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:

• 

  Totally Disappointed in Honda Quality - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Martha - August 14 - 6:54 pm

  Like other 2003 CRV owners, I bought with expectations of "Honda quality." My air conditioner went out at 56K miles, and to their credit, Honda paid for parts I paid for labor. At 118K it went out again. I was told it was "too far out of warranty" for them to replace the AC again. I assume keeping a Honda for 200+K means replacing the AC every 55K miles??? The oxygen sensor is also out, so I am a soon-to-be EX-Honda owner. Had planned to buy a Civic next, but not now. Detroit should be a lesson on squandering a good reputation and letting quality slip. I dont know what it costs for Honda to get a new customer, but it cost them an AC replacement to lose a "Honda for life" customer.

• 

  Very nice car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Wendy - August 14 - 9:46 am

  We have not owned this car very long, but my husband and I both love it and love to drive it. I love the look, and it is a lot of fun to drive!!

• 

  I Love My Car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By 19sandyman - August 13 - 2:15 pm

  Hello all. I only bothered to register on this site to share the wonderful experience were having with our less than a week old white 2015 Honda CRV EX-L. This is our second CRV and third Honda. I read all of the reviews warning of vibration, so I was on heightened alert during our test drive. Our vehicle was warmed up and we took it for a good test drive. No problems. Not at stoplights, the highway, nor around town. Can I feel the engine running? Yes. Is it at all different from my previous Honda? No. Im not discounting any of you that have problems. All I am saying is test drive the one youre going to purchase. Go for a long drive and see for yourself. Ours is great!

• 

  Love this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By magster - August 12 - 3:13 pm

  I was planning to get the Honda Civic hybrid, but after test driving that and the CR-V, the CR-V was the clear winner. The CR-V has a very comfortable interior, the nav system is awesome as are the speakers and audio system. I wish it got better mileage in the city. Im averaging about 17 mpg in downtown DC. On the highway recently, I got 33 mpg.

• 

  As advertised - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hack - August 11 - 10:35 am

  We recently drove from Minnesota to Maine via Canada, down the East Coast and back to the Midwest with our two kids. Most of what you hear about the CRV is true. There is pronounced road noise on rough pavement, though smooth pavement is fine. The engine has pep in city driving, but acceleration can be sluggish and the engine can feel over-matched on highway merging and some hills - passing is fine. The suspension and seats are a bit stiff, the low-beam lights are poor, but the drivers view, cabin lay-out, and the responsiveness of the steering are excellent. Easily fit a months worth of gear. Biggest surprise? Very good mileage 28 - 32 at 70+ on the highway. Not a luxury vehicle.

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Maureen Cahill - August 8 - 2:03 pm

  After all I have read about this car, I agree with the lack of hi-speed passing ability, but that is not a major issue for the day to day driving I do.

• 

  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hollyhype - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda and 2nd purchase at Henessey Honda in Woodstock, GA. Both times, the sales staff has been "5 star" in all areas. Honda reliability is what sold us but this "mini" SUV is all my husband and I need for work and our weekend trips. Always excellent service at Henessey.

• 

  Love at First Ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By maggiepirsq - August 7 - 5:46 pm

  Began looking at Honda and Toyota sedans. On a whim, deciced to take CR-V for a test drive. Decided right then that I was going to buy a CR-V or RAV4. Doing my research & comparison, I came to appreciate the way Honda allowed the consumer to decide on the options, unlike Toyota which pre-packaged many options, bringing up the price several thousand $. I got exactly what I want for $5K less than comparable RAV4. I love the ride, handles flawlessly. I can fit in all of my dogs, including my greyhound in the back. I love the height that I sit at. 20 years ago spent $18,900 on a Crown Vic LX & it was really not a quality auto. Now I have spent only $500 more and have gotten a great quality auto!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By penny - August 7 - 3:37 pm

  I never knew what they mean by fun to drive until I drove my new 2009 CRV EX AWD in Green Tea! I also own a Civic, while a great car with great mileage, its getting to be too small to be convenient for my family and my dog. Being the first SUV, I was afraid it might be too big to get use to if I switch, but I was surprised to find that CRV drives not much different than my Civic, except much roomier, plenty of space for your legs, head, arms and stuff! Front console is great with useful displays, and the design is very sharp and attractive. Now I look forward drive/riding in my new CRV in the morning to work. Oh I am still trying to improve the mileage by using cruise control. Its decent.

• 

  More problems than you would think - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By rj - August 7 - 12:34 pm

  Car did well right up to the end of the rather weak warranty. After 90K some really annoying repairs... chief of which was the endemic defects involving the AC Compressor. O2 Sensors went before that and before that the blower motor. Having heat last winter and AC this summer has been a real challenge. Honda was no help with repairs which is disturbing since the AC Compressor is an obvious problem throughout the country.