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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  The New CR-V Rocks! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Axe1969 - August 3 - 1:13 am

  This is the most efficient vehicle ive yet owned. Great MPG and requires only regular gas and is an SUV at that! Nice turning radius and maneuverablilty, but a little too much braking pressure is needed to stop. Pick up is adequate. Love the nitro gas tires. Wish the armrests were independently adjustible, as I recline more than most others do while driving (dont worry- not so much that Ill sleep). The armrest is stationary (so it rises to a more obtuse angle which means more awkward contact with the steering wheel, despite wheel telescoping and tilting). Love the car so far and my only wish other than the above is that the driver seat be multi-powered, the EX-L be powered.

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  LOVE MY CRV-GETTING ANOTHER - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Amy L - August 2 - 6:54 pm

  I bought this vehicle bcuz I had a 2 door Civic and I wanted something a little bigger since I was having a baby. This car has NEVER let me down. I think the interior quality is awesome-I havent been the cleanest person in my car (have horses and dogs) and all I have to do is vacuum it and it looks great. Shampoo it once in a great while and looks brand new. Never had any mechanical issues w/exception of drive shaft and motor for window needed to be replaced. And it is a lil rusty cuz I live in snowy central NY. Other than normal wear and tear, it has worked out great for me. Excellent in snow!!! Love this vehicle and will be sad to see it go when I get a new one: (

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lucky - August 1 - 10:37 pm

  Ive had it a month now and love it. Dont notice road noise others have mentioned. I have the AWD with the Bridgestone tires. Been getting 21-22 mpg combined driving and around 28 mpg on all highway. Im 6ft.2in. and have plenty of room. There is plenty of power for me. Its a very nice ride on the highway.

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  Blues Little Gem - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By maria hays - August 1 - 8:06 pm

  Love my CR-V! Got the CR-V with all the bells and whistles, it is incredible!

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  It Just Keeps Going and Going! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Ann S. - August 1 - 6:05 pm

  I purchased my CR-V new and have driven it 284,000+ miles. It still has original suspension, wires, and just about everything else. Ive replaced a fan or two, the radiator, done timing belt changes as required, had brakes done as needed and changed the oil regularly, but no major issues ever. Ill definitely keep this car until it simply wont go any more. Even

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  Dependable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Saba Khalid - July 31 - 12:26 am

  I bought it certified pre owned and have been enjoying the ride. Keep up with routine care and it will go much longer.The sun visors are a bit small when sun is low,should have an extender, esp for shorter drivers.

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  The best car I ever owned - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CingleMom - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  I only had my CR-V for a week and I love it. I traded my 2007 Dodge Caliber for it. This is one of the best decisions Ive made in a long time. The Caliber was horrible. The Honda CR-V drives like a dream. I wouldnt trade it for the world. I just hope that its good on mileage.

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  Better Than Expected... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By NewCarGuy - July 30 - 2:29 pm

  After driving every small ute out there, I narrowed it down to the CR-V and the Forester. The wife preferred the look of the CR-V over the Forester. Since its primarily her car we went with the CR-V. I was most concerned about the lack of power (I drive an 09 Murano). However, it packs plenty of punch for her daily needs. Its amazing how spacious the interior feels on such a small frame. This is a perfect vehicle for driving around town, but I prefer the smooth ride of my Murano on a long drive. The handling is superb for an SUV, which makes it fun to drive. I was concerned about rear visibility w/o the backup camera, but its fine. Make sure you check out the Forester too.

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  Love the CR V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Erica - July 30 - 6:56 am

  We traded in our 04 Chrysler Town and Country that had 170,000 (my husband drives a lot for work)for the CR V. What a great and fun to drive truck it is! Our other car is a Volvo XC90, and while I enjoy driving it, the CR V is so easy to maneuver and park that I have virtually kidnapped th CR V from my husband. It really is a great value compact SUV for the money, not to mention the Honda reliability. This is our 3rd Honda and we couldnt be more pleased.

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  Into the Shop Every 2 Months... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JasonK - July 29 - 10:22 am

  Overall, my Honda has never died on me. I am a very spirited driver, but there are no excuses for some of the constant repairs being done to my car. I needed a new front axle at 60,000 (living in the NYC metro area, we have those big pot-holes), I have blown about 5 or 6 engine mounts, needed a new transmission at 80,000 miles, needed to replace throttle plate at 15,000 miles, the list goes on, and on. Thank god I used common sense, and bought the extended warranty. Its just a shame the terrible customer service at my local dealer turned me off to Honda, and therefore will probably never buy another Honda again. Was a great car until around the 50,000 mile mark. Then its all down hill.