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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  Honda 2002 CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bolinlamar - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Honda Ive owned, I only buy used cars now not new ones. I thought this was a good buy at a good price because of my experience with the other Hondas Ive owned, boy was I mistaken. The Air Conditioning Compressor blew up only 2 weeks after I bought it, the Sales Manager refused to help pay for any of the repair or parts for the AC System. He said that he had sold me the car at a price that was so low that the dealership didnt really make any profit so he couldnt help with any of the repair. I had to pay $1974.97 to the Honda Dealership to replace the entire AC System since the compressor blew bits of metal were all in the system. Very disapointed.

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  Great Mini Ute - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tzaharis - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is very functional, with a great use of space. Also, you cant beat the reliability and re-sale value.

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  Perfect for Grandpa and Grandma! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hausfrau - July 23 - 7:39 am

  After being in a car accident with our 1992 Honda Accord with an 18 wheeler and lived, we were sure that the Honda was a good make of vehicle. Brother- in-law and sister sold us their 2001 Honda CR-V. We love it! My husband is 65" and has plenty of leg room. This is a spacious automobile. We have our own little entertainment center in the front seat with us, AM/FM/Cassette Tape and CD player. We have the little "bar" and the table in the back. What else could a little old retired couple ask for? It rides smooth. We dont know what it will be like in a Minnesota winter, but the brother-in-law had it for 8 Wisconsin winters, so that cant be too much worse. No more accident fears! Yay!

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Carol Lea - July 21 - 3:17 pm

  The car is perfect all around. Decent MPG, comfortable, loves the highway, large storage capacity.

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  The CR-V is good, but not great. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Paul MacLeod - July 21 - 10:31 am

  The level of quality in this new Honda is not as high as I would have expected. Ive been to the dealer three times with one repair taking 7 hours and the other vibration issue in the front end extending to the steering wheel unresolved. Tires were re-balanced to no avail. Ultimately, the dealer said I should think of getting rid of the vehicle before the warranty ends. Thats a stellar vote of confidence in the products they sell. The interior is nice and the seats are mostly comfortable, though not for all. The infotainment system has been working well and is easy to navigate. The paint is very soft and chips very easily. So easily that touch-up paint should be included with your purchase. Gas mileage is great, but acceleration is weak with the 1.5 T. Overall, the vehicle is okay, but I would not purchase again. This is one of those one and done situations. I wish good luck to all who purchase...

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  Disillusioned Honda owner - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gkg451 - July 21 - 5:43 am

  Purchased my CR-V as a low mileage executive driven vehicle after much research. The vehicle is exhibiting an annoying vibration at speeds between 85 and 110 k/hr. Dealer in conj. with Honda unable to correct. Honda says that no defect exists although they have a name for the condition - harmonic tingle. Apparently many other CR-Vs have same problem. I tried a brand new 90 and it had the same problem. Honda says I have to live with the situation as there is no way to eliminate problem.

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  Overall Im Happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jacqson - July 20 - 3:43 pm

  Just purchased my CR-V LX AWD, it drives nice and smooth, I love the space in front and back. I dont feel like Im driving a big SUV almost feels like Im still driving my Jetta. This was reasonably priced, although I do wish there were some extras in the low end model, dont need all the bells and whistles, but some would be nice. Overall safe pick, compared to the Toyota RAV4, I feel I got a bigger car with more room.

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  Short of expectations - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kent - July 20 - 12:36 pm

  Styling and driving pleasure are the strong points but gas mileage and build quality are way below Hondas usual efforts. Mileage averages 17/21. Lowest has been 16/20. Never over 19/23. Dealer says thats normal and wont note the complaint on a work order. Door and both side mirrors rattle/shake at hwy speeds and theres a rattle in the dash. Mirrors have been tightened twice. Radio is horrible. If this were a Kia Id rate it a 7 overall for having exceeded my expectations. But its way short of expectations for a Honda. I wonder if assembly in England could account for the poor build quality as I recall the poor quality of MG, TRiumph, etc. Fun to drive, but I wouldnt want to own one.

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  Just Another - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Boring - July 20 - 9:28 am

  Well I was sold on all the hype of reliability. My wife is really upset we traded a Chevy that has zero issues to one that has us at the Honda Dealer every week. All little stuff from rattles to AC not working. Oh yeah my second transmission in 18000 Miles. Did I get a lemon? Dont think so, lots of others in the waiting room at Honda thinking what did I do. Oh the new body style will be better seems they are doing a redesign to modernize it like the Nissan, Chevy , Ford and Mitsubishi.

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  Great purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Deborah - July 19 - 10:37 pm

  I bought this car for my oldest daughter with 60,000 miles and it now has 146,300 and is still going strong. I have always done all the recommended maintenance on it. The AWD feature is good in the snow or rain. It has lasted longer than I ever expected and has been a great investment. I would recommend it to anyone.