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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  love my cr-v - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joanie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i love my cr-v!! its very roomy and fun to drive. although i wasnt sure about the tire on the outside when i was looking at SUVs im very happy with my choice because of the extra room i have in the back...if i had to say one negative thing about it, i would say that the ride is a little rough..i would highly recommend this suv...

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  N.J. Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kevin m - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive have a 5 speed and love it. My wife loves to drive car too. m

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  BETTER THAN RAV4 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DANCER - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd SUV purchase (2 rav 4 prior to this CRV. We are very happy with the vehicle and find that it has many advantages over the Toyota Rav 4. Much more pep More room and compartments inside Much quieter engine More amenities Seems to be a fun car to drive with many comfort/safety features. More for your money than Rav 4

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  Ill buy another if this one ever dies - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By crvfan - January 26 - 8:52 pm

  Purchased new in July 1998. Its not the most luxurious vehicle on the road, but this is far and away the most reliable. 10+ years and 242000 miles later I am still happy with this purchase. It is just now starting to have surface rust, but mechanically it is great. The air conditioner still works as well today as it did ten years ago. It still has the original clutch! I just cant justify getting rid of a vehicle that runs this well.

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  Great SUV good gas and comfy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By music2me2 - January 26 - 12:36 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda CR-V I have had. It is a great vehicle dependable and a miser on gas. I have gone from Arizona to San Diego in just about a tank of gas. Mine came with 6-disc changer moonroof and all wheel drive. I have taken mine skiing and the 4wheel drive was a nice feature. I didnt get stuck and I was impressed.

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  Beware of A/C Compressor Issues - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We owned this car for a little over 2 years and it was definitely a great car overall EXCEPT for the A/C compressor issues. The compressor blew not once, BUT TWICE on us within a 6-month period and the car only has 62,000 miles on it! Honda would NOT help us out with goodwill assistance and insisted its not a known issue (do an internet search and youll find thats NOT true). If you get one without A/C issues then it would probably still be a great car to own - very practical.

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  People stop to ask me about my car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By gmoney - January 26 - 7:44 am

  I bought my 07 CRV in May 2008. People have stopped me at gas stations and grocery stores to ask me about my car! It is comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive. My last car was a Chevy Tracker with 4 cylinders so I was skeptical to get another 4 cylinder, but once I drove it, I noticed a huge difference. The tracker was like trying to push an elephant up a hill. The CR-V isnt like that. It doesnt zip onto the highway like a corvette, but it can get the job done with no problem and sure doesnt feel like an elephant. I love it and its the best purchase Ive ever made.

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  Packed with features, few complaints - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By JoshV - January 25 - 7:44 pm

  Adaptive cruise control and lane assist make for frighteningly leisurely highway driving. One step below self-driving. Android Auto integration is amazing. Ive been using Android Auto on my phone in an air-vent mount for years and this is just light years better. The feature list for the price is impossible to beat. Drives nicer and with a LOT less road noise than my 2009 CRV. A few minor complaints. Why in the world is the USB port with the data connection only 1.5AMP? There are two 2+AMP ports in the back, but the one that will be used every single time the owner gets in the car doesnt get turbo charging? Bizarre decision. Road departure protection has a tendency to trigger randomly when on less-than-great roads. So far Ive been dealing with it and resisting the temptation to turn it off because I know if I turn it off its likely to stay off and then it wont be there for me when I need it. Occasionally the computer says my phone isnt connected when it is and only unplugging/replugging will fix it. It has plenty of power for average commuting, I have so far never been tempted to turn off Eco mode. Averaging about 31.5 MPG without really trying and using Adaptive Cruise Control heavily.

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  3.5 years and still happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Boxman - January 25 - 6:53 pm

  3 1/2 years and no buyers remorse! My CR-V has proven both an efficient and comfortable daily commuter as well as a versatile camping vehicle with decent offroad capability - which has been put to the test many times. I havent charged across raging rivers or rumbled up rocky slopes like in the commercials, but Ive sure as hell put the AWD to the test on muddy trails, sandy ground and rough terrain (never been stuck yet!). Ive obsessively tracked the mileage since I got my CR-V, getting a lifetime average of 24MPG in 50/50 mixed city/hwy driving. Ive gotten up to 31 MPG on long road trips. Not bad for an AWD SUV.

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  Good Value - Severe Weather Ready - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By drive2quik - January 24 - 2:59 pm

  I got the CR-V when a deer killed my 1995 Nissan 4x4. I got a good deal on it and have owned a Honda Civic in the past so I bought it mostly on AWD capability and the Honda name. It was a great little commuter car - I drove 45 miles a day (one way) to school and work. I got about 22 MPG overall. The all weather capability of this vehicle is excellent - deep snow, light snow, rain - all good. I had 205/75R15 Uniroyal Laredo tires that I had put on it since I live in the sticks and drive gravel roads. Ride was a bit rough and loud but the traction was very good. I would recommend this brand and model to anyone - Just replaced it with a 2006 Honda Ridgeline.