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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  Best car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By David f. - April 30 - 4:32 pm

  Incredible car its technology and handling I love you Honda.

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  Everything I Wanted - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle - April 30 - 8:36 am

  My CR-V is a great car; it is actually the first car I have ever purchased on my own. It is an all around great ride; a week after I bought it, I made a trip to Tahoe from LA - it was excellent! Gas mileage is great considering the size of the car and the terrain that I drive in (i.e. lots of mountain driving for snowboarding). And the traction control is FANTASTIC! I didnt even need chains this season!

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  A/C compressor blew up at 55k miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ed C - April 28 - 6:41 am

  A/C condenser blew up with 55k miles requiring a complete replacement of the entire A/C system costing $3500. Honda refused to pay for any of the repair costs although this is a common issue. Car had other minor quality defects with the window controls and control panel. I liked the way the car looked and handled but the overall quality for this model is way below what I would expect from any manufacturer.

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  I Love My Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dr of Golf - April 26 - 6:32 pm

  This has got to be the best Honda that weve ever owned. The mileage is fantastic for an SUV-type vehicle and the space is great. The mileage compares to our old Honda Accord. Our new CRV is fun to drive and we love taking it out on the highway where it gives us about 32 mpg. We average about 25 mpg in town. Cant say enough about the great gas mileage and the fun it is to drive. Best economical car weve ever owned. Like it almost as much as our Mercedes 560SL ... almost.

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  My lil CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Menezes - April 23 - 10:43 pm

  Because I am on the road constantly, Reliability together with looks is of paramount importance. My little CRV has been a real Gem. No problems with it since I took possession over 100,000 miles ago!! I recommend this vehicle very highly to anyone looking for a small SUV

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  A Thankful Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By lonefish - April 22 - 12:15 am

  I really have no complaints about this vehicle, and can come up with none. I did not purchase it for off road use, but being a handicapped/disabled male, 57 years of age, it sure fit the bill!

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  1999 Honda CR-V FWD LX - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - April 21 - 8:28 pm

  Bought our CR-V new in 1999. 10 years later and 145,000 miles on it the thing still runs like a top. The only repairs we have done, outside of new tires, a battery, & routine maintenance, are the front brakes at 65,000 miles and the electronic door lock relay at 72,000 miles. Everything else is original. (Yes, even the timing belt and the muffler!) Looking forward to 200,000 miles +! Very little body rust even after 10 Vermont winters and salted roads.

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  14 months and 32k with 2008 CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By peterdh2000 - April 21 - 1:18 pm

  I have 90 mile daily commute, good mpg required, thus had to pass on any V6 SUVs. CR-V wont thrill with acceleration, but I routinely have 4 adults, a baby, and a load of Costco purchases aboard, and it handles hills and merges just fine. Nimble handling, good sight lines, excellent brakes. 2008 had several crazy snowstorms in Pacific NW. CR-V AWD handled quite well, although the stock Bridgestone tires not the greatest and at 32k are almost spent. Nary a squeak or rattle, except for a whistling sound from the A/C every so often. Rogue was a close second, having Bluetooth, Xenon, Bose, but also fixed rear seat and headrests, and a little less solid feeling.

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  This aint no Trooper, thankfully. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mike M - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  Replaced our 99 Trooper. We gave up space but got economy and refinement in return. The CRV is really fun and easy to drive. It is quiet and smooth highway speeds. Theres no unsettling feeling go through long sweeping turns as in the Trooper.

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  Update to Vibration Free 2015 EXL/Nav FWD (Its NOT!!) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By gene2 - April 17 - 5:46 pm

  In my initial review written 24 Feb, I was too hasty in bragging about my vibration free CR V. Yesterday I had a very brief (maybe 2 seconds) profound yibrstion/thudding episode. It happened immediately after starting my warmed up car. Before I could figure out what was going on, it stopped. 300 mikes later, no more vibration episodes. If people are experiencing this routinely, I understand their concern, because this is unacceptable. I hope I did not mislead anyone with my initial glowing review.