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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  Im a Honda Convert - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By rudismom523 - January 12 - 11:15 am

  After listening to my mechanic husband constantly moan and complain abt working on my Jeep Grand Cherokee and seeing both my kids drive their used Hondas for well over 100,000 miles with little or no problems, I gave in and bought the Honda CRV. I have to admit..I love it !!! I test drove many other vehicles in the same class and no one comes close to Honda for standard options, reliability and price for what you get. I got mine in the Urban Titanium Metallic and black leather interior and it is VERY sharp looking. I get many compliments on the color. The thing I appreciate the most is the handling, very tight steering, the ride is smooth, big open windshield, gas mileage is great !!

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  First Honda, now 6 mo. old - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By janemy - January 6 - 3:22 pm

  This is my first Honda and I love it. I test drove a lot of cars 6 months ago and narrowed it down to 2, the CRV and the equinox. Id driven the Equinox on a long road trip so I knew well how it handled. I ended up with the Honda as it felt better sitting inside, more open. Also, I loved that it had more cargo room. After 6 mo. of driving Im still extremely happy with the car. I have 15,000 mi on it so far, and no issues. I drive both city, highway and mountains. I average between 28 - 31 mpg driving about 70 mph. Less if Im doing street driving only (22 - 24). My 62" husband can sit and drive comfortably.

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  First Honda in 35 years but not the last. - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kawliga - December 31 - 8:50 am

  My wife steered me towards this vehicle to replace a Town and Country which was getting long in the tooth. I balked at the SUV thing for a long time and now realize I may have been in error thinking this way. I needed a vehicle that would tow a light utility trailer and get reasonable gas mileage. Just got back from a trip to Florida from mid Missouri. Best mileage was 31 on the highway, worst was 27 in town driving. Comfortable at highway speeds, nimble and responsive when a truck came into our lane without warning. Purchased without waiting for the new RAV 4 to become available and not sorry (we have a Camry so I am not anti-Toyota). Glad Honda builds this.

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  Feels Just Right - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jcricket - December 15 - 8:20 am

  I am a big man. This car fits me. It is easy to enter and exit. The seats are wide and comfortable. The seating position and view of the road is higher than its competitors, a major factor in my town full of tall vehicles. The drive feel is responsive and a bit upscale. Gas mileage is good enough at this early stage of break-in. Some hwy trips have already gotten 33mpg. Averaging 26mpg combined. Still learning the electronics/phone. Handsfree phone is a nice plus. Cargo area is cavernous with rear seats easily dropped. Shortcomings - none of them deal killers: Headlights are a bit dim. I replaced them. AWD is just OK good enough for snow but not serious off-road capable. Overall: Civilized.

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  Early Christmas Present! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By aimatben - November 28 - 8:34 pm

  My father decided it would be a good idea for me to get a car since i go to school in Buffalo. He is a previous Hillside Honda customer. and they made us happy once again. Everything was perfect. We were out of there in less than 4 hours! I chose the CRV because I am usually in a carpool back in buffalo. I absolutely love my car. The salesperson Steve was really professional and the sales manager Mr. Adams were extremely helpful. The process was smooth and painless. I couldnt have asked for a better christmas present. I would absolutely recommend it!

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  My Third CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jay2012 - November 21 - 4:58 pm

  I brought this Black CR-V about four months ago and its been a great vehicle. Great gas mileage much better than my other two CR-V which was a 2002 and 2006. I have been getting 24 to 27 mpg in city and 29 to 34 mpg on highway sometimes as high as 37 on highway. Its drive very well and very smooth. Its fun to drive too, more fun to drive than my older CR-V. I took the steel wheels and tires off and added a much nicer 17 inch Alloy wheels with 225/65R17 sizes tires and its looks much nicer from Discount Tire Co The Honda Dealerships are so expensive to buy new Alloy wheels.

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  Very Sad I just totalled my CR-V, I loved this car! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kmarino - October 30 - 6:39 am

  I loved this car it has been so reliable for the past 10 years. I had 197,000 miles on it and could have easily put on another 197,000 miles. Not one problem with it mechanically the engine had all original parts. Never had any of the recall issues either. My CR-V has gotten me home safely in some of the most extreme conditions driving from LA to Mammoth Lakes at least twice a month for the past 6 years. Until the night a deer took it out. I would recommend this car to anyone. Would love to buy a newer CR-V, but was laid off from work due to economy will have to try a KIA. Thats why Im on here. Thanks to all who write reviews almost bought an SUV from US makers reviews scared me.

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  We love our CR-V EX!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By sgilbert - October 3 - 5:37 am

  We purchased our silver CR-V EX in June and now have 5500 miles on it. We took it on a 2400 mile trip, which included 3 days of driving around Denver, and for the entire trip got a terrific 32.1 mpg driving between 65 -70 mph. We find the vehicle to be of very high quality in design and manufacture. Havent been back to our dealer for a single problem. We love the tight solid body, the backup camera, the handling, and my wife loves the maneuverability aound town, as well as the ease of lifting the rear hatch. Some have said theyd like more power, but we find performance to be quite adequate. We really couldnt be more satisfied with the vehicle. Fit and finish are excellent.

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  Best value for the money - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pasuriole - September 29 - 8:31 pm

  After driving many different small suvs, the Honda won me over. Dollar for dollar it was the best out there. The exl comes well equipped including blue tooth, back up camera, leather interior. fog lights, sun roof, climate control, just to mention a few. I had owned a 2008 crv and really liked that. This new body style keeps all the good points of the old one but addresses the road noise issues and adds a more compliant ride. The 4 cylinder engine has more than adequate power and the 5 speed automatic transmission is as smooth as silk. Great on gas too.

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  3rd CRV - they keep getting better - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By zeebop2012 - September 27 - 10:20 pm

  Traded in a 2009 CRV (EX) for a 2012 EX-L with Nav. Got a great price for the trade-in (CRVs hold their value nicely) and am loving the new one. Favorite features: Getting about 23 mpg, which is what was promised. Comfortable ride and smooth handling Love the center console (much better than the table thingy in the 2009) The Navigation is a life-saver. When I travel to new cities, the Navi is a major "de-stressor" Love taking this car grocery shopping - easy to get groceries in and out (lots of room!).