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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  My first SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By aerojack - February 13 - 7:06 am

  Ive waited this CR-V SE for 2 years and it worths the wait. Great vehicle!!

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  Minor complaints - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Go Daddy - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have 7,500 miles on mine. Dependable E solid. Quite a bit of wind noise around the A pillar. We barely average 22 mpg in mixed city & highway driving. Storage, the table, & the CD player are great. However, no need for a picnic table - rather have the spare tire there. The check engine light came on after 5,000 miles. At first the dealer was reluctant to look at it and claimed that the problem was due to not tightening the gas cap. I finally took it to the dealer and they adjusted the engines computer program. No problems since. I also test drove a Ford Escape. Not near as solid, but more cargo space. Quality led me to the CRV.

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  Wifes Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sberzin - February 13 - 2:00 am

  2002, CRV EX. Fun to drive but corners poorly. Washes out on wet roads when turning from a complete stop. Enjoy the storage capacity in back. Also very comfortable/roomy interior for family of three. But, not a family car. Relatively quite. Good luck from local dealer (Rosen,Gurnee IL). Retains blue book value drastically better then Pontiac. 5,000 miles with no repairs needed.

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  Headache - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GFG - February 12 - 12:27 pm

  I purchased the CR-V because I wanted a safe, reliable, comfortable, small station wagon with good ground clearance, and a road insulating suspension. We have in Ottawa Canada the worst weather and truck beaten paved roads of any sizable city in North America. I go to the country and national parks and lakes in our beautiful part of the world. In the summer and in the winter ice and snow. The CR-V is a fabulous car, but the ride is horrible over the abundant and ever enduring uneven pavement. My Toyota Camry, and even my crappy Mustang were way better at cruising the rough roads. Im not sure what Honda was trying to accomplish with this vehicle, but they failed to provide a pleasant ride.

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  Get the Service Bulletin 12-046 Vibration Fixes! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Rohn Butterfield - February 11 - 7:11 am

  Unlike many who complain here, I have been thrilled with my purchase (2200 miles) with one small exception: some minor vibration at idle (about 600 RPMs). Honda now has a fix for this, as well as two other forms of vibration at higher RPMs (termed modes 1, 2 and 3). I had the mode 1 fix for the idling issue done today, and, voila! NO VIBRATION AT IDLE! I am thrilled. My fix involved new transmission and lower radiator mounts, neutralizing the engine mounts and some software fixes. Everything seems tighter now, and am hoping mileage will improve as a result. Some have mentioned that you have to sign a disclaimer on mileage, but I dont recall that I did. Absolutely no charge and about 90 minutes of your time. Do it and be happy with your purchase again!!

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  Update on previous review - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kcrv2015 - February 10 - 2:26 pm

  We now have about 1800 miles on the CRV and we still like it a lot. The MPG has gone down to about 24 in mostly city driving. However, it has been very cold the past several weeks here and I expected our mileage to suffer. The vibration while stopped at traffic lights and during acceleration is still there but it does diminish greatly in sport mode. The vibration is clearly due to the very low RPM the car tries to maintain when you stop or accelerate. I can live with the vibration (or the lower mpg in sport mode) as long as the vibration does not impact reliability.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Heliotrite - February 10 - 1:12 pm

  I bought the CRV for my wife replacing a Jeep Grand Cherokee and could not be happier. It offers the perfect compromise between having the size and safety of an SUV with the better fuel economy closer to a car. The fit and finish is excellent and after 30,000 miles I have not experienced one problem. I have taken numerous long trips in the CRV with my wife and two children and there is plenty of room for us and our luggage. The navigation system is very easy to use and much better than my 2008 Highlander.

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  ok, but sorry I didnt get a toyota - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By bobby - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Fuel mileage in around town driving is poor, at best. On the highway it is close to the rated 29MPG. Dont expect any extras like windows finishing going up or down after the key is turned off, or any kind of fuel economy readings or trip computer. When they say the radio is XM ready, they mean ONLY if you buy their version for about $500. Dont forget to ask for fog lights if you want them, add on is another $500. Dealers like to add another 1500-2000 for their special features, like paint sealant or vent deflectors, or sunroof deflector. All in all, if I ahd it to do over, I wouldnt.

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  Different to Drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kicara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I decided to buy the CR- V after our second car died. We began searching the web for top cars of the year and Honda CR-V reappeared over and over again. Apparently I was living under a rock and had no clue that Honda is such a good car. Finally we got the CR-V and its a cool car to drive. I am obesed by the fact that the 2003 CR-V is bigger than the CR-Vs of the past. Honestly Edmunds customer reviews helped us decide to make the final purchase and we are glad we did. My husband and all my friends say I look really cute driving it because "its just my size." On

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  Bad Apple from the Honda Tree - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dante - February 6 - 12:47 pm

  The day we drove off the lot and started driving our shiny new EX on the highway I tested the cruise control. It wasnt working. Had to leave the car with the dealer for 2 days to fix. Then within 8 months had 3 recalls on this . At 18000 had to get new brakes and at 26000 new tires. At 78,000 2 of my engine mounts broke which affected the axles. So for $750 got that fixed (by my mechanic), the dealer told me that it will cost me $1,600. Now I have to replace the bushings. Its been not a good experience owning this vehicle. By the way most of the driving is highway and local. I wouldnt dream of taking this offroad. Never recommending a Honda product to my worst enemies (or friends).