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:

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NovaCRV - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I decided on the CRV over the Rav4 and I made the right decision. This is a great job and is especially great if you take a lot of road trips. Highway gas mileage is much better than around town.

• 

  A good SUV for people with limited bucks - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joystone - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my CRV on middle Aug. I have already put 2000miles on it within one month since I commuted between two cities (150 miles round trip) twice a week. The only thing i am not confortable with is the fuel economy. On average, I need to visit gas station within two round trips. I guess its around 320miles per tank. Obviously, this is a great SUV for people who just begin to work and have limit financial resources, because the quality of this SUV just worth every dollar you spend. I will buy a BMW or LEXUS SUV when I graduate for sure. That will make me feel more professional.

• 

  Outstanding CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Barb Barker - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is flawless so far. Rides very good, has better performance than my 2001 model. This is the third new Honda purchased from Hugh White Honda of Columbus in three years.

• 

  Nickys Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nicky - March 28 - 2:00 am

  My last 3 vehicles were Toyotas and I said I would never get anything else, but after test driving the CR-V and comparing it to the RAV4 I changed my mind. The CR-V is more comfortable, has a smoother ride, and the price was better and included more standard options. Not so good is the noise coming from my brakes. It only happens after the car has been sitting for a while and I push on the brakes for the first time. The dealership said a "clicking or groaning" noise is normal, but I consider it a loud "clunking" noise.

• 

  Good reliable transportation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Johncon - March 24 - 10:27 am

  Bought this new in 2003 and have had few problems with it. The OEM tires are poor and had to be replaced at 24000 miles, but other than that, the car has been very reliable. Great in the snow and comfortable. Replaced the following: Back up light switch 50000 miles Resistor in blower motor 60,000 miles Brakes replaced at 100000 (pads) Battery 110000 miles Serpentine belt at 60000 and 120000 I have been advised to replace front struts due to leakage but as they still work fine I have ignored this. The rest has been normal scheduled maintenance.

• 

  Solid inside and out - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By kdilkington - March 23 - 11:45 am

  My wife and I have owned our CR-V for over 2 years and couldnt be happier. Its perfect for running errands around town and can handle just about any New England snow storm. The gas mileage is great 22/city, 30 highway but the trade-off is less power that is most noticeable on the highway. If youre more concerned with 0-60 then you want to look elsewhere. But if youre looking for a small SUV thats priced well, gets good gas mileage and can lug around big pieces of furniture when called upon, you cant really beat this one.

• 

  CR-V is reliable - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By dogrunnr - March 23 - 10:44 am

  This is such a reliable vehicle. I decided to purchase the 2006 to avoid getting stuck with a 2007 (thought the new body design was kinda ugly). I typically put 15-20K miles per year on this vehicle and it has held up wonderfully. I love my CR-V.

• 

  Always wanted one - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rroadking - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I orignially purchased a left over 2002 Honda accord EX-L, but was very upset with the engine vibration. Dealership and Honda said it was charactoristic. Well, after driving it for two months, I went back to dealership and bought a CRV LX. It is my work vehicle, so I didnt need all the bells and whistles that the accord had. No problems with the V and Im very pleased with it. Fun to drive and easy on gas. It is turning into the vehicle of choice every time my wife and I go somewhere. (her vehicle is a volvo)

• 

  Reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jat - March 21 - 5:34 pm

  Bought our CRV new. Have had it now for almost 7 years, it has 117,000 miles on it and still going. It had one major repair (Carburator) last year. Other than that, no major repairs. A good record in my opinion. It has started all winter except when it was more than -20. But my spouses new car didnt start either. Right now the engine light is on and we cant really resolve that matter. Given the age and mileage on it, it is to be expected I guess. My one negative thing is the paint finish. Ours is gold and has chipped in places since early on. We were told it was not a defect. Dont believe that. Very reliable. Have always gotten to where I needed to go.

• 

  2008 Honda CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jjh - March 19 - 4:04 pm

  I have owned my CR-V for about 6 months now. In general, its a very nice car to drive, has decent handling, good mpg for a small SUV, and is very nicely designed. The power is rather lacking, but its only a 4 cylinder, and I find myself continuously frustrated that it is only sold as an automatic. However, the general reliability, safety, performance, and resale value of CR-Vs made this my first choice because of the arrival of our new baby. If no baby, I would never have purchased this vehicle simply due to personal taste... Im a truck person.