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 CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Adrianne - December 18 - 11:47 am

  I honestly cant say enough good things about my CRV. It drives nicely, handles well, has nice features and is relatively good on gas mileage for an SUV. Good interior space - comfortably fits my Great Dane, Bulldog, cat carrier, and all my luggage without feeling squished and cramped. Reliability is phenomenal! I have over 125,000 miles on my car in just 3 years and havent had to do more than the scheduled oil changes and a brake repair earlier this year.

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  Love my new Honda CRV EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kfinch74 - December 18 - 9:30 am

  This car has been a blast for me so far. I really enjoy the way it handles, and its pick up, dispite its 4 cyclinder engine. Another feature I really like is the radio controls on the steering wheel. I highly recommends the CRV to anyone who is thinking of purchasing small SUV in the near future.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tricia - December 17 - 8:15 pm

  The 2002 Honda CR-V was my favorite car! I originally bought it because it was easy to get in and out of for me and my infant with his car seat. It is an SUV with a small car feel. The cargo space is adequate. I was able to pack a bicycle, stroller, and a treadmill in the back. The 5th door opens "barn door style" and that was handy with groceries. To me, the look of it is one of the best years of the CR- V.

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  Reliable Car so far... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By janet - December 15 - 5:37 pm

  I bought my CRV (with sun roof and 6 CD player) in 2003 and havent had any major issues. Runs well, reliable car, great going to the Mt for skiing, drives well in the interior/hot weather. All in all, a good car.

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  All is well in CRV Land - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By benr0 - December 15 - 11:14 am

  @ 30000 miles to date. Only issue has been to have the rear axle grease changed for the grinding sound when backing up. By far MUCH improved, ride etc. from the 2006 CRV we owned. Over all very pleased.

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  CRV is Perfect for Us - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By John Jet - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We have only owned the car 3 months, but it is a delight to drive, economical (28MPG highway), well- engineered and comfortable inside.

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  Should have cross-shopped the RAV4 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Peter L - December 14 - 10:53 am

  I was in love with the previous CR-V, but waited for this one. The ride is very comfortable and handling is decent. The armrest for the front seats are poorly designed. They are fixed and should be adjustable for people who like the seat more reclined. Vanity mirrors are not illuminated even though there are plastic cutouts where they should be. Storage openings are poorly designed, none are covered besides the glove box and center console. Things fly out very easily. Nothing is standard, no roof rack, no fog lights, no running boards, not even a cargo net, and this is the top of the line EX-L with nav. Plan to drop an extra grand for those. I should have test drove a RAV-4

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  2007 CR-V a Winner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dj - December 14 - 12:33 am

  The 2007 has been totally re-designed inside and out with many improvements. My base of comparison is the 2002 model. Horsepower increased so theres no feeling of being underpowered on the freeway or while passing. Comparing the actual demensions of the two models theyre almost identical but the 2007 feels like you have much more interior room. Three adults fit in the rear seat without problem. The new model has a telescoping steering wheel which contains the cruise controls and audio volume, channel and mode controls. Front seats are heated as are outside mirrors. Spare tire is now inside under rear deck and tailgate lifts up instead of swinging out. Shift lever moved to better location.

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  Disappointed in safety features. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Used to Love Hondas, now just LIKE them - December 13 - 10:06 am

  This is our third CR-V in a row. Traded in our 2015 model on a 2017 CR-V Touring with every option on it. The 2015 had only 25,00 miles but I wanted the new safety features since my wife drives it withe the grandkids frequently in it. We have driven it 4,000 mile including one vacation trip which I drove. Despite the new turbo powered engine, it still feels underpowered to me, like our 2015 model did. It seems like you have to push too hard to make it get up and go, but admittedly I have been spoiled by my Toyota Tundra with a big V-8. The safety features are a big disappointment, since I bought this just for them. The front brake assist only works if the cruise control is on. If it is not on, you get only a big orange warning light on the dashboard that you are too close to the car in front of you. The Stay in You Own Lane assist, as I call it, will fight you if you use it (you can turn it off). It actually steers the car for you which is very annoying since you will be holding the wheel doing your own steering while the car wants to steel slightly differently. Lord help you if you want to change lanes without signalling. Then the wheel will vibrate to let you know what a law-breaker you are. My last complaint is the memory seat. If I run around doing errands, the seat memory button has to be pushed every time I get into the car, even if I was the last one to drive it. Most memory seats I know stay set until changed by another driver. Summary, we really like our CR-V, the cargo space, the reliability but hate the safety features. We should have kept our 2015 model and saved money.

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  Love My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TNcheryl - December 13 - 12:46 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 SE version of the CRV and I love it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and it gets great gas milege for an SUV. I had a 1999 CRV and I loved it, so when it came time to buy a new car I knew I had to have an upgraded version. I have not been disappointed. The added horsepower is wonderful and I love the leather interior on the SE version. The back seat is roomy even with a child seat and the back cargo area provide lots of storage. I recommend the CRV if you are looking for a practical, sporty, and fun to drive SUV.