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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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2005Hd - June 3 - 9:52 pm

  Purchased new in Oct of 2005 and cant wait to get rid of it. VERY uncomfortable to drive any amount of time over 1.5 hours. Road noise is VERY pronounced. Interior materials are substandard - very easy to mark plastics & can never remove these marks through cleaning or rubbing. The radio is starting to malfunction. Sun visors will not stay up against the windshield. Thus, I have to point the visor toward my face in order to block the sun & drive at the same time. The auto transmission does not shift smoothly - first gear is geared too low. Hey Honda, how about making the oil capacity either 4 or 5 quarts, NOT 4.4! No more Honda vehicles for me.

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  Keeps going and going almost 200,000 miles - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By fred scott - June 2 - 10:49 am

  I purchased it new back in March of 2001. It is the best reliable little truck I have ever owned. With regular oil changes this baby will go forever. Change the timing belt at 100,000 miles and that clunking noise in the front end is minor - just replace the sway bar end links and bushings, no more clunking. I will not part with the crv great in the rain and snow with high ground clearance. Recommend Yokohama trz tires... Buy it used, you dont even need a warranty - great reliability.

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  LUV my CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By VS007 - June 2 - 9:57 am

  When the time came to dump my Civic, I had Rav4 and CRV in mind. Edmunds and others all give Rav4 higher marks, but I found Rav4s small steering wheel very discomforting and the dashboard controls were not that intuitive. Test drove CRV and felt right at home and in fact was more zippier. Rav4 is more powerful, quieter, roomier, fuel efficient and my brains were for it, but my heart went for CRV and still happier after two weeks. Of course CRV looks better too and is exciting to get into CRV and take it for a spin.

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  Great except for gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - June 1 - 9:06 am

  Im surprised in other comments that most people get much better gas mileage than I do. I get around 17 in town and 24 on the highway, and I dont drive that aggressively. At first I thought it was winter driving conditions, but it gets about the same in the summer as it does in the winter, regardless of the ethanol in the gas or the snow on the ground. Im getting rid of it now that Im moving to a southern state and will be doing a lot of in-town driving. Its an okay car and I do like it, but totally not worth the gas- guzzling aspect of it. One good thing I have to say is that Im getting a better trade-in value than I had expected. At least other people think its a great vehicle.

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  Great mileage in a tough economy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By melissa0414 - May 31 - 11:17 am

  I purchased the 2009 CRV EX just a week ago. I had a 2004 Xterra (which got, at best, 17 mpgs highway). I figured instead of spending $400/mo in gas this summer, I needed something more practical, but did not want to compromise on size. The CRV is just as big inside, if not bigger, than the Xterra. Although it appears much smaller on the outside? Love the digital display...it has current mpgs, average mpgs (on that tank), tire pressure monitor, and the Maintenance Meter (reminds you to get your oil changed, etc). Does not have a center console. Instead its a drop-down walk-through (like a minivan would have). The 2.4L 4-banger really has some pep comparable to my old V6.

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  great vehicle with a lot of potential - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jdh - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This suv has alot of potential with more horsepower and available sport options. Great vehicle for a small family. Great on long and short trips.

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  Great little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bpgolf02 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  After doing months of research and driving similar vehicles the Honda CR-V EX is the best value for your dollar. The combination of how the vehicle handles, safety features, 5-Star crash test score and good gas mileage sold me. This car rocks. Way more room then it appears from the exterior.

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  Job well done by Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By samy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Altough I have to admit that the previous version has better exterior looks, this re-designed 2002 surpases the older one in every aspect. So roomy and commanding. Too bad it is labeled as a Females car otherwise I would have kept it for myself. My wife loves it.

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  6000 miles with 02 CR-V LX 2WD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By R.B. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good all-purpose vehicle. I have a commuter car, weekend junk hauler and a good long-distance vehicle rolled into the 02 CR-V. I am still being annoyed by the "engine light" problem when the outside temp. is below 60 degrees F. Also, Ive been getting less than advertised mileage. I use a K&N air filter and drive reasonably. My mileage is 21~23 city and 25~27 hwy. To Honda: Truth in Advertising.

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  Great crossover vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - May 26 - 9:17 pm

  Have had the CRV for 1 month. Couldnt be happier. Always owned Hondas and know their reliability and resale value. The biggest adjustment was going from my 2006 civic 30mph to 22 mph. I know Ill be happy this winter with the AWD. A little surprised a 4 cyl doesnt get better mileage but the confidence and satisfaction with Honda compensates nicely. Bottom line is you get what you pay for and the value of what you get is great. The Hyundais and Kias boast a lower price and EXTREMELY limited 100,000 mi. warranty. But my brother in law is a Mercedes specialist and says he doesnt get many Hondas but the Koreans come in frequently and have bad corrosion problems down the road.