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:

• 

  after 3 months of excessive road noise - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By one time crv owner - November 27 - 5:16 pm

  Purchased this 2006 crv lx 2wd in february of 2006 and hated the excessive road noise since the day I brought it home, after only 2000 miles of use, I decided to trade it in for a new 06 civic ex 4 door. I regretted trading in my 05 accord 4 door for the crv it was so much better in build and better mpg and with better insulating materials. Gas mileage was aweful as well. I did all of my california driving on the highway, with little traffic and still averaged only 20 mpg, considering epa is 23 city and 27 highway(what a joke). I have always owned many hondas and will always be loyal to the product but skip the crv if you expect a quiet ride and good gas mileage for a 4 cyl.

• 

  Almost perfect - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Cr-V 4U&me! - November 26 - 9:12 pm

  Weve owned ours from new in 99 and echo what many have said. Were coming up on 300,000 km on little more than gas, oil, and tires. Still have original clutch and have had only 1 (yes!) brake job. Exhaust original as well. 2 recalls (ignition switch and rear differential fluid). This car has been fabulous. There are some complaints, however. The fan and a/c is weak for the interior volume (although still works as if new). The seats are the worst part of the car - seat cushion too short and hard. Its underpowered for its size and noisy on the highway owing to high revs. Needs a sixth gear. I know it seems like a lot of complaints but, actually, its a great car. Would buy again!

• 

  No country for big men - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jimbo - November 26 - 9:06 pm

  This vehicle is too small for most men. It is uncomfortable and cramped. I gave the vehicle to my daughter. This is a womans vehicle in every way! The vehicle is vastly underpowered. I enjoy an occasional surge of power like my friends BMW 3 or my nephews Ford. My sisters Mercury hybrid makes this vehicle feel silly and slow. This is an SUV for city folks.

• 

  Good Choice For An SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NY Driver - November 25 - 12:26 am

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable, easy to handle, has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive.For what you get with the price you cant beat it with other SUVs.

• 

  cr-AvE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 2Market - November 24 - 11:49 pm

  I absolutely just love my CR-V! I totaled my 2000 CR-V back in April (negligence on the other side). I had 186,000 miles on my vehicle. I immediately started looking for another CR-V. I found a 2005, and a 2003. Went with the 2003, it only had 42k miles on it. I do not care for the new CR-Vs and know I will not buy one of that style in the future. No regulated spare tire, only a donut. No picnic table (cmon guys, this was what the CR-V was known for when it first came out). It is time to rethink the CR-V features that we CR-V owners have been know to love so much.

• 

  The best SUV!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Arica - November 24 - 6:28 pm

  I love my CRV TOURING. But the brakes sound like their dragging when the vehicle is cold. Every time I take it in for service I tell the dealership about them and they tell me their fine. I HOPE SO!! Makes me a little uncomfortable. The back up camera needs a beeper if something is in the way. But other than those 2 things all is great!! I depend on that Honda reliability. I drive 80 miles a day to work. I need it.

• 

  What a car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Cat - November 24 - 11:38 am

  For the money this car is great! You get all the toys you want and you get a great car that will last for years to come.

• 

  Wonderful vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By REVELLE - November 24 - 10:36 am

  Perfect for where i live in the winter. Perfect for carrying my dogs good but not great gas milage i have owned 3 crvs and i love them all

• 

  3rd and last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By disappointed - November 23 - 7:35 pm

  Purchased in Aug 08. Problems began after 75,000. Airbag light on for most of the time. Air conditioning died at 90,000 miles. Transmission dead at 105K and the gas tank neck needed to be replaced. After 165K the alternator died, leaving me on the side of a busy highway. All told, I have spent over $6,000 in repairs on top of regular maintenance. I would say the CRV is a piece of junk, but every one I know who has one, loves it and has had no problems at all. I got a lemon. But the highway incident was the last straw. Last night i bought a Volvo.

• 

  Nice ride - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Grifon - November 22 - 5:41 pm

  We selected the CR-V over the Rav4 and could not be happier. We especially enjoy the build quality, the real-time mileage gauges, and gas mileage. Although the stated highway mileage is 27 MPG, I recently achieved 31 MPG with careful driving management. In spite of the 4 cylinder the CR-V is plenty peppy enough for onramp acceleration. There is plenty of room in the back for our 6Â’ plus sons.