'97 Honda CR-VHonda virtues of reliability, fuel economy, and simple, effective design continue to hold true for our CR-V as it enters the final leg of its yearlong review. The logbook reveals that staff drivers are regularly impressed by the amount of passenger and cargo space in what is considered to be a small sport/ute. Careful packaging has yielded impressive second-row space while maintaining a healthy rear compartment. Because we're programmed by dozens of other vehicles to expect instant response, we would prefer the rear glass to pop open with a simple remote push, instead of holding the button for a couple seconds. Up front, the sharp steering wheel angle and unusual dash-mounted window switches frustrate us. Criticism continues for the diminutive 2.0-liter/126-horsepower engine, which must work extremely hard during highway merges and passing maneuvers to get the sport/cute up to speed. All-wheel drive added an extra measure of security during the past rain-soaked months, though there is a certain amount of front-wheel spin before the system engages. We're quite pleased overall, finding a few quirks that could be considered character building.
| Base price | $20,400 |
| Price as tested | $21,966 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.0-liter I-4 |
| Transmission/ | |
| driveline configuration | 4-speed auto./ |
| front engine, all-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 11.7 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy. | 22/25 |
| Total mileage | 12,337 |
| Test mileage | 12,113 |
| Fuel consumed, gal | 575.4 |
| Fuel cost | $703.14 |
| Average mpg | 21.1 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | None |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | $60.77 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $763.91 |
| Operating cost/mile | 6.3 |
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