In my country, this is the official car of "suburban family that used to be upper middle class but can barely afford the inflated fuel and repair costs in 2024"
@@pootispiker2866 nah dude thats basically all the world, my parents barely touches its toyota kijang because of fuel prices and that thing was just 2 liter engine.
An uninteresting car is the right car for 90% of the population. A car that is affordable to buy, drive and keep while still being decently comfortable and safe is exactly what most people are after.
This. I get my kicks, daily motorcycle commutes for 30 years, decades of spirited adrenaline. My need for speed is more than satisfied so I have no yearning for it in a car. My first car was the family Dodge Dart (the original one, with the Slant Six) and what I want in a car is what I got with that and what you get with the CRV; the most useful, reliable vehicle that money could possibly buy. I have a 2010 Fit with 190K miles- needs only wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, oil changes. I finally replaced the spark pugs, serpentine belt, and transmission fluid for the first time- last year, at 180,000 miles! If I wanted a larger car, I'd buy this 2014 CRV in a heartbeat, and be happy, yea even excited about it, and I'm not prissy enough to car about what it does or does not "project".
What do I need the family car to do? - Move 4 people and a dog in comfort - Occasionally carry a van-load of stuff - Be reliable What don't I need? - Amazing handling or performance : The components are more expensive, the fuel is more expensive, and the traffic is too bad to enjoy it anyway - Unreliability Yep, it's the automotive equivalent of a fridge. It does the job in a deeply boring and predictable way. If I want excitement, I use my motorcycle.
I just bought a 2014 CR-V today, and this describes me to a T. I just want beautiful, boring, comfortable simplicity. My bike handles my fun duties these days.
My mom has the '13 model and this thing is the definition of a utility vehicle. Plenty of storage to take me up to college with all my belongings, and it has some underrated towing capacity. Up until I got my pickup we would haul two motorcycles to Birmingham every year, granted it does struggle on hills a bit. That CR-V has been all over the South, from Houston to Nashville, and even though there's no thrills with it, it takes you where you need to go, no question. Love you, Mom.
I own this car. I fucking love it. Never gives me problems. Enough space for it to be useful and it’s comfortable. It has the utility of a truck in the back and car styling and feel in the front. This is the car for anyone who doesn’t need a car to fuel their ego. If anyone asked me to suggest a car to them I’d glowingly recommend the CRV to them.
Having driven one a few times, the big things I don't like about it are that a passenger can't pair a phone to the audio system while the car is moving, the audio system sounds like hot garbage, and finally the throttle takes like 2 seconds to react to you pressing the pedal, it's ridiculous. Back when the car had a regular automatic this was much less of a problem, the change to a CVT really ruined the feel.
@@CockatooDude I drive the 2014 before the switch to CVT. If I were a nut about audio, I’d probably go aftermarket. I don’t have issues pairing different phones while the car is moving. Sounds like 2014 might be the year to get. When I was searching for my CRV, the 2014 had the least amount of issues on the old NHTSA website.
What a beautiful review and really struck a chord with me. I have this car and next year she will be 10 years old. Never had a single fault, just fuel oil and tires. You are right - I bought it to have unevenful and comfortable motoring, when I had too many other events going, and it has done just that. This is a car equivalent of having a wife who heals your childhood traumas. It's even nice from behind, kind of like a Volvo SUV. This car just hugs its occupants and takes care of my family. Even in moderately deep snow, it has always gotten us home. It always gets us to, and most importantly, away from the adventure. This a car that cares about you and was designed by someone who cares. This video made me feel grateful. You captured the essence here
That is not a 2014 Model with a 5-speed Auto trans. That is a 2015/6 with a CVT & Direct Injection (Bright 'longhorn' Molding below rear window, different grille, different engine cover with Earthdreams label)
You really expect these automotive journalist to know what the fuck they’re talking about? It’s not what they’re saying, it’s how they’re saying it that matters.
Came here to say the same thing. I specifically bought a 2014 for my kid to drive for this exact reason (no DI and no CVT). That’s a 2015 unless they swapped bumpers and lights (doubt it)
I know a guy who is a senior ED (emergency department) consultant at my local hospital. Probably earns upwards of £100k/$130k a year. Drives one of these from 2006 with 130k miles on it. Truly a car for anyone.
When my dad needed a new car a few years ago he bought a 2016 crv because he found one that was too good a deal to pass up. The compass and the electric trunk latch broke every time he got them fixed but other than that you’d never have to think about the car because it always just gets you from a to b with no drama. I don’t know if the crv is ever the right car for anyone but it’s never the wrong car either
My dad's favorite car was the first gen CR-V. Perfect and practical SUV that is great for hiking. The trunk lid was a foldable table which is perfect for having a picnic in the woods. My dad even imported 2 of those to Russia, he has owned one for almost 10 years. The flat floor was great and had a lot of cargo space. He went on fishing trips to the woods and survived the Russian harsh environment.
You nailed it when you said boring can be welcome compared to uncertainty. The car is reliable so it eliminates the excitement and anxiety about breaking down. The car is good on fuel so it alleviates the anxiety about fuel prices. It was affordable so it alleviated the anxiety of high car payments. It was good in snow so there's more anxiety avoided. What's boring to one person is peace of mind to another.
My wife has one of these, same color, just a 2016 which has the CVT. It's an awesome car. Good mileage, great in the snow, safe, comfortable, and spacious. The CVT actually acts like a CVT and doesn't fake shift. It's got heated cloth seats, and all the creature comforts you would want. It's certainly not an exciting vehicle, but it's as reliable as a wood burning stove, and perfect for my wife and our family. It's a car we don't even have to think about. I do all the scheduled maintenance and my wife racks up the miles. It's great. The only real negative is the wind/road noise at highway speeds. But it doesn't bother the wife so it doesn't bother me. And it will run until the heat death of the universe, which suits us just fine.
My mom recently got a gently used 2020 Accord and I have to agree, I LOVE that Honda doesn't make the CVT fake shift. That thing is scary fast and very quiet. One day I'll probably end up with that car and idk how I feel about that. I like my 5spd 99 civic (which also used to be hers) and my 99 jeep grand cherokee with the 4.0.
My car is a Dacia Lodgy. It is 1.6 litre, single overhead cam, 2 valves per cylinder and no turbo. It has 89 horsepower. You would die if you had to drive this. I absolutely love it. Because it's comfortable (for me), boring, reliable and it just works. I'd love to see the RCR review on that. It has wind up windows, no aircon, no central locking, no heated seats, no electric mirrors, no cruise control, no alloy wheels, no metallic paint, no tinted windows, no speakers in the rear, no front fog lights, no screens, no trip computer, it doesn't even have a temperature gauge, well, it would be faster to say what it does have. Which is seats and a steering wheel. But it cost €6000, does 30 mpg and can probably carry more than modern pickup trucks with their stubby little beds and provides comfortable seating for five.
My car is worse cos it's a Honda Jazz with 95 hp but also CVT trans 0-100 kph in 13.5 seconds 😅 it does have cruise and climate control, auto headlights and wipers and panoramic roof but it's so slow....
