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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  new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mike - July 2 - 8:30 am

  very happy with the new crv we just bought. great ride. tons of interior room in a small suv. just wish someone would have been willing to give a small discount

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  No Worries - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Honda4life - July 2 - 7:37 am

  I bought this car 1 year ago, after owning our last CRVLX for 8 1/2 years. We have been extremely happy with the performance and comfort of our SUV. The gas mileage is awesome. We have gotten 29-30mpg on the HWY, and 22-24 in combined city/hwy driving. Much better than our last CRV.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - July 1 - 2:29 pm

  Between my wife and I we have owned four Hondas, 3 Accords and now 1 2003 CRV EX. We purchased each Honda new and all three Accords were fantastic reliable vehicles. I thought that I was a Honda customer for life. Then we bought a new 2003 CRV. Its now 6 years old with only 49K miles on it. Weve replaced 2 sensors ($450), all four brake pads and rotors ($500) and now both front struts + a front end alignment ($600). I can understand all of these wear items around the 100K area, but not at 49K miles. In reading through other reviews, looks like I can expect the AC to go soon too. Well try Toyota soon. Honda, learn from the quality errors of the big three, or you may be sorry.

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  OWNER - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry Kohler - June 30 - 12:13 pm

  This is my wifes car is known as "Holly Honda" everyday car to work and back in Prescott. Daily mileage 8 miles round trip. Purchased in 2002.

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DFUGATE - June 30 - 10:00 am

  With the limited time I have owned the vehicle, it has performed perfectly and for the price, you cannot beat the safety features of the SUV.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By TJL - June 29 - 9:30 pm

  Love it!!! After 4 months of ownership ave. gas mileage 25.7. Long road trip from St. Louis to upper Michigan mpg was 28.9 going up and 28.3 coming back with ac running full blast south of Green Bay. Ran great and was very comfortable. Held everything my daughter took to college.

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  Back Problems? Buy This! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kwheat - June 29 - 9:11 pm

  We were looking for a car with comfortable seats and good for a bad back. This is it. Our old Subaru Legacy gave us both back aches in 15 minutes of driving. With the Honda CRV we drove for 13 hours pain free! We love the leather seats and seat warmers, but for those who need support the armrests are fantastic! We debated leather - to go with the all leather or not. So glad we did. Its fun to drive. Shorter than my Subaru Legacy sedan and easier to get in and out of. Love it, Love it, Love it.

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  Buyer beware - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Harley Morse - June 29 - 6:15 pm

  I like everything about the car except that at freeway speeds there is a lot of wind noise. So much that you need to turn up the radio and speak louder. We only have 4000 miles on our car and have contacted Honda several times. Finally, they that that was just the way the car was made. Before you pay $35 thousand dollars for one of these 2017 models make sure you drive it at freeway speeds and can tolerate the noise.

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  I love this SUV!!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Angel - June 28 - 8:02 pm

  I traded my 2007 prius in for this SUV. I am sure glad I did, this car drives great, very smooth. I got the 4 wheel drive and cant wait to take it to Tahoe, but this car is still perfect for city and highway driving. The voice activated navigation feature is fantastic!! I love this car!!

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  My last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Denny - June 28 - 9:56 am

  Great reliable car for about 4 years. It did pretty well in deep snow, had lots of room for hauling just about anything. My A/C exploded at less than 58,000 miles. Honda told me to basically drop dead. There should be a recall on this A/C problem. Honda no longer cares about their customers.