Yep can't beat a 1st gen CRV. My wife's has 190k and runs and drives like new.
The AWD system is simple. Basically it's a front wheel drive with rear assist. There is no electronics involved. The rear diff has a Hydraulic valve and clutch. When the driveshaft spins faster than the axles shafts (front wheel slip) this causes the valve to close the clutch to engage the rear axle. Simple effective and gets good gas mileage.
If you drive easy 30mpg is not hard to get on the road. 25 all around is pretty normal. The suspension is great on the road but a lot of forest service road stuff will wear it quick.
Change the rear diff fluid regularly. If you hear a sound that sounds like a squeal in the front your fluid in the rear needs to be changed. Simple job. Use Honda dual pump fluid only! Just need a pan and a 3/8 ratchet. The drain and fill plugs are designed with a 3/8 square hole. Same for auto trans. Only use Honda fluid in that too. No filters to cahnge on the trans. Just drain the fluid into a pan. Pour it into an old milk jug to measure how much came out and replace with same and then check the dipstick.
Rattle under your feet means you need to change the gasket in the exhaust joint between the down pipe and cat. It's a flex joint. These gaskets wear and then the metal buzzes together.
A front suspension knock you can't find means the sway bar bushings need to be replaced. All simple stuff.
Change the timing belt every 100k! Also adjust the valves at least that often. The 2.0 engine is occasionally known for beating the valves into the seats and if they are not adjusted you can burn a valve because they become too tight.
I have found that in general it's best to use Honda replacement parts. On normal wear stuff they are price competitive with the parts stores. They get you on stuff like power window switches. I've had wretched luck with most parts store brake parts on Honda's. In the rear use Honda and in the front get these. You thank me for it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwr-k704-26/overview/year/1999/make/honda/model/cr-v
We had a small issue of warped rotors with mountain driving. That kit fixed that and stops much better.
I saw your post about fishing. I bought this hitch for ours several years ago. Quick and easy install.
http://search.cartserver.com/search...10&keywords=1999&keywords_2=HONDA+CR-V&GO=GO!
With this hitch I used to tow my 12' jon with outboard on a light trailer or my canoes and yaks on same. Didn't even know they were back there.
But the coolest thing about a CRV is the table under the rear deck! I've bought 2 of these from junk yards for about $10 each to use as camping tables in my Trooper!
Hope this helps. Enjoy your new ride.
By the way this '99 has been the most reliable vehicle with the least upkeep we've ever owned!