If you have to purchase one of these NPC mobiles the 2 gen 2002 - 2006 is in my humble opinion the best option, they're inexpensive, easy to get and you get the fun quirks and features of the 1st gen (Picnic Table, Full Size Spare, multitudes of interior hidden storage and folding seat configurations) And the reliable easy maintenance of the newer models (K24, 5 speed torque converter automatic, modern crossover space) The 2nd gen CRV is on the shortlist of vehicles i would buy without thinking.
I had an 06 CRV, manual, black on black with AWD. Unfortunately I T-boned an F350 with it. Miss that sucker every day. Took it everywhere; it was surprisingly hardy when offroad . Say what you want about it, but it's literally everything you could possibly need out of an SUV. Utility for days and reliability for much, much longer
First Gen CRV has double wishbone suspension based on the civic, b series, tall station wagon roofline, and all the good 90’s Honda attributes. The second Gen has none of those.
@@CaptainTexas92 The second gen has the k series, more interior room, and doesn't rust if yleave if outside overnight in the rain... The station wagons are supposed to be long, not tall by your logic the ford C-Max is a station wagon.
@@pbfloyd13 mine has never left me stranded I’ve owned it since high school it had 94,000 miles then and it has 315,000 now and sorry what I meant was a tall square roofline not egg shaped. To me while the k series is nice the CRV became a basic chassis and lost all the cool quirks the original had. It’s not a bad car just nothing “special”.
My mom is so old fashioned. The center console of her CRV is filled with SO many CD jewel cases packed like she was going for a Tetris high score that I can't fit my hand down there for the built-in USB dongle whenever I drive it.
I love this channel. But there's a mistake in this episode. I had a 2014 CRV and that's not a 2014. It's 2015 I know because of the lower grill, fog lights and the silver strip on the back lift gate. I loved the one I had, until it developed Electrical problems. It was a good car .
The CRV is what I call an "appliance vehicle." It will safely, economically, and reliably get you where you need to go with no more emotional connection than one has with their refrigerator. It's the kind of vehicle I recommend to non-enthusiasts.
a young lady I know put over 300k on a 1st gen. Sold it and bought a 4th gen. which now has over 150k on it. She swears that other than basic maintenance, both have been perfectly reliable. For that, I have a lot of respect for these uninspiring cars.
I drove my older sister's cr-v for a day. my only experience with hondas up until then was an accord manual and despite both having 2.4L engines these two vehicles couldn't be more different. the accord just wanted to move. the only language that thing understood was violence and it was a blast to drive. the cr-v on the other hand felt subdued. it wasn't a bad car, but it's not something I have any striking memories of either. it was just there.
I drive a 2008 CRV, it is sexier than the 4th generation, it is 16 years old and has seen other cars come and go in that time, it will make it to 20 easy... its hard to consider getting a different vehicle either new or something interesting because for my lifestyle as a triathlete, trail runner, and documentary filmmaker, nothing has the prospects to do better than what I have. Have been watching RCR for many years.
My two thousand four honda c r v saved me and my family's life when we got t bone at highway speed. It is also my favorite car because of the good clearance , which helps during snowy mountain winters
CR-Vs are the scourge of California and I have noticed this exclusivity to the state. The consumers thereof (especially the newest models beyond 2014) are the most aloof, left lane bandit, guaranteed to be "careful" to a point of eminent danger, most uninvested in the business of driving, eyes permanently forward, heaven's waiting room chariot (replacing the Buick Park Avenue in our recent mythology) drivers. CR-V -- Carol Rarely Vigilant | Careless Regressive Vapid --- I have worse ones. When I see these tail lights pointing skyward, I think of the flags on a recumbent bicycle. It's good they are there because they're bound to do something idiotic meriting the extra warning.
oh god yea. one time i bumped into one with maryland plates that was going 35 in a 55 in the front lane and i can't tell you how many times i've gotten stuck behind ones going 5-10 under to a point where i just instinctively pass em nowadays.
Man these video essays get me every time. This one is especially close to my heart. My Mom and Dad have had ever new model of CRV since ‘97 and I have driven a 2007 CRV that I bought off my Dad in 2010 and I have just clipped over 128,000 miles on that sweet little feller. It’s pretty gutless but it’s quick enough if you hit the green light just right and floor it you can be pretty annoying to most vehicles. Not win! No! But be annoying yes lol. Where it does shine is its reliability and it is a mountain goat for ice and snow. In winter time I often help rescue vehicles with my stock CRV. The all wheel drive just works really well and since it doesn’t have a lot of power it gets great grip. And if you hypermile it, I have achieved a best of 40 miles per gallon and was able to drive a total of 480 miles on one tank of gas. Not too bad. Cheers!
That blinded by the lights parody was amazing. Definitely not too obscure a reference for anyone British who was teenaged or early twenties in the 00’s.
I can't wait to see you in my home city of Melbourne, Australia towards the end of the year - I've been watching you for ages and ages and glad you'll be making the trip down here.
My grandma had one of these, it was blue. I remember riding to Sunday school and afterward to McDonald's with my cousins and brother. It always seemed nimble on our twisty country roads
I own this exact same CRV just one year newer. It is reliable, comfortable, good in the snow. It even gets 28 average MPG. Literally has everything MOST people need in a daily driver.
I bought one of these a few years ago. I needed something big enough to get my parents around. Something that could fit adult passengers sometimes in all the seats. Something comfortable for road trips. Something to fit ikea runs. Something boring and reliable. Something that will grow with me as I do (having kids wise). I plan on having this car for a LONG time so I’m not mad at my decision. As I enter my 30s this year I find myself caring less what I drive. I love this car because it’s always there for me and that’s all I need.
my neighbour has a green one. though 'green' is too strong a word, it's green the way '90s gold corollas are gold, only as a way to distinguish it from grey. there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.
My dad was the most painfully average baby boomer when it came to cars. When my parents had kids, he bought a used Pinto station wagon, he started making a little more money, and they got an early Escort wagon, then he got THE BIG promotion and got a maroon '87 Taurus wagon. He drove that till the transmission imploded on a desolate stretch of GA state highway in 2000. Then he bought an off lease '97 CRV, and drove it for another decade.
Had a Honda CRV 2003 EX for the longest time. Loved that car. It handled well, I drove that thing into the ground. Eventually like all good things, it too, hit an end. A mechanic who knew how to replace transmissions bought it from me, so I hope good old Bucky is still out there being the best CRV he can be. I almost bought a newer Honda CRV but went with a Subaru for my next car. I love the CRVs but the transmissions issues did scare me away from a used one, and the new ones were a bit out of my price range.
@@LimitedTimeRoman We love ya, Roman. Even when Mr. Regular is narrating, sometimes I know a line is yours. For all the laughs and thoughtful moments and Cameron Diazes, thanks.
