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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  VERY happy with CRV-EX - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andy - April 17 - 5:06 am

  Great SUV, very happy with design, comfort and engine. Honda has set a high bar for a small SUV, you cant beat the price ($22,890) and quality in my view.

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  Love IT...but it eats motor oil - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MayK - April 15 - 11:55 pm

  I bought a used 2005 Honda CRV and it drives great. However, the only problem I have is that it slowly eats motor oil...Is this TRUE??? To avoid any complications I just have to change the motor oil on time. Love the size, body, and height!

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  Great value, solid - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Ryan Simmons - April 15 - 11:43 am

  This car is reliable and although it doesnt have much pickup it handles well and is an enjoyable ride. Wish the gas mileage was a little better and some of the interior materials were upgraded, but would definitely buy again for the price and the overall value.

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  We Love Our CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By B - April 14 - 4:21 pm

  We owned our Pre Owned CRV for 6 years and beat the heck out of it. Yes, it is true that the clock gave out years ago, and the cup holders are so shallow that your coffee gets tossed on the floor and rolls around down there once in awhile, and there is that little key problem on the drivers side door, but otherwise this car has had no major repairs, it always starts and is eager to go many miles. We really love our CRV and we would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  NICE..but - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry - April 14 - 2:26 am

  Purchased the CR-V EX-L for my wife. Love the styling - inside and out. Leather is high quality. Like other owners, think a bigger engine (V6?) would be a plus. However, seems peppy enough when starting from a red light or merging onto highway. Dash is nice, except the LCD portion in the middle - too cluttered. Also, note no scheduled printed maintenance manual - have to rely on the LCD screen "Maintenance Minder" with a one or two digit code - I like to know in advance whats coming up (i.e.: oil change, or major $$$ service.) Also thought mileage would be better than around 21 m.p.g. (50/50 highway / city.) I think it is an excellent small car-like SUV. Sharp car - no problems.

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  Never again! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Honda CR-V - April 13 - 4:34 pm

  I had a 2004 Honda CR-V, loved it, but it rode rough. Bought a 2007 and it was a much better ride, but I have had problems with it. Initially I was having problems with it starting. The worst thing is it keeps wearing the tires out. I was told by Honda it was in the rear differential. I am on my 3rd set of tires at 50, 000 miles. Hondas solution---pay them almost $1,000 for new tires. The main customer service representative was very rude and discourteous. I will never buy another Honda car and will never recommend it to any of my friends again.

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  Cant go wrong... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv - April 12 - 12:26 am

  Great vehicle. Always thought CR-V was a good vehicle, but felt the styling on the old ones were a little bit to unrefined for someone my age (mid 40s). Good power for a 4 cylinder. Fuel efficiency has not been as good as claimed (i average 25 mpg and I do about 50/50 highway/city driving). No other vehicle in this class is as practical and as good a value. Similarly equipped RAV4 would have cost me 26,000 as opposed to 23,000. Sure the Rav4 offers V6 and 3rd row seating, but why would anyone look for those things in a small SUV??? and a Rav4 equipped with those things exceeds 30,000(you can get a larger midsize SUV for that price, such as the Honda Pilot)

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  MY SECOND CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Rush4th - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up another CR-V EX..After this lousy winter I couldnt find a better vehicle combining all weather traction, fuel economy & good looks.. Reliability is tops..resale very high..If you are considering a small- mid SUV this is a no-brainer.. Tom R. Bedminster, NJ

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  98 CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By 98 CRV - April 8 - 5:39 am

  I bought this car new in 1998 and it remained our most driven family vehicle, and now the one my teenage daughter prefers to drive also. After 153,000 miles it still runs excellent, very light and car-like in handling. With the timing belt/water pump replacement I had the spark plugs replaced and idle reset... it runs like new and still gets 27-29 on the highway and mid-20s in normal commuting. No noticeable wear marks on the interior and no paint issues on this car. Ive owned many luxury cars over the years, but this CRV has been by far the best value in any vehicle owned and the only one Ive never wanted to part with. It is a superb value.

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  C-RV for You and Me - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By David - April 7 - 11:43 am

  We have nothing but praise for this vehicle. The only things we would like to see improved is the keyless remote and the road noise. You need to be very close to the car for it to work and the road noise is very loud.