1998 Honda CR-V - Tuned Exhaust - Super Street Magazine

Back in the real world, however, things were not as positive. As you would expect a car to be with stiffer springs and shocks, the CR-V is much less apt at soaking up bumps. On broken pavement, it felt like, well, a lowered Civic. This seems to detract from a CR-V's primary mission: traveling around town, comfortably hauling kids and soccer balls.

Every Mugen part worked as it was intended. The engine parts increased performance. Handling-wise, the CR-V can outperform a stock Integra GS-R. King's creation is commendable. But based on the fact that most Americans buy CR-Vs as plebian transportation, the use of Mugen parts is not for everyone. Mugen parts on a Civic Si; now that's more like it.

Inside Track I like Mugen. I like CRVs. What I don't like is Mugen and CRV in the same sentence. True, sporting the equipment and logos of one of the most popular engine tuners to emerge from Japan is cool, but not necessary for everyday usage. I want to go camping and drop my little brother off at school with a CRV and not worry about getting it keyed or stolen the moment I turn my back. The Mugen exhaust delivers a raspier tone, while the stiffer springs and shocks offer greater handling characteristics than stock. Although the definition of Mugen is "no limit," King should have some restraints and keep its focus on Civics and Integras, not sport/utility. -JW

One thing is certain: You know the Mugen CR-V when you see it. The company stamps its name on it in its design as much as Honda. With the heavy-duty body kit, it looks much more threatening than stock. And the closest thing to an urban assault vehicle you can get with the H tag on it. The motor kicks out more horsepower. It's faster, but what this thing still needs to realize its full potential is a supercharger. -RC

The Mugen/King Motorsports CR-V is rolling proof that you can make any vehicle stand out-if you use genuine Mugen parts and accessories. Anything and everything you would ever need to make your CR-V look good and go faster is available from King/Mugen. Our short time in the Mugen CR-V proved that the pregnant Civic has what it takes to turn heads on the street. Cruising around L.A., we attracted our fair share of stares from Civic and Integra owners (and no matter what he thinks, it wasn't due to Brent's new haircut). We even had a stock CR-V owner looking at the Mugenmobile at a stoplight long enough for him to receive a horn blast from an impatient L.A. motorist trapped behind him. The Mugen CR-V also seemed to out-perform its stock brethren thanks to the engine mods that King put in place. We have yet to drive a '99 CR-V that has the more powerful engine, but in our opinion this Mugen-powered sample will serve nicely. Don't expect Type R power, but if you're looking to take your CR-V to the next level, give the folks at King a call.
-MP