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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  Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pm

  Great traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.

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  Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pm

  Great traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.

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  YES! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BunnyBombs - February 18 - 12:37 pm

  I spent months reading reviews and comparing ratings on all the SUVs on the market. I was willing to spend as much as I had to in order to get a good quality vehicle. Honda ended up to be the winner. Ive had my CR-V for about 5 months. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc., drives great. Its the right amount of space and it fits my busy lifestyle perfectly.

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  Love My CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By crv_joy - February 17 - 9:43 pm

  I held out for a CRV with navi because I wanted the backup camera. I didnt really care about navi, but as it turns out I love it! CRV has a lot of pep and is fun to drive. I really like that you can get leather seats, moonroof, xm radio, seat warmers etc for under $30k. Gas mileage is a little less than I expected. 21.6 miles per gallon. I am a city driver and a little heavy footed.

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  Satisfied with my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By AG - February 16 - 4:50 pm

  So far so good with my Honda CR-V. The driving is smooth and pleasant. It is a great vehicle for city and mountain driving. It is also high enough off the ground to make it easier to sit my baby in her car seat. It is roomy enough and the interior is fine enough. Nice car overall and classy compared to other SUVs.

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  Best buy for the $$$ - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tracy K. - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This suv is wonderful! I cant say enough good comments about it. The more I drive it the more I love it. I didnt want a mini-van (mom mobile) or a full size suv(gas guzzler) but I needed something that was comfortable with enough room for 3 children. My oldest son is 62 and has plenty of leg room in the back seat. I did plenty of research before purchasing but the more I compared other suvs that were similiar in price and size the more I kept coming back to the crv. It drives like a dream and has a lot of gusto for a 4 cylinder. I would highly recommend this vehicle to everyone!

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  2016 honda crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By lori goyette - February 16 - 5:51 am

  Bought it for 5 star safety rating and trunk space. Both are great. No problem fitting infant car seat with base behind 6 foot driver.

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  Great value! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Rice - February 15 - 5:27 am

  Bought a 2008 in 2011 and have been pleased as punch! Now driving Leaf, but still drive cRV on trips!

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  Legitimate complaints - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dewey24022008 - February 14 - 5:41 pm

  My wife and I enjoy the driveability, seating, storage and gas mileage. It now has 80,000km which is 50,000miles. We find the plastic used on interior marks easily. The plastic that surrounds the clothe upholstery is cracking.The seat belts do not retract without help. The Bridgestone tires had to be replaced at 66,000 or 41,000 miles. The brakes had to be replaced at same time but some of problem could have been a lot of downhill braking. When making sharp turns to park or move in slow driving there is an obvious rumble from the rear wheels more obvious on sharp right movements. My mechanic is not familiar with the Honda 4 wheel drive system. It will have to go to Honda for evaluation.

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  Pure Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Hilferty - February 13 - 4:06 pm

  I really didnt drive it enought to really rate it, never had it in snow yet, so so far is pure honda, no rattles everything works. Not one item found not working since new.