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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  Surprise! I really like the CR-V... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberkook - May 24 - 6:17 pm

  The CR-V is a nice package of creature comfort, good handling, decent economy and overall high quality. I consider it a real bargain. In the first couple of weeks of ownership and after only one long trip I can find no faults.

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  Engine Noise - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By angelo - May 24 - 5:05 pm

  Purchased 2009 CRV LX in mid Feb. Rode excellent in test drive in cool weather. Handling is fine ..compared RAV and Tribute but CRV won out. Owned Civic manual transmission LX previously for 12 yrs and never had a problem. Only negative with CRV now is disturbing engine high pitch whine which continues seconds after engine is turned off.

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  Excellent!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rastaway - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Most amazing car Ive ever driven and know we own one. Handles excellent. Has every Honda comfort and all the space that the Accord doesnt have. The price is great for all you get.

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  Fits like a glove - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jackie - May 22 - 10:04 pm

  I love this car. I went from my Acura Integra to this and was not intimated. Ive not had to get used to driving it because it practically drives itself. The view is great and everything is easy to reach. The alignment needs to be adjusted and will do that tomorrow. It pulls to the right on some roads within 3 seconds on others it drifts within 6 seconds its in the other lane. Im getting 25.7 an 25.8 MPG which is right around what I was getting with my 15 year old 1994 Integra. They are highway miles though with some morning commute (bumper to bumper). Of course I take it easy when I drive. No gunning like a bat out of hell. Its a great car. I expect to keep it for 15 years like my Acura.

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  My second CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - May 22 - 10:26 am

  I sold my 2004 CR-V so I could get the 2005 Special Edition. The 05 had the few things I was missing on the 04. Sure you can find SUVs with more power, more room, bigger tires, etc. but all come with higher prices and a larger vehicle. This machine is as close to perfect as is possible.

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  first time paid over invoice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gorilla401 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  have only put on less than 400 miles so far. 2001 camry stolen, replaced it with the cr-v. paid 500 over invoice after haggling and searching more than i have ever done. paid below invoice for the camry and the accord before that. for those of you who dont know, invoice is not dealer cost, nor even close.

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  Space, the final frontier. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By HM - May 21 - 6:36 am

  I have had this car for exactly 3 years and 69000 miles. Its used for around town and many extended rides of up to 3 to 6 hours each way (the distance to our daughters colleges). No problems. Handling surprisingly good, better than RX300 we had. Interior is huge, cargo space deceptively large. Perfect back for Golden Retrievers. Fabulous visibility. Very good in bad weather. However, road noise becomes tiresome after an hour. Sound system is just adequate. And my 57 yr old rear end gets sore on long rides (Im 58" and 143lb). If youre going to spend lots of time on commutes or long drives, treat yourself to something more luxo. But for around town and near, it cant be beat.

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  I Loved My Little CR-V! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kaylee - May 20 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my 2002 CR-V EX 2WD used, in 2007 & I absolutely LOVED it. It ran beautifully, never once had to undergo repairs, got wonderful gas mileage & was just an overall reliable vehicle--the perfect first car! They are cute little SUVs, typically owned by more females. The interior features are eye-catching & unique & for a smaller SUV, they have impressive storage capacity & spacey passenger room. Mine ran beautifully up to the day I was involved in a head-on collision, and even then I found good news--its a pretty sturdy little car! I am now searching for another 02 CR-V I wont drive any other vehicle!

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  My first Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boomersooner - May 20 - 2:00 pm

  We traded our 2000 S40 Volvo for a CRV SE. We need more room and a vehicle that was less maintenance intensive. I miss my turbo and sport car handling however the CRV is a fun vehicle to drive. Honda has made a midsize SUV for a reasonable price. I enjoy the steering wheel controls and the materials used in the vehicle are as nice as some of the more pricey SUVÂ’s. I commute and needed a fuel-efficient car that was comfortable to drive with luxuries found in the higher end cars and Honda has delivered. We love the car thus far!

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  New CR-V after 2500 miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By asapguy - May 20 - 1:36 pm

  This is our first Honda, in fact our first car other then one from the "big 3". The CR-V is a real pleasure to drive. It replaced a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 170K miles. As of now the MPGs are at 22 but this is only local driving. The voice recognition system needs some improvement. It rarely gets the command right the 1st time. Im surprised at the amount of road noise inside & this might be a factor with the voice commands. We also have a new 09 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2dr. The Jeep is much quieter & has less road noise at 60MPH. We usually keep a vehicle for 15 yrs or more so I hope itll last. My wife drives the CR-V 90% of the time.