I got a 2012 of these from my mother and I adore the way I know it will never die. The 5spd auto they had until the refresh with the older engine still kicks some life out. It’s almost fun when I have to floor it to avoid an idiot swerving in a LIFTED DODGE RAAAAM going from 80-95 on the interstate PS - that’s a 2015 or later. 2014 was pre-facelift and pre-saddening
I work in a thrift store warehouse, and this is the number one most common vehicle I see giving donations. The number of CRVs probably outweigh the amount of other honda vehicles I see on a daily basis in general.
I've had my 2014 CRV for over a year now. It's been a great car all around. Ive been across the country in it, camped in it multiple times, and i loved every minute. Its also the most "sport" SUV I've ever driven, its much faster and handles better than both my old chevy s10 blazer, and nissan pathfinder. Also the AWD has been great even on super slushy mud roads. 9/10 just wish it had better clearance under the vehicle.
My mom bought a 2014 CRV lease turn in in 2017. And has drove it since with no issues. And still doesn’t know I drink. I feel like this is every CRV owner.
The CR-V really is THE official car of doing 55MPH in the left lane. I'm stuck behind more of these than I am stuck behind Prius drivers and ex-Prius-driving Tesla drivers... and that says a lot.
I inherited a 2014 CR-V from my grandfather last year right before I went to college. As far as I know he got it new. So far it’s been the most reliable car I’ve owned and, despite it being even more basic than this example (which may or may not be a 2014), I love it. Maybe l just like “boring” cars (my first car is a Volvo 240), but it’s nice to just have a car that *works* for once.
Owned one of these for 6 years, 110k miles. 1 set of new tires and oil changes every 5k was all the maintenance I had to do for it, extremely boring but the most reliable car I ever owned
The Honda crv: the national car of “I get on the highway at 35 miles per hour then immediately cut across all the lanes to the left lane. The left lane is the best lane. It’s always wide open highway in front of me. Why are these people tailgating each other behind me? Why are they flashing me their headlights and honking? Maniacs”
My 2015 CRV is the only new car I've ever purchased. Multiple cross country road trips, camping trips, commuting around both Los Angeles and Wisconsin. Car still runs perfectly.
As it should, that's not that many miles. Have you checked for any carbon buildup on the valves. That's usually a big problem with direct injected engines.
"If you're looking for something simple, something reliable and consistent, something decently affordable, this is exactly what you'd want: just...don't grow to resent it for doing exactly what you wanted it to do." Damnit Roman, are you spying on me?! I *need* a boring, reliable car...but I don't think I'm emotionally ready to accept the fact that I will likely never have a fun car again. I'm too old, too busy, and too financially set in my ways for something "fun" and I'm staring down the barrel of an old Camry. Or a decade old CRV. Shit.
My wife loves her 2014 crv. We bought it at 75k, and it has about 130k on it now. it's just been tires, oil, and one transmission fluid change. The car has never had any issues of any kind, and has always gotten us where we needed to go, even in snow and over rutted out dirt roads. It has more than enough space for both of us, both of our dogs, and all of our camping gear, and fully loaded we regularly surpass 34mpg even with AWD. We bought it specifically because life is stressful enough without a problematic car, and the crv has been as stress free as humanly possible. It has the perfect balance of technology as well. We have a backup cam, and Bluetooth for the radio, and that's it. I can fix 90% of the car myself, but I still get the modern amenities that I actually care about. If anyone needs a cheap, reliable, do it all car, the crv is your best choice in my humble opinion.
As someone who has driven this car for 5 years. It's reliable, gas efficient, and a decent starter car. It has plenty of room for all my stuff as a college student. Although power on this car is lacking and the seats are very firm. The A/C compressors on these cars aren't the best, had to replace mine last year on my 2015 and it was 3 grand to fix. The driving position is awkward. As a 6 foot male I can either have the steering wheel close to me or enough legroom but I cant have both. Would I buy this car again? Probably not since the actual driving experience is lacking. My next car will probably be a 4 runner or a ram 1500
I have a 2012 model since new with almost 220K miles now. I've tried selling it twice but can't bring myself to let it go. It has been so consistently good and reliable throughout my ownership and I feel like i'll jinx myself if i sell it. It may be boring, but the memories I've made in it aren't.
Becoming a parent really changes the math on this kind of thing. A car that's "exciting" to drive is kind of the last thing you want, when you haven't slept well in months, and there is constant noise and distraction from the back seat. Safe, dependable, cheap, storage, easy to park -- that's the most important stuff. Rear passenger doors that open extra wide so that getting babies of their car seats is easier, gravy. I love my crv. I can fit camping gear for 4, *and* a dog, and still fit in a compact spot when stopping to get stuff for making s'mores.
My first car was the crv, the generation before this one. It was my dad’s but he got an Avalon and gave me this. It was the place of some good memories, and also some small yellow spiders… eugh.
The 2016 CRV was my mom's "Welp, the retrobird seems to be on the cusp of being a moneypit, let me get something safe and reliable." It really feels like a neutered version of my 4th gen 4Runner. "I can turn on a dime, don't have running boards, and my engine sounds like a hive of bees getting mildly annoyed.", but is surprisingly similar in size and storage space.
95% of people want a practical, comfortable, well-built, very reliable and easy to maintain, easy to drive, frugal and accesible car. Take a 2015 BMW X3 and it won’t be nearly in such good shape as this, that’s why CRV and RAV4 are popular.
As someone who dailies a 2013 Hyundai Tucson, its interesting to see another completely pedestrian CUV of the same era, because I spent the whole review mentally comparing the two.
The first gen Cr-V is a gem, 90’s Honda double wishbone suspension, based on the 6th gen civic, the “big block” b series, perfectly laid out sensible interior design all pre 2000 Hondas had, and the versatile nature to raise or lower the suspension and make it a nice off-roader or a station wagon EK. Granted it all ended with the second gen CRV when it got its own chassis.
We had a 2008 Acura RDX, admittedly it had a hotter motor and SH-AWD but it’s the same platform. It’s a really good platform, it handled very well, had an excellent car-like turning radius and feel, and yet was extremely rugged and could handle snow, ice, wet gravel, sand, etc. The fundamentals of the SUV-ness of the car is really solid. It’s just a great platform.
I own a 2014 Honda CRV and you absolutely nailed every aspect of this car, especially what it’s like to drive. 100% appliance. After owning a succession of VWs and Audis, appliance is a compliment. And yup, in the future will probably drive something more fun as daily, but with a family it’s so easy. Loved the video. Laughed out loud a bunch of times and shared with my sister (who bought the same model after driving mine.)
I love these things. I have one for my family. My colleague drives one for work. He's a field technician. We've traded, purchased and sold these things. I'm not a car guy. I just want cheap, reliable, capable and well made. That boring thing? I have 2 kids. I get my fun in other ways. This is a very smart choice of a car.
