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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  Dont Buy This Honda! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tiffany - July 13 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 02 CR-V with 20,000 miles on it. My AC broke at 65,000 miles. I paid $150 to have it fixed. Broke again 2 months later. Honda quoted me $1000+ to fix it. Im STILL making payments and cannot afford to replace it. Not fun in 100 CA weather. Ive always sworn by Hondas. Even my Honda mechanic said "I dont know why you have so much trouble with this car you take such good care of it." It has electrical problems, the stereo had already been replaced when I bought it. Cruise control works when it feels like it. The rear door latch mysteriously stopped working. The cup holder is broken. Interior door panel by the window fell off. I baby this car! COME ON HONDA. REALLY???

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  Bad quality Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda lemon - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Four (4) recalls and fourteen (14) trips to the dealer with problems in a two (2) year period. No more Hondas for me. This company is not user friendly when dealing with customer complaints.

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  No So Good Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - July 10 - 4:24 pm

  I am very disappointed and surprised at the unreliability of the 2003 CRV. I thought Hondas lasted a long time with standard maintenance. I had to replace the tires not long after I got the car. The ones that come with the car are poor and unstable. My seatbealts are difficult to use and dont slide back and forth as they should. The security light stayed on because one of the seatbeats was not working at all. A part had to be ordered. Another one is a nightmare to use. I have had to replace one of the oxygen sensors for $550.00. Now my clutch and air conditioner are going out. Thats another $2000 plus. Because of this, I will not purchase another Honda and will now trade this one in.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Donna H. - July 9 - 6:03 pm

  After much research on the internet, I was torn between the new RAV-4 and the CR-V. My husband and I test drove both vehicles and immediately decided that we like the CR-V much better. In fact, my husband didnt even want to drive the RAV-4. We bought our CR-V after test-driving a total of 5 cars. We immediately took the car on a three hour trip and truly enjoyed the drive. The more I drive my new CR-V, the more I like it!

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  great vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By joseph2 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle--dont change a thing. the new body design is a master piece. very refined engine.

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  First time Honda owner of a CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Wright - July 8 - 8:27 pm

  This is my 1st Honda vehicle. I am awestruck by the quality, ride, interior room, accessibility of the controls and the displays. The comfort of the seats and the room overall. The handling is magnificent. Instant response on turning and when the cruise control is on the precise speed at which the car is maintained in any terrain. The CR-V allows me to feel in exact control of all of the controls I need to feel safe and comfortable while driving. This vehicle is extremely quiet and gives me the feeling of a relaxed and tranquil environment. I will forever be a Honda owner.

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  Bad Brakes Honda Should Recall - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bobw - July 8 - 12:13 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV only has 29000 miles. I brought it to the Dealership to check out a Grinding Noise that happened when I hit the brakes. The dealership told me that my CRV need front and rear rotors and front and rear pads. I have never ever had to replace Rotors or pads at 29000 miles in my whole life. This Cost me over $1100.00. I feel that Honda should have a recall. Ive read many complaints about Honda Brakes There is definitely something wrong with Hondas Brake parts and Honda should do something.

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  Enjoyment! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By DER - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  I did quite a lot of test driving and research before my purchase. I had several Honda drivers give their positive reports. This was the last test drive I took, and brought the car home the same night! I am very happy with the interior room. I am 53" and my husband is 62". We are equally comfortable driving. There does seem to be a lot of plastic in the interior, but thats no different than the others I drove. Was expecting poor gas mileage to begin with, but am already averaging 24. Lots better than my Pacifica that averaged 19.

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  Honda SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ARomano895 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a FUN to drive vehicle - engine performance is very exceptional.Ability to open the rear window made me decide to purchase the CRV over the RAV. (Great feature when buying a christmas tree - you can stick the excess right out the back window).Getting accustomed to having auto control and emergency brake on the dash took time and patience. Center console betweent front seats coud use IMPROVEMENT- Not much use for anything other than holding drinks . Cargo space is very adaquite . NO use for picknic table- this feature should be discontinued. OVERALL its the best vehicle I ever owned.

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  MY WHEELS - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JAMES W. CASEY - July 6 - 10:00 am

  WIND WIND NOISE CAN BE HEARD ON THE HIGHWAY. OVERALL THE CRV. IS OK, THIRD ONE I HAVE OWNED WITHIN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. CRV IS COMFORTABLE, MILEAGE IS DECENT.