Honda CR-V 1998 model = 4WD?

[Ext User(John)]

I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?

[Ext User(Spear and Magic Helmet)]

John wrote:

> I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
> it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
> gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?

I could be wrong, but I think they are "4WD on demand". In other words
it's RWD until they slip and then the fronts are engaged.

Like I said, I could be wrong.

[Ext User(D Walford)]

John wrote:
> I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
> it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
> gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?
>
>
Looks can be deceiving:-)
In normal driving its a front wheel drive, the rears engage
automatically if front wheel slip is detected.
Apparently if used for more than a short time in a 4WD situation the
centre clutch pack that engages the rear diff overheats then disconnects
itself, also the rear drive is slow to engage so the CRV is next to
useless off road.
If you intend to do any off road driving don't waste your time with a CRV.


Daryl

[Ext User(David Z)]

All CR-Vs sold in Australia have 4WD. A 2WD version was/is sold in the US &
Canada but has never been available in Australia. In fact, 2WD SUVs are
extremely rare in Australia - there are only 2 currently on the market: the
Ford Territory and the Hyundai Tucson.

"John" <john@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:43ddb479@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
> it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
> gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?
>
>

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"John" <john@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:43ddb479@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
> it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
> gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?

They're typically called a "soft roader" in that they have next to no off
road ability (compared to any sedan), and don't have a dedicated driver
selectable 4wd transmission or a range selection.

CR-V's are a constant front wheel drive vehicle, with the rear axle being
automatically engaged when need. Like when you get stuck on an oil slick in
the supermarket carpark for example (which is about all they're good for
really).

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Spear and Magic Helmet)]

D Walford wrote:

> In normal driving its a front wheel drive, the rears engage
> automatically if front wheel slip is detected.

Ah, that's the one. I had it arse about :)

> Apparently if used for more than a short time in a 4WD situation the
> centre clutch pack that engages the rear diff overheats then disconnects
> itself

I heard that about Nissan X-Fail, but is probably true with CRV too.

> also the rear drive is slow to engage so the CRV is next to
> useless off road.

100% agree.

[Ext User(tlai909@visto.com)]

The CRV has absolutely no offroad ability. The on-demand 4WD system is
very poorly realised. They are quite reasonable to drive though.

[Ext User(David Z)]

Thats an understatement. There are plenty of people who take their CR-Vs
off-road. In Europe in particular, where larger 4WDs are too expensive to
own/run.

<tlai909@visto.com> wrote in message
news:1138609506.446894.181130@g44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> The CRV has absolutely no offroad ability. The on-demand 4WD system is
> very poorly realised. They are quite reasonable to drive though.
>

[Ext User(The Red Krawler)]

>> I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
>> it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
>> gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?

> CR-V's are a constant front wheel drive vehicle, with the rear axle being
> automatically engaged when need. Like when you get stuck on an oil slick
> in the supermarket carpark for example (which is about all they're good
> for really).

.... and it would want to be an awfully small oil slick

[Ext User(Marco)]

As others have said, it's a 4WD but it's not really suitable for
4WD-type work in the traditional sense (that is, off roading, not
popping down to the shops for a tin of cat food). Unfortunately, given
it's unnecessary height and weight and high centre of gravity, as well
as compromised on/off road tyres, it's not really suitable for on-road
work either, such as going around corners comfortably, avoiding
obstacles and generally getting about the place as well as a normal car
could...

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:vckDf.230946$V7.97020@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Thats an understatement. There are plenty of people who take their CR-Vs
> off-road. In Europe in particular, where larger 4WDs are too expensive to
> own/run.

Grass carparks could be considered "off-road" I guess......

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Kev)]

Noddy wrote:

> "John" <john@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:43ddb479@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
>>I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
>>it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
>>gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?
>
>
> They're typically called a "soft roader" in that they have next to no off
> road ability (compared to any sedan), and don't have a dedicated driver
> selectable 4wd transmission or a range selection.
>
> CR-V's are a constant front wheel drive vehicle, with the rear axle being
> automatically engaged when need. Like when you get stuck on an oil slick in
> the supermarket carpark for example (which is about all they're good for
> really).
>
> --
> Regards,
> Noddy.
>
>
The CRV's 4WD get only 30% drive to the rear wheels when the system
detects slip in the front
there is no centre diff lock so you could easily bog it in soft sand

would probably be ok in the snow and other slipery roads

Kev

[Ext User(Kev)]

David Z wrote:

> All CR-Vs sold in Australia have 4WD. A 2WD version was/is sold in the US &
> Canada but has never been available in Australia. In fact, 2WD SUVs are
> extremely rare in Australia - there are only 2 currently on the market: the
> Ford Territory and the Hyundai Tucson.
>
> "John" <john@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:43ddb479@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
>>I've been looking at getting a Honda CR-V, 1998 model, but was told
>>it's not a 4WD because there's no 4WD "switch" to be found on the
>>gearshift or similar. True? It looks like a 4WD to me...?
>>
>>
>
>
>
the Songyangg Musso is also available as 4WD or 2WD
it was available before the other two

Kev

[Ext User(David Z)]

> the Songyangg Musso is also available as 4WD or 2WD
> it was available before the other two

The Musso in its current form is a 4-door utility, not an SUV.