The BEST BUDGET OVERLAND Vehicle You have NEVER Considered (95-01 Honda CRV)

Is the 1st Gen Honda CRV (RD1) the best budget and entry level overland vehicle that slipped under everyone’s radar?

It’s not the most capable off-roader but with its combination of reliability and features suitable for overlanding, you may want to take a second look after this video.

The 1st Gen CRVs were made from 1995-2001. The one in this video is a 2001 Honda CRV LX with AWD.

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments!!

Timestamps
0:00 80s/90s Style Intro
1:35 Overlanding Needs
1:46 Tailgate Table
2:58 Bed Mode
3:41 Storage
4:47 Reliability
5:26 AWD System
5:55 Driving Comfort
6:42 Conclusion

My Vehicle:
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Warn VR10S
3 piece steel bumper
Iron Man Raid Series Rock Sliders
Stock 33s

Overland Gear:
Iceco JP40Pro
Jackery 240
Camp Chef Teton Compact Stove

Recording:
GoPro Hero 7
Movo VXR10-PRO External Video Microphone
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Osmo OM6

[getsmarter]

I loved my ‘99 so much, I bought a ‘98 as well. Ended up with a 2000 parts car as well! Completely rebuilt the front end of both my runners for about $400 each, including cv axles. Even figured out how to do my own alignment. Best running cars I’ve ever owned, and I’m in my ‘60s!

[Taeleus]

Fun fact, you only HALF went into "Bed Mode" If you fold down the rear seats and click the lever on their side to elevate them, they line up with the front seats to make a HUGE sleeping area. I paid about $1k for my 00 CRV and its been a treat. 310k miles on the odo and still able to take it to the 4x4 beach or to some trails.

[crashjump]

Lifting springs and kyb adjustable shocks has turned my RD1 into a super fun SUV to drive...

[TrainerAQ]

97-01 Honda CRV
I bought mine with 160, 000mi. In 2014
Today it has 217, 000mi and still strong. Im looking to turn it into a full camper soon

[tramenari]

The seats in the LX can't fold over to become a bed... Only the EX and SE models can.

[evermetalhead]

Dude! The table! The table sold me into looking into one of these.
I didn’t know that. 😳
Honda’s (old ones that is) are so damn reliable and easy to fix anyway.
This is what cars should be. ALWAYS!

[GlenB]

Nice video. I love budget builds. Here in Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 4wding is extremely popular, and people spend up to $200 000, on a vehicle and fitouts. Me, I have an sh forrester with 35mm lift springs, and 6% larger tyres @ 225/65/17. It is the top spec model w leather interior and electric sunroof. $10000 aus which is cheap for over here. I go to Fraser Island (worlds largest sand island) annually and it gets me as far up the island as I wish. Although I can't really pull out large vehicles when they are bogged in soft sand, I can wave to them as I drive by. It never gets bogged.

[TalonsRebellion]

Just bought a 1999 I can't wait to upgrade!

[theapplguy]

My 1997 CRV AWD/ABS with Yokohama GeoLanders was great when I lived in Washington State!

[nwkfnly]

It being an old car doesnt make it a "budget" overlander. These things go from 4-5k near me

[thesehandsart]

I LOVED my '01, I have an '06 now

[jeffl]

I have a lifted 03 CRV (AWD 5 speed) and it's fun. Haven't overlanded it yet but look forward to do so later. Too bad years before and after my model have more support for it though.

[TheRealNolanStyles]

I have a 2000 crv that I’m currently doing a suspension rebuild on along with the timing belt kit. I also have a 2003 5 speed awd that I plan on swapping this January. These little SUV’s are pretty solid for most exploring adventures.

[grant]

My favorite overlander I have ever seen is an '82 accord lifted on 40"+ mudders. The car just sits over top the wheels. Wheels are taller than the car itself. lol

[sergeisteklov]

In Siberia, this is one of the most popular cars and we all drive on the right hand wheel, as we bring these cars from Japan from Vladivostok.

[FatManBuilds]

Hi there, do you know the back of the rear seat also drop down? and the centre part of the rear seat lifts up slightly, so you can get a full flat bed.

[NovaRain]

Great video. What size lift and tires on the CRV?

[Asianconda]

EX and SE 99-01 has bed modes. At least in the US

[AZXplorers]

Honda’s rock my CRX did all the backroads Greenwater and beyond 😅

[MondoMurderface]

All the modding you have to do on it to make it anywhere near a jeep would bring it up in price pretty quick. But that said.. It's still likely cheaper over all but a lot more work. You really need to appreciate that 90s vaporwave look if you want to invest the time into it. I personally think these look sick.