I just bought a used 1997 CR-V (automatic, AWD) with 92,000 miles.
I'm not sure if this is normal, but here's what I noticed a few days
after buying it:

when coasting at about 5 mph in traffic, i'll gently hit the
accelerator and the RPMs creep upwards but it doesn't feel like the
transmission is engaged. then it drops into gear and goes. this
doesn't always happen, but i do notice it about once a day.

also, when slowing down from 45 mph there's sometimes an abrupt
deceleration at about 30 mph which feels like downshifting if it
were a manual transmission.

i wonder if it's the 4WD system engaging? i wonder if it's normal?
or, could this be the first signs of a serious transmission problem?

It may be the first signs of serious transmission trouble. At
slightly over 100K miles in my 98, the engine when downshifting into
passing gear would occasionally lurch and then rev wildly before
settling in to proper speed and rpm. Now, the think won't downshift
at all, the computer safety cutoffs occasionally kick in slowing the
car to a crawl. A series of computer diagnosis codes kicked in at the
dealers: I've replaced the wiring harness, then the cat converter,
then the transmission solenoids, and now the codes say the
transmission is shot. So far, I'm out about $1500 and a new
transmission will be $4000, with Landmark Honda in suburban Washington
graciously agreeing to eat the 600 they just charged me for changing
transmission solenoids.

So, look at any transmission problems before the 100K miles hit, AND
KEEP any print out of the computer diagnosis sheets the Honda shop
gives you, in case the thing totally breaks down after 100 K miles.