I own a 2015 LX. Its boring, its cheap, easy to fix, great on gas and dead reliable. I would say the one in the video has the newer Earth Dreams engine with the CVT. Honestly as long as you do the fluid change every 30k with Honda HCF-2 fluid, it will last you a long time. The fluid change is actually easier than an oil surprisingly, though CVT fluid smells terrible. Also spray sea foam to get rid of the carbon build up. People can crap on CVTs for its souless feel, and yeah its not a car to be having fun in. Its literally an appliance just like the Rav4. If you are looking to purchase one, I would recommend the 2012-2014 with the legendary set up that will go almost 1 Mil miles. The 2015-2016 models are a bit nicer but hard to tell how the previous owners have taken care of them since most of the demographic are suburban moms. Always change the fluids especially the CVT fluid with Honda genuine and each change just need 4 quarts depending if you have FWD or AWD. I will not go for the turbo engines, those are worse in comparison to the old K24s.
one of my best friends owns one of these; it survived multiple winters in rural colorado (winters and all). It does a lot, endured large dogs, off roading, I-70 being complete crap... and everything in between. Nothing special, it just works. consistent unbothered operation as you said...
I spent 90% of my childhood in a CR-V. Grandparents own a first generation CR-V, still do. My mother owned a second gen for a little while, before someone put the wrong oil in, then she got a third generation. Sold that a little while ago, now she drives a highlander.
I daily an 04 crv and almost all of this applies. Main differences are mine is a manual with 210,000 miles. The gas mileage isn’t good enough to make it worth wanting to keep driving, but it won’t die and it’s costing me nothing to keep seeing I only drive 1/4 of what I used to. It can be fun in that it spins the fronts wildly for 1.5 seconds before the awd kicks in, but it IS killing me slowly in almost every other aspect.
The CRV is so normal that in the rolling shots with other cars I actually look at the other traffic around it and can’t discern what is being shown. We’re picking up a 2015 for my brother this week. Great timing on the video after having drove one of these
I drive a lot around southern California for my job and my former car was a 2008 CRV (I wound up selling it for a Prius-V because I drive THAT many miles a week). If it wasn't for the gas mileage, I'd still be driving it. Was it sexy? No. But it did everything I ever asked of it and was comfortable while doing it. If you spend hours of your day in LA traffic, you come to value comfort and reliability and not give a damn about anything else. I was even able to sleep in it comfortably on camping trips thanks to a simple bed platform I built. Roman isn't kidding when he said that you could live out of the thing. In summation, the Cr-V is "an car" in the best possible way.
The still frame walking reminds me of a grade school film strip from 35 years ago. The little white projector that played audio fro a cassette, and there'd be a tone and the librarian would advance film strip to the next frame.
Dude, why do people sleep in Cracker Barrel parking lots!? I've been seeing those TikToks, so that's a thing huh! Funny, I have a Prius daily, a kid, a house, and you describing the CRV is exactly how I feel about the Prius. I love it, because it's neutral. It's not super nice, but not bad. It's not exciting, but it's very reliable. It will get me through the days, weeks, months, and years with little worry and oil changes.
My brother has this exact car, ran flawless until he hit a tree and then (even after repairs) it eats oil a bit but otherwise is still great And to address your point in the video that you can't get any thrills from this car: if my brother totals his CRV but that K24 engine is still working, you'd better believe it's making my way into my Honda Fit
When I lived there from 2018 to 2020, the 2nd gen. CR-V was the official car of upper PG County, MD. But man, at the risk of committing survivorship bias, they sure seem reliable.
We do like storage I dropped off an entire old bathroom to the dump, used it as a bed, transported freezers and furniture and hauled cement bags from home depot. it can even fit like 15 2x4x8 .
We have 3 of these across my family; people who buy them, love them. And when our Equinox dies, we were thinking of getting one ourselves. And I'm absolutely the bland suburbanite who would buy a Honda CR-V!
I love RCR videos like this; just bland, everyday, dare I say...regular.. cars. The sweet, unique cars are awesome, but I love the classic RCR style of picking some basic car that you saw for 10+ years parked outside of a Walmart
the best tools are the easiest to forget about, because of what they allow you to do. the cr-v is a very good tool, nothing more than that. (1st gen best gen tho)
We just bought one. It's obvious how family centric it is. The mirror really is handy. My partner drives it and I drive a 2015 Fit. I take the CR-V when I have the chance because it is so much more comfortable than the fit. I am considering just getting a second one for myself.
In my country, this is the official car of "suburban family that used to be upper middle class but can barely afford the inflated fuel and repair costs in 2024"
Ah yes, America.
@@pootispiker2866 nah dude thats basically all the world, my parents barely touches its toyota kijang because of fuel prices and that thing was just 2 liter engine.
@@Aercadian Yeah but it is the UK isn't it.
@@ALIGwedew62 I am immune from gas prices haha. But yeah they're insane everywhere right now.
Canada is especially cold, lately
"you put mayo on spaghetti and don't use turn signals"
Both are actual war crimes
An uninteresting car is the right car for 90% of the population. A car that is affordable to buy, drive and keep while still being decently comfortable and safe is exactly what most people are after.
This. I get my kicks, daily motorcycle commutes for 30 years, decades of spirited adrenaline. My need for speed is more than satisfied so I have no yearning for it in a car. My first car was the family Dodge Dart (the original one, with the Slant Six) and what I want in a car is what I got with that and what you get with the CRV; the most useful, reliable vehicle that money could possibly buy. I have a 2010 Fit with 190K miles- needs only wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, oil changes. I finally replaced the spark pugs, serpentine belt, and transmission fluid for the first time- last year, at 180,000 miles! If I wanted a larger car, I'd buy this 2014 CRV in a heartbeat, and be happy, yea even excited about it, and I'm not prissy enough to car about what it does or does not "project".
Until you realize 90% of the global population would benefit more from public transportation.
@@Lorentz_Driver Easy to say that if you live in a good area for it. Here its completely impossible without inconvenient amounts of busses
It's boring if life is boring, it's fun if life is fun. I enjoyed driving it to the beach, road trips and new locations abroad.
@@Lorentz_Driver🤓
What do I need the family car to do?
- Move 4 people and a dog in comfort
- Occasionally carry a van-load of stuff
- Be reliable
What don't I need?
- Amazing handling or performance : The components are more expensive, the fuel is more expensive, and the traffic is too bad to enjoy it anyway
- Unreliability
Yep, it's the automotive equivalent of a fridge. It does the job in a deeply boring and predictable way.
If I want excitement, I use my motorcycle.
I just used the same reference to a refrigerator. I call this kind of vehicle, an "appliance vehicle."
also these mid-2010s CRVs are cheaper than the equivalent RAV4, and are easier to find with heated leather seats
I just bought a 2014 CR-V today, and this describes me to a T. I just want beautiful, boring, comfortable simplicity. My bike handles my fun duties these days.
uhhhh did you nkow the crv in this video has a k24 it can hit 600hp!!!
now THIS is a certified regular car classic
My mom has the '13 model and this thing is the definition of a utility vehicle. Plenty of storage to take me up to college with all my belongings, and it has some underrated towing capacity. Up until I got my pickup we would haul two motorcycles to Birmingham every year, granted it does struggle on hills a bit. That CR-V has been all over the South, from Houston to Nashville, and even though there's no thrills with it, it takes you where you need to go, no question. Love you, Mom.
