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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  Shopping for mid size crossover - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - March 19 - 2:22 pm

  I am generally a big fan of Honda and Acura. But a few things have me shopping against the CRV Touring. First, the Navigation system is pitifully low resolution and the interface is just stupid. Its a big step backwards from my former 12 year old 2004 Acura TL and way behind current offerings from Hyundai, Mazda, and others. Second, Hondas exterior styling with the CRV leaves much to be desired. Again, compare to the Mazda. The CRV Touring wheels look like the designer was on drugs. This is the same company that gave me an S2000 in 2001 that still looks good and crisp today?? These are dumb little things in the big picture, but its equally dumb for Honda to ignore them. If not for Hondas great reliability and resale, Id go with the new Tuscon Limited or CX5. I may end up in a CPO X1 for three rungs up from all of the above in driving dynamics; but if Honda would get their act together in ergonomics, it would make my choice easier.

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  Evil A/Cs - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shawnzee - March 19 - 11:22 am

  I bought my 2004 CR-V new and took delivery in Nov. 03. Basically a good car but not a great one. The well known A/C problem became a problem for me in the 90,000 mile range in August. I live in Connecticut and we dont use A/C much but in August you really need it. The repair was $1500 and Honda covered $900 of it as good faith. At about 105,000 the throttle body went and I shelled out $1000 for that repair. Based on the dealers absolute confusion on what was wrong I dont think this was a common occurrence for the CR-V. The sun visor broke off in my hand and cost $100 to replace. The drivers seat belt broke but was covered under the lifetime guarantee on seat belts.

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  Massage chair set on vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Previous Honda lover - March 19 - 1:02 am

  Want a massage during your mani /pedi? get one on this car. Great for a 15 min massage but extremely uncomfortable on long journeys or sitting in traffic for a long time. Plus the steering wheel rocking wildly back and forth after the Odometer reaches 14,000 miles while the transmission is slipping does not feel as safe or comforting as a massage.

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  Features are now top notch - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mac - March 17 - 6:10 pm

  Sold a 99 CRV when the 2008 came with power drivers seat. It comes with so much more: Heated seats, tilt & telescope steering, dual a/c, TPMS, service calculation for oil change, etc. Wish it had auto headlights and auto rear view mirror. Nevertheless, this is one terrific vehicle, especially at the price of $25,000 for the EX-L. We tested all the best and the CRV was just a clear winner. My wife has subsequently bought the runner up for herself- the Nissan Rogue SL because it now comes with leather on the FWD, which was not avail. in 2008.

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  Great car, dealership and service sucked - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Kathryn H - March 17 - 1:19 pm

  You can get a good deal, but the base model is very simple. No bells and whistles, but it will get you where you need to go.

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  What a Gem! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SS - March 14 - 11:57 pm

  This is an update from a previous submission when our 2016 Honda CRV Touring was only a couple months old. It now is 9 months old with about 11,000 miles on it. It has been driven in all sorts of conditions and weather, including a trip from Ohio to Florida and back again. I am happy to report that this vehicle is better than ever and has performed flawlessly. The Honda Sensing safety features have proven to be quite impressive, keeping the car in its lane on the extended highway trips, and a couple of times the autonomous braking system deployed rapidly enough to prevent accidents we might have otherwise been too slow to prevent. This crossover is the perfect blend of car-like performance and ride coupled with utility, AWD, and abundant amenities. Ive had a lot of nice new cars over the years but none have been better than this in this price range.

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  Sporty Chick CUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kari - March 14 - 9:21 am

  Absolutely designed for a women. Love the purse spot in front of console & steering wheel is sized right. This CUV is built vault-like solid, from solid door closures to 1st class switchgear w/ great tactile feel. CRV has the nicest interior between the Forester & Rav 4 (by far). Dual temp controls work great & is fantastic when my husband is riding along. Gas mileage is lower than expected avg 22mpg. Only complaint is you feel all road imperfections.

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  Terrific - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mold - March 13 - 9:04 pm

  This car met my expectations for a mini- SUV perfectly. I also shopped the RAV4 preferred the CRV and have not regretted it. 20-21 mpg in town... 24- 26 mpg highway. No problems in 31+k miles. I have stuffed lumber and furniture into it but also know that it has size limitations and is not a truck.

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  This car never let me down. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jchen - March 12 - 10:31 pm

  I will be laying this car to rest soon. Trying to find something I can afford with the same reliability, functionality, and visibility. This car only died twice in traffic, and both were not due to car itself, so to speak. The first was when a defective replacement starter burned up, and the second was when an old radiator hose that ought to have been replaced but wasnt, because no one who worked on the car bothered to let me know about it. burst. Parts wore out long after their expected life. The car has reached the point where the repairs to its exterior (front exhaust pipe, ABS sensor on one wheel, ball joint, control arm for one ball joint, struts) will cost about $1500 to repair. Add a shattered back window, and it doesnt make sense to fix it anymore. This car has 220,248 miles on it, and the engine still runs beautifully. This car was a basic AWD cargo box on wheels without luxurious amenities, but it has a been a reliable friend. I love the visibility it provides for a short person by its high position relative to other traffic and large windows.

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  2008 CRV LX AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - March 11 - 3:00 pm

  Great car. Comfortable and fun to drive. 28.4 mpg on a recent 1200 mile trip.22 mpg in mixed driving. Really no complaints except should have bought the EX for heated outside mirrors and outside temperature gauge.