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:

• 

  So Disappointed!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Christine - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  My car has 65K miles on it and it wont start. The dealer is telling me that it needs a new engine!!! I had a Honda Civic before this and never any problems. I am so upset. The warranty only covers up to 60K miles, so I am just over. I made a complaint with Honda and we will see what happens. But, buyer beware... only 60K miles on the engine and mine died at 65K. I am still in shock and I have a $16K loan to deal with now.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By HA - March 10 - 12:38 pm

  I needed a new car in a reasonable price range. The CR-V is perfect for my needs. Great highway mileage plenty of space and standard features have everything I need. It is somewhat bumpy at times on rough pavement, but it is dependable and I love the style of the exterior and interior. Also, the safety ratings are great. I live in Ohio and the weather is not great and it has handled very well in the rain and snow. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a compact SUV or a new car period.

• 

  CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - March 10 - 10:24 am

  Havent had my car very long so some of the ratings I couldnt really answer, however I have always loved Hondas they are dependable and reliable vehicles that will last you a long time. My previous Honda I owned had almost 300, 000 miles and it was still running great! A co-worker of mine still drives his Honda van with over 300, 000 miles on it. You cant go wrong with owning a Honda.

• 

  Cant beat it - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jls - March 9 - 1:13 am

  This is the 3rd CRV in our family and we love them all. I almost got a CRV SE but dont care about the heated seats or leather interior. Instead I upgraded the EX with wood trim interior, compass, gold trim lettering and custom wheel cover. It is a beauty. The CRV is best of all worlds: fun to drive, efficient, full featured and one of the safest cars on the road. My teenaged daughter has the 2002. I feel she is safe in it and her friends like it so much, many of their parents have bought the same.

• 

  2007 Honda CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 5:42 pm

  The CR-V always impresses us with its practicality and ease of use. The cargo area will easily swallow 3 full size bikes or a lawn mower. It gets impressive gas mileage, without sacrificing power or size. The CR-V will hold five people in comfort. It is also nice to drive and gets the highest possible crash test ratings. The only complaint I have is that a V6 version or some other higher power version would be nice. I think the Subaru Forester is a better vehicle, but it isnt as roomy.

• 

  For my BABIES - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By JASTORG1 - March 7 - 3:00 pm

  I traded my mighty fast 08 Altima for CR-V because we are anticipating a second baby. I was really surprised when I drove the CR-V, I was thinking a sluggish small SUV. But I was wrong. Sure, there is no head spinning pull (torque) but the power for me is adequate. Interior is first class. Not plastic-y! :-). There was a slight changes of feel coming from a CVT. Size of interior is huge, dont be fooled on outside looks. Overall we (wife) love the vehicle.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nishant - March 2 - 5:01 pm

  I have owned the CR-V for four months, and am extremely satisfied with it. The ride is comfortable and is a good small sized SUV. The only issue is that the computer MPG is almost always slightly higher than my calculated MPG (about 1 mpg error). Other than that, great car...

• 

  Still Kicking after 175,000 Miles! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By leesuh - March 2 - 8:13 am

  My Honda has been reliable since day 1. Starts every time. Great AWD performance. Very comfy, lower to ground for short people like me. Keep w maintenance schedule and you should have no problems. I have some underbelly rust on exhaust system after 10 years, but I live ON the L.I. Sound, literally. Salt water daily on or near car. Cant be helped. Car is old but excellent performance still. Radiator went at 170K.

• 

  65k miles and Im still lovin it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - March 1 - 2:17 pm

  Im reading that people have had issues with their A/C but mine works as good now as it did when I first bought it. The engine still purrs and the transmission is as smooth as silk. I put a heavy-duty hitch on it and haul approx. 1700lbs on occasion without any hesitation from the engine. Routine maintenance, good mpg and decent fit and finish continues to make my CR-V a winner for me. Just to add, mine was assembled in England and the engine/transmission were manufactured in Japan. Maybe this makes a difference.

• 

  Very Nice - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ron65 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  After first 500 miles, this is a very comfortable, easy to drive car. Handling is great, is roomy for a small suv. After comparing to RAV4 and Subaru Forrester, the CR-V has more to offer, and it costs less too. Highly recommended.