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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  cr-v - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Alyssa - April 6 - 7:07 pm

  I adore my car - somehow I lucked out and found one that is much, much quieter than most of the cars from this year. Handles well at all speeds, although periodically there is some steering wheel shake above 90 mph. I also have tested the gas mileage I get - several times- and I get somewhere between 25-28 mpg, as opposed to the reported 21 mpg. The breaks are excellent and very responsive. Tight turning radius. I love the column mounted steering design, but it takes some getting used to if youre switching from a regular sedan or SUV. The cup holders are weird, and the lock and window switch placement is bizarre.

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  Air compressor blew up! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By raks - April 5 - 3:15 am

  Shame on Honda! My a/c compressor blew up around 58000 miles. Since this was a known problem (read the reviews).. they replaced the parts but refused to pay for the service.. cost me about $500 not including rental car fees for the time it was in the shop and the $200 I spent at a private shop trying to diagnose the problem. (about $800 out of pocket total).

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  What Happened to Mine? - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By NotSoHappyWithCrv - April 4 - 9:27 pm

  I know I bought mine used, but I have all the maintenance records and by reading the paperwork it looks like it was properly taken care of. But, it is falling apart. At 130K miles, Ive had to replace the battery twice in the last two years. I had to replace the ignition (costing $700) six months ago - I had the local dealer do the work and now pieces of the dash board have fallen off and the steering wheel squeaks when I turn. The left channel on the radio goes out of hot days. The air conditioner will have to be re-charged this season. The PVC joints had to be replaced. All in all, its a money pit. I get 16-18 MPG in the suburbs and 20MPG on the interstate. And electrical shocks too.

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  Disappointing - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By djm182 - April 3 - 6:25 pm

  I wanted the flexibility and fuel economy of a smaller SUV. I got all that, plus a lot of other things I did not bargain for. The seats are firm and uncomfortable. The driveability is completely uninspiring - I wasnt expecting much and still was disappointed. The in-car audio/hands free system was a complete disaster. Music would start playing halfway through a phone call. People on the other end of the line had great difficulty hearing me through the hands free microphone. My dealer could/would do *nothing* about this. The controls on the steering wheel are not intuitive in the least. The second screen mounted above the main entertainment system is spectacularly useless. Dont ever try to do a thing with the LCD screen while making a right turn because youll be subjected to the right side mirror mounted cam which serves little if any practical purpose. The headlights are SO bright that you cannot drive this vehicle at night without others flashing their bright lights at you - even when yours are not turned on. I made a huge mistake in purchasing this vehicle and am about to do something Ive never done before - turn a car in after less than a year with it.

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  Jack of all trades - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MTB - April 3 - 2:41 pm

  After 3 1/2 years of ownership, I can honestly say Ive been very happy with this vehicle. In my mind the most informative reviews are the ones written after years of driving, not the knee-jerk responses people often post before theyve had a chance to get to know their vehicle. This CR-V has been a great all-rounder. Its impressed me on road trips with excellent cargo space and surprisingly good MPG (averaged 30MPG highway on long trips). My CR-Vs been great for my constant outings with the dogs, and has even done some fairly serious offroading (which it handled quite well). The AWD has performed admirably in severe snow\ice conditions. Overall happy with only minor complaints (see below).

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pamela - April 1 - 5:36 pm

  I absolutely love my Honda CR-V! It is my first Honda and I have to say I am very impressed! I love all the creature comforts-the back up camera, the Nav system, the 6 disc stereo and the electronic drivers seat-which is great for someone who is only 53" tall!

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  Rain Drops - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - April 1 - 10:55 am

  Has anyone experienced when it rains that you your inside driver door where the rubber drains that rain stands in the car and when you open the door rain drips (if too close) on my shoes. Plus the frame beneath my seat retain water and if Im getting in the door my dress/skirt or pants gets wet getting and/or of the vehicle. In the addition, the drivers rear passenger side does the same. Also, where the tail gate frame closes that somehow when I lift the gate it is wet. Im not happy about this since I bought my car a month ago. I took it back to the dealership and they said "oh! thats just the way they made the vehicle". I didnt agree and was told they would check with the engineers and get back in a couple of days - nope! NO WORD SINCE THEN. If I could turn the car back in I would in a heart beat because of this problem. Who wants to carry a paper towel in hand when it rains.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By John B - April 1 - 8:16 am

  I have owned this suv 3 weeks , I love it .great gas mileage , quiet and smooth ride , seats are firm and comfortable , great interior and exterior design .

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  Like A Lemon - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michele Rent - March 31 - 11:43 am

  Less than 10,000 miles I had to to have the rear differential worked on twice, had to replace tire pressure and master tire pressure sensors at this time, the back Windows squeak like finger nails on a chark board when rolling down, the rear hatch has to be slammed shut, causing the plastic cover above the license plate to fall off, the brakes didnt even last up to 20,000 miles, I am now on my second set of pads, I can not drive at a steady speed between the shifts of the because the car vibrates, sensor that has controls the cooling fan had to be replaced, the plastic splash gaurd under to car came apart, the drivers seat is already wearing down, sad to say but I hate to drive this car - dont buy one.

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  Honda CR-V a Winner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tommyd - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I hunted for a fuel efficient vehicle for a 80 mile commute in Washington, DC. The CR-V fit the bill. Plenty of space and storage. Seats are firm but comfortable. Leg room and head room are superior. Fuel economy is excellent with 25.5 mpg for regular driving and 23.5 for running around. Plenty of zip for a four banger. Road noise is a tad loud, but I dont need a Lexus.