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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  2016 Honda CRV LX 2WD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Oakley - January 18 - 7:18 pm

  Excellent value. Good looking, highly practical, consumer friendly, pleasant to be in and drive. Acceleration is probably the biggest drawback. I have gotten used to cars with better ability to merge into traffic, and to move quickly when necessary. We ended up buying a used car rather than leasing, because of the onerous sales taxes in Texas. This was our top choice of vehicles in the price range.

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  Whats not to like - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mike0928 - January 16 - 8:44 am

  I had a 2010 Honda CRV EX .....After reading about the Motor Trend SUV for 2015 I did some reserch.....I stopped by a Honda dealer to see the new 2015 CRV...I was never going to part with the 2010 EX .......3 hours later Im driving home with the 2015 model not quite sure what just happened......The 2015 is a New Car compared to the 2010.....The features were worth the purchase.....Rear view camera , lane watch right side mirror eliminating the blind spot ,CVT tranny smooth better pickup , 7 inch LCD panel w/ 3 inch upper dash display....Electronic steering , direct fuel injection , heated seats , power driver seat 6 modes on the 7 inch panel...2 - 12 volt power ports , 1 usb and 1 hdmi port

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  Love my CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By I love my Honda - January 15 - 3:12 pm

  I love this car! I have 2 toddlers that go everywhere with me and a home party business that requires me to tote supplies. This car is perfect for both. Very easy to load and unload. Even good for trips to the local home improvement store. We live in the burbs and I do mostly city/burb driving. I avg 24 mpg (maybe because it is a manual tranny?). We just took it on our first long road trip (1000 miles each way in the winter) and it was great. I have always lived in snowy/icy climates and this car does great in both. It does drag a bit in the summer when the a/c is on and there is some road noise. We are thinking about adding a 3rd kid to our family, but I dont want to give up my CR-V!

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  Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By nichol - January 15 - 2:00 am

  very nice to drive

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  My First Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By momfalc - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. My previous car was a Cadillac DeVille and we bought this to tow behind a motorhome and for my work car. It handles beautifully and I love being able to manuever it so easily, especially into small parking places. And the "real time 4 wheel drive" is perfect for me and my driving requirements.

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  Fabulous reliable car, love it - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By eagle3 - January 12 - 10:40 am

  We have had this car for almost ten years and have only replaced the battery and the tires. We have more than 250 000 km on the car, we take it back and forth to the cottage. We have towed things behind it, moved stuff in it. We have utilized this vehicle to its full capacity and it has given us no aggravations or problems. We would not hesitate to buy it again.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Susan Brown - January 12 - 12:26 am

  We purchased our CRV because it was recommended for towing behind our motorhome. We love the gas mileage we get with it and it is just a simple, affordable car.

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  The CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Irishmark - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I just wish it got a little better gas mileage. For a four cylinder car, it should get better then 22 miles per gallon

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  Worth the money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tim- - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Good SUV! If you want extras such as a roof rack or running boards, getting them online and installing them yourself will likely be a better deal than your local dealership. Ive checked my mileage twice and have gotten 26 and 26.5 mpg. If you leave your keys in the ignition you cant accidentally lock the doors (take THAT, on-star!).

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  I am a Hondaholic! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By alvarado4pack - January 10 - 2:09 am

  I bought my CRV new in 2001 and loved it since. I have had no problems with it, I just get the oil changed every 3k miles and do the minor maint like tires, brakes and have fluids checked. I put almost 70k miles on it. It is very reliable. I feel safe in it too. It is a bit heavier than the new models, not as "flimsy". It has alot of space in the back. We travel a lot across country and we can fit all our luggage in the back. We will always have Hondas. I will drive it until it dies!