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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  No buyers remorse - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Prescott - May 18 - 12:51 pm

  Ive held off on buying a car most of my adult life, for a variety of reasons, most recently because it has been near impossible to find a vehicle that ticks off all the boxes, but also because auto technology is changing so rapidly now. But living in New England and tired of driving of failing to get hybrid Camrys and Prius Cs through the snow and ice so I can get to my clients, I realized that I couldnt let perfect be the enemy of the good, so I made a list, I checked it twice, and the CR-V came through on everything but the mileage. And, even then, it has no peers in its class. Even the RAV4 Hybrid gets a mere 10% bump, and for that you pay a premium on a base model without all the great features included in a CR-V EX. Having owned the vehicle for a month now, I dont see how I could have done better. Sure, the entertainment and settings interface is terrible, but at least it is CarPlay compatible, so I am using that most of the time, and really looking forward to seeing if that sticks around and how it develops. I like the ride height and feel of the road. The steering is solid and the wheel feels good. The adaptive cruise control is a feature Ive come to really like, as well as lane departure and collision warning, none of which were available on the RAV4 hybrid. Loving having a sun roof now, too. Cargo could be a little more convenient, despite its volume. Theres a ledge keeping me from laying a folded 6 table totally flat in back, even with the seats down, which is annoying. Even the hybrid Camry allowed me to lay the table flat, with room to spare on every side. But I do like the vertical height. Took advantage of it to go car camping. Because of that height, we were able to load up the back without putting down the seats. Everyone remarks at the design and the Obsidian Blue color. People cant believe its a Honda. Neither can I. I should have seen it coming with the new HR-V style that got my attention (not a great car, but a nice design for a small SUV type vehicle), but I thought that was a one-off. Not so. I even like these wheels better than any previous CR-V model. This car went from boring and not on my list to the top of my list when it first came out, and I am not disappointed. Again, Id love to have this exact car with better acceleration and fuel economy (mid-30s seems reachable), but until that perfect car exists, this one will definitely do, and I have no remorse about buying it with the intent to keep for a long, long time.

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  Quality - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By DH - May 18 - 12:11 pm

  This is a reliable car. It is comfortable with kids and car seats, or adults on the commute. The gas mileage is better than listed. With a roof box, we fit 2 adults, 2 kids, a large dog, skis and equipment.

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  CRV or Sorento?...CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jason&Jenny - May 18 - 10:00 am

  We were torn between the CRV and a Kia Sorento. The KIA was much nicer on the inside with many more standard options and a more luxurious feel to it all for the same price. Although we finally went with the Honda pretty much based on the gas mileage factor and the Honda reputation for quality. Although the CRV has a much smaller engine because of the weight it had better acceleration than the KIA. Our biggest problem was the availability of the EX AT model in the color we wanted (waited a month through 3 dealerships). We got the Mojave mist with saddle interior and added wood grain (which looks GREAT), roof rack, fogs, splash guards and a cargo cover.

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  Honda #6! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Wood - May 17 - 4:45 pm

  This is my second CR-V; I traded in a 13 for a 16. There is a lot of the same interior features as the 13, yet the 16 has a lot more electronic features, such as the radio display, updated cameras (and adding the left sided lane assist camera), and usb/hdmi ports. The rear seat compartment now has its own temperature controls. There is no engine vibration as seen in the 15 model. The road noise is also much quieter than my 13. Honda just does it again, but better, and Im a Honda lover for life!

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Helen - May 15 - 5:29 pm

  I had a 97 CRV and I really liked it a lot. When the new version came out, I was stunned at how beautiful it was. Nonetheless, I had to shop around, because thatd be crazy to buy the same car again. After looking at everything else on the market, I went back to the 07 CRV and bought it! I couldnt be happier. I love it! (And The green tea color is gorgeous!)

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  crv EXCELLENT! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By littlesquamlake - May 15 - 2:00 am

  If anyone is looking for a fun, safe, reliable small suv, the crv is IT! I love my 2002 EX 5spd.....living in NH, its definitely put to the test!

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  Very Good Value for the price. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Imran - May 14 - 9:30 am

  I was debating between a RAV-4 and CR- V. I choose CR-V because it looks better outside, and the interior is nicer. I also stuck with Honda because my previous Hondas gave me excellent service. CR-V is comfortable, handles well, and has a nice feel of a bigger vehicle. It is averaging at 24 MPG. To me, addition of extra horsepower for 2010 is good but still meager. Honda needs to put a bigger powerplant to make this vehicle stand-out above the rest. A 2.7 liter four cylinder will do the CR- V right. I also gave thought to the new Chevy Equinox but it costs more than the comparable CR-V. All in all, I feel that I made a good choice even though CR-V can use more power.

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  Nice until A/C failed - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JPettibone - May 13 - 10:49 am

  I really liked my CR/V until the last few years. 1st, the cabin materials did not wear well. 2nd, the gas mileage seemed to decline over time to the point that I could not get more than 275 miles out of a tank even with highway mileage. 3rd, we had reliability problems. Had a $600 transmission sensor repair last year, and then the A/C compressor imploded and destroyed the entire AC system a few weeks ago. The cost for that repair was quoted at $3800 by the dealer, and American Honda refused to help even though theyve helped other customers with this, but left us out to dry despite owing a 06 accord and doing all service for both at the dealer. Were done with Honda for a while.

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  I love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By cec1212 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my CRV since August and I love it. I used to drive an Acura Integra and I was afraid I would not be able to drive the CRV. It the perfect SUV if you are used to driving a small car. It is so easy to handle and park. You cant go wrong with the CRV as Hondas are known for their high resale value. This SUV is great for the $.

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  My first and last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas no more - May 11 - 5:45 am

  This Honda is a lemon! Sensors failing, defective parts, high maintenance requirements (rear differential fluid often needs changed), defectively designed A/C system. I will never buy a Honda again. I had a Ford Ranger for 10 years and apart from routine maintenance never had to replace anything. Im going back to Ford.