I own this car. I fucking love it. Never gives me problems. Enough space for it to be useful and it’s comfortable. It has the utility of a truck in the back and car styling and feel in the front. This is the car for anyone who doesn’t need a car to fuel their ego. If anyone asked me to suggest a car to them I’d glowingly recommend the CRV to them.
Having driven one a few times, the big things I don't like about it are that a passenger can't pair a phone to the audio system while the car is moving, the audio system sounds like hot garbage, and finally the throttle takes like 2 seconds to react to you pressing the pedal, it's ridiculous. Back when the car had a regular automatic this was much less of a problem, the change to a CVT really ruined the feel.
@@CockatooDude I drive the 2014 before the switch to CVT. If I were a nut about audio, I’d probably go aftermarket. I don’t have issues pairing different phones while the car is moving. Sounds like 2014 might be the year to get. When I was searching for my CRV, the 2014 had the least amount of issues on the old NHTSA website.
@@billistics Yeah seems like it. In that case I'll concede, you got a good car.
What a beautiful review and really struck a chord with me. I have this car and next year she will be 10 years old. Never had a single fault, just fuel oil and tires. You are right - I bought it to have unevenful and comfortable motoring, when I had too many other events going, and it has done just that. This is a car equivalent of having a wife who heals your childhood traumas. It's even nice from behind, kind of like a Volvo SUV.
This car just hugs its occupants and takes care of my family. Even in moderately deep snow, it has always gotten us home. It always gets us to, and most importantly, away from the adventure. This a car that cares about you and was designed by someone who cares.
This video made me feel grateful. You captured the essence here
That is not a 2014 Model with a 5-speed Auto trans.
That is a 2015/6 with a CVT & Direct Injection (Bright 'longhorn' Molding below rear window, different grille, different engine cover with Earthdreams label)
You really expect these automotive journalist to know what the fuck they’re talking about? It’s not what they’re saying, it’s how they’re saying it that matters.
U sure?
🤓🤓🤓
Came here to say the same thing. I specifically bought a 2014 for my kid to drive for this exact reason (no DI and no CVT). That’s a 2015 unless they swapped bumpers and lights (doubt it)
Also the head unit came out in 15'
I know a guy who is a senior ED (emergency department) consultant at my local hospital. Probably earns upwards of £100k/$130k a year. Drives one of these from 2006 with 130k miles on it. Truly a car for anyone.
I used to work in the legal field and met several successful lawyers who drive this very generation of CR-V. So you’re right.
the coolest car is a paid off car; he wins.
@@batmitestar1560 emergency department 🤣
There are senior consultants of erectile dysfunction?
It’s crazy the amount of wealthy-ish people that drive Hondas and Toyotas.
The Streets song at the end absolutely made my day. I listened to that album on loop when my first adult love ended. Thank you Roman for all you do.
Such a good album! It took me a second to clue in.
I heard it and was like “I know this” then he put on the accent and I knew it was the streets
For a channel that is named “Regular Car Reviews” we get very few reviews of actual regular, everyday vehicles like this one.
Now if you see a sporty car, it's probably a giveaway
@@3.0TMKreaZ I think the word you meant to say is “Scam” not giveaway
Can you explain to this? I'm new to this channel @@colincraigo5793
When my dad needed a new car a few years ago he bought a 2016 crv because he found one that was too good a deal to pass up. The compass and the electric trunk latch broke every time he got them fixed but other than that you’d never have to think about the car because it always just gets you from a to b with no drama. I don’t know if the crv is ever the right car for anyone but it’s never the wrong car either
My dad's favorite car was the first gen CR-V. Perfect and practical SUV that is great for hiking. The trunk lid was a foldable table which is perfect for having a picnic in the woods. My dad even imported 2 of those to Russia, he has owned one for almost 10 years. The flat floor was great and had a lot of cargo space. He went on fishing trips to the woods and survived the Russian harsh environment.
Loved mine too, I really considered importing one because in the states they are torn up. Wish it had made it to the states with a diesel of a 6cyl
You nailed it when you said boring can be welcome compared to uncertainty. The car is reliable so it eliminates the excitement and anxiety about breaking down. The car is good on fuel so it alleviates the anxiety about fuel prices. It was affordable so it alleviated the anxiety of high car payments. It was good in snow so there's more anxiety avoided. What's boring to one person is peace of mind to another.
My wife has one of these, same color, just a 2016 which has the CVT. It's an awesome car. Good mileage, great in the snow, safe, comfortable, and spacious. The CVT actually acts like a CVT and doesn't fake shift. It's got heated cloth seats, and all the creature comforts you would want. It's certainly not an exciting vehicle, but it's as reliable as a wood burning stove, and perfect for my wife and our family. It's a car we don't even have to think about. I do all the scheduled maintenance and my wife racks up the miles. It's great. The only real negative is the wind/road noise at highway speeds. But it doesn't bother the wife so it doesn't bother me. And it will run until the heat death of the universe, which suits us just fine.
My mom recently got a gently used 2020 Accord and I have to agree, I LOVE that Honda doesn't make the CVT fake shift. That thing is scary fast and very quiet. One day I'll probably end up with that car and idk how I feel about that. I like my 5spd 99 civic (which also used to be hers) and my 99 jeep grand cherokee with the 4.0.
The one they're reviewing has the CVT as well because it's actually a 2015, not a 2014 as stated.
My car is a Dacia Lodgy.
It is 1.6 litre, single overhead cam, 2 valves per cylinder and no turbo.
It has 89 horsepower.
You would die if you had to drive this.
I absolutely love it. Because it's comfortable (for me), boring, reliable and it just works.
I'd love to see the RCR review on that.
It has wind up windows, no aircon, no central locking, no heated seats, no electric mirrors, no cruise control, no alloy wheels, no metallic paint, no tinted windows, no speakers in the rear, no front fog lights, no screens, no trip computer, it doesn't even have a temperature gauge, well, it would be faster to say what it does have. Which is seats and a steering wheel.
But it cost €6000, does 30 mpg and can probably carry more than modern pickup trucks with their stubby little beds and provides comfortable seating for five.
My car is worse cos it's a Honda Jazz with 95 hp but also CVT trans 0-100 kph in 13.5 seconds 😅 it does have cruise and climate control, auto headlights and wipers and panoramic roof but it's so slow....
If you have to purchase one of these NPC mobiles the 2 gen 2002 - 2006 is in my humble opinion the best option, they're inexpensive, easy to get and you get the fun quirks and features of the 1st gen
(Picnic Table, Full Size Spare, multitudes of interior hidden storage and folding seat configurations)
And the reliable easy maintenance of the newer models (K24, 5 speed torque converter automatic, modern crossover space)
The 2nd gen CRV is on the shortlist of vehicles i would buy without thinking.
I had an 06 CRV, manual, black on black with AWD. Unfortunately I T-boned an F350 with it. Miss that sucker every day. Took it everywhere; it was surprisingly hardy when offroad . Say what you want about it, but it's literally everything you could possibly need out of an SUV. Utility for days and reliability for much, much longer
First Gen CRV has double wishbone suspension based on the civic, b series, tall station wagon roofline, and all the good 90’s Honda attributes. The second Gen has none of those.
