In the early 2000s, the SUV market was just starting to evolve—big, gas-guzzling trucks were the norm, and compact crossovers were still a novelty. Enter the 2001 Honda CR-V: a practical, no-nonsense SUV that delivered car-like comfort, Honda reliability, and just enough ruggedness to handle snow-covered roads or a dirt trail. As the final model year of the CR-V’s first generation, the 2001 version represents a turning point—not just for Honda, but for the entire compact SUV segment.
With its boxy design, legendary B20 engine, and clever features like a built-in picnic table, the 2001 CR-V has earned a reputation as a dependable workhorse. Even today, more than two decades later, it’s not uncommon to see one still running strong—quietly doing what it’s always done best: everything.
Your car needs to be versatile. Ready for virtually anything and everything. In short, it needs to be a lot like you. Enter the Honda CR-V. It’s well suited to just about any task you might ask of it. Real Time™ 4WD and a146-hp engine make it an SUV that is as much fun to take downtown as it is to take camping. In addition to finding the safety, quality and reliability you expect from Honda, you’ll discover innovations throughout, like a cargo floor that turns into a picnic table. We think you’ll find the CR-V an excellent match. After all, it’s almost as unique as you are.
CR-V 2WD LX: The CR-V was designed to be well prepared. The LX comes with a 146-hp, 2.0 liter, DOHC engine, 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control, dual front airbags, power windows, mirrors and door locks, rear child-seat tether anchors, a removable picnic table, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and 4 speakers, and two 12-volt power outlets.
CR-V 4WD LX: The 4WD LX includes all the creature comforts that make driving the 2WD LX such a good time, but in addition offers Honda’s Real Time 4-wheel drive. This model comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, and is available with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
CR-V 4WD EX: The 4WD EX offers several more attractive features, like alloy wheels, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an AM/FM stereo CD player with 4 speakers, a remote entry system, floor mats and body-colored mirrors and door handles.
CR-V 4WD SPECIAL EDITION: At the top of the line is the CR-V Special Edition. It features leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear privacy glass and an AM/FM stereo cassette with in-dash CD player. Adding to its rugged good looks are body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a chrome grille accent and a body-colored hard spare tire cover.
2001 Honda CR-V Engine Specs and Features
| Type | Aluminum Alloy In-Line 4 |
| Displacement (liters) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) | 146 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) | 133 @ 4500 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Valve Train | 16-Valve DOHC |
| Fuel System | Multi-Point Fuel Injection |
| Ignition System | Electronic |
Drive Train
| Type | FWD Real Time™ |
| Manual Transmission | 5-Speed |
| Automatic Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.56/4.36 |
Body, Suspension and Chassis
| Body Type | Unit Body |
| Suspension | 4-Wheel Double Wishbone |
| Rack-and-Pinion Steering | Available |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear) | 26.0/13.0 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.) | 34.8 |
| Power-Assisted Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes | Available in All Trims |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | Available in 4WD EX and SE |
| Minimum Ground Clearance (in.) | 8.1 |
| Wheels | 15″ Styled Steel |
| Tires | All-Season M+S P205/70 R15 95S |
Exterior Dimensions
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.2 |
| Length (in.) | 177.6 |
| Height (in.) | 65.9 |
| Width (in.) | 68.9 |
| Track (in., front/rear) | 60.4/60.4 |
| Curb Weight (lbs., MT/AT) | 3219/3245 |
| Front/Rear Weight Distribution (lbs., MT) | 1750/1460 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 1000 |
2001 Honda CR-V Interior Dimensions
| Headroom (in., front/rear) | 40.5/39.2 40.5/39.2 40.5/39.2 40.5/39.2 |
| Legroom (in., front/rear) | 41.5/36.7 |
| Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) | 53.3/55.5 |
| Hiproom (in., front/rear) | 53.4/50.7 |
| Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seat up/down) | 29.6/67.2 |
| Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | 98.0 |
Exterior/Interior Colors
- Milano Red/Dark Gray
- Clover Green Pearl/Dark Gray
- Electron Blue Pearl/Dark Gray
- Taffeta White/Dark Gray
- Satin Silver Metallic/Dark Gray
- Nighthawk Black Pearl/Dark Gray
- Naples Gold Metallic/Dark Gray
2001 Honda CR-V Exterior Features
- Dual Power Mirrors
- Body-Colored
- Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer
- High-Mounted Taillights
- Remote Entry System
- Green Heat-Rejecting Glass
- Body-Colored Door Handles
- Body Side Molding
- Body-Colored Bumpers
- Exterior Spare Tire Carrier with Tire Cover
- Aluminum-Alloy Wheels
- Rear Splash Guards
Interior Features
- Air Conditioning w/Micron Air-Filtration System
