I bought a 97 two weeks ago. My wife drives a 97 Accord (bought new)
and I am convinced Honda makes the best car for the money. I am
considering ordering the arm rest for the passenger side but need to
be sure there is a mounting for it prior to slicing my upholstery.
Any brave souls out there that have accomplished it?

Checkout :
http://ptcruiserusa.com/hondasuv/crvix/interiormenu.htm
for all of your Vs armrest desires...

I installed the passenger seat armrest in my '97 CR-V two years ago. It
is an exact match for the upholstery, the instructions that came with it
are good, and the installation took about 45 minutes. It would take less
time if I were to do it again. Well worth the money and effort.

- Rod