The 1998 Honda CR-V used a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, commonly the B20B, producing roughly 140–150 horsepower depending on market and tuning.
In 1998 the CR-V was part of Honda’s first-generation compact SUV lineup (produced from 1997 through 2001). The engine choice reflected the era’s emphasis on efficiency and reliability, pairing a compact 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a practical, everyday driving experience. This article explains the engine’s design, market variations, and what it means for owners of a 1998 CR-V.
Engine family and capabilities
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a member of Honda’s B-series family. It is a non-VTEC, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection, built for smooth power delivery and good fuel economy. Output varied slightly by market and emission equipment, but generally sits in the 140–150 horsepower range with torque around 128–133 lb-ft.
Engine variants by market
- North America (U.S./Canada): 2.0 L inline-4, B20B, DOHC, 16 valves, roughly 142–150 hp depending on year and tuning.
- Other markets (Japan/Europe and others): Similar 2.0 L B-series variants used, with minor differences in tuning and emissions equipment.
In practice, the core engine remained the same across markets—the differences were mainly in emissions equipment and the availability of automatic versus manual transmissions, rather than a fundamental change in the engine itself.
Performance and maintenance considerations
The CR-V’s 2.0 L engine is known for reliability when properly maintained. Regular oil changes, timely service of the cooling system, and adherence to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule are important for long-term longevity. The engine relies on a timing item (belt or chain) and accessories that should be inspected at recommended intervals to prevent unexpected failures.
Common issues reported by owners include wear-related cooling system symptoms, intake or vacuum leaks, and occasional oil consumption in higher-mileage examples. For used-car buyers, verifying service records and the condition of belts, hoses, and the timing component is advisable.
Summary
The 1998 Honda CR-V used a 2.0-liter inline-four engine from Honda’s B-series family, most commonly the B20B in North America, delivering about 140–150 horsepower. It was designed for dependable daily driving and efficient operation, with market differences mainly related to emissions equipment and transmission availability rather than the core engine design. For prospective owners, focus on maintenance history and the condition of the timing components to gauge long-term reliability.
How much is a 1998 Honda CR-V worth?
The value of a used 1998 Honda CR-V ranges from $304 to $963, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
What motor comes in a 1998 Honda CRV?
Engines
| Model name | Power | Year of construction |
|---|---|---|
| B20Z2 | 148 HP | 1998–2001 |
| B20B4 | 128 HP | 1996–1998 |
| B20Z1 | 147 HP | 1999–2002 |
| B20B | 128 HP | 1995–2001 |
What year to stay away from CR-V?
Keep in mind that your personal driving habits will dictate the longevity of a used Honda CR-V. Avoid the 2002-2004 models due to guaranteed HVAC implosions, the 2015 model for its infuriating idle vibration, and the 2017-2018 models for their severe turbo-engine oil dilution flaws.
What is the best CR-V engine?
Of the three engines available, we'd recommend the 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel. It's relatively quiet on start-up and remains hushed as speeds rise.