Overview & Reviews

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.

Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.

Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.

Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.

Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.

The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.

Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.

In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.

Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.

Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.

In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.

The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Great overall**excessive Road Noise - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By angiev3703 - August 19 - 11:25 pm

  Shopped around for a couple of months before deciding to purchase a new Honda Suv My previous one had horribly uncomfortable seats. That was 8 Years ago. Have only had this one two days so far no complaints on comfort. Overall great looking good fuel economy, love the technology. Very roomy. Good visibility. My only concern at this point is road noise. I would classify it as excessive. Ive had a Ford Expedition and a Honda Pilot both were 4-wheel drive and much less road noise. Im going to try my carpeted floor mats to see if that helps otherwise the car may be going back to the dealer on day number three.

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  Mostly love it but theres an issue with the battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jefferson2014 - August 3 - 1:02 am

  My 3rd CRV so Im sold on Honda and I mostly love this one. However, there was an issue with the battery - had the car seven months when the battery died. Very strange but it was the middle of winter where we had a string of below zero days. Replaced it and went along until 6 months after that when the battery died again. Triple A could not even jump it so had it slow charged and then took it to the dealer. There is a battery drain issue with these models (Honda Service Bulletin 12-041). Dealer upgraded software and so far so good.

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  Luv, luv my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lyslehp - July 19 - 8:29 pm

  I bought my CRV on Oct. 2007, model 2008, brand new to the dealer and as of now I never have a problem. I change the break pads 6 months ago and change new tires 2 yrs ago. I would consider my CRV a gas saver. The only thing I dont like, after I paid off,the bank sent me my title the dealer Fletcher Jones made a mistake, well this has nothing to do with the car but Im not happy because my title stated used car and the current mileage not the mileage when I bought the car.

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By zarakand - July 17 - 10:39 pm

  I love the car just took a trip from Chicago to Virginia in it and averaged 41mpg according to the onboard computer. When I did the math manually using gallons and miles from the odometer it came out to 40.2mpg. For an SUV that is amazing! Now, I used to drive a Prius for work so Im always watching my driving patterns and am fairly gentle on the gas. On this trip I drove about 60-65mph most of the drive and set cruise control on several occasions. I absolutely love the car and its big upgrade from my Honda Fit.

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  Best Overall Value after Hours of Research - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mtayub - July 11 - 7:53 pm

  After much research, im a CRV Owner. Gas mileage in town is 27 Avg. Gas mileage on 2000 mile trip from Michigan to Alabama and back 29mpg. Econ mode on whole time. MPG AVG 28.7. Very Comfortable seats. Lots of leg and storage room for all passengers. Rear seats recline, love it. Low interior noise. Very High reliability. Blue tooth works great, and reads my text messages to me. I love the plastic stays nice longer. Its soft where it needs to be. I did significant research on 2013 CRV and 2013 Rav, I went with CRV. For 2013 CRV LX AWD Paid 24000 plus tax and plate. American Made in Ohio is a plus. Im pretty picky and hard to please, im extremely happy with my CRV.

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  Best Car Ever - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By dustygirl - July 2 - 3:23 pm

  Wish they still made them like this. I am the original owner of my 99 honda crv and now have 191,000 miles on it. No major problems...Just put a new radiator on it about two years ago, the old one just had a pin-hole leak. The original battery lasted 9 years and was still okay, but I decided Id just be safe rather than sorry and replaced it. Only issue I ever had with it was a bad clunking/thunking when going over even small uneven spots...it was a $12 fix and just needed a new bushing where the sway bar end link went in. We change the oil on time, and change the transmission fluid earlier than what it calls for. Ive checked valve clearance and theyve always been fine.

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  CR-V Is A Pleasure To Drive! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By wds1 - May 27 - 11:14 pm

  My senior parents are the actual owners of this vehicle, but I have driven it enough and helped them weed through numerous other vehicles (months and months of research and test driving) to feel confident in making a review. My mothers strong pull to the CR-V was the actual deciding factor in the final purchase. I feel she made a great decision! This vehicle offers a lot for the money. We test drove countless vehicles and my parents kept coming back to this one. I was not as crazy about it as them, but see that it has many desirable features and feel it is definitely worth the money. Overall, it is a great little SUV!

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  Close to perfect!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By quintus1 - May 27 - 3:39 pm

  We absolutely love this car. I bought the touring edition and had the sport mats and a tow package installed on it. Went with black on black leather and I am SO glad I bought this car over the many many others I tried out. After test driving all of the other SUVs in its class, this car is absolutely the best choice. It looks really cool and serves its function as being a family/dog carting/get me to work/hauling vehicle. The fold down seats and the handling were what sold me. Once you take it out of eco mode it actually has some fairly good power. Great job Honda!!

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  Liking the improvements! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By 9xhondaowner - May 18 - 10:09 am

  This is our 3rd CR-V (and our 9th Honda). I traded an 07 EX-L for the 13 LX. I miss with leather, posh interior and better sound system and I will definitely morn the loss of the heated seats next winter, but let me tell you what I LOVE about the 2013. The ride is smooth - my daughter says its like riding on a cloud. Road noise? Gone! We dont have to shout to have a conversation. Gas mileage? With the econ button on, got 31 mpg with mixed driving on 1st tank. Woo hoo!!! My 07 was getting about 24 mpg. Love the back-up camera, Bluetooth, etc. My only gripes: interior, while comfy, seems a bit plastic/cheap LX sound system is sub-par. Overall - very happy with the new CR-V!!!

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  Perfection! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By tikatika - May 10 - 11:03 pm

  I love my white 2012 CR-V. Had it pinstriped in red/black and it looks awesome! We had a 2007, wow how the car has improved! Have had the car since January 2012, and have not experienced one problem. We are getting 30.2 mpg in mixed driving, love the backup mirror, this car is simply FUN to drive. It will be a keeper for a long time!