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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  OK, but the 03 was better I think - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By anghel - June 13 - 8:00 am

  I owned an 03 CRV EX, I bought the 08 model. Other than the turning radius which the CRV, and more stability with strong winds and rain, theres not much comparison. I loved my old CRV way better. First, the new CRV struggles with acceleration worse than the old one. The 6 cd changer is placed on the cup holders between the front seats and the cd holders look like old sandwich boxes. And this structure is permanently attached that if you drop something on its sides, makes for difficult cleaning. There is less head/leg room. Side mirror adjustments were moved. Trunk space is less. No picnic table. The tires gave at 30K miles. So loud too.

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  Nicer than gen 1 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Toledo Ohio - June 12 - 12:33 pm

  I went from a 1999 CR-V awd to a 2007 CR-V 2wd 1 month ago. The 2wd was difficult to purchase in nw ohio but they found me one. Ive gone from 26-27 mpg to 29+ (1500 miles, warm weather conditions). The ride is much quieter and smoother. The power is much improved and more than adequate. Car runs 2000 rpm at 65. The gas meter (2 trip meters with mpg and and instant mileage gage) is great and accurate. LX basic stereo bass is remarkable, way better the the 99.

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  A True Workhorse - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Scott Dimeler - June 11 - 10:35 am

  I have driven the CR-V 55,000 in a little over 2 years. This included about 3,000 miles of towing a trailer a max load. Other than routine maintenance (Oil, new tires, etc.) I havent had any problems. MPG is about 28 highway / 21 in town. I wash and maintain the car regularly and it looks new. I use a leather conditioner on the seats every month. The leather in the driver seat is showing some minor wear. This car has been outstanding.

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  FUN 2 DRIVE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ISLANDERBOY_18 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  GREEEEEEEAT CAR! THE PERFORMANCE AND GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT. SATIN SILVER MEATALLIC IS NICE. ITS THE BEST LITTLE CAR EVER!

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  Honda Forever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Suzy Q - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my CRV. I was concerned about the 4 cyl. performance, but have been pleasantly surprised. I travel with work, and I enjoy having the space that a small SUV affords while getting 26 mpg.

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  Nice little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bb - June 11 - 4:36 am

  Purchased top of the line CRV EX-L. My wife loves this car! Fairly comfortable and easy to navigate around town. The dual-zone climate control is very poor. If the outside temperature is 3 - 10 degrees cooler than required setting the system constantly flips between cold or hot air. Cant quite seem to find a balance. Rear seat passengers complain about the temperature when set to automatic. Not easy to control manually either. Had to move up to the EX-L to get comfortable seats. The leather seats are comfortable and make a big difference. Dash is tasteful and controls well placed. Price is high for the features on the car. Banking on long term reliability or resale to provide value.

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  Happy with Caveats... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Smith - June 8 - 4:05 pm

  Overall Ive been happy. Amazing cargo space, comfortable, fun, zippy and good hwy/ok city mileage. My beefs: 1) This thing goes out of alignment too easily although Chicagoland roads are horrible. 12K miles and four alignments! I take the train and my wife works 4 miles from house. 2) Body trim panels are flimsy. Spending $280 to replace poorly designed liftgate trim. Why so flimsy on a "rugged" vehicle. I look at prior models and curse the designer. 3) Paint chips and scratches too easily. I have a 2002 Outback that is wearing like iron and this car replaced a Legacy wagon that I sold for top dollar with 110K in it. I do hope this beast goes the distance like my last Honda Accord.

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  Switched from BMW and loving my CRV! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By dmaccioc - June 7 - 10:17 pm

  I traded in my 2007 BMW 328i Sedan for this CRV because I realized the Bimmer wasnt meeting my needs. I have absolutely no regrets in switching to the CRV - the interior is nicer, much more comfortable, the ride is much smoother, the stereo is better, driving position is amazing (I am tall and have a stiff back), and its great for flopping the seats down and throwing things in. I thought the BMW was my dream car but I now realize the CRV is it. I live in the Bay Area and have 2WD - my mileage is equal to the BMW and the Honda uses regular gas! I average about 22-23 but get 30 on straight highway. Great car for the city, country, single people and families.

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  Room for improvement, but nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jaymar - June 7 - 6:42 pm

  Great little SUV, looks could be improved with front fairing wrap-around bumper (available in Europe). Not good if you need instant response from engine, one time I stepped on the gas and it seemed to take a second or two before it responded, if that is a safety feature its the most dangerous safety feature on any car, but you get a lot of stuff for the money...

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  Well worth the money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - June 5 - 9:28 pm

  So far I have owned my 2008 CRV for 8 months. After my Mitsubishi Galant was totaled in a fire, I bought this baby. I was surprised how well the vehicle handled, how well the fuel economy was, and how comfortable the interior was. I achieve about 21 mpg in the city on average, while achieving an average of about 28 mpg on the highway. Overall, great vehicle and I certainly recommend it to others.