I love my 2005 2nd Gen with all my heart. Thing he’s been with me through thick and thin and has driven across the country twice.
@@CaptainTexas92
The second gen has the k series, more interior room, and doesn't rust if yleave if outside overnight in the rain...
The station wagons are supposed to be long, not tall by your logic the ford C-Max is a station wagon.
@@pbfloyd13 mine has never left me stranded I’ve owned it since high school it had 94,000 miles then and it has 315,000 now and sorry what I meant was a tall square roofline not egg shaped. To me while the k series is nice the CRV became a basic chassis and lost all the cool quirks the original had. It’s not a bad car just nothing “special”.
My mom is so old fashioned. The center console of her CRV is filled with SO many CD jewel cases packed like she was going for a Tetris high score that I can't fit my hand down there for the built-in USB dongle whenever I drive it.
A box that moves, result.
this has gotta be one of if not one of RCR videos in a given time frame
This is or is not a statement made in a particular period of time.
Refreshing to see an actual "regular car" and not yet another circlejerk over a niche enthusiast vehicle.
This looks like what I need, something that drives like a sedan, but capable of hitting potholes without breaking anything.
I have a 2016 , it’s frighteningly reliable…everything Roman describes with worlds beyond a RAV4
I love this channel. But there's a mistake in this episode. I had a 2014 CRV and that's not a 2014. It's 2015 I know because of the lower grill, fog lights and the silver strip on the back lift gate. I loved the one I had, until it developed Electrical problems. It was a good car .
Thanks for some brain.
It's probably less a mistake on the Roman's part and more that the owners just forgot exactly which model year they have.
Built in Swindon, home to a large roundabout.
A large series of roundabouts, and one "magic" one.
Canadian built for us. No Swindon
home to a now empty honda factory and local economic stagnation lmao
The CRV is what I call an "appliance vehicle." It will safely, economically, and reliably get you where you need to go with no more emotional connection than one has with their refrigerator. It's the kind of vehicle I recommend to non-enthusiasts.
It's finally dethroned the Corolla as the "I just need a car, I don't care which" car
Let's also remember that an SUV is very different than a crossover. A crossover is a tall car, and SUV is a truck on a truck chassis with truck stuff.
a young lady I know put over 300k on a 1st gen. Sold it and bought a 4th gen. which now has over 150k on it. She swears that other than basic maintenance, both have been perfectly reliable. For that, I have a lot of respect for these uninspiring cars.
I drove my older sister's cr-v for a day. my only experience with hondas up until then was an accord manual and despite both having 2.4L engines these two vehicles couldn't be more different.
the accord just wanted to move. the only language that thing understood was violence and it was a blast to drive.
the cr-v on the other hand felt subdued. it wasn't a bad car, but it's not something I have any striking memories of either. it was just there.
I drive a 2008 CRV, it is sexier than the 4th generation, it is 16 years old and has seen other cars come and go in that time, it will make it to 20 easy... its hard to consider getting a different vehicle either new or something interesting because for my lifestyle as a triathlete, trail runner, and documentary filmmaker, nothing has the prospects to do better than what I have. Have been watching RCR for many years.
Adrenaline, in my soul, something something Cody Rhodes
18:56 ' dont take a boring simplistic life for granted' as a silver corolla drifts past.... 😄😀
My two thousand four honda c r v saved me and my family's life when we got t bone at highway speed. It is also my favorite car because of the good clearance , which helps during snowy mountain winters
CR-Vs are the scourge of California and I have noticed this exclusivity to the state. The consumers thereof (especially the newest models beyond 2014) are the most aloof, left lane bandit, guaranteed to be "careful" to a point of eminent danger, most uninvested in the business of driving, eyes permanently forward, heaven's waiting room chariot (replacing the Buick Park Avenue in our recent mythology) drivers. CR-V -- Carol Rarely Vigilant | Careless Regressive Vapid --- I have worse ones. When I see these tail lights pointing skyward, I think of the flags on a recumbent bicycle. It's good they are there because they're bound to do something idiotic meriting the extra warning.
I live in Tennessee and they’ve all come from California in their top trim 2024 crvs, they really are some of the most dangerous driver
oh god yea. one time i bumped into one with maryland plates that was going 35 in a 55 in the front lane and i can't tell you how many times i've gotten stuck behind ones going 5-10 under to a point where i just instinctively pass em nowadays.
are you sure? that sounds like some Nissan rogue/Subaru energy there.
I'd actually like a Buick with the 3.8 more than this, but only because it's cheap, reliable, and simple; and it's not another crossover. :3
i hardly see any cr-vs, probably a coastal city thing
Man these video essays get me every time. This one is especially close to my heart. My Mom and Dad have had ever new model of CRV since ‘97 and I have driven a 2007 CRV that I bought off my Dad in 2010 and I have just clipped over 128,000 miles on that sweet little feller. It’s pretty gutless but it’s quick enough if you hit the green light just right and floor it you can be pretty annoying to most vehicles. Not win! No! But be annoying yes lol. Where it does shine is its reliability and it is a mountain goat for ice and snow. In winter time I often help rescue vehicles with my stock CRV. The all wheel drive just works really well and since it doesn’t have a lot of power it gets great grip. And if you hypermile it, I have achieved a best of 40 miles per gallon and was able to drive a total of 480 miles on one tank of gas. Not too bad. Cheers!
That blinded by the lights parody was amazing. Definitely not too obscure a reference for anyone British who was teenaged or early twenties in the 00’s.
I can't wait to see you in my home city of Melbourne, Australia towards the end of the year - I've been watching you for ages and ages and glad you'll be making the trip down here.
They need to test drive an Alphard!!
My grandma had one of these, it was blue. I remember riding to Sunday school and afterward to McDonald's with my cousins and brother. It always seemed nimble on our twisty country roads
I own this exact same CRV just one year newer. It is reliable, comfortable, good in the snow. It even gets 28 average MPG. Literally has everything MOST people need in a daily driver.
I bought one of these a few years ago. I needed something big enough to get my parents around. Something that could fit adult passengers sometimes in all the seats. Something comfortable for road trips. Something to fit ikea runs. Something boring and reliable. Something that will grow with me as I do (having kids wise). I plan on having this car for a LONG time so I’m not mad at my decision. As I enter my 30s this year I find myself caring less what I drive. I love this car because it’s always there for me and that’s all I need.
my neighbour has a green one. though 'green' is too strong a word, it's green the way '90s gold corollas are gold, only as a way to distinguish it from grey. there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.
My dad was the most painfully average baby boomer when it came to cars. When my parents had kids, he bought a used Pinto station wagon, he started making a little more money, and they got an early Escort wagon, then he got THE BIG promotion and got a maroon '87 Taurus wagon. He drove that till the transmission imploded on a desolate stretch of GA state highway in 2000. Then he bought an off lease '97 CRV, and drove it for another decade.
Had a Honda CRV 2003 EX for the longest time. Loved that car. It handled well, I drove that thing into the ground. Eventually like all good things, it too, hit an end. A mechanic who knew how to replace transmissions bought it from me, so I hope good old Bucky is still out there being the best CRV he can be.
