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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  Impressive! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By WhosCar - December 3 - 9:27 pm

  Just, wow! Picked up my 2017 CRV Touring 4 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. As soon as you slide in, the super cozy interior just makes you feel at home. Super comfortable, supportive seats with power lumbar support, attractive dash and control layout, soft materials everywhere, and a fantastic looking wood trim with a matte finish that looks like real wood. Overall, really high quality interior. The back seats have tons of leg and head room, plenty for a 6.2 friend to sit behind the driver. Rear seats are surprisingly as comfy as the front ones, with plenty of softness and leg and back support. The cargo area is huge for this sized SUV! I can fit 6 mountain bikes with the rear seats folded down, which is another big win win to me. As far as styling goes, its definitely up to you to decide what you like. You may like the looks of another car better, but remember youll always be sacrificing something. With this car, the interior sold me. I still dont hate the exterior though, it definitely turns heads (not in a bad way!), and Ive gotten lots of compliments already. It looks modern, funky, stylish, and definitely has personality. I have zero complaints with this car so far! Do yourself a favor and test drive the CRV. You wont be disappointed!

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  my new crv special edition review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By jennifer waugh - December 3 - 6:20 am

  I just bought my CR-V Special Edition in June of 2005, its my 3rd Honda & so far so good, I love it. Its so much fun to drive, I like being up above the other cars on the road. We have alot of rain over here on the Big Island of Hawaii & the CR-V handles very well in rain & on curves. Its a very quiet vehicle, some times I can hardly tell its running. There is plenty of room in the back seat for tall passengers. Ant there is so much storage space, Now my dog & I go everywhere in it. Im glad I bought it instead of another car. Well gotta hit the road....

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  My Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pascanellii - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my CRV. I had a car before I got my SUV, and now I will never go back. The CRV has great gas milage and is so comfortable. I drive every weekend a total of 4 hours and I love my ride home. I will always have a Honda. Thanks

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  I Rave For Rav - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Timsey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Lot more get up and go than the Toyota Rav. And seems quieter. But a little bumpy on rough roads. But tested them all and seemed the best for the price!

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  4 wheeln - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bsteel - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The fuel is the only problem I have with it, but this is the first SUV Ive owned

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  Good so far but not great - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Ted Stanfield - December 2 - 10:59 pm

  Our CRV is only three weeks old. We have put around 2000 miles on it so far. We have found much to like, the fuel economy is very good. There is a lot of cargo space and the visibility out from the drivers seat is excellent. It has decent acceleration and holds the road well. Weve not had the chance to drive it in snow yet, but that is coming soon. We also have found some things that we are not so crazy about. It is reasonably comfortable but the seats are certainly not luxurious. The worst disadvantage is the noise level in the cab. At highway speeds, the road noise drowns out the sound system . The drivers display is pretty complex and can be VERY distracting when things get busy outside the car. There is no way to turn the lights off completely, if the engine is on, the running lights stay on regardless of what the driver tries to do. When the rear seats are folded down to increase cargo area, they dont fold flat, so its not real convenient for hauling cargo. The rear hatch collects dust (we live 25 miles from town at the end of about 10 miles of gravel road) and the exterior finish is the worst Ive ever had for electrostatic attraction of road dust. The warranty is a bit anemic. 35,000 bumper to bumper and 75,000 power train, but were banking on the Honda tradition of excellent durability. Overall were satisfied with the vehicle and would recommend it as basic, utility-type transportation.

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  Very happy Honda owner! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mel - December 2 - 9:49 pm

  I have had my Honda CR-V for 1 year and 9 months now and still cant say anything negative about it. I had the 2006 Civic before but, it was too small. I upgraded to the CRV and am convinced I will only buy Hondas from now on. It is roomy, fuel efficient, reliable, and comfortable. What more can you ask for. It doesnt have all the fancy bells and whistles but, who needs those? I definitely suggest the CR-V. In fact, Im searching online to pick one out for my mom.

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  Traded my Saab for a Honda... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jas28 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  and Ill never go back. This vehicle is great - a lot of space, good performance, big enough to be an SUV, small enough to be easy to drive. This is definitely not the "girlie" SUV that my coworkers claimed it would be. It has enough power for it not to be an issue and good enough gas mileage to handle my daily commute. I like it a lot and have no regrets.

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  fully researched - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ohiobob - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Did extensive safety research, and the 2002 CR-V and the subaru forrester topped all lists. Test drove both (plus the Toyota offerings: Highlander and the RAV4) -- fell in love with the CR-V. Subaru drives like a station wagon. CR-V drives like a much more powerful car. Its zippy and peppy. Ordered the standard, though, since the automatic shifted a little weird between 2nd and 3rd. Gas mileage decent (high 20s). Kid and 2 big dogs have plenty of room.

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  Gasoline fumes in the passenger cabin - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By concerned parent - November 30 - 12:37 pm

  I leased my 2016 CRV in August of 2016. By November 2016, my husband and I began to smell gasoline fumes that would overwhelm the passanger cabin while the car was idling. Honda has admitted that it is a known problem with the 2016 CRV models. PLEASE do some research before leasing or buying. My car has now been at the dealership for FOUR WEEKS without a fix. I am paying for a car that I cannot safely drive. Prolonged exposure to gasoline fumes can lead to a variety of medical issues. With a one year old son, I refuse to allow him to be exposed to the fumes. I hope no one else has to experience the stress that buying a 2016 CRV has caused on my family.