I work at honda/toyota independent repair shop, we see our fair share of CRVs. If I were to suggest, stick with the 2002+ model years with the 2.4l, they have a lot less crappy "old car" type problems.... They have more power, ride smoother and feel less like a tin can than the 1st gen CRV. Biggest thing to note is find a low milage one or atleast one that has been obviously well cared for, when these 4cyl are neglected they begin to eat oil. You would be surprised the amount of people that don't change the oil until well passed the maintanance light, and Hondas light doesn't turn on till about 7k miles. My suggestion for any honda on conventional oil is 3k or no more than 5k. Also another main thing atleast for some, is the AC system. The compressors like to grenade and send metal throughout the whole system rendering the ac inop and a few grand to fix correctly (complete ac system overhaul) or if you don't care they sell a delete pulley and you remove the compressor and put the delete kit in and keep going.
The 1997-2001 are great rigs too but maintanance costs and age will be the main issue. Oil leaks, oil burning, timing belt stuff, distributor problems, headgaskets blowing, valve seats wearing etc etc. While initial purchase is cheaper it will most likely need more work.
I would also consider Toyota rav4, they are available in a AWD and fwd options as well.