I almost bought a newer Honda CRV but went with a Subaru for my next car. I love the CRVs but the transmissions issues did scare me away from a used one, and the new ones were a bit out of my price range.
that Streets tune will forever make me feel like i'm coming up on MDMA
I genuinely didn't think people would get the reference. I'm so glad to be among friends here.
@@LimitedTimeRoman We love ya, Roman. Even when Mr. Regular is narrating, sometimes I know a line is yours. For all the laughs and thoughtful moments and Cameron Diazes, thanks.
My girl's 1st Gen CR-V AWD Transmission is coded as MDMA.
"The glorious simplicity of consistent, unbothered operation."
*the warhammer 40k mechanicus has entered the chat*
Pretty funny someone with the nickname "The Roman" wants Cody to finish the story at Wrestlemania
From one Roman to another, I hope he takes a nice, long vacation after Mania...just not with the belt.
I got a 2012 of these from my mother and I adore the way I know it will never die. The 5spd auto they had until the refresh with the older engine still kicks some life out. It’s almost fun when I have to floor it to avoid an idiot swerving in a LIFTED DODGE RAAAAM going from 80-95 on the interstate
PS - that’s a 2015 or later. 2014 was pre-facelift and pre-saddening
Honda cars are a symbol of success in my country. It means that, you've made it in life.
I work in a thrift store warehouse, and this is the number one most common vehicle I see giving donations. The number of CRVs probably outweigh the amount of other honda vehicles I see on a daily basis in general.
I've had my 2014 CRV for over a year now. It's been a great car all around. Ive been across the country in it, camped in it multiple times, and i loved every minute.
Its also the most "sport" SUV I've ever driven, its much faster and handles better than both my old chevy s10 blazer, and nissan pathfinder. Also the AWD has been great even on super slushy mud roads. 9/10 just wish it had better clearance under the vehicle.
My mom bought a 2014 CRV lease turn in in 2017. And has drove it since with no issues. And still doesn’t know I drink. I feel like this is every CRV owner.
The CR-V really is THE official car of doing 55MPH in the left lane. I'm stuck behind more of these than I am stuck behind Prius drivers and ex-Prius-driving Tesla drivers... and that says a lot.
I inherited a 2014 CR-V from my grandfather last year right before I went to college. As far as I know he got it new. So far it’s been the most reliable car I’ve owned and, despite it being even more basic than this example (which may or may not be a 2014), I love it. Maybe l just like “boring” cars (my first car is a Volvo 240), but it’s nice to just have a car that *works* for once.
They got it wrong. It's actually a 2015 in the video.
I used to work at a Honda dealership and these were oddly my favorite generation of C-RV, even more than the newer ones.
Owned one of these for 6 years, 110k miles. 1 set of new tires and oil changes every 5k was all the maintenance I had to do for it, extremely boring but the most reliable car I ever owned
No 2nd gen review, no tables
The Honda crv: the national car of “I get on the highway at 35 miles per hour then immediately cut across all the lanes to the left lane. The left lane is the best lane. It’s always wide open highway in front of me. Why are these people tailgating each other behind me? Why are they flashing me their headlights and honking? Maniacs”
My 2015 CRV is the only new car I've ever purchased. Multiple cross country road trips, camping trips, commuting around both Los Angeles and Wisconsin. Car still runs perfectly.
As it should, that's not that many miles. Have you checked for any carbon buildup on the valves. That's usually a big problem with direct injected engines.
Hey thanks for the tip @@CockatooDude! I'm due for some maintenance and will make sure to mention/check.
"If you're looking for something simple, something reliable and consistent, something decently affordable, this is exactly what you'd want: just...don't grow to resent it for doing exactly what you wanted it to do." Damnit Roman, are you spying on me?! I *need* a boring, reliable car...but I don't think I'm emotionally ready to accept the fact that I will likely never have a fun car again. I'm too old, too busy, and too financially set in my ways for something "fun" and I'm staring down the barrel of an old Camry. Or a decade old CRV. Shit.
My wife loves her 2014 crv. We bought it at 75k, and it has about 130k on it now. it's just been tires, oil, and one transmission fluid change. The car has never had any issues of any kind, and has always gotten us where we needed to go, even in snow and over rutted out dirt roads. It has more than enough space for both of us, both of our dogs, and all of our camping gear, and fully loaded we regularly surpass 34mpg even with AWD. We bought it specifically because life is stressful enough without a problematic car, and the crv has been as stress free as humanly possible. It has the perfect balance of technology as well. We have a backup cam, and Bluetooth for the radio, and that's it. I can fix 90% of the car myself, but I still get the modern amenities that I actually care about. If anyone needs a cheap, reliable, do it all car, the crv is your best choice in my humble opinion.
As someone who has driven this car for 5 years. It's reliable, gas efficient, and a decent starter car. It has plenty of room for all my stuff as a college student. Although power on this car is lacking and the seats are very firm. The A/C compressors on these cars aren't the best, had to replace mine last year on my 2015 and it was 3 grand to fix. The driving position is awkward. As a 6 foot male I can either have the steering wheel close to me or enough legroom but I cant have both. Would I buy this car again? Probably not since the actual driving experience is lacking. My next car will probably be a 4 runner or a ram 1500
I have a 2012 model since new with almost 220K miles now. I've tried selling it twice but can't bring myself to let it go. It has been so consistently good and reliable throughout my ownership and I feel like i'll jinx myself if i sell it. It may be boring, but the memories I've made in it aren't.
Becoming a parent really changes the math on this kind of thing. A car that's "exciting" to drive is kind of the last thing you want, when you haven't slept well in months, and there is constant noise and distraction from the back seat. Safe, dependable, cheap, storage, easy to park -- that's the most important stuff. Rear passenger doors that open extra wide so that getting babies of their car seats is easier, gravy. I love my crv. I can fit camping gear for 4, *and* a dog, and still fit in a compact spot when stopping to get stuff for making s'mores.
My first car was the crv, the generation before this one. It was my dad’s but he got an Avalon and gave me this. It was the place of some good memories, and also some small yellow spiders… eugh.
1st gen manual CRV is one of the best cars ever.
I'd be stoked to get a manual CRV, but here in the states... I'm stoked to get a manual ANYTHING. T^T
The spiritual successor to the ‘87-‘91 Civic Wagon
The 2016 CRV was my mom's "Welp, the retrobird seems to be on the cusp of being a moneypit, let me get something safe and reliable." It really feels like a neutered version of my 4th gen 4Runner. "I can turn on a dime, don't have running boards, and my engine sounds like a hive of bees getting mildly annoyed.", but is surprisingly similar in size and storage space.
95% of people want a practical, comfortable, well-built, very reliable and easy to maintain, easy to drive, frugal and accesible car. Take a 2015 BMW X3 and it won’t be nearly in such good shape as this, that’s why CRV and RAV4 are popular.
That was the best outro song yet, love the streets
I genuinely thought that would be the one song to stump people. But I'm glad it didn't. Now I really know I'm among friends.
