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:

• 

  Id buy it again - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Matt - June 28 - 9:32 am

  My wife bought an LX AWD, and I ended up liking it so much, I traded in my Expedition (kids got older didnt need all the space anymore) and got an LX AWD too. It is sturdy, reliable, solid, safe and quiet. It also has all the safety features of the highest end Honda (we like that about Hondas). I mostly drive in the city, jumping on and off the interstate on occasion, and I average about 22-23 mpg. On highway trips, I get 26-28 mpg. The best words to describe our Hondas are basic (in the best sense of the word) and solid. They have everything you need (including the AWD and ABS for snow/ice) without all the extra bells and whistles and related cost. Also, no worries and no problems.

• 

  Value First! Look for a deal they are out there - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Chapman - June 27 - 9:26 am

  I have been driving a Honda Civic Hybrid for about 6 years. I didnt know how much pain I was enduring until I drove the 2013 CRV. It is wonderful, really good power, great gas mileage for an SUV and a much more comfortable driving position. My model is somewhat basic but even it comes with blue tooth which made syncing with my phone a snap and it reads my messages to me while driving. A nice touch as well. Fold down rear seats are crazy easy, just pull the lever and they completely fold themselves. Really nice when your hands are full. I love this car.

• 

  first suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john bratvold - June 27 - 2:00 am

  very reliable, well thought out, good power, disappointing mileage.

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MusicloverLCH - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a CRV since 1998 and Im thrilled to finally own one. This is the greatest car Ive ever owned. Its fun to drive and great in heavy traffic. The CD player and cruise control make long trips way more enjoyable. I highly recommend it!

• 

  Its Great ! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this one has got to be the best ever. I love the ride quality (more like a car than an SUV).It has plenty of interior room for passengers as well as cargo.I cant understand why anyone would pay a higher price for one of those heavy suvs when this one does it all at an affordable price.The CRV is an exceptional value even if you pay full sticker price for it. (I didnt)

• 

  Still Loving it!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - June 25 - 1:25 pm

  I have owned my CRV for 8 months now and I still love this SUV!!! We just took the CRV on a family vacation to the beach and my sons lacrosse tournament, and my husband was VERY impressed... we were able to fit beach chairs, luggage, folding- sporting event chairs and lacrosse equipment all in the back without blocking the rear view. He was also pleased with the ease of parking in small spaces!! I was always one to avoid parallel parking whenever I could, but with my CRV, I have absolutely no problem with parking!!! This by far is the best vehicle Ive owned yet.

• 

  Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jaytee2126 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little SUV! Fun to drive, rides lika my Saturn. Great for this small (51") woman, and her bigger hubby! Very competitive pricing. Excellent options included on base model. Love it love it love it!

• 

  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jason - June 25 - 12:11 am

  My LX gets 25 in town and up to 31 sometimes on the freeway driving about 5 miles above the speed limit usually. Cruise control really helps w/ the gas too. I really enjoy the car. It is not like driving a Mercedes or something but most of us dont anyway so big deal. It has great room and the seats are comfortable. Totally worth what I paid and reliable. Some people may just not be satisfied or dont tell the whole truth.

• 

  Somewhat Disappointed - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Somewhat Disappointe - June 24 - 4:37 pm

  Before buying the 09 CRV, I owned a 2000 CRV EX-L, a 1996 Honda EX, and a 1990 Civic (Honda owner for 19 years). I really loved those cars, but not this one. It averages about 18mpg (inc. hwy), the temperature controls have to be reset each time, I wish it had an analog dashboard, and there is a serious hesitation right before acceleration. The mirrors are skewed in some way which makes it difficult to park--I have no problem like this in any other car. The steering is a bit stiff, and Ive developed tendinitis from gripping it, and the ride is bumpy like it has sports suspension. The floor of the cargo area is flimsy cardboard. Am thinking of trading it in for a Forester or RAV4. Sigh.

• 

  SWINGIN LITTLE CR V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Donald ROSS - June 23 - 10:29 am

  I like the larger size tires, would recommend them. We are older and it is easier to get in and out of. The radio is great, enjoy sirius and all the options. Would have liked to have had the auto rear door opener. All in all the car is great, has a great ride and easy to handle. Plenty of horse power, get up and go. All around, a nice car and very quiet in the cabin.