- Power Windows w/Auto-Down Driver’s Window
- Power Door Locks
- Cruise Control
- AM/FM Stereo & 4 Speakers w/Cassette w/Cassette w/CD Player w/CD Player and Cassette
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Airbags (SRS)
- Front 3-Point Seat Belts
- w/Automatic Tensioning System
- Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors
- Rear 3-Point Seat Belts w/Center Lap Belt
- Rear Child-Seat Tether Anchors
- Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
- Reclining Front Bucket Seats
- Reclining Rear Seatbacks
- Split 50/50 Fold-Down Rear Seatback
- Driver’s Seat with Manual Height Adjustment
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Beverage Holders, Front and Rear
- Retractable Center Tray Table
- Removable Folding Picnic Table
- Waterproof Rear Storage Well
- Door-Pocket Storage Bins
- Cargo Area Light
- Cargo Hook
- 12-Volt Accessory Outlets, Front and Rear
- Tachometer
- Low-Fuel Indicator Light
- 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Map Lights
- Quartz Digital Clock
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Vanity Mirrors
- Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Capacity
| 5-Speed Manual (City/Highway) | 22/25 |
| 4-Speed Automatic (City/Highway) | 22/25 |
| Fuel (gal.) | 15.3 |
Why the 2001 Honda CR-V Still Holds Its Value in 2025
Nearly 25 years after it first rolled off dealership lots, the 2001 Honda CR-V continues to be a sought-after vehicle in the used car market. In an era dominated by hybrid tech, digital dashboards, and over-the-air updates, this boxy little SUV from the early 2000s still commands respect—and in some cases, surprisingly high prices—for a vehicle its age.
So, why does the 2001 Honda CR-V still hold its value in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Honda Reliability Is Legendary
The 2001 CR-V came equipped with Honda’s B20Z2 2.0-liter inline-4 engine—a naturally aspirated workhorse known for its durability. This engine was a carryover from Honda’s golden era of over-engineered vehicles, and many CR-Vs with 200,000+ miles are still running strong.
Owners have come to trust the CR-V for its:
- Low cost of maintenance
- Simple mechanical layout (especially in the AWD version)
- Strong availability of OEM and aftermarket parts
That kind of dependability is hard to find in newer vehicles laden with electronics and complex turbocharged powertrains.
Timeless Utility
The 2001 CR-V was one of the early compact SUVs that perfectly balanced car-like handling with SUV practicality. With a flat-folding rear seat, tall cargo area, and even a pop-out picnic table in the trunk floor, it offered clever touches long before “lifestyle vehicles” became a marketing buzzword.
For drivers who just need a simple, rugged, and adaptable vehicle for camping, home improvement runs, or winter driving, it still gets the job done without fuss.
Easy to Work On = High DIY Appeal
Mechanics and enthusiasts alike praise the 2001 CR-V for its accessible engine bay and straightforward mechanical systems. No turbochargers, no hybrid systems, no touchscreen interfaces—just solid mechanical engineering.
This makes it a favorite among:
- First-time car owners learning to wrench
- People looking for a second “beater” car that won’t break the bank
- Off-road and overland hobbyists who want a cheap base vehicle
Affordability Without Compromise
While newer used SUVs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, a clean 2001 CR-V often sells in the $3,000–$6,000 range depending on mileage and condition. And unlike many cheap older vehicles, the CR-V doesn’t feel “cheap” to drive. The ride is composed, visibility is excellent, and road noise is surprisingly well-managed for its age.
For budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable daily driver without sacrificing functionality, the 2001 CR-V is hard to beat.
It’s Already Depreciated — and Then Rebounded
Vehicles like the 2001 CR-V have hit bottom in terms of depreciation and are now rising slightly in value—especially well-maintained, low-mileage examples. This has turned them into a kind of “value plateau,” where their market price stays surprisingly stable year to year.
Some reasons for the rebound include:
- Increased demand for dependable, no-frills vehicles
- Rising prices of new cars and inflated used car markets post-2020
- Collectors and nostalgia-driven buyers appreciating “analog” vehicles
A Cult Following
From off-road enthusiasts modifying it for light trail use to Honda fans preserving them as part of the brand’s history, the 2001 CR-V has quietly developed a community of loyal fans. On forums and social media groups, you’ll find passionate owners trading tips, build photos, and parts resources.
In a world where vehicles are becoming increasingly digitized and disposable, the CR-V represents a kind of analog resilience.
Final Thoughts
While it may not turn heads at a car meet or win any races, the 2001 Honda CR-V represents something much rarer: a practical, reliable, long-lasting vehicle that refuses to fade into obscurity. Whether you’re a college student, a weekend adventurer, or just someone who appreciates old-school Honda engineering, this SUV continues to prove its worth—one odometer revolution at a time.
