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 car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By thebehrs - August 17 - 9:31 pm

  We have owned this car for almost a year and are very pleased with it. We shopped for the Rav4, Equinox, etc but the CRV came out ahead. On a long trip recently, which included a mountain pass, we got 33 mpg! Its cute, handles well and is great in the snow and on ice. On the down side, the tires that come with it are garbage and several people have had to replace them after only one year, including us. The folding rear seats are a VERY poor design. They wad up behind the front seats and give you almost no extra room. Honda designers should take some tips from Rav4 rear seats and have them fold once, and completely flat. Also, the hatchback, when opened, can drip muddy snow and rain.

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  Happy to own one - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By originalbryan - August 17 - 4:50 pm

  We (wife & I, no kids) purchased this due to our frequent outdoors trips. Shortly after purchasing, we drove in a blizzard and on icy roads for 2.5 weeks. The AWD worked great during the storms and icy conditions. After the blizzards, we loaded a small (4x8) trailer on the back with our belongings and drove 1,300 miles along the western coast, then through the deserts into CO. We drove though the Rockies and in snow often, eventually driving another 1,200 miles with another 4x8 trailer to the south eastern US. Weve spend a LOT of hours in this vehicle and used it to drag a trailer across the entire US. OR to CO to AL. Love the vehicle, no complaints at all.

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  Wood seats would be more comfortable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - August 17 - 12:42 pm

  I have written a previous review about this vehicle. This has to be one of the most uncomfortable vehicles I have owned. So bad that I traded in a 8 month old 2009 CRV with 12,150 miles for a Mercury Mariner. Dealer said I was the first to trade this vehicle in because there was no data on 2009 trades. My biggest complaint on this car is that they seats are like rocks. I drive 60+ miles per day and bought it for the gas mileage. I was averaging 25.3 mpg, but I was driving a 2001 Nissan Frontier with 162,000 miles more than I was driving this vehicle. I simply hated driving this car.

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  Fantastic, Roomy, Pleasant to Drive - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Gertis - August 17 - 12:15 pm

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  Fun for the Price - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By curtis - August 16 - 11:35 am

  Great Car, should last beyond the payments. Front seats are weird, but not too tough, we love it and have seen many on the roads in Florida... Center Console is different, but were ok with it... Great Job Honda.

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  Solid SUV but needs more horsepower - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Thomas - August 15 - 10:43 pm

  This SUV has great style both inside and out. This a a great car if you have one or two kids and the dog. Its actually less than advertised in the city and pertty good in the hwy. I just think it really lacks on pick up. It needs more power. Would have been great in a V6.

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  My 2010 CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Spiro - August 15 - 8:02 pm

  Love this car

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  How Could This Be? - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Chung - August 15 - 2:00 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new and have always driven it very gently. From day 1, I noticed there is significant wind noise and road noise. I didnt think much of it at first, but then other mysterious noises began to show. I cant get the dealer to figure out where a rattling sound is coming from whenever I drive on rough surfaces. Then there is this high pitch whining noise that is very noticeable when the car is going 40-55mph. They say its a normal sound from the transmission. I dont believe it because it wasnt there for the first 4 years. And now the car averages 16 mpg. I know there are just annoying problems but they really reduce my enjoyment of driving this Honda.

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  NH CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SnakeBelly - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Decent vehicle, reasonably priced, good mpg, nice features, comfortable and roomy with plenty of config options. Opted for the LX over the EX as I dont need a window in my roof to rob head room (and / or leak). Ummmm, dont expect to be crashing thru snowbanks and driving unplowed roads at 60mph in this vehicle - never been stuck but the car has a tendency to fishtail on icy/snow conditions (face it kids, this doesnt happen that often so dont rule the CR-V out just because of my comment -- AWD is not an excuse for lack of intelligent driving).

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  Just purchased our 2nd 2009 CR-V LX AWD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lebogal - August 14 - 11:02 pm

  We purchased a CR-V LX AWD in January and have been so pleased with it that we just purchased an additional one today. Price was right - $21,100 for an LX AWD plus tax and title. We have about 4,000 miles on our other CR-V and still have 60% of our oil life remaining. The CR-V was easy to drive in the winter and we didnt have any trouble with driving in the snow.