I have one of these. And it's great for doing exactly what it's supposed to. VTEC kicks in at 5k so there's that.
I was released in ‘95, thanks Roman :)
As someone who dailies a 2013 Hyundai Tucson, its interesting to see another completely pedestrian CUV of the same era, because I spent the whole review mentally comparing the two.
The first gen Cr-V is a gem, 90’s Honda double wishbone suspension, based on the 6th gen civic, the “big block” b series, perfectly laid out sensible interior design all pre 2000 Hondas had, and the versatile nature to raise or lower the suspension and make it a nice off-roader or a station wagon EK. Granted it all ended with the second gen CRV when it got its own chassis.
We had a 2008 Acura RDX, admittedly it had a hotter motor and SH-AWD but it’s the same platform. It’s a really good platform, it handled very well, had an excellent car-like turning radius and feel, and yet was extremely rugged and could handle snow, ice, wet gravel, sand, etc. The fundamentals of the SUV-ness of the car is really solid. It’s just a great platform.
Every CRV I see driving has gotten their licenses out of fucking cereal boxes.
Both the CRV and Rav4 started as nice little boxy crossovers and then got boring re-designs in the 2000.
I own a 2014 Honda CRV and you absolutely nailed every aspect of this car, especially what it’s like to drive. 100% appliance. After owning a succession of VWs and Audis, appliance is a compliment. And yup, in the future will probably drive something more fun as daily, but with a family it’s so easy. Loved the video. Laughed out loud a bunch of times and shared with my sister (who bought the same model after driving mine.)
I love these things. I have one for my family. My colleague drives one for work. He's a field technician. We've traded, purchased and sold these things. I'm not a car guy. I just want cheap, reliable, capable and well made. That boring thing? I have 2 kids. I get my fun in other ways. This is a very smart choice of a car.
I own a 2015 LX. Its boring, its cheap, easy to fix, great on gas and dead reliable. I would say the one in the video has the newer Earth Dreams engine with the CVT. Honestly as long as you do the fluid change every 30k with Honda HCF-2 fluid, it will last you a long time. The fluid change is actually easier than an oil surprisingly, though CVT fluid smells terrible. Also spray sea foam to get rid of the carbon build up. People can crap on CVTs for its souless feel, and yeah its not a car to be having fun in. Its literally an appliance just like the Rav4.
If you are looking to purchase one, I would recommend the 2012-2014 with the legendary set up that will go almost 1 Mil miles. The 2015-2016 models are a bit nicer but hard to tell how the previous owners have taken care of them since most of the demographic are suburban moms. Always change the fluids especially the CVT fluid with Honda genuine and each change just need 4 quarts depending if you have FWD or AWD. I will not go for the turbo engines, those are worse in comparison to the old K24s.
one of my best friends owns one of these; it survived multiple winters in rural colorado (winters and all). It does a lot, endured large dogs, off roading, I-70 being complete crap... and everything in between. Nothing special, it just works. consistent unbothered operation as you said...
I spent 90% of my childhood in a CR-V. Grandparents own a first generation CR-V, still do. My mother owned a second gen for a little while, before someone put the wrong oil in, then she got a third generation. Sold that a little while ago, now she drives a highlander.
I daily an 04 crv and almost all of this applies. Main differences are mine is a manual with 210,000 miles. The gas mileage isn’t good enough to make it worth wanting to keep driving, but it won’t die and it’s costing me nothing to keep seeing I only drive 1/4 of what I used to. It can be fun in that it spins the fronts wildly for 1.5 seconds before the awd kicks in, but it IS killing me slowly in almost every other aspect.
14:18 LETS GOOOOO season one RCR!
The CRV is so normal that in the rolling shots with other cars I actually look at the other traffic around it and can’t discern what is being shown. We’re picking up a 2015 for my brother this week. Great timing on the video after having drove one of these
Roman, you should do the fastest or was it quickest? Toyota from 2012 next.
Not sure if the monologue towards the end was serious…. But feel like I needed that
I drive a lot around southern California for my job and my former car was a 2008 CRV (I wound up selling it for a Prius-V because I drive THAT many miles a week). If it wasn't for the gas mileage, I'd still be driving it. Was it sexy? No. But it did everything I ever asked of it and was comfortable while doing it. If you spend hours of your day in LA traffic, you come to value comfort and reliability and not give a damn about anything else. I was even able to sleep in it comfortably on camping trips thanks to a simple bed platform I built. Roman isn't kidding when he said that you could live out of the thing. In summation, the Cr-V is "an car" in the best possible way.
The still frame walking reminds me of a grade school film strip from 35 years ago. The little white projector that played audio fro a cassette, and there'd be a tone and the librarian would advance film strip to the next frame.
Every time I drive through Pennsylvania it's like a time capsule of the peak 1990's. The cherry on that cake was a trip to the Chambersburg Mall.
I learned to drive in one of these cars, and i still drive it often. Honestly, one of the most consistent cars I've driven.
Dude, why do people sleep in Cracker Barrel parking lots!? I've been seeing those TikToks, so that's a thing huh! Funny, I have a Prius daily, a kid, a house, and you describing the CRV is exactly how I feel about the Prius. I love it, because it's neutral. It's not super nice, but not bad. It's not exciting, but it's very reliable. It will get me through the days, weeks, months, and years with little worry and oil changes.
SotN was so damn good. Played this one so much the disc warped. Oh, and the Doom port to the PSX. The 90s were so good.
My grandma had a new 2016 crv touring. And all the other kids in my grade thought I had the “fancy car” in the pickup line
My brother has this exact car, ran flawless until he hit a tree and then (even after repairs) it eats oil a bit but otherwise is still great
And to address your point in the video that you can't get any thrills from this car: if my brother totals his CRV but that K24 engine is still working, you'd better believe it's making my way into my Honda Fit
When I lived there from 2018 to 2020, the 2nd gen. CR-V was the official car of upper PG County, MD.
But man, at the risk of committing survivorship bias, they sure seem reliable.
We do like storage I dropped off an entire old bathroom to the dump, used it as a bed, transported freezers and furniture and hauled cement bags from home depot. it can even fit like 15 2x4x8 .
We have 3 of these across my family; people who buy them, love them. And when our Equinox dies, we were thinking of getting one ourselves. And I'm absolutely the bland suburbanite who would buy a Honda CR-V!
I love RCR videos like this; just bland, everyday, dare I say...regular.. cars.
The sweet, unique cars are awesome, but I love the classic RCR style of picking some basic car that you saw for 10+ years parked outside of a Walmart
the best tools are the easiest to forget about, because of what they allow you to do. the cr-v is a very good tool, nothing more than that.
(1st gen best gen tho)
We just bought one. It's obvious how family centric it is. The mirror really is handy. My partner drives it and I drive a 2015 Fit. I take the CR-V when I have the chance because it is so much more comfortable than the fit. I am considering just getting a second one for myself.
Cloth Seats? Rear vents for the back seat? Heated seats?..... My 23' Outback has all of that
Should have reviewed the first one, it was kinda cool in the late 90s