for those two, about $1,379 today). The top-tier 4WD SE got a slush box at no extra cost.
A clever feature of early CR-Vs was this cargo area cover. that was unfolded on a picnic table. Someone had bought today’s Junkyard Gem when I arrived, but I already have one that I grabbed from another junked CR-V.
Why did it end up in a place like this, after 22 years of reliable, high mileage service? It appears that it broke down on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area and was towed away by the Bay Area Highway Service Patrol. Perhaps the engine or transmission finally failed after the equivalent of 16+ trips around Earth’s equator and the owner was unable or unwilling to pay for the repairs.
Just the car you need for Mars. JDM ads for early CR-Vs featured music copyrighted by Billy Joel or Elton John and therefore cannot be embedded here.
https://www.autoblog.com/2023/06/17/junkyard-gem-2001-honda-crv-with-400k-miles/
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