REAL MOTOR JAPAN
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Honda CR-V

RD1Stock varies — page stays live

The original first-generation CR-V established the crossover segment template, utilizing a Civic-derived platform coupled with a tall wagon body, a signature rear-mounted spare wheel, and a fold-out picnic table under the trunk floor.

Engine
B20B 2.0L DOHC
Displacement
1,972 cc
Drive
4WD
Gearbox
4AT / 5MT
Fuel
Petrol
Body
SUV
Honda CR-V RD1Honda CR-V — representative 1st Generation (RD1-RD3) image

Chassis variants of the CR-V

RD1B20B 2.0L DOHC1,972 cc4WD4AT / 5MT
RD4K20A 2.0L i-VTEC1,998 ccFF4AT / 5MTRD5K20A 2.0L i-VTEC1,998 cc4WD4AT / 5MTRE3K24A 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC2,354 ccFF5ATRE4K24A 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC2,354 cc4WD5AT

Dimensions & shipping volume

Length
4,470 mm
Width
1,750 mm
Height
1,705 mm
Weight
1,360 kg
Shipping volume
13.34 M³

Manufacture year vs. registration year

Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:

Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
RD1-100XXXXXXOct 1995 – Sep 1997Early production JDM models
RD1-500XXXXXXOct 1997 – Aug 2001Facelift models with updated safety equipment

Import eligibility by country

Age limits are counted from the month of manufacture, not first registration. This RD1 was produced 1995–2001; the statuses below are checked against Jul 2026.

KenyaNot eligible
8-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.
UgandaNot eligible
15-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.
TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.
ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.
MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.

Common questions about the RD1

What is the unique cargo feature found in the RD1?
The RD1 features a built-in plastic picnic table located under the rear cargo floor mat, which also doubles as the cargo lid.
Does the RD1 have a dual-pump four-wheel drive system?
Yes, it utilizes Honda's RealTime 4WD system, which mechanically engages the rear wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.