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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  JDs CR-V Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By littlering22 - November 15 - 1:56 pm

  I just have one thing to say about MDs review. If you wanted a Buick, why did you by a Honda? What one driver interprets as a lousy ride another will call a great ride. Its called vehicle feedback and its the one thing a driver requires to interact with the vehicle while driving. The best example is a race car driver and his race car.

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  I Love My CRV! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By cindy4aa2 - November 13 - 3:23 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new in 1999. It has great gas mileage, low maintenance costs and has been extremely reliable. I havent even run out of gas! The only things I have done to it are regular maintenance items, oil, tires, belts etc. Just had to put part of new muffler on this week. I live in a snowy city and the salt finally ate through. And I didnt have to replace the battery until last year. I would love to get another newer model but they are too expensive for me now. I will definitely get another Honda. Itll be my third! I highly recommend them.

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  My 2007 CR-V is excellent! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Gil Ponton - November 12 - 5:16 pm

  I really like this car, I used to drive a 2000 Dodge Durango (5.2 liters) and decided to try a small SUV. I am so glad I did it; the CR-V has great style and looks sophisticated, the ride is excellent and firm and I am getting 27 mpg. I wish the dealer had explained about the middle driver console being an option, I do not like the tray it comes as standard equipment since it looks cheap. I would recommend it to any one but I still need to drive it for a fews months yet, but so far is an outstanding machine.

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  First Time Honda Owner - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By nogaqrpham - November 11 - 7:03 am

  This is a relatively new car, as I have had it for only 3 weeks. I bought it based on the Honda name and the features. So far, the car has exceeded my expectations. I have always driven larger and heavier cars and was concerned about the comfort and ride. So far, I am very pleased with the ride and the comfort is excellent. The biggest surprise is the excellent acceleration, even in fast traffic. The 5 speed automatic works great! All of my previous cars have been mini- vans, and I also was worried about the smaller cargo area. While I have not needed to haul any 4 by 8 plywood sheets yet, I have plenty of room for most of my needs. The value is great!

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  best suv in it class - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mikemoco - November 9 - 10:00 am

  nice god power and low in gas 86 or up

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  Wonderful car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 8 - 3:56 am

  This is my 3rd Honda CR-V and I dont think Ill ever change to another SUV! The Honda CR-V LX 2008 is a great car, better mileage than my CR-V 2004 and it is really good to drive. I am so excited about my new purchase and I congratulate the Honda Co. for putting such good product out in the market!

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  Fifth Honda that I have owned! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Owned lots of cars and love Honda - November 7 - 1:10 pm

  I have always had fantastic luck with Honda. My first new car was an Accord. One of my favorite cars of all time was a Pilot. The Pilot was great with teenage kids and all their friends and activities. One of my daughters chose a Civic as her first car. It held its value very well. Netting out the insurance payment after the last crash from the purchase price, she drove it for seven years and 92,000 for a little over $5000. After my kids were gone, I downsized to a CRV. This is my second one. The first one I traded my lease in at the end of the three years even up--even though it had 66,000 miles and needed tires. They are dependable in all types of weather from Wisconsin winter to California hot summer. This car has always driven great and the only reason that I am selling it is to buy a new car.

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  Solid Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By D F - November 2 - 6:46 pm

  Nice entry level SUV. Good for small family with one child. Gets decent MPG, 27-28 on Hwy, 24-25 around town. Wish it had more room, looking to upgrade to Pilot. Passenger seat is manual, no rear A/C vents, could come with more options and colors. Stock tires were Bridgestone, they wear fast.

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  I Still CRaVe my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jesse James - November 1 - 12:56 am

  I have owned my Honda for 5 years and have appx. 97,000 miles on it. I live in/ near Los Angeles and have been everywhere there is a road and no roads in my Honda., the first weekend after I got it we went to Vegas, its been to Laughlin, San Francisco, TJ, Ensenada, Phoenix, Az., its been up and down dirt roads semi muddy ones too and every time I look at after its been just washed I fall in love all over again.

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  Worst Drive Ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ajax12 - October 31 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my 4WD CR V ExL Nov 1 and wanted to return it a week later. While the car has great pick up it is the worst drive i have had in a Honda. The engine vibrates when stopped at lights or while in idle. Also while driving you feel a vibration at certain intervals. I am not sure what triggers it but it is the most annoying thing I have ever experienced. It takes all the joy out of owning a new car. I learned from other reviews that it is the CVT and I took it to the dealer to see if any adjustments could be made and they just told me they could find nothing wrong with the car. I am seriously thinking about trading it in for an Accord. I miss my old honda accord.