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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  Going the distance - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By dave - November 22 - 7:21 am

  Bought this car new to use for work. Had heard great things about Honda reliability and despite its small size, my 63, 250 lb. mass fit pretty well. Wise choice. By any objective, practical measure, this has been an outstanding car. I flog it relentlessly and in 163,000 miles it has never let me down. In fact, except for scheduled maintenance items, nothing has ever gone wrong with it. Delivers 21 city and 27 on the road at 75mph, also will plow thru even deep snow effortlessly with its seamless on demand AWD system. Always has looked a bit weird, but the inherent goodness grows on you. No plans on replacing it as I see no reason why it wont go another 100,000 miles... still runs like new.

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  2015 Honda CRV- ENGINE FAILURE - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By xa3point10 - November 21 - 1:49 am

  My father just Bought a 2015 HONDA CRV Touring model which is their highest end. The interioir and exterior design are great. However, the ENGINE FAILED after having it only 3 days. The car was bran new and came off the lot with less than 7 miles on it. We traded in our 2014 CRV which we loved for this new lemon. Now we are fighting for a refund to get our old car back but they are not letting us return it. It has now been 10 days. We noticed vibration in the vehicle at medium speeds (30-50mph) and then some studdering at stop signs and red lights. Turns out there is something wrong with the engine. When we brought the car back they were not surprised, we are not the first to report this

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  2003 CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By s79949 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car now for a week and I have found it to be outstanding in the ice and snow. The AWD and ABS really made a difference with the EX model. The 6-CD changer in dash is a great feature and my passengers have plenty of room to stretch out in the back or recline the seats. I bought through the internet fleet dealer and saved over $1000 below Edmunds TMV!

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  The most for your money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By vray - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Engine power is exceptional for 4 cyl. Im getting 22-23 MPG in hilly mountainous terrain 26-27 MPG interstate. Comparing to the competition MSRP is thousands less than a similarly equipt vehicle. Legroom is tops compared to Forester and Escape.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jon - November 19 - 9:23 am

  My wife chose this over my preference for a CX-7 and no regrets. Well-built, roomy, drives well and nicely designed and finished interior. Wasnt sure about the looks, but they grow on you. V6 option would be nice.

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  so far, so good! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By northjerseydriver - November 18 - 10:33 am

  Just got my black with beige leather interior EX-L on Friday (12/22/06) and it is phenomenal!! Paid $26,000 after negotiating the delivery fee to zero. Very sure footed, excellent visibility and very comfortable. I feel very safe. It gets lots of looks, too!

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis Miller - November 17 - 1:05 am

  I have a 2001 CR-V with only 63,000 miles that Im about to trade in against a new car for my wife. This car has cost me nothing in repairs other than the usual things like the battery, belts or tires. Its economical, specially on the highway and just in general, the CR-V is the most perfect example of Keep It Simple Ive ever seen.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis Miller - November 17 - 1:05 am

  I have a 2001 CR-V with only 63,000 miles that Im about to trade in against a new car for my wife. This car has cost me nothing in repairs other than the usual things like the battery, belts or tires. Its economical, specially on the highway and just in general, the CR-V is the most perfect example of Keep It Simple Ive ever seen.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis Miller - November 17 - 1:05 am

  I have a 2001 CR-V with only 63,000 miles that Im about to trade in against a new car for my wife. This car has cost me nothing in repairs other than the usual things like the battery, belts or tires. Its economical, specially on the highway and just in general, the CR-V is the most perfect example of Keep It Simple Ive ever seen.

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  Functional but DAUM this car is loud - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Dapetva Houston - November 15 - 2:06 pm

  This SUV has a lot of space inside. Very comfortable for four adults...back seat is plenty big for average adult men. And there is a lot of cargo room with the seats up. I put a 16 foot ladder inside with the seats down. Just fit. The stereo is totally lackluster, the sound quality is really not good. I wish at EX-L trim you got a better stereo. Engine has enough power when not in Eco mode, but the driving dynamics are nothing special, though a fairly comfortable ride. Tested the Mazda CX-5 and that is much better driving. The mpgs on CRV are okay, especially when in Eco mode. Ive gotten 31-32 on the highway doing 70 with flat terrain and high twenties mixed driving around town. Least favorite par to of this car, considering how boring it is otherwise, is the road noise. I am looking to sell a car I bought new 2.5 years ago because I cant stand driving on the open road. And like I said, the stereo doesnt do a good job covering that up. Dont buy this car if you want a quiet ride. Unless you drive 30 mph